Abstract: Insertion devices for positioning a spinal implant in an intervertebral disc space. The device distally advances an implant between flexible guide fingers.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel.

Abstract: An instrument and method are disclosed for inserting an artificial intervertebral disc implant having upper and lower parts and a pivot element therebetween into an intervertebral space. The instrument has a mounting structure, and an elongated upper arm and elongated lower arms, the arms being pivotally attached to the mounting structure. A distractor separates the upper and lower arms, and hence the upper and lower parts, when moving along the arms so as to permit insertion of the pivot element. The distractor includes a fork arm that extends beyond a main body thereof to engage and support with heads thereof a facing surface of the upper and/or lower part during and following separation of the parts.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for inserting an intervertebral implant. Insertion of the implant is accomplished by grasping the implant between the arms of an insertion instrument having arms which separate from each other and close against each other onto the implant, such that the ends of the arms of the insertion instrument engage recesses of the implant. A spacer may be provided between the arms of the insertion instrument to help position the implant while held by the arms.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for preparing an intervertebral space for receiving an implant. An adjustable trial implant has an adjustable stop mechanism having a stop member connected thereto to vary the distance that a body portion of the trial implant can move into the intervertebral space. Cutting tools for forming cutouts in the adjacent vertebrae use the trial implant and/or a guide to position a cutting tool which may be a burr or a chisel. The chisel cutting tool can be moveable relative to a selected trial implant or the chisel cutting tools can be fixed onto a trial implant shaped body portion.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have limited universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for immobilizing adjacent bone segments. An osteosynthesis plating system is provided for fixing or immobilizing several pieces or segments of bone utilizing screws which may be screwed into the segments of bone through openings provided in the osteosynthesis plate. The osteosynthesis plate is pressed against the bone surface by the screws and fixed thereto. In particular, the invention relates to an osteosynthesis extension plate for immobilizing adjacent segments of bone in a second surgery wherein the removal of a previously implanted osteosynthesis plate is avoided. In this manner the disadvantages associated with removal of the previously implanted plate are avoided.

Abstract: In an intervertebral implant having an upper and a lower supporting surface for abutment with adjacent vertebral bodies, having a concave dorsal longitudinal side, a ventral longitudinal side lying opposite the latter, having a rounded contour at the two end faces connecting the longitudinal sides and having at least one hole extending through the implant from the upper to the lower supporting surface, in order to facilitate the introduction of bone material after insertion of the intervertebral implant into an intervertebral space it is proposed that in the region of the middle portion of the ventral longitudinal side at least one introduction channel for bone material, which extends through the implant, exits from the implant.

Abstract: In order, in the case of a surgical instrument for introducing intervertebral implants into the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies, to facilitate the introduction of the intervertebral implant even when access is difficult, it is proposed that the surgical instrument comprises two mutually opposing guide bodies, which each have a guide directed towards the other guide body and together form between them a guideway, along which an intervertebral implant is insertable laterally into the intervertebral space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for immobilizing adjacent bone segments. An osteosynthesis plating system is provided for fixing or immobilizing several pieces or segments of bone utilizing screws which may be screwed into the segments of bone through openings provided in the osteosynthesis plate. The osteosynthesis plate is pressed against the bone surface by the screws and fixed thereto. In particular, the invention relates to an osteosynthesis extension plate for immobilizing adjacent segments of bone in a second surgery wherein the removal of a previously implanted osteosynthesis plate is avoided. In this manner the disadvantages associated with removal of the previously implanted plate are avoided.

Abstract: In order, in the case of a surgical instrument for introducing intervertebral implants into the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies, to facilitate the introduction of the intervertebral implant even when access is difficult, it is proposed that the surgical instrument comprises two mutually opposing guide bodies, which each have a guide directed towards the other guide body and together form between them a guideway, along which an intervertebral implant is insertable laterally into the intervertebral space.

Abstract: In an intervertebral implant having an upper and a lower supporting surface for abutment with adjacent vertebral bodies, having a concave dorsal longitudinal side, a ventral longitudinal side lying opposite the latter, having a rounded contour at the two end faces connecting the longitudinal sides and having at least one hole extending through the implant from the upper to the lower supporting surface, in order to facilitate the introduction of bone material after insertion of the intervertebral implant into an intervertebral space it is proposed that in the region of the middle portion of the ventral longitudinal side at least one introduction channel for bone material, which extends through the implant, exits from the implant.

Abstract: In order to connect the core undetachably to the holding element in the case of a pin-type holding element for an orthopaedic holding system with an elastically compressible, head-shaped widened portion and with a central opening, into which a core may be inserted, which prevents an elastic compression of the head-shaped widened portion by filling out the central opening in the region of the widened portion without expanding this, it is proposed that the core is displaceable in the opening between a locking position, in which it fills out the central opening in the region of the widened portion, and a release position plunging deeper into the central opening, in which it releases the central opening in the region of the widened portion and thus allows its elastic compression

Abstract: In a surgical retractor having a frame on which at least two retractor elements are mounted, if desired, so as to be displaceable, to enable individual adjustment of the forces exerted by the retractor elements on the surrounding tissue, it is proposed that the frame have at least one support foot which carries attachment means for fixing on a bone.