Abstract: An expandable intervertebral cage includes vertically opposed superior and inferior plates and longitudinally opposed distal and proximal wedges disposed between the plates. The wedges define ramps that engage complimentary ramps of the superior and inferior plates to increase a vertical distance between the plates. An actuator is located between the plates, defines a central, longitudinal axis, and is coupled to the wedges such that, as the actuator rotates about the axis, at least one of the wedges moves longitudinally relative to the other, thereby increasing the vertical separation distance. At least one locking component is insertable within a receptacle at least partially defined by the proximal wedge and is configured to transition from an unlocked configuration, where the actuator is rotatable relative to the proximal wedge, to a locked configuration, where the actuator is rotationally affixed relative to the proximal wedge.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into a disc space between vertebrae, wherein the implant includes a spacer portion, a plate portion coupled to the spacer portion, two bone fixation elements for engaging the vertebrae and a retention mechanism for preventing the bone fixation elements from postoperatively backing-out of the plate portion. The retention mechanism may be in the form of a spring biased snapper element that is biased into communication with the bone fixation elements so that once the bone fixation element advances past the snapper element, the snapper element is biased back to its initial position in which the snapper element interfaces with the bone fixation elements. Alternatively, the retention mechanism may be in the form of a propeller rotatable between a first position in which the bone fixation elements are insertable to a second position where the bone fixation elements are prevented from backing-out.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant component of an intervertebral implant includes an outer surface for engaging an adjacent vertebra and an inner surface. A keel extends from the outer surface and is designed to be disposed in a slot provided in the adjacent vertebra. This keel extends in a plane which is non-perpendicular to the outer surface; and preferably there are two of the keels extending from the outer surface which are preferably offset laterally from one another. In another embodiment, an anterior shelf is provided at an anterior end of the outer surface, and this anterior shelf extends vertically away from the inner surface in order to help prevent bone growth from the adjacent vertebra towards the inner surface. Further in accordance with disclosed embodiments, various materials, shapes and forms of construction of the component and/or keel provide various benefits.

Abstract: A flexible surgical access port is provided that includes a flexible body. The flexible body is configured to elastically expand in response to passage of a surgical equipment therethrough, and thus retracts as the surgical equipment moves past. Thus, the flexible body can provide a surgical access path through Kambin's Triangle, and large surgical equipment passed through the flexible body does not compress the exiting nerve or the traversing nerve root for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into a disc space between vertebrae, wherein the implant includes a spacer portion, a plate portion coupled to the spacer portion, two bone fixation elements for engaging the vertebrae and a retention mechanism for preventing the bone fixation elements from postoperatively backing-out of the plate portion. The retention mechanism may be in the form of a spring biased snapper element that is biased into communication with the bone fixation elements so that once the bone fixation element advances past the snapper element, the snapper element is biased back to its initial position in which the snapper element interfaces with the bone fixation elements. Alternatively, the retention mechanism may be in the form of a propeller rotatable between a first position in which the bone fixation elements are insertable to a second position where the bone fixation elements are prevented from backing-out.

Abstract: A system and method for providing enhanced information to a surgeon is described. A three-dimensional reconstruction of a patient's anatomical structure selected for surgery and a representation of a surgical treatment apparatus are rendered on a display device. At least one attachment metric for a proposed attachment between the surgical treatment apparatus and the patient's anatomical structure is calculated using the three-dimensional position of the surgical treatment apparatus relative to the patient's anatomical structure. And, an indication of the attachment metric is rendered on the display device.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes opposing upper and lower endplates that are configured to engage respective vertebral surfaces in an intervertebral space. The implant carries a plurality of bone fixation spikes that extend out from each endplate. The spikes define a plurality of outer surfaces that extend from a base to a tip. The spikes are laterally staggered, and have a height that increases along a longitudinal direction from the front toward the rear of the implant, and a define recess formed in at least one outer surfaces.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into the disc space between vertebrae. The implant including a spacer portion, a plate portion coupled to the spacer portion, a plurality of bone fixation elements for engaging the vertebrae and a retention mechanism for preventing the bone fixation elements from postoperatively uncoupling from the implant.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes opposing upper and lower endplates that are configured to engage respective vertebral surfaces in an intervertebral space. The implant carries a plurality of bone fixation spikes that extend out from each endplate. The spikes define a plurality of outer surfaces that extend from a base to a tip. The spikes are laterally staggered, and have a height that increases along a longitudinal direction from the front toward the rear of the implant, and a define recess formed in at least one outer surfaces.

Abstract: Surgical plating systems, devices, and related methods for stabilizing and immobilizing portions of a body for surgical procedures, e.g., spinal surgery, are disclosed herein. The plating systems can have narrow profiles that minimize trauma to the patient. An exemplary bone plating system can include a bone plate having one or more holes for receiving attachment members to couple the bone plate to a bony structure. The plating system can provide multipoint fixation to anatomical structures of the patient to prevent unwanted migration of the bone plate and/or unintentional back-out of the attachment members. In some embodiments, the attachment members can be disposed at various trajectories and angles relative to plating structures and can include a mesh construct and/or additional locking features. In some embodiments, the plating system can be introduced into the patient via an access tube to further limit the invasiveness of the procedure.

