Abstract: An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel.

Abstract: Implantable devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae and the lumbosacral region of a patient. The devices can comprise an interspinous flexible spacer body having a substantially U-shape comprising a superior section, inferior section, and a midsection extending therebetween. The superior and/or inferior sections can include a pair of lateral walls configured to engage a spinous process of a vertebra. Fixation caps can be provided for securing a spinous process of a vertebra to the flexible spacer body. To secure the flexible spacer body between the lumbar vertebra and an adjacent vertebra, an anchor assembly is provided. Also provided are methods of using the implantable devices to stabilize a patient's spine.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for preparing an intervertebral space for receiving an implant. An adjustable trial implant has an adjustable stop mechanism having a stop member connected thereto to vary the distance that a body portion of the trial implant can move into the intervertebral space. Cutting tools for forming cutouts in the adjacent vertebrae use the trial implant and/or a guide to position a cutting tool which may be a burr or a chisel. The chisel cutting tool can be moveable relative to a selected trial implant or the chisel cutting tools can be fixed onto a trial implant shaped body portion.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for inserting an intervertebral implant. Insertion of the implant is accomplished by grasping the implant between the arms of an insertion instrument having arms which separate from each other and close against each other onto the implant, such that the ends of the arms of the insertion instrument engage recesses of the implant. A spacer may be provided between the arms of the insertion instrument to help position the implant while held by the arms.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implant holder for an implant device comprising a locking mechanism that in a first position causes a clamp coupled to an implant device to lock such that the clamp cannot be decoupled from the implant device, and in a second position causes the clamp to unlock the implant device such that the clamp remains coupled to the implant device in the absence of a sufficient decoupling force but is decoupled from the implant device in the presence of a sufficient decoupling force. Also disclosed are methods of implanting an implant device using an implant holder by coupling the implant device to the implant holder, locking the implant device and the implant holder, emplacing the implant device utilizing the implant holder, unlocking the implant device and the implant holder such that the implant device is still coupled to the implant holder but can be decoupled with sufficient force.

Abstract: An intersomatic implant (1a, 1b) maintains bone graft material in a receiving cavity formed in a disc in order to obtain intervertebral fusion. The implant (1a, 1b) includes of a plurality of parts provided with means for in situ connection of two consecutive parts. Instruments (33) are used to connect these implants (1a, 1b) and a tool assists in introducing these implants (1a, 1b) into the cavity formed in the disc.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor blade that is securable to a portion of a patient's anatomy during a surgical procedure. The retractor system includes a manipulator that is releasably securable to the retractor blade for positioning and securing the retractor blade. The retractor system includes a flexible securement arm that movably secures the retractor blade to a frame, wherein a proximal end of the retractor blade is non-rigidly constrained. The securement arm is secured to the retractor blade proximate to one end of the securement arm, and is secured to a retractor frame proximate to another end of the securement arm.

Abstract: A bi-directional suture passing instrument configured to approach soft tissues perpendicularly, enables safer and more efficient surgical repairs and minimally invasive techniques to be employed, useful in areas such as annulus repair, meniscal repair, shoulder arthroscopy, hernia repair, laproscopic repair, and wound closure.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for inserting an intervertebral implant. Insertion of the implant is accomplished by grasping the implant between the arms of an insertion instrument having arms which separate from each other and close against each other onto the implant, such that the ends of the arms of the insertion instrument engage recesses of the implant. A spacer may be provided between the arms of the insertion instrument to help position the implant while held by the arms.

Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral disk prosthesis, and a modular intervertebral disk prosthesis. The method includes permanently anchoring at least one apposition plate with respective vertebra bodies and detachably connecting an intermediate module with the apposition plate such that the intermediate module can be removed and replaced postoperatively. The modular prosthesis includes at least one apposition plate configured to be permanently implanted, and an intermediate module configured to be detachably secure to the apposition plate.

Abstract: A method of limiting the movability of an intervertebral disk prosthesis with regard to pivoting movements, and an intervertebral disk prosthesis. The method includes the step of asymmetrically limiting at least one of a flexion-extension movement, a lateral bending, and a rotation about a vertical axis in order to limit the movability of the prosthesis. The prosthesis comprises articulated prosthesis components, and movement-limitation measures configured to limit movability of the components with respect to flexion-extension movement, lateral bending and a rotation about a vertical axis of the prosthesis in a defined manner.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for inserting an intervertebral implant. Insertion of the implant is accomplished by grasping the implant between the arms of an insertion instrument having arms which separate from each other and close against each other onto the implant, such that the ends of the arms of the insertion instrument engage recesses of the implant. A spacer may be provided between the arms of the insertion instrument to help position the implant while held by the arms.

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 movable intervertebral disc prosthesis having a pivot point and adapted to be implanted between vertebra bodies to form a vertebrae segment. In an implanted state three-dimensional movement axes of the vertebrae segment intersect in the pivot point. The configuration of the prosthesis is such that a deliberate displacement or shifting of the pivot point can be carried out prior to, during and/or after the implantation.

Abstract: A method for postoperative use of an adhesion prophylactic. After an operation that might have to be repeated, a non-reabsorbable membrane, made of material that is compatible with a body, is placed between an operation site and adjacent tissue. The membrane is configured such that during a repair operation the membrane can be used to facilitate exposure of the operation site.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method for accessing a facet joint of the spine is provided. Embodiments of the method include creating a small incision directly over the facet joint and to allow direct access and visualization of the joint. A second incision, which may be a puncture wound, is provided at a distance from the first incision. A path between the second incision and the facet joint is then formed which may be curved or substantially straight. The path is preferably configured to intersect both facet surfaces. The path may be formed using an instrument which can be used to drill a hole across the facets, insert a fastener across the facets, or the like.

Abstract: A hinged retractor includes a distal portion adapted to be located inside the body of a patient during a surgical procedure and a proximal portion adapted to be closer to the surgeon during a surgical procedure. The hinged retractor includes a first side including a first blade and a second side including a second blade. The second side is joined to the first side proximate to a distal end of the hinged retractor. The hinged retractor includes a pivot proximate to the distal end. The hinged retractor is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein a distance between a proximal portion of the first and second blades increases more than a distance between a distal portion of the first and second blades when the hinged retractor is moved from the closed position to the open position.