Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.

Abstract: A system and method for replacing degenerated spinal disks in accordance with the present invention can substitute for interbody fusion techniques by replacing degenerated spinal disks with artificial spinal disks. In one embodiment, the system can comprise one or more artificial spinal disks, each comprising an upper and lower housing, a first spacer and a second spacer partially enclosed by a cavity formed by the housings, and a shaft with a spring positioned between the first spacer and the second spacer such that the spacers are urged apart.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.

Abstract: A distraction tool is disclosed which distracts, and preferably sizes, adjoining facets of a spine for an implant. The tool preferably includes a distraction head that has a first and a second head component. The first head component and the second head component preferably include inter-digitated fingers when the distraction head is in a non-distracted position. The tool includes a handle which is actuatable to move the distraction head to a distracted position, whereby the first set and second set of fingers are separated from one another. The tool can include a distraction gauge as well as a locking mechanism. The tool can also include a movement limitation mechanism to control the amount of distraction which the tool undergoes when actuated. The tool can include an insertion feature to allow the implant to be inserted into the facet joint while the tool is distracting the facets apart.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning at a vertebra for resisting the expulsion of a bone graft from within an intervertebral space. The implant includes a buttress plate having an intervertebral plate and an anchoring plate connected such that the intervertebral plate can move relative to the anchoring plate.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention can include an implant having a spacer with a thickness and a wing, wherein a first configuration of the wing has a first height substantially similar to the thickness and wherein the wing is adapted to be selectably arranged in a second configuration such that the wing has a second height greater than the first height. A periphery of the implant has a shape generally conformal with a shape of an inner surface of a cannula and a cross-sectional diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cannula. The cannula is inserted such that a proximal end of the cannula is arranged between the adjacent spinous processes. The implant is then urged into position between the adjacent spinous processes by way of the cannula, and subsequently arranged in a second configuration to fix the implant in position.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the distraction guide can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can includes an implant having an initiating piece and a distraction piece. The initiating piece can include a lower distraction element, a second wing, a lower portion of a spacer, and a lower portion of a first wing. The initiating piece can be positioned such that an interspinous ligament of the targeted motion segment is disposed between the first and second wing. The distraction piece can include an upper distraction element, an upper portion of the spacer, and an upper portion of the first wing, and can be mated with the initiating piece by mating a rail of the distraction piece with a slot of the initiating piece, thereby disposing the implant between adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can includes an implant having an initiating piece and a distraction piece. The initiating piece can include a lower distraction element, a lower portion of a second wing, a lower portion of a spacer, and a lower portion of a first wing. The initiating piece can be positioned such that an interspinous ligament of the targeted motion segment is disposed between the first and second wing. The distraction piece can include an upper distraction element, an upper portion of a second wing, an upper portion of the spacer, and an upper portion of the first wing, and can be mated with the initiating piece by mating a rail of the distraction piece with a slot of the initiating piece, or the implant is disposed between adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the distraction guide can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a spacer and a frame having a central body and a helical shaped wing extending from the central body. The frame can be positioned near about adjacent spinous processes, and can be rotated and urged so that the adjacent spinous processes pass within a groove of the wing, thereby allowing the wing to be arranged on an opposite side of the adjacent spinous processes. The spacer can then be arranged over the frame so that the spacer contacts and distracts the spinous processes, thereby limiting relative movement of the adjacent spinous processes during extension.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.

Abstract: An artificial vertebral disk replacement implant is disclosed along with its method of operation and a method of implanting. The implant has first and second plates that each mate with a vertebral body. Each plate has one side for mating with a vertebral body. The first plate has a socket on one side, and the second plate has an elongated ball on one side. The ball of the first plate and the socket of the second plate form a ball-and-socket joint when the two plates are in contact with each other. The implant achieves a range of motion equivalent to a natural range of motion.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can includes an implant having a spacer with an expandable portion. An insert can be positioned within a groove of the spacer to distract the expandable portion away from the main portion of the spacer. The expandable portion can optionally include a grip that can at least partially deform to conform to a contour of a spinous process to provide a frictional grip to prevent the implant from shifting position. Implants in accordance with the present invention can also include a binder that can be arranged around the adjacent spinous processes to limit flexion movement.