Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for fixing bone anchors to bone. In general, the methods and devices can allow for a bone anchor to be fixed to a bone at a desired angle to a receiver member. In an exemplary embodiment, a bone anchor assembly is provided that includes a bone anchor configured to engage bone, a receiver member that polyaxially seats a spherical head of the bone anchor, and a compression member seated within the receiver member, proximally of the head of the bone anchor. The compression member can have a distal end with gripping features thereon configured to create at least one line contact and/or one band contact with the head of the bone anchor, thus providing a firm grip on the head of the bone anchor and reducing a risk of slippage of the bone anchor with respect to the receiver member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a port and a light emitter coupled to the surgical access device for illuminating the port. The light emitter preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a light transmitting element housed therein, which emits light transmitted to the elongated shaft from a light source. The elongated shaft is configured to be inserted in an elongated channel in the access device. The elongated channel has or forms a window for transmitting light emitted by the light emitter into the interior of the access device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implant that can be inserted on top of a previously placed spinal fixation element. The implant includes a bone anchor and a connector body. The bone anchor includes a proximal head and a distal shaft extending along a longitudinal axis configured to engage bone. The connector body is configured to engage the proximal head of bone anchor and engage a spinal fixation element offset from longitudinal axis of the bone anchor shaft. Because, the implant is inserted over the spinal fixation element, direct visualization of the surgical site is available during insertion. In addition, the implant may provide tactile or audible feedback indicating that the spinal fixation element has been engaged by the implant.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for fixing bone anchors to bone. In general, the methods and devices can allow for a bone anchor to be fixed to a bone at a desired angle to a receiver member. In an exemplary embodiment, a bone anchor assembly is provided that includes a bone anchor configured to engage bone, a receiver member that polyaxially seats a spherical head of the bone anchor, and a compression member seated within the receiver member, proximally of the head of the bone anchor. The compression member can have a distal end with gripping features thereon configured to create at least one line contact and/or one band contact with the head of the bone anchor, thus providing a firm grip on the head of the bone anchor and reducing a risk of slippage of the bone anchor with respect to the receiver member.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for fixing bone anchors to bone. In general, the methods and devices can allow for a bone anchor to be fixed to a bone at a desired angle to a receiver member. In an exemplary embodiment, a bone anchor assembly is provided that includes a bone anchor configured to engage bone, a receiver member that seats a spherical head of the bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, a compression member seated within the receiver member, proximally of the head of the bone anchor, and a closure mechanism seated within the receiver member, proximally of the compression member. One or more of the receiver member, the compression member, and the closure mechanism can have gripping features thereon configured to secure the bone anchor and/or the spinal fixation element within the receiver member, thereby reducing a risk of slippage of the bone anchor and/or the spinal fixation element with respect to the receiver member.

Abstract: Methods for delivering a spinal fixation element to a surgical site are provided herein. More specifically, the method includes delivering a plurality of percutaneous access devices to a corresponding number of spinal locations, inserting a spinal fixation element through tissue, and manipulating the element through opposed sidewall openings formed in each access device. In an exemplary embodiment, the method can be optimized for position of large-scale fixation elements (e.g., greater than about 95 mm in length). In addition, a manipulation instrument configured to position such spinal fixation elements is also provided herein.

Abstract: An instrument for reducing a spinal rod includes a reduction member sized and shaped to be positioned about an anchor extension connected to a bone anchor, an actuator assembly connected to the reduction member and operable to move the reduction member distally relative to the anchor extension along a longitudinal axis of the anchor extension, and a connection mechanism for removable and replaceable connection of the actuator assembly to a proximal end of the anchor extension. The connection mechanism is adjustable between a first position in which the connection mechanism connects the actuator assembly to the proximal end of the anchor extension and a second position in which the connection mechanism and the actuator assembly are released from the anchor extension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a proximal frame of fixed construction and a plurality of tissue engaging blades connected to the frame. The plurality of tissue engaging blades may include a first blade that is rotatable, independent of other blades, about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to a plane defined by the proximal frame.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a plurality of blade assemblies interconnected by a plurality of racks. One or more of the blade assemblies is movable along a rack to selectively expand the retractor. At least one of the blade assemblies includes a blade that is rotatably connected to the blade assembly and that is rotatable independent of other blades of the retractor.

Abstract: Methods and instruments are provided for connecting a rod extending along a patient's spinal column to a misaligned vertebra. The method comprises implanting a bone anchor in the misaligned vertebra, attaching an approximating device to the implanted bone anchor and rod, approximating the vertebra toward the rod using the approximating device, and connecting the rod to the bone anchor on the approximated vertebra. In certain embodiments the approximating device may include a winch mechanism. In other embodiments the approximating device is a cannula used in conjunction with a guide system.

Abstract: A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a working channel for accessing a surgical site and an integrated light emitter for illuminating the surgical site. The light emitter is integrated in proximity to a distal end of the surgical access device. In some embodiments, the light emitter is offset from the distal end. In certain embodiments, the integrated light emitter includes a light transmission medium for transmitting light from a proximal end of the access device to the distal end.

Abstract: A spinal implant with at least one flexible elongated extension element is provided. The spinal implant has a profile that is lower than standard spinal implants. The spinal implant includes a bone anchor with a head portion and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. A head plate is coupled to the bone anchor. The head plate includes a first elongated extension element and a second elongated extension element. The first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element may be formed as a single monolithic element that is attached to the head plate by passing through a pair of openings provided on the head plate. At least one of the first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element is flexible.