Abstract: Systems and methods for registering and tracking multiple anatomical structures, e.g., multiple vertebrae, as a single functional unit for surgical procedures are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system can include a bone bridge for attaching a navigation marker to multiple vertebrae and for limiting or preventing movement between the multiple vertebrae. Various ways of attaching the bone bridge are disclosed, including fasteners that extend through gaps or throughholes formed in the bridge, bridges having a jaw portion that clamps the underlying bone, and bridges formed of adhesive or cement and directly attached to the bone. Various adjustment features are also disclosed, including joints that allow the position and/or orientation of the bridge to be adjusted in one or more degrees of freedom, and bridges that include telescoping portions or other features for adjusting a length of the bridge.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for tensioning a tether. In one embodiment, a tether tensioning device is provided and includes an elongate shaft adapted to be positioned adjacent to a bone anchor implanted in bone, and a tensioning mechanism pivotally associated with the elongate shaft and adapted to couple to a tether seated across the bone anchor and to pivot relative to the elongate shaft to apply a tensioning force to the tether.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for removing tissue. In one aspect, a device for removing tissue includes a hollow elongate member having an outer wall and a lumen, a selectively deployable tissue-cutting element extending from the hollow elongate member, and an actuation member extending through the lumen and coupled to the hollow elongate member at a location that is distal to the tissue-cutting element. Movement of the actuation member can cause the tissue-cutting element to move from the insertion configuration where the tissue-cutting element is not deployed to a tissue-cutting configuration where the tissue-cutting element is deployed such that it is radially extended relative to the insertion configuration.

Abstract: User interface systems for sterile fields and other working environments are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a user interface system can include a projector that projects a graphical user interface onto a data board or other substrate disposed within a working environment. The system can also include a camera or other sensor that detects user interaction with the data board or substrate. Detected user interactions can be processed or interpreted by a controller that interfaces with equipment disposed outside of the working environment, thereby allowing user interaction with such equipment from within the working environment. The data board can be an inexpensive, disposable, single-use component of the system that can be easily sterilized or another component suitably prepared for use in a sterile field.

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: Bone anchors and related methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a bone anchor can include a drag interface. Exemplary drag interfaces include (i) friction between a shank and a bushing, (ii) friction between a bushing and a drag ring, (iii) friction generated by a biased saddle, and (iv) combinations of the above. The drag interface can help maintain the relative position between a receiver member and a shank of the bone anchor prior to locking the bone anchor, preventing unintended movement while still allowing free movement when intended by the user. In some embodiments, a bone anchor can include over-rotation blocking features, such as a groove, lip, or protrusion formed on a bushing of the bone anchor. Various other bone anchor features are also disclosed, including high aspect ratio drag rings and compressible drag posts.

Abstract: Non-load-bearing, drug-eluting components, such as a rod cover, that can be added to load bearing spinal implants.

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: An interbody fusion cage having upper and lower canals for receiving the heads of bone screws that have been pre-installed in opposing vertebral body endplates. The proximal wall of the cage preferably has a vertical slot that communicates with each canal and is adapted to allow access by a screwdriver and tightening of the screws.

Abstract: In intervertebral operative spinal procedures, using separate or pre-attached spreader blocks to control the directional growth of a distracting balloon.

Abstract: Non-load-bearing, drug-eluting components that can be added to load bearing spinal implants.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for removing tissue. In one aspect, a device for removing tissue includes a hollow elongate member having an outer wall and a lumen, a selectively deployable tissue-cutting element extending from the hollow elongate member, and an actuation member extending through the lumen and coupled to the hollow elongate member at a location that is distal to the tissue-cutting element. Movement of the actuation member can cause the tissue-cutting element to move from the insertion configuration where the tissue-cutting element is not deployed to a tissue-cutting configuration where the tissue-cutting element is deployed such that it is radially extended relative to the insertion configuration.

Abstract: Connectors are disclosed herein that can be used to attach a rod to a bone anchor assembly that is already occupied by a separate rod. Various ways of attaching the connector to the bone anchor assembly are disclosed, including arrangements in which the connector is locked to the bone anchor, arrangements in which the connector is constrained in one or more degrees of freedom relative to the bone anchor, arrangements in which the connector is adjustable in one or more degrees of freedom relative to the bone anchor, and arrangements that include a spherical articulation joint. In some embodiments, attachment of the connector to a bone anchor can be aided with the use of a positioner. The geometry of the connector can be selected to minimize the offset between a first rod received in the bone anchor assembly and a second rod received in the connector, for example using an angled or curved rod recess and/or a fastener, or set screw, that is offset from the center of the rod or angled relative to the bone anchor.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided herein that generally involve suture anchors having one or more anti-backup features configured to resist or prevent backward movement of a suture that is pulled through the suture anchor. In some embodiments, the suture anchor can be configured to permit a suture to slide freely in one direction but resist or prevent suture movement in the opposite direction. For example, cleats can be rotatably mounted within the suture anchor, can project radially outward from an exterior sidewall of the suture anchor, or can project circumferentially from sidewalls of one or more channels formed in the suture anchor's exterior surface.

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: Surgical visualization systems and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for providing visualization during surgical procedures. Systems and methods herein can be used in a wide range of surgical procedures, including spinal surgeries such as minimally-invasive fusion or discectomy procedures. Systems and methods herein can include various features for enhancing end user experience, improving clinical outcomes, or reducing the invasiveness of a surgery. Exemplary features can include access port integration, hands-free operation, active and/or passive lens cleaning, adjustable camera depth, and many others.

Abstract: A surgical tool including a handle, a functional tool, and a torque limiter is described. The handle is sized and dimensioned for manipulation by a surgeon in a surgical environment. The functional tool is supported by the handle. The torque limiter is supported by the handle and is located between the handle and the functional tool. The torque limiter permits the handle and the functional tool to move relative to each other based on an amount of force applied to the functional tool.

Abstract: A revisable orthopedic anchor and method of use for removably securing an anchor in bone, such as compromised or degenerated bone, is described herein. In one embodiment, the anchor makes use of dual probes and vector divergence of the distal tips of the probes to achieve superior bone purchase and pull-out resistance. In such an embodiment, the probes can be inserted one at a time into a hole formed in, for example, the pedicle bone. After the probes are inserted and joined at the proximal end, they have a greater pull-out resistance than a threaded anchor. Removing the anchor involves separating the proximal heads and reversing the implantation process. As a result of the unique bone anchor design disclosed herein, the devices and methods of the present invention allow for less complicated implantation and removal of orthopedic anchors, all while providing enhanced bone purchase when implanted in a patient.

Abstract: Implant adapters and related methods are disclosed herein. Exemplary adapters can allow a single connector to be used interchangeably for rod-to-rod, rod-to-anchor, or anchor-to-anchor attachment. In some embodiments, the adapter can fit within tight spaces, can be adjustable in one or more degrees of freedom, or can be configured to “snap” onto a rod and/or to “drag” against the rod, e.g., for provisional retention and positioning of the connector prior to locking.

Abstract: A spinal disc preparation tool is provided that includes an elongate shaft having an inner lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends thereof. A lower jaw is located on a distal end of the elongate shaft for receiving tissue and delivering tissue to the inner lumen, and an upper jaw is pivotally movable relative to the lower jaw. The tool can include various features to facilitate removal and/or collection of tissue.