Abstract: Joint fixation systems and methods, enabling: drilling one or more major bores in a joint; drilling one or more minor bores in the joint, wherein the one or more minor bores are disposed about a periphery of and partially overlap the major bore(s); and disposing an implant in the major bore(s) and the one or more minor bores, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the implant substantially conforms to a collective cross-sectional shape of the major bore(s) and the one or more minor bores. Prior to drilling the major bore(s) or the one or more minor bores, a portal tube is disposed adjacent to the joint, thereby providing access to and stabilizing the joint. A drill guide tube is disposed concentrically within the portal tube, and a drill guide is disposed concentrically within the drill guide tube. Subsequent to drilling the major bore(s) and the one or more minor bores, an implant guide tube is disposed concentrically within the portal tube.

Abstract: Joint fixation systems and methods enabling machining of a plurality of overlapping bores in an articulated skeletal joint with at least one bore on each side of abutting surfaces at the joint. An implant is secured to bones on opposite sides of the joint to immobilize the joint in order to effect fusion of the joint. A jig is used to effect a desired location of the overlapping bores during machining.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal implant for placement between adjacent processes of the human spine. In some embodiments the spinal implant includes a spacer and one or more retention members. In some embodiments, the retention members are fixed relative to the spacer and in other embodiments the retention members are deployable from a first or compact or stowed position to a second or expanded or deployed position. In some embodiments the spacer is expandable from a first size to a second size. In some embodiments the spacer has a tapered body.

Abstract: A surgical implant device configured to be implanted in a facet joint of a spine, comprising: a substantially cylindrical central body portion; and a pair of substantially prismatic side portions extending in radially opposite directions disposed on either side of the substantially cylindrical central body portion; wherein the substantially cylindrical central body portion is configured to be disposed in a central hole formed across the facet joint and crossing a plane of an articulating surface of each of a superior facet and an inferior facet thereof; wherein each of the substantially prismatic side portions is configured to be disposed in a side hole parallel to the central hole formed across the facet joint and crossing the plane of the articulating surface of each of the superior facet and the inferior facet thereof; and wherein each of the side holes partially overlap the central hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal implant for placement between adjacent processes of the human spine. In some embodiments the spinal implant includes a spacer and one or more retention members. In some embodiments, the retention members are fixed relative to the spacer and in other embodiments the retention members are deployable from a first or compact or stowed position to a second or expanded or deployed position. In some embodiments the spacer is expandable from a first size to a second size. In some embodiments the spacer has a tapered body.

Abstract: Minimally-invasive portal systems and methods for performing lumbar decompression, instrumented fusion/stabilization, and the like. In some implementations, an access tube defining a depth may be disposed at least partially within the body of a patient. A cross-sectional area of the access tube may be adjusted in one or more dimensions. One or more retractor devices may be positioned at least substantially concentrically within the access tube and then secured to the access tube in a fixed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical implant device and method for the translation/distraction and subsequent stabilization/fusion of a facet joint of a spine, including: a body that is selectively disposed at least partially between articulating surfaces of the facet joint; and one or more protruding structures disposed about the body, wherein, when the body is selectively rotated, the one or more protruding surfaces are configured to engage the articulating surfaces of the facet joint and move them with respect to one another. Optionally, the surgical implant device also includes a joint-spanning structure coupled to the body, wherein the joint-spanning structure is configured to substantially fill a space between the articulating surfaces of the facet joint and hold it in a moved configuration.

