Abstract: A method for postoperatively compressing a bone graft between adjacent spinal vertebrae utilizing first and second plates having openings at remote ends for receiving bone screws to fix the plates to respective vertebrae on opposite sides of a bone graft-receiving site. The first and second plates have male and female parts having interlocking elements cooperable with one another enabling movement of the plates and the adjacent vertebrae to one another to progressively compress the bone graft between the adjacent vertebrae and prevent movement of the first and second plates and adjacent vertebrae away from one another.

Abstract: A device and method for biologic vertebral reconstruction utilizes a biologically active jacket inserted into a cavity formed in a vertebra to be reconstructed. An artificial bone material is inserted into the biologically active jacket and allowed to set. The structure and method described herein provide for effective biologic vertebral reconstruction. The use of a biological material and artificial bone enables the host bone to replace the artificial bone over a period of time. Additionally, the structure of the biologically active jacket minimizes any impact into the spinal canal and the paravertebral spaces. Moreover, because of its biomechanical characteristics, which approximate the host bone, there is relative protection of the neighboring vertebral against fracture. Still further, the materials of the biologically active jacket may be impregnated with various substances to achieve various advantageous tasks.

Abstract: A biologic artificial bone includes an artificial fiber material formed from a synthetic polymer with mechanical properties similar to type I collagen. A biocompatible liquid substance is impregnated in the fiber material that hardens and stiffens the fiber material. A bone substitute is impregnated in the hardened and stiffened fiber material forming an artificial bone composite. Vascular channels are formed in the artificial bone composite to facilitate in-growth of vessels and bone forming cells. The construction and methods achieve an artificial composite structure that is similar to natural bone with comparable properties.

Abstract: A transfacet-pedicle locking screw fixation assembly includes a plurality of pedicle screws each including threads at a distal end and a connecting receptacle at a proximal end. The connecting receptacle is oriented perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw. A basic transfacet locking screw including threads at least at a distal end has the distal end engaging the connecting receptacle in one of the pedicle screws. The transfacet locking screw may also be interlocked with another transfacet locking screw.

Abstract: A method of surgically accessing intervertebral disc space involves a less invasive technique than prior procedures. The method avoids violation of the disc annulus and utilizes the annulus for containment of artificial disc material. The less invasive technique results in less blood loss and minimization of surgical trauma. The method includes the steps of identifying a target disc space, preparing portals adjacent the disc space, introducing a guide wire into each of the portals, using the guide wires, removing a core of bone with a trephine along each of the portals, and accessing the intervertebral disc space for performing intradiscal procedures.

Abstract: A nucleus replacement mimics a native annulus in shape and function for use in partial disc arthroplasty. The nucleus replacement includes a jacket having a compartment, a first anchoring limb on one side of the compartment, and a second anchoring limb on an opposite side of the compartment. The jacket is insertable into a disc space through an operating channel in at least one of the vertebral pedicle and the vertebral body. A shock absorbing material is injectable into the compartment after installing the jacket into the disc space. The shock absorbing material has characteristics that absorb loads on the replacement.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc reamer includes a flexible shaft having a shaft channel, and a reamer head attached to the flexible shaft and movable relative to the flexible shaft. The reamer head has a reamer channel. The shaft channel and the reamer channel are aligned to define a continuous guide wire channel for the disc reamer. The disc reamer addresses the quality of disc removal and endplate preparation, minimizes the trauma of surgery, minimizes blood loss, and markedly reduces surgical time.

Abstract: A biologic intramedullary fixation device for treating a bone fracture includes an internal tubular wall formed of a bioabsorbable synthetic material; and an outer wall coupled with and surrounding the internal tubular wall with an annular space therebetween. The outer wall is at least partially fenestrated and is formed of the bioabsorbable synthetic material. A biologically replaceable cement material is injectable into the annular space between the internal tubular wall and the outer wall.

Abstract: A uni-directional dynamic spinal fixation device includes first and second plates having openings at remote ends for receiving bone screws to fix the plates to respective vertebrae on opposite sides of a bone graft-receiving site. The first and second plates have male and female parts having interlocking elements cooperable with one another enabling movement of the plates and the adjacent vertebrae to one another to progressively compress the bone graft between the adjacent vertebrae and prevent movement of the first and second plates and adjacent vertebrae away from one another.

Abstract: A uni-directional dynamic spinal fixation device includes first and second plates having openings at remote ends for receiving bone screws to fix the plates to respective vertebrae on opposite sides of a bone graft-receiving site. The first and second plates have male and female parts having interlocking elements cooperable with one another enabling movement of the plates and the adjacent vertebrae to one another to progressively compress the bone graft between the adjacent vertebrae and prevent movement of the first and second plates and adjacent vertebrae away from one another.