Abstract: A flexible piece of barrier material for use in preventing or minimizing adhesions and fibrous attachments following anterior lumbar surgery. In one embodiment, the barrier structure comprises a multiple level device shaped as a generally wider tongue to function as a barrier at or above the L4-5 level, and a generally narrower lower section to function as a barrier at or below the L5-S1 level. The structure also can include a recessed waist section along an edge opposite the tongue to allow for easier placement in the L4-5 area. In another embodiment, a single level barrier for use at or above L4-5 is shaped as a tongue with a tapered outer extension to allow the barrier to extend laterally onto the psoas muscle to provide for identification of the barrier upon reoperation.

Abstract: A flexible piece of barrier material for use in preventing or minimizing adhesions and fibrous attachments following anterior lumbar surgery. In one embodiment, the barrier structure comprises a multiple level device shaped as a generally wider tongue to function as a barrier at or above the L4-5 level, and a generally narrower lower section to function as a barrier at or below the L5-S1 level. The structure also can include a recessed waist section along an edge opposite the tongue to allow for easier placement in the L4-5 area. In another embodiment, a single level barrier for use at or above L4-5 is shaped as a tongue with a tapered outer extension to allow the barrier to extend laterally onto the psoas muscle to provide for identification of the barrier upon reoperation.

Abstract: A support for vertebral fusion prevents subsidence and eliminates the need for posterior surgery and instrumentation. The support is constructed of an implantable man-made material. One embodiment is generally a U-shaped metal support that rests on the apophyseal ring of a patient's vertebrae, with the open portion of the U facing the patient's posterior. The metal support is connected to a previously placed threaded cage or bone dowel such as that used in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). The U-shaped support is preferably comprised of a trabecular metal such as tantalum.

Abstract: A support for vertebral fusion prevents subsidence and eliminates the need for posterior surgery and instrumentation. The support is constructed from cadaveric vertebrae or an implantable man-made material. One embodiment is a U-shaped metal support that rests on the apophyseal ring of the vertebrae, with the open portion of the U facing the patient's posterior. The metal support is then connected to a previously placed threaded cage or bone dowel such as that used in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF).

Abstract: A support for vertebral fusion prevents subsidence and eliminates the need for posterior surgery and instrumentation. The support is constructed from cadaveric vertebrae or an implantable man-made material. One embodiment is a U-shaped metal support that rests on the apophyseal ring of the vertebrae, with the open portion of the U facing the patient's posterior. The metal support is then connected to a previously placed threaded cage or bone dowel such as that used in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF).

Abstract: An instrument and method for exposing a selected area of the anterior lumbar region for a surgical procedure on the spine comprising making an incision on a human or animal body that exposes the anterior rectus sheath of the left rectus muscle, cutting the anterior rectus sheath to expose the body of the rectus muscle, and mobilizing the rectus muscle along its length by at least 3 cm in both directions from the site of the sheath incision. The rectus is then retracted medially, and the posterior rectus sheath is incised to expose the peritoneum. The peritoneum is pushed aside and tissues between the surgeon and the psoas muscle are dissected away. The ureter and the left iliac vessels are mobilized so that they are retractable from the dissected field, then the rectus muscle is moved laterally and a retractor is inserted into the dissected field.

Abstract: An instrument and method for exposing a selected area of the anterior lumbar region for a surgical procedure on the spine comprising making an incision on a human or animal body that exposes the anterior rectus sheath of the left rectus muscle, cutting the anterior rectus sheath to expose the body of the rectus muscle, and mobilizing the rectus muscle along its length by at least 3 cm in both directions from the site of the sheath incision. The rectus is then retracted medially, and the posterior rectus sheath is incised to expose the peritoneum. The peritoneum is pushed aside and tissues between the surgeon and the psoas muscle are dissected away. The ureter and the left iliac vessels are mobilized so that they are retractable from the dissected field, then the rectus muscle is moved laterally and a retractor is inserted into the dissected field.

Abstract: An instrument and method for exposing a selected area of the anterior lumbar region for a surgical procedure on the spine comprising making an incision on a human or animal body that exposes the anterior rectus sheath of the left rectus muscle, cutting the anterior rectus sheath to expose the body of the rectus muscle, and mobilizing the rectus muscle along its length by at least 3 cm in both directions from the site of the sheath incision. The rectus is then retracted medially, and the posterior rectus sheath is incised to expose the peritoneum. The peritoneum is pushed aside and tissues between the surgeon and the psoas muscle are dissected away. The ureter and the left iliac vessels are mobilized so that they are retractable from the dissected field, then the rectus muscle is moved laterally and a retractor is inserted into the dissected field.