Abstract: A spinal distractor for distracting opposed vertebrae in which a pair of elements are threadably connected by a screw having opposing threads, wherein actuating the screw spreads the elements apart and pushes the vertebrae apart.

Abstract: Insertion and expansion devices for use in inserting motion discs, and associated methods of use.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of the cervical spine. The devices and methods allow for treatment to be delivered from a lateral or posterior-lateral location of a subject, proximate to the cervical region of the spine. One exemplary embodiment of a spinal implant includes an elongate cage member and a plate member appended to a proximal end of the cage member. The plate member can be oriented in a manner such that it is asymmetric with respect to a long axis of the cage member. In another exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a cage member having a distal end that has an asymmetrical, bulleted shape such that the distal end is biased towards a superior or cranial direction. In a third exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a spinal fixation element and at least two mounting eyelets formed thereon. Exemplary methods related to implanting spinal implants from a lateral or posterior-lateral location are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for tissue removal are disclosed herein, including those in which a powered rotary tool actuates a cutting blade to sever tissue and drives an auger to transport the severed tissue proximally through the device. The severed tissue can be collected in an on-board collection chamber for subsequent use as graft material or otherwise (e.g., assay, analysis, post-processing, etc.). Devices of the type disclosed herein can reduce or eliminate the need to move the device in and out of the surgical site, reduce user input force, and provide improved ergonomics and increased user focus.

Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies are disclosed herein that can provide for improved fixation as compared with traditional bone anchor assemblies. An exemplary assembly can include a bracket or wing that extends down from the receiver member and accommodates one or more auxiliary bone anchors that augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Another exemplary assembly can include a plate that is seated between the receiver member and the rod and accommodates one or more auxiliary bone anchors that augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Another exemplary assembly can include a hook that extends out from the receiver member to hook onto an anatomical structure or another implant to augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Surgical methods using the bone anchor assemblies described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are provided for guiding surgical instruments using radio frequency (RF) technology. In general, the methods, systems, and devices can allow a trajectory, e.g., an angular approach, of a surgical instrument relative to a patient to be identified during use of the instrument in a surgical procedure being performed on the patient. The trajectory can be identified using a plurality of RF modules. The methods, systems, and devices can allow the trajectory to be compared to a predetermined trajectory so as to identify whether the trajectory matches the predetermined trajectory. A result of the matching can be communicated to a user of the instrument. Based on the result, the user can maintain the trajectory, e.g., if the trajectory matches the predetermined trajectory, or can adjust the trajectory to closer align the trajectory with the predetermined trajectory, e.g., if the trajectory does not match the predetermined trajectory.

Abstract: Multiple, small, staple-like supports are inserted through a small tube into the disc space then rotated into position on the edge of the vertebral bodies. The tooth-like geometry of the proximal and distal faces of these staples mates with the outer edge of the vertebral body, extending past the front of the endplate anteriorly. The staples have teeth that dig into the endplate on the inside of the rim as well.

Abstract: A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.

Abstract: A novel posterolateral inter-muscular approach has been developed to access the cervical spine. The approach includes elevating the splenius capitis and trapezios muscles dorsally to create a window for deep spine access, wherein the window comprises: i) an anterior superior border of the trapezius muscle; ii) an anterior inferior border of the splenius capitis muscle, and iii) a posterior superior border of the levator scapulae muscle. Preferably, a device such as an implant or an instrument is then passed through the window to manipulate the spine.

Abstract: A spinal distractor for distracting opposed vertebrae in which a pair of elements are threadably connected by a screw having opposing threads, wherein actuating the screw spreads the elements apart and pushes the vertebrae apart.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of the cervical spine. The devices and methods allow for treatment to be delivered from a lateral or posterior-lateral location of a subject, proximate to the cervical region of the spine. One exemplary embodiment of a spinal implant includes an elongate cage member and a plate member appended to a proximal end of the cage member. The plate member can be oriented in a manner such that it is asymmetric with respect to a long axis of the cage member. In another exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a cage member having a distal end that has an asymmetrical, bulleted shape such that the distal end is biased towards a superior or cranial direction. In a third exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a spinal fixation element and at least two mounting eyelets formed thereon. Exemplary methods related to implanting spinal implants from a lateral or posterior-lateral location are also provided.

Abstract: Electronic devices that detect their position and/or orientation with respect to earth's frame of reference are described. A coupler can removeably maintain the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can have a housing and the coupler can be included on the housing and arranged to physically connect the housing of the electronic device to the housing of at least one other electronic device. Alternatively, the coupler can be a packaging that maintains the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can be calibrated using the orientation or position information obtained by other electronic devices maintained by the coupler. Further, each electronic device can include a power source that remains inactive until the device is ready for use.

Abstract: An optical trial implant device that can be used to determine an appropriate size for an intervertebral disc implant can be configured so that one or more portions of the device can be optically transparent or radiolucent. The device can include an imaging device that can be used to view and image the intervertebral space through the optically transparent portion(s) of the device. The device can be used to determine the extent and quality of preparation of an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies for a surgical procedure, such as a disc replacement or spinal fusion procedure. The acquired image information can be transmitted to a mobile computing device for display in real time and/or stored for future use. The information may also be used to determine parameters indicating the quality of endplate surface preparation.

Abstract: Insertion and expansion devices for use in inserting motion discs, and associated methods of use.

Abstract: An expandable tube having a substantially semicircular unexpanded shape is inserted into the disc space after the disc material has been removed therefrom. A plurality of expandable lockable rings are passed over this tube in their unexpanded states and positioned along the anterior edge of the endplates. The tube is then expanded, thereby forcing the rings to expand. The rings hold their final expanded configuration via a one-way locking mechanism. Once sufficient distraction is achieved and the rings locked, the tube is collapsed and removed, thereby leaving the expanded, locked rings behind to support the disc space.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are provided for guiding surgical instruments using radio frequency (RF) technology. In general, the methods, systems, and devices can allow a trajectory, e.g., an angular approach, of a surgical instrument relative to a patient to be identified during use of the instrument in a surgical procedure being performed on the patient. The trajectory can be identified using a plurality of RF modules. The methods, systems, and devices can allow the trajectory to be compared to a predetermined trajectory so as to identify whether the trajectory matches the predetermined trajectory. A result of the matching can be communicated to a user of the instrument. Based on the result, the user can maintain the trajectory, e.g., if the trajectory matches the predetermined trajectory, or can adjust the trajectory to closer align the trajectory with the predetermined trajectory, e.g., if the trajectory does not match the predetermined trajectory.

Abstract: A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.

Abstract: A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.