Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating intervertebral tissue in one embodiment includes a conduit, a segmented expansion media configured to pass through the conduit, and an expandable node comprising a plurality of abrading strands and operably connected to the intervertebral tissue removal system conduit so as to receive the segmented expansion media therein, the expandable node expandable from a first condition whereat the plurality of abrading strands define at least one opening having a first maximum diameter, to an expanded condition whereat the at least one opening has a second maximum diameter larger than the first maximum diameter, wherein the second maximum diameter is less than a minimum diameter of the segmented expansion media, such that insertion of the segmented expansion media through the intervertebral tissue removal system conduit and into the expandable node causes the expandable node to expand from the first condition to the expanded condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating intervertebral tissue in one embodiment includes a conduit, a segmented expansion media configured to pass through the conduit, and an expandable node comprising a plurality of abrading strands and operably connected to the intervertebral tissue removal system conduit so as to receive the segmented expansion media therein, the expandable node expandable from a first condition whereat the plurality of abrading strands define at least one opening having a first maximum diameter, to an expanded condition whereat the at least one opening has a second maximum diameter larger than the first maximum diameter, wherein the second maximum diameter is less than a minimum diameter of the segmented expansion media, such that insertion of the segmented expansion media through the intervertebral tissue removal system conduit and into the expandable node causes the expandable node to expand from the first condition to the expanded condition.

Abstract: A method for manipulating intervertebral tissue in one embodiment includes inserting at least one abrading member for abrading tissue into an area to be cleared, expanding at least one expandable member from a first condition to a second condition, wherein the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the second condition is greater than the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the first condition, moving the inserted at least one abrading member from a first position to a second position by the expansion of the at least one expandable member, manipulating the inserted at least one abrading member to loosen tissue, and removing the loosened tissue from the area to be cleared.

Abstract: A method for manipulating intervertebral tissue in one embodiment includes inserting at least one abrading member for abrading tissue into an area to be cleared, expanding at least one expandable member from a first condition to a second condition, wherein the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the second condition is greater than the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the first condition, moving the inserted at least one abrading member from a first position to a second position by the expansion of the at least one expandable member, manipulating the inserted at least one abrading member to loosen tissue, and removing the loosened tissue from the area to be cleared.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, an intervertebral tissue removal system includes at least one abrading member for abrading tissue in an area to be cleared and at least one expandable member operable to be expanded from a first condition to a second condition, wherein the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the second condition is greater than the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the first condition, the at least one expandable member operably connected to the at least one abrading member such that as the at least one expandable member expands from the first condition to the second condition, the at least one abrading member is moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A spinal fixation element is provided having a feature formed thereon that facilitates placement of the spinal fixation element through an access device, thus allowing the spinal fixation element to be positioned in relation to a spinal anchor that is coupled to the access device and that is implanted in a vertebra in a patient's spine. The feature also optionally facilitates placement of the spinal fixation element in relation to spinal anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. In particular, the spinal fixation element is adapted for use with an access device that has at least one slot or opening formed therein and having a width that is less than a width of the feature, thus preventing the feature from passing therethrough. The spinal fixation element can therefore be inserted through the access device, and a portion of the fixation element can be passed through the slot or opening in the access device while the feature is retained in the access device.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, an intervertebral tissue removal system includes at least one abrading member for abrading tissue in an area to be cleared and at least one expandable member operable to be expanded from a first condition to a second condition, wherein the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the second condition is greater than the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the first condition, the at least one expandable member operably connected to the at least one abrading member such that as the at least one expandable member expands from the first condition to the second condition, the at least one abrading member is moved from a first position to a second position.