Abstract: A dynamic rod implantable into a patient and connectable between two vertebral anchors in adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The dynamic rod fixes the adjacent vertebral bodies together in a dynamic fashion providing immediate postoperative stability and support of the spine. The dynamic rod comprises a first rod portion dynamically connected to a second rod portion at a retainer that has separate chambers for receiving rod portions. One rod portion is configured for longitudinal movement and the other rod portion is configured for polyaxial angulation relative to the retainer. The dynamic rod is configured such that the retainer is located proximate to one of the facet joints when implanted into a patient. The dynamic rod permits relative movement of the first and second rod portions allowing the rod to carry some of the natural flexion, extension and rotation moments of the spine.

Abstract: A dynamic rod implantable into a patient and connectable between two vertebral anchors in adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The dynamic rod fixes the vertebral bodies together in a dynamic fashion providing immediate postoperative stability and support of the spine. The dynamic rod comprises a first rod portion and a second rod portion connected together. The dynamic rod further includes at least a one bias element configured to provide a bias force in response to deflection or translation of the first rod portion relative to the second rod portion. The dynamic rod includes a locking construct which advantageously enables the extension and/or angulation of one rod portion with respect to the other rod portion to be reversibly locked in position. The dynamic rod permits relative movement of the first and second rod portions allowing the rod to carry some of the natural flexion and extension moments of the spine.

Abstract: A rod removal instrument for removing a rod from the seat of a vertebral anchor is disclosed. The rod removal instrument comprises an outer shaft connected to an inner shaft. The outer shaft has a rod receiving portion at its distal end. When placed in juxtaposition with the rod, the rod removal instrument is rotated to hook the rod into the rod receiving portion. The inner shaft is then moved distally with respect to the outer shaft to dislodge the rod from the seat and capture it in the rod removal instrument for removal from the surgical site.

Abstract: A percutaneous spondylolisthesis reduction instrument and method are disclosed for minimally invasive surgery. The spondylolisthesis reduction instrument includes tangs threadingly connected to an upper knob at the proximal end and configured to connect with a tower construct at the distal end. When connected to a tower which is attached to a bone fastener assembly implanted in a vertebral body, rotation of the upper knob retracts the tangs and the connected tower construct and vertebral body to reduce spondylolisthesis.

Abstract: An offset connector implantable into a patient and connectable between a vertebral anchor a spinal stabilization rod is provided. The offset connector for connecting a spinal stabilization rod to a bone anchor system is laterally displaced relative to the rod and movable with respect to the bone anchor system until positioned and locked in place. The offset connector includes a stem configured for attachment to the bone anchor system and a rod-receiving portion connected to the stem. The rod-receiving portion is configured to receive at least a portion of the spinal stabilization rod at a location displaced from the bone anchor system. A fastener mechanism configured to secure the spinal stabilization rod to the rod-receiving portion is also provided.

Abstract: A dynamic rod implantable into a patient and connectable between two vertebral anchors in adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The rod fixes the adjacent vertebral bodies dynamically providing immediate postoperative stability and support of the spine. The rod comprises a first rod portion having a first engaging portion connected to a second rod portion having a second engaging portion. The rod includes at least a one bias element configured to bias a deflection or translation of the first rod portion relative to the second rod portion. The first engaging portion includes at least one side or integral spring formed in the first engaging portion to bias a deflection of the second rod portion relative to the first rod portion. The rod permits relative movement of the first and second rod portions allowing the rod to carry some of the natural flexion and extension moments that the spine is subject to.

Abstract: An inserter for implanting an intervertebral spacer into a spinal disc space is disclosed. The inserter comprises a jaw assembly connected to a shaft assembly that is connected to a handle assembly. The user operates the handle assembly to open and close the jaw assembly to thereby connect to and release from the intervertebral spacer. Furthermore, the handle assembly is operable to lock and unlock rotation of the jaw assembly while still connected thereto to permit angulation of the jaw assembly relative to the shaft assembly without losing hold of the intervertebral spacer.

