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: 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: In one embodiment, an anatomical implant template has a template body having opposed first and second terminal ends. The template body bends so as to change the body from a first configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a first path, to a second configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a second path, different from the first path, the second path conforming more closely to the curvature of the at least one anatomical body. The body supports at least one device that outputs at least one signal from which a shape of the body in the second configuration can be ascertained. The anatomical implant template can further communicate the at least one signal to a computing device that generates signals for bending an anatomical implant.

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: A method of determining disc space geometry with the use of an expandable trial having endplate-mapping capabilities. An expandable trial is inserted into the disc space and its height is adjusted to obtain the desired decompression and spinal alignment (which is typically confirmed with the use of CT or Fluoroscopic imaging). The endplate dome/geometry dome is then determined by one of the following three methods: a) direct imaging through the trial, b) balloon moldings filled with flowable in-situ fluid (for example, silicon, polyurethane, or PMMA) from superior/inferior endplates or c) light-based imaging through superior & inferior balloons.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which customized instruments, e.g., surgical instruments, can be manufactured to provide improved ergonomics, comfort, and accuracy. Instruments can be customized based on various parameters, including a quantitative assessment of the user, desired or intended use of the instrument, user preferences, and so forth. Exemplary instrument properties which can be customized include size, geometry, durometer, mechanical assist, texture, color, markings, modulus of elasticity, sensor inclusion, sensor type, sensor feedback type, balance, finish, and weight.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an anatomical implant template has a template body having opposed first and second terminal ends. The template body bends so as to change the body from a first configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a first path, to a second configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a second path, different from the first path, the second path conforming more closely to the curvature of the at least one anatomical body. The body supports at least one device that outputs at least one signal from which a shape of the body in the second configuration can be ascertained. The anatomical implant template can further communicate the at least one signal to a computing device that generates signals for bending an anatomical implant.

Abstract: Connectors for connecting or linking one instrument or object to one or more other instruments or objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a connector can include a first arm with a first attachment feature for attaching to a first object, such as a surgical access device, and a second arm with a second attachment feature for attaching to a second object, such as a support. The connector can have an unlocked state, in which the position and orientation of the access device can be adjusted relative to the support, and a locked state in which movement of the access device relative to the support is prevented or limited. Locking the connector can also be effective to clamp or otherwise attach the connector to the access device and the support, or said attachment can be independent of the locking of the connector.

Abstract: An expandable trial can include an inferior portion, a superior portion, and a middle expanding portion as well as load cells for monitoring the load on the trial. The trial may also include recesses on its lateral sides to provide spacing to accommodate a disc removal tool so tissue can be cleared monitoring load. In addition, neural foramen spacing can be monitoring to provide information about how much neural release has been achieved as the disc is cleaned and the spine is positioned and repositioned.

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 expandable trial can include an inferior portion, a superior portion, and a middle expanding portion as well as load cells for monitoring the load on the trial. The trial may also include recesses on its lateral sides to provide spacing to accommodate a disc removal tool so tissue can be cleared monitoring load. In addition, neural foramen spacing can be monitoring to provide information about how much neural release has been achieved as the disc is cleaned and the spine is positioned and repositioned.

Abstract: Surgical support instruments are described herein that can couple to, e.g., an implanted anchor and provide a platform for coupling other surgical implements thereto. In one embodiment, an instrument can include an elongate body having opposed projections extending laterally from a distal portion thereof that can at least partially surround a shank of an implantable anchor such that a longitudinal axis of the elongate body is laterally offset from a longitudinal axis of the anchor. The instrument can further include a lock configured to exert a drag force on a head of the anchor to control polyaxial movement of the instrument relative to the anchor. Further, a proximal portion of the elongate body can be configured to receive a retractor assembly including a plurality of tissue manipulating implements and selectively lock the retractor assembly at any of a plurality of positions along a length of the elongate body.

Abstract: Surgical tissue retraction systems and methods are described herein. Such systems and methods can be employed in some embodiments to provide medial-lateral tissue retraction to increase access to a surgical site. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument can include a body configured to couple to an implantable anchor, a first tissue manipulating implement coupled to the body and capable of polyaxial movement relative thereto, and a second tissue manipulating implement coupled to the body and capable of polyaxial movement relative thereto. Further, the first and second tissue manipulating implements can be opposed to one another such that they can move any of toward and away from one another.

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 method of preparing a spinal rod includes obtaining a body that is elongate along a central rod axis and includes a proximal end and a distal end spaced from each other along a longitudinal direction to as to define the spinal rod. The body defines an outer surface extending between the proximal and distal ends and the body comprises a material that is malleable so as to allow the spinal rod to be bent to a predetermined curvature. The method includes producing at least one longitudinal line on the outer surface, such that the at least one longitudinal line is elongate along the longitudinal direction and parallel with the central rod axis. The method also includes producing a plurality of harsh marks incrementally spaced along the outer surface and producing reference numbers on the outer surface. Each of the reference numbers identifies a distance along the longitudinal direction from the proximal end of the body to a respective one of the hash marks.

Abstract: A hydraulic tube expander includes expanding jaws engageable with an interior surface of a tube to expand the tube; a source of hydraulic fluid, a valve located between the source and the expanding jaws and a single-action release actuator operatively coupled to the valve. The valve is moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, hydraulic fluid can pass from the source to the expanding jaws and in the open position the hydraulic fluid can pass from the expanding jaws to the source. The actuator is movable between first and second positions. In the first position the valve is in the closed position. Movement of the actuator in a direction from the first position toward the second position moves the valve into the open position.

Abstract: A central inflatable distractor and a perimeter balloon are inserted into the disc space in uninflated configurations. The central inflatable distractor is then expanded, thereby distracting the vertebral endplates to the controlled height of the central inflatable distractor. The perimeter balloon is then inflated with a curable substance. The perimeter balloon expands as it is filled with the curable substance and conforms to the void remaining in the disc space around the central inflatable distractor, thereby creating a horseshoe shape. Once the flowable material in the perimeter balloon has cured, the central inflated distractor can be deflated and removed. The remaining void (or inner space) is then packed with graft for fusion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating treatment are disclosed that can include the use of imaging techniques in conjunction with one or more non-invasive techniques for modifying tissue, e.g., tissue in or around the spine. Depending on the type of treatment to be performed, various imaging modalities may be suitable for visualizing the tissue. Energy can be applied to tissue from outside of the body such that the tissue is modified in a non-invasive manner. For example, focused ultrasound can be used to dissect body tissues or can be applied to specific regions of tissue to change a characteristic of the tissue, e.g., increase its elasticity. The methods disclosed herein can be stand-alone treatments or can be performed prior to one or more surgical procedures. For example, non-invasive imaging and modification of body tissues can facilitate accessing the spine, preparing an interbody space, and/or surgically correcting the spine.

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: Systems and methods for facilitating treatment are disclosed that can include the use of imaging techniques in conjunction with one or more non-invasive techniques for modifying tissue, e.g., tissue in or around the spine. Depending on the type of treatment to be performed, various imaging modalities may be suitable for visualizing the tissue. Energy can be applied to tissue from outside of the body such that the tissue is modified in a non-invasive manner. For example, focused ultrasound can be used to dissect body tissues or can be applied to specific regions of tissue to change a characteristic of the tissue, e.g., increase its elasticity. The methods disclosed herein can be stand-alone treatments or can be performed prior to one or more surgical procedures. For example, non-invasive imaging and modification of body tissues can facilitate accessing the spine, preparing an interbody space, and/or surgically correcting the spine.