Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes superior and inferior shells connected in a ball and socket arrangement. The inferior shell preferably incorporating a convex portion that cooperates with a concave portion on the superior shell. A resilient nucleus is provided within an enclosure defined by the opposing inner surfaces of the shells and biases the shells against each other. The ball portion can be provided in either fixed or slidable arrangement. The artificial disc of the invention includes various resistance means for restricting and limiting the range of rotational and translational motion between the shells.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral spacer comprises a first arm and a second arm, each of the arms having first and second ends and wherein the first ends of each of the arms are connected together and wherein the second ends of each of the arms are generally separated from each other and divergently extend in a common direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first ends of the arms are joined to form a third arm. In a further preferred embodiment, the spacer comprises a generally Y-shaped structure. In other embodiments, at least two spacers are combined to provide an intervertebral distracting device.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises first and second articulated elements wherein one the elements includes an articulated tongue and the other of the elements includes a groove adapted to receive the tongue. The first and second elements are adapted to be moveable with respect to each other in various planes.

Abstract: A bone screw, such as a pedicle screw, comprises en elongate structure having a head, an anchoring portion or tip distal from the head, and an open, helical body extending there-between. In one embodiment, the invention provides a screw having an anchoring portion, which engages bone and which includes a means for engaging a driver or the like whereby the screw is driven into the bone by the anchoring portion. A method of driving a screw is also provided.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes superior and inferior shells connected in a ball and socket arrangement. The inferior shell preferably incorporating a convex portion that cooperates with a concave portion on the superior shell. A resilient nucleus is provided within an enclosure defined by the opposing inner surfaces of the shells and biases the shells against each other. The ball portion can be provided in either fixed or slidable arrangement. The superior and inferior shells are also provided with cooperating male and female portions whereby the shells positively engage each other, thereby preventing separation, but allowing any desired articulation there-between. The artificial disc of the invention includes various resistance means for restricting and limiting the range of rotational and translational motion between the shells.

Abstract: A facet joint prosthesis comprises a pair of facet elements for engaging the superior and inferior articular processes of a facet joint. The facet elements are provided with one or more articulating surfaces for articulating movement there-between. The facet elements are also provided with a positive engagement means for preventing separation of the elements and/or to limit relative movement there-between within a pre-determined range. In one aspect, the invention provides a spacer for positioning between the facet elements and for distracting the facet joint. The spacer may also serve to form an artificial lateral mass between the superior and inferior articulating surfaces. The spacer may be provided with engagement means for positively engaging one or both of the facet elements.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes superior and inferior shells connected in a ball and socket arrangement. The inferior shell preferably incorporating a convex portion that cooperates with a concave portion on the superior shell. A resilient nucleus is provided within an enclosure defined by the opposing inner surfaces of the shells and biases the shells against each other. The ball portion can be provided in either fixed or slidable arrangement. The artificial disc of the invention includes various resistance means for restricting and limiting the range of rotational and translational motion between the shells.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes superior and inferior shells connected in a ball and socket arrangement. The inferior shell preferably incorporating a convex portion that cooperates with a concave portion on the superior shell. A resilient nucleus is provided within an enclosure defined by the opposing inner surfaces of the shells and biases the shells against each other. The ball portion can be provided in either fixed or slidable arrangement. The superior and inferior shells are also provided with cooperating male and female portions whereby the shells positively engage each other, thereby preventing separation, but allowing any desired articulation there-between. The artificial disc of the invention includes various resistance means for restricting and limiting the range of rotational and translational motion between the shells.

Abstract: A spine stabilization implant is provided for at least two adjacent vertebrae, the implant comprising at least two anchor plates for being secured to the vertebrae and a resilient member extending there-between to simulate a natural ligament. In one embodiment the anchor plates or staples are provided in pairs so as to engage opposite lateral masses of each vertebrae and, thereby, provide bi-lateral stabilization for the spine. In another embodiment, the pairs of anchor plates include a connector extending over the spinous process. In another embodiment, the pairs of anchor plates include one or more connectors to form an artificial spinous process and lamina.