Abstract: An inserter for implanting a spinal implant such as an intervertebral spacer into a spinal disc space is disclosed. The inserter comprises a jaw assembly connected to a shaft assembly that is connected to a handle assembly. The user operates the handle assembly to open and close the jaw assembly to thereby connect to and release from the implant. Furthermore, the handle assembly is operable to lock and unlock rotation of the jaw assembly while still connected thereto to permit angulation of the jaw assembly relative to the shaft assembly without losing hold of the implant.

Abstract: An inserter for implanting a spinal implant such as an intervertebral spacer into a spinal disc space is disclosed. The inserter comprises a jaw assembly connected to a shaft assembly that is connected to a handle assembly. The shaft assembly includes an angled portion in which the distal end of the instrument is displaced from the proximal end of the instrument affording the clinician a more unobstructed view of the operative site. The user operates the handle assembly at the proximal end to open and close the jaw assembly to thereby connect to and release from the intervertebral spacer.

Abstract: A dynamic rod implantable into a patient and connectable between two vertebral anchors in adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The dynamic rod fixes the adjacent vertebral bodies together in a dynamic fashion providing immediate postoperative stability and support of the spine. The dynamic rod comprises a first rod portion having a first engaging portion and a second rod portion having a second engaging portion. The first and second rod portions are connected to each other at the first and second engaging portions. The dynamic rod further includes at least one bias element configured to provide a bias force in response to deflection or translation of the first rod portion relative to the second rod portion. The dynamic rod permits relative movement of the first and second rod portions allowing the rod to carry some of the natural flexion and extension moments that the spine is subjected to.

Abstract: The retractor system for use in spinal surgery and other types of surgical procedures that is a simple and efficient solution for minimally invasive access to thoracolumbar spine is disclosed. The fully customizable design allows the surgeon to independently angle the retractor blades and expand the retractor in both cephalad-caudal and medial-lateral directions. With an offering of a range of blade lengths, access can be tailored to the patient's anatomy. Auxiliary instruments such as the retractor inserter, universal hex driver and blade removal instrument allow quick and controlled access to the surgical site. The retractor system provides versatility and control ensuring minimal tissue trauma.

Abstract: A rod reduction instrument for position a rod relative to a seat of a bone anchor in a spinal implant system is provided. The instrument includes three concentric cannulas with circumferentially aligned rod receiving portions formed therein. One cannula is movable with respect to another to lock and unlock the seat of a bone anchor to the rod reduction instrument. The rod to be reduced is positioned inside at least one of the rod receiving portion. One cannula is moved with respect to another to lock the seat of the bone anchor to the rod reduction instrument. Once locked to the bone anchor, the remaining cannula is moved to reduce the distance between the rod and the seat within at least one of the rod receiving portions. The distance between the rod and the seat is reduced until the rod is position inside the seat. A secondary instrument is inserted through a central bore of the rod reduction instrument to introduce a cap and lock the cap to the seat securing the rod to the bone anchor.

Abstract: A spinal alignment system for interconnecting vertebral bodies is disclosed. The system includes a bone screw polyaxially connected to a seat. The seat includes a top opening, a first rod receiving portion and a second rod receiving portion, a first rod channel and a second rod channel. The system is implanted into a first vertebral body. A first rod is introduced to the seat through the top opening in a first orientation and connected to the first rod receiving portion. A second rod is introduced to the seat through the top opening in a first orientation and connected to the second rod receiving portion. The first and second rods are each moved into a second orientation such that the rods project through the first and second rod channels, respectively. The rods are capable of polyaxial movement with respect to the seat for landing the opposite ends of the rods in adjacent seats of screw systems implanted in other vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Systems and devices for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The systems include a superior component for attachment to a superior vertebra of a spinal motion segment and an inferior component for attachment to an inferior vertebral of a spinal motion segment. The interconnection between the two components enables the spinal motion segment to move in a manner that mimics the natural motion of the spinal motion segment while substantially offloading the facet joints of the spine. Methods are also provided for stabilizing the spine and for implanting the subject systems.