Abstract: The present application is directed to tethering systems that provide a corrective force to one or more vertebral members. The tethering systems may include an elongated member with first and second sections. The sections are displaceable relative to each other to increase a length of the elongated member. The first section may be attached to a first vertebral member, and a second section may be attached to a second vertebral member. At least one tether may be attached to the elongated member. The tether may include a length to be attached to the first and second sections, and to a third vertebral member that is positioned between and laterally offset from the first and second vertebral members. The length of the elongated member may increase thus causing the tether to apply a corrective force to the third vertebral member.

Abstract: A surgical implant for locking a spinal motion segment includes an anterior plate portion with laterally spaced interbody members extending posteriorly therefrom. The plate portion has passages to receive surgical fixing screws or other securing elements engaged in holes drilled in the vertebrae for securing the plate portion to the anterior faces of the vertebrae to be locked. The arms extend into a space between lateral portions of the vertebrae to be locked.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for preparing a spinal disc space to receive an implant include an annulus template, a footprint template, a distractor for distracting adjacent vertebrae, and a guide member for guiding a chisel. The instruments and methods can be employed in an oblique approach to the spinal disc space.

Abstract: A spinal disc replacement surgical instrument includes a first contacting member positionable along an endplate of a first vertebra and a second contacting member positionable along an endplate of second vertebra. The second contacting member is moveable relative to the first contacting member. A handle assembly is coupled to the first contacting member and the second contacting member. At least one actuating member is positioned between the first contacting member and the second contacting member. The at least one actuating member is moveable by the hand assembly from a first position, wherein the first and second contacting members include an unexpanded configuration relative to one another for insertion in the spinal cavity, to a second position providing expanded configuration relative to one another.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a break-off device including a proximal portion removably attached to a distal portion by a region of reduced strength to allow selective removal of the proximal portion from the distal portion. The surgical instrument includes an inner drive shaft extending generally along a longitudinal axis and having a distal end portion engaged with the proximal portion of the break-off device, and an outer retention sleeve positioned about the drive shaft and including a distal receiver portion engaged about the proximal portion of the break-off device. A force applied to the proximal portion of the break-off device by the drive shaft causes the break-off device to fracture at the region of reduced strength to separate the proximal portion from the distal portion, with the proximal portion maintained in engagement with the surgical instrument by the retention sleeve.

Abstract: A surgical implant for locking a spinal motion segment includes an anterior plate portion with laterally spaced interbody members extending posteriorly therefrom. The plate portion has passages to receive surgical fixing screws or other securing elements engaged in holes drilled in the vertebrae for securing the plate portion to the anterior faces of the vertebrae to be locked. The arms extend into a space between lateral portions of the vertebrae to be locked.