Abstract: Minimally-invasive portal systems and methods for performing lumbar decompression, instrumented fusion/stabilization, and the like. In some implementations, an access tube defining a depth may be disposed at least partially within the body of a patient. A cross-sectional area of the access tube may be adjusted in one or more dimensions. One or more retractor devices may be positioned at least substantially concentrically within the access tube and then secured to the access tube in a fixed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a minimally-invasive portal system for performing lumbar decompression, instrumented fusion/stabilization, and the like. The minimally-invasive portal system utilizes an access tube having an adjustable cross-sectional area and one or more retractor devices each having a first portion and a second portion aligned at a predetermined angle relative to the first portion, wherein the first portion of each of the one or more retractor devices is disposed substantially concentrically with the access tube, and wherein the second portion of each of the one or more retractor devices protrudes substantially beyond a bottom portion of the access tube. The minimally-invasive portal system also utilizes a plurality of adjustment mechanisms for selectively adjusting the cross-sectional area of the access tube and one or more retaining clips for securing the one or more retractor devices to the access tube in a fixed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pedicle screw-based dynamic posterior stabilization system that is used to stabilize the segments of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine as an adjunct to, or in place of, conventional spinal fusion using bone grafts. The system includes a plurality of pedicle screws, each of the plurality of pedicle screws including a head portion, and the head portion of each of the plurality of pedicle screws forming a first half of a joint that allows relative pivoting movement about the head portion of each of the plurality of pedicle screws and up-and-down movement with respect to the head portion of each of the plurality of pedicle screws. The system also includes a stabilization body coupled to the plurality of pedicle screws, the stabilization body including a plurality of end portions, and the end portions of the stabilization body forming a plurality of second halves of the joints formed by the head portion of each of the plurality of pedicle screws.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides pedicle-based facet fixation systems and methods. The pedicle-based construct utilized includes a pedicle screw, pedicle anchor, or the like that is selectively secured to a pedicle of a spine of a patient. The pedicle-based construct is selectively coupled to one end of a rod or other elongate member. The other end of the rod or other elongate member is selectively coupled to a clamping mechanism. This clamping mechanism is selectively secured to a facet joint of the spine of the patient, engaging one or both of the associated superior facet and inferior facet. In operation, the pedicle-based construct, rod or other elongate member, and clamping mechanism securely grasp and compress the facet joint, thereby fixing it.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a plurality of novel interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion. The interspinous distraction devices of the present invention are designed and configured to effectively treat such conditions as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Advantageously, the interspinous distraction devices of the present invention may be inserted through conventional open procedures, typically requiring a relatively large incision and a general anesthetic, or through novel minimally-invasive procedures, typically requiring only a local anesthetic. These novel minimally-invasive procedures and related enabling devices are also disclosed and described herein.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides a plurality of novel interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion. The interspinous distraction devices of the present invention are designed and configured to effectively treat such conditions as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Advantageously, the interspinous distraction devices of the present invention may be inserted through conventional open procedures, typically requiring a relatively large incision and a general anesthetic, or through novel minimally-invasive procedures, typically requiring only a local anesthetic. These novel minimally-invasive procedures and related enabling devices are also disclosed and described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical implant device and method for the translation/distraction and subsequent stabilization/fusion of a facet joint of a spine, including: a body that is selectively disposed at least partially between articulating surfaces of the facet joint; and one or more protruding structures disposed about the body, wherein, when the body is selectively rotated, the one or more protruding surfaces are configured to engage the articulating surfaces of the facet joint and move them with respect to one another. Optionally, the surgical implant device also includes a joint-spanning structure coupled to the body, wherein the joint-spanning structure is configured to substantially fill a space between the articulating surfaces of the facet joint and hold it in a moved configuration.

Abstract: A battery rack system for stationary power applications is provided. The rack systems includes a rack assembly configured so as to be seismically rated for UBC Zone IV requirements. The rack assembly has a plurality of shelves which are supported by a rack frame such that each shelf along with the rack frame defines a respective cell-receiving area having a front opening. Each shelf has at least one associated cell restraint that is removably connected to the rack assembly. The restraint spans across the front opening to the respective cell-receiving area so as to restrain movement of a cell arranged therein. The system includes at least one channel disposed within the footprint of the rack frame which extends so as to provide a passage between adjacent cell-receiving areas for accommodating wires used to couple cells stored in the rack system together.

Abstract: A battery rack system for stationary power applications is provided. The rack systems includes a rack assembly configured so as to be seismically rated for UBC Zone IV requirements. The rack assembly has a plurality of shelves which are supported by a rack frame such that each shelf along with the rack frame defines a respective cell-receiving area having a front opening. Each shelf has at least one associated cell restraint that is removably connected to the rack assembly. The restraint spans across the front opening to the respective cell-receiving area so as to restrain movement of a cell arranged therein. The system includes at least one channel disposed within the footprint of the rack frame which extends so as to provide a passage between adjacent cell-receiving areas for accommodating wires used to couple cells stored in the rack system together.

Abstract: An electrically nonconductive cover system is provided which may be readily installed onto and removed from a cell tray assembly while minimizing the likelihood of accidental human contact with lead-acid cells or batteries. The cover system is reliable and secure and permits observation and maintenance of the cells without requiring cover removal.