Abstract: A system for delivering flowable biomaterial to an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies includes a delivery body defining a proximal end, a distal end spaced from the proximal end along a longitudinal direction, a cannulation extending from the proximal end to an opening adjacent the distal end, and a distal region including a tip that extends to the distal end. The distal region defines a maximum height at a location proximal of the distal end and measured along a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The distal region is for indicating a distance between the adjacent vertebral bodies. The system includes a carrier having a longitudinally elongate channel for carrying biomaterial and being insertable within the cannulation, as well as an advancement member configured for insertion within the cannulation to forcibly advance the biomaterial from the cannulation, through the opening, and into the disc space.

Abstract: A system for delivering flowable biomaterial to an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies includes a delivery body defining a proximal end, a distal end spaced from the proximal end along a longitudinal direction, a cannulation extending from the proximal end to an opening adjacent the distal end, and a distal region including a tip that extends to the distal end. The distal region defines a maximum height at a location proximal of the distal end and measured along a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The distal region is for indicating a distance between the adjacent vertebral bodies. The system includes a carrier having a longitudinaly elongate channel for carrying biomaterial and being insertable within the cannulation, as well as an advancement member configured for insertion within the cannulation to forcibly advance the biomaterial from the cannulation, through the opening, and into the disc space.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for the delivery of spinal screws to a spinal implant site. A variety of exemplary configurations and implementations are provided, but, in general, a handheld tool is provided having a guide member with a lumen formed therein that is configured to deliver a spinal screw to a cervical spine implant. The tool can include various features that facilitate the delivery of the spinal screw to the implant. The tool can include a storage component, such as a magazine, that is configured to hold a plurality of spinal screws for delivery of multiple spinal screws during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Surface features for device retention are disclosed herein, e.g., for retaining an access port within a patient during a surgical procedure. The surface features can prevent ejection of the access port from a body of a patient. The surface features can be positioned along the access port and configured to glide along body tissues with minimal friction so as not to hinder travel of the access port in an insertion direction. After insertion of the access port, the surface features can engage with surrounding tissue to increase friction therebetween and to prevent ejection of the access port from the patient. Deployment of the surface features can occur due to friction with the surrounding tissue and/or via activation of the surface features to protrude from the access port. The surface features can include teeth, hooks, scales, fins, bristles, braids, and/or threads for engaging tissue.

Abstract: Surgical plating systems, devices, and related methods for stabilizing and immobilizing portions of a body for surgical procedures, e.g., spinal surgery, are disclosed herein. The plating systems can have narrow profiles that minimize trauma to the patient. An exemplary bone plating system can include a bone plate having one or more holes for receiving attachment members to couple the bone plate to a bony structure. The plating system can provide multipoint fixation to anatomical structures of the patient to prevent unwanted migration of the bone plate and/or unintentional back-out of the attachment members. In some embodiments, the attachment members can be disposed at various trajectories and angles relative to plating structures and can include a mesh construct and/or additional locking features. In some embodiments, the plating system can be introduced into the patient via an access tube to further limit the invasiveness of the procedure.

Abstract: A system for delivering flowable biomaterial to an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies includes a delivery body defining a proximal end, a distal end spaced from the proximal end along a longitudinal direction, a cannulation extending from the proximal end to an opening adjacent the distal end, and a distal region including a tip that extends to the distal end. The distal region defines a maximum height at a location proximal of the distal end and measured along a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The distal region is for indicating a distance between the adjacent vertebral bodies. The system includes a carrier having a longitudinaly elongate channel for carrying biomaterial and being insertable within the cannulation, as well as an advancement member configured for insertion within the cannulation to forcibly advance the biomaterial from the cannulation, through the opening, and into the disc space.

Abstract: Surface features for device retention are disclosed herein, e.g., for retaining an access port within a patient during a surgical procedure. The surface features can prevent ejection of the access port from a body of a patient. The surface features can be positioned along the access port and configured to glide along body tissues with minimal friction so as not to hinder travel of the access port in an insertion direction. After insertion of the access port, the surface features can engage with surrounding tissue to increase friction therebetween and to prevent ejection of the access port from the patient. Deployment of the surface features can occur due to friction with the surrounding tissue and/or via activation of the surface features to protrude from the access port. The surface features can include teeth, hooks, scales, fins, bristles, braids, and/or threads for engaging tissue.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for the delivery of spinal screws to a spinal implant site. A variety of exemplary configurations and implementations are provided, but, in general, a handheld tool is provided having a guide member with a lumen formed therein that is configured to deliver a spinal screw to a cervical spine implant. The tool can include various features that facilitate the delivery of the spinal screw to the implant. The tool can include a storage component, such as a magazine, that is configured to hold a plurality of spinal screws for delivery of multiple spinal screws during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant component of an intervertebral implant includes an outer surface for engaging an adjacent vertebra and an inner surface. A keel extends from the outer surface and is designed to be disposed in a slot provided in the adjacent vertebra. This keel extends in a plane which is non-perpendicular to the outer surface; and preferably there are two of the keels extending from the outer surface which are preferably offset laterally from one another. In another embodiment, an anterior shelf is provided at an anterior end of the outer surface, and this anterior shelf extends vertically away from the inner surface in order to help prevent bone growth from the adjacent vertebra towards the inner surface. Further in accordance with disclosed embodiments, various materials, shapes and forms of construction of the component and/or keel provide various benefits.

Abstract: A system and method for providing enhanced information to a surgeon is described. A three-dimensional reconstruction of a patient's anatomical structure selected for surgery and a representation of a surgical treatment apparatus are rendered on a display device. At least one attachment metric for a proposed attachment between the surgical treatment apparatus and the patient's anatomical structure is calculated using the three-dimensional position of the surgical treatment apparatus relative to the patient's anatomical structure. And, an indication of the attachment metric is rendered on the display device.