Abstract: An implant for positioning between the C1 and C2 vertebral members. The implants may include a blade sized to be inserted between the C1 and C2 members. The blade may include a length measured between an insertion tip and a second side, and a height measured between a superior side that contacts against the C1 vertebral member and an inferior side that contacts against the C2 vertebral member. A leg may be positioned at the second side of the blade. The leg may extend outward below the inferior side of the blade and away from second side of the blade to extend across an exterior of the C2 vertebral member. An aperture is positioned to extend through the implant. The implant may extend through the blade or may extend through a flange that extends from the blade.

Abstract: An interspinous process brace is disclosed and can include a superior component and an inferior component. The superior component can include a superior spinous process bracket that can engage a superior spinous process. The inferior component can include an inferior spinous process bracket that can engage an inferior spinous process. Further, the interspinous process brace can be moved between a bent configuration and a straight configuration. In the bent configuration, an overall height of the interspinous process brace can be minimized to facilitate installation between the superior spinous process and the inferior spinous process.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for spinal stabilization with flexible elements and other elements engaged to the vertebrae. Also provided are instruments and methods for insertion of the flexible stabilization elements and other elements and for reduction of displacement between adjacent vertebrae in a minimally invasive surgical approach.

Abstract: Spinal surgical systems include a compressor mountable to a first vertebra and positionable relative to a fulcrum mountable to a second vertebra. The compressor and fulcrum are manipulated relative to one another to compress the first and second vertebrae. The systems further include a distractor mountable to a first vertebra and positionable relative to a fulcrum mountable to a second vertebra. The distractor and fulcrum are manipulated relative to one another to distract the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vertebral stabilization are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a bone anchor with a threaded portion positioned opposite a post portion. A connector is provided including a pair of oppositely positioned branches defining a receptacle structured to receive the post portion. The receptacle is positionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the connector is positionable along and about the post portion in the open configuration. The system also includes an elongate support member defining a passage structured to receive and engage a portion of the connector. As the connector is received in the passage, the branches of the connector move toward one another and force the receptacle toward the closed configuration wherein the connector is fixed relative to the post portion. Other systems, apparatuses and methods for vertebral stabilization are also disclosed.

Abstract: Spinal surgical systems include a compressor mountable to a first vertebra and positionable relative to a fulcrum mountable to a second vertebra. The compressor and fulcrum are manipulated relative to one another to compress the first and second vertebrae. The systems further include a distractor mountable to a first vertebra and positionable relative to a fulcrum mountable to a second vertebra. The distractor and fulcrum are manipulated relative to one another to distract the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, such as for reduction of spinal rods. In one embodiment, a shaft is pivotably connected to a plate with an aperture, and a sleeve is slidable over the shaft and plate. A base member can be provided for ease in handling the instrument, which may include a ratchet mechanism connected to the sleeve. The plate is moved so that its aperture is oriented to allow an orthopedic implant, such as a Schanz-type screw, to be inserted into the aperture. After insertion, the shaft is moved so as to pivot the plate so that the plate grips or holds the implant. The sleeve is then slid over the shaft, plate and implant in contact with an elongated member, such as a spinal rod, or other implanted device or tissue. Further sliding the sleeve forces the elongated member toward or past the implant.

Abstract: A device to space vertebral members with first and second members that may have at least one ramped section. The first and second members may be positioned in a vertically overlapping arrangement with interior sides of the members facing together. The device may be positionable between a first orientation with the ramped section of the first member positioned away from the ramped section of the second member, and a second orientation with the ramped section of the first member positioned against the ramped section of the second member. The device may include a greater height measured between the exterior sides in the second orientation than in the first orientation.

Abstract: A device for processing vertebral members having a spacer, a delivery device, and a deployer. The spacer includes at least first and second members with the first having at least one angled section and a contact surface, a second member having at least one angled section and a contact surface. The delivery device is attached to at least one of the first and second members. The first and second members being movable relative to one another for the angled sections to contact and expand the height of the device. The device is positionable between a first closed orientation having a first height, a second open orientation having a second height greater than the first height, and gradations therebetween. Methods of spacing vertebral members using the spacer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A screw for use with vertebral members having one or more slots that extend along at least a section of the length. The slots are sized to contain bone growth material. A portion of the screw length may also include threads to assist in inserting and anchoring the screw into a vertebral member. In use, the bone growth material is loaded into one or more of the slots. Once loaded, the screw may be inserted into the vertebral member to a predetermined depth. At this depth, the slots deliver the bone growth material to a position to allow for bone growth to occur.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, such as for reduction of spinal rods. In one embodiment, a shaft is pivotably connected to a plate with an aperture, and a sleeve is slidable over the shaft and plate. A base member can be provided for ease in handling the instrument, which may include a ratchet mechanism connected to the sleeve. The plate is moved so that its aperture is oriented to allow an orthopedic implant, such as a Schanz-type screw, to be inserted into the aperture. After insertion, the shaft is moved so as to pivot the plate so that the plate grips or holds the implant. The sleeve is then slid over the shaft, plate and implant in contact with an elongated member, such as a spinal rod, or other implanted device or tissue. Further sliding the sleeve forces the elongated member toward or past the implant.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a driver for use in surgical procedures. The driver includes a shaft with an elongated shape for accessing locations within a patient. The shaft includes a first section and a second section that may be positioned at various relative angles depending upon the context of use. A mount is positioned at an end of the shaft to receive a variety of tool bits. A drive mechanism extends through the shaft to provide rotation to the mount and engaged tools. The drive mechanism includes a first wheel in the first section of the shaft and a second wheel in the second section. The wheels include rounded nubs that mesh together to transfer the rotational torque from the first section to the second section when the sections are at the various relative angles.

Abstract: A system is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, for example to connect a spinal rod with a vertebral screw or hook. The system generally includes a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, a bone implant member, such as a bone screw, and a locking washer to assist in locking the receiver member at a desired angular position relative to the bone implant member. The receiver member and the washer may be positioned on opposite sides of the bone implant member. Additionally, the receiver member may define an aperture to receive a closure member to lock an elongated member in a passage in the receiver member.

Abstract: A spinal implant system comprises at least two fixation elements, each including a threaded bone-engaging portion, and at least two corresponding receiver members, each including two branches defining a U-shaped channel configured to receive an elongated member. The receiver members are positionable in both open and closed positions. The system further comprises at least one elongated member configured to be positioned in the channels. Additionally, the system comprises at least two snap-fit caps configured to snap on to the receiver members near the top surfaces of the corresponding branches to substantially lock the receiver members in closed positions and capture the elongated member in the channels.

Abstract: A device for processing vertebral members having a spacer, a delivery device, and a deployer. The spacer includes at least first and second members with the first having at least one angled section and a contact surface, a second member having at least one angled section and a contact surface. The delivery device is attached to at least one of the first and second members. The first and second members being movable relative to one another for the angled sections to contact and expand the height of the device. The device is positionable between a first closed orientation having a first height, a second open orientation having a second height greater than the first height, and gradations therebetween. Methods of spacing vertebral members using the spacer are also disclosed.