Abstract: The present invention provides an implant for use in fusing adjacent bony structures. The implant comprises at least one structural member combined with at least one flexible planar member to retain the at least one structural member to form the implant.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a surgical instrument for insertion into human tissue is provided with a release mechanism that permits one or more components of the surgical instrument to be removably coupled to a handle.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming an opening in bone for the sequential dilation of tissue.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting an instrument set having a tapered configuration into a patient. In another preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting a cannula having an external threaded portion into bone. In yet another preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming and enlarging an opening in bone.

Abstract: An instrument set is provided that has a tapered configuration that facilitates the insertion of the instrument set into a patient.

Abstract: A guide and a blade for contouring vertebral bodies. The guide is sized to be mounted between two vertebral members and includes a pair of edges for receiving the blade. The pair of edges are spaced a distance apart for the first edge to align with a first vertebral member, and the second edge to align with a second vertebral member. The blade includes a pair of arms with at least one cutting edge. The arms are sized to fit within the pair of edges respectively. Using the blade and guide comprises inserting the guide adjacent to two vertebral members, and inserting the arms through the pair of edges to contour the ends of the members. In an embodiment with cutting edges at the distal ends of each of the arms, the two vertebral members can be contoured simultaneously.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for distracting a spinal disc space and supporting adjacent vertebrae are provided. Trial instruments are insertable into the disc space to determine a desired disc space height and to select a corresponding implant. Implants can be also be self-distracting and the implant providing the desired disc space height can be implanted in the spinal disc space.

Abstract: An amusement device is disclosed which includes a body structure configured to resemble a living being (e.g. a bear) which is engaging in a specific sporting activity (e.g. the sport of basketball). The amusement device further includes a paraphernalia item associated with the specific sporting activity supported by the body structure. Additionally, the amusement device includes a belly member supported by the body structure at an abdominal area of the body structure so as to simulate an extended belly of the living being. The belly member is configured to be at least a partial facsimile of the paraphernalia item. Alternatively, the belly member may be configured to resemble at least a portion of a second paraphernalia item associated with the specific sporting activity.