Abstract: A screw placement guide includes a first member having a first guide adapted to contact a first vertebral bone portion and a second member having a second guide adapted to contact a second vertebral bone portion. A clamping mechanism provided on one of the members clamps the first guide and the second guide to the vertebral bone portions. The first guide and the second guide are aligned in order to indicate how a fastener will be aligned when fastened between adjacent vertebrae. A driver engages clamping mechanism to clamp the two members together.

Abstract: A screw placement guide includes a first member having a first guide adapted to contact a first vertebral bone portion and a second member having a second guide adapted to contact a second vertebral bone portion. A clamping mechanism provided on one of the members clamps the first guide and the second guide to the vertebral bone portions. The first guide and the second guide are aligned in order to indicate how a fastener will be aligned when fastened between adjacent vertebrae. A driver engages clamping mechanism to clamp the two members together.

Abstract: A spinal implant replaces excised tissue removed during spine surgery. This implant includes fasteners which firmly attach it to vertebrae adjacent to excised tissue so as to transmit tension and torsional loads to and from those vertebrae. The body of the implant has through cavities into which bone growth material is placed during surgery. The body of the implant also has a finite modulus of elasticity in compression so as to share compressive loads with emplaced bone growth material and with new bony growth facilitated by the emplaced material and the load sharing.

Abstract: A spinal implant replaces excised tissue removed during spine surgery. This implant includes fasteners which firmly attach it to vertebrae adjacent to excised tissue so as to transmit tension and torsional loads to and from those vertebrae. The body of the implant has through cavities into which bone growth material is placed during surgery. The body of the implant also has a finite modulus of elasticity in compression so as to share compressive loads with emplaced bone growth material and with new bony growth facilitated by the emplaced material and the load sharing.

Abstract: A screw placement guide includes a first member having a first guide adapted to contact a first vertebral bone portion and a second member having a second guide adapted to contact a second vertebral bone portion. A clamping mechanism provided on one of the members clamps the first guide and the second guide to the vertebral bone portions. The first guide and the second guide are aligned in order to indicate how a fastener will be aligned when fastened between adjacent vertebrae. A driver engages clamping mechanism to clamp the two members together.

Abstract: A spinal implant replaces excised tissue removed during spine surgery. This implant includes fasteners which firmly attach it to vertebrae adjacent to excised tissue so as to transmit tension and torsional loads to and from those vertebrae. The body of the implant has through cavities into which bone growth material is placed during surgery. The body of the implant also has a finite modulus of elasticity in compression so as to share compressive loads with emplaced bone growth material and with new bony growth facilitated by the emplaced material and the load sharing.

Abstract: A spinal implant replaces excised tissue removed during spine surgery. This implant includes fasteners which firmly attach it to vertebrae adjacent to excised tissue so as to transmit tension and torsional loads to and from those vertebrae. The body of the implant has through cavities into which bone growth material is placed during surgery. The body of the implant also has a finite modulus of elasticity in compression so as to share compressive loads with emplaced bone growth material and with new bony growth facilitated by the emplaced material and the load sharing.

Abstract: A tome for cutting at least one dovetail in bone is disclosed wherein said tome comprises:

Abstract: A guide comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, the tube: A) being configured for insertable acceptance therethrough of a shaft of a tool designed to make cuts in a first vertebra and in a second vertebra simultaneously; B) having tangs extending from the first end thereof, wherein the tangs are tapered to conform to natural lordosis; and C) having a depth stop located on the second end thereof.

Abstract: An end cut tool for making an end cut in bone is disclosed that comprises: A) a shaft having first and second ends, 1) the first end having a blade attached thereto for making the end cut in the bone, and 2) the second end having a handle attached thereto substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shaft to facilitate rotation of the shaft, and B) at least one interlock located between the first and second ends, the interlock preventing rotation of the blade during insertion into a patient and then preventing withdrawal of the tool during use.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus driver device for use with a subcombination comprising A) a tome for cutting at least one dovetail in bone comprising a shaft having first and second ends, the first end having attached thereto a blade for cutting the dovetail in the bone and the second end having attached thereto an extension for engagement with a mechanical energy transmission mechanism, and B) a guide comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, the tube being configured for acceptance of the shaft of the tome and having tangs extending from one end thereof; wherein the driver comprises a mechanism for engagement with the subcombination, a piston, and a mechanism for providing power to the piston for delivery of a multiplicity of impact to the subcombination.

Abstract: A spinal implant replaces excised tissue removed during spine surgery. This implant includes fasteners which firmly attach it to vertebrae adjacent to excised tissue so as to transmit tension and torsional loads to and from those vertebrae. The body of the implant has through cavities into which bone growth material is placed during surgery. The body of the implant also has a finite modulus of elasticity in compression so as to share compressive loads with emplaced bone growth material and with new bony growth facilitated by the emplaced material and the load sharing.

Abstract: A tome for cutting at least one dovetail in bone is disclosed wherein said tome includes: a shaft having first and second ends, said first end having attached thereto a blade shaped for cutting the dovetail in the bone and the second end having attached thereto an extension for engagement with mechanical energy transmission devices, and a depth stop on the shaft between the blade and the extension.

Abstract: A spinal implant replaces excised tissue removed during spine surgery. This implant includes fasteners which firmly attach it to vertebrae adjacent to excised tissue so as to transmit tension and torsional loads to and from those vertebrae. The body of the implant has through cavities into which bone growth material is placed during surgery. The body of the implant also has a finite modulus of elasticity in compression so as to share compressive loads with emplaced bone growth material and with new bony growth facilitated by the emplaced material and the load sharing.