Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes a tapered body defining a hollow interior or chamber for receiving bone graft or bone substitute material. The body defines exterior threads which are interrupted over portions of the outer surface of the device. The fusion device includes truncated side walls so that on end view the body takes on a cylindrical form. In another embodiment, the tapered body is solid and formed of a porous biocompatible material having sufficient structural integrity to maintain the intradiscal space and normal curvature. The material is preferably a porous tantalum composite having fully interconnected pores to facilitate complete bone tissue ingrowth into the implant. In further embodiments, the fusion devices are provided with osteogenic material to facilitate bone ingrowth. A cap is also provided to block the opening of hollow fusion devices. The cap includes an occlusion body and an elongated anchor.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation for insertion of implants from an anterior approach to the spine are provided. The instruments include a guide sleeve defining a channel having overlapping cylindrical working channel portions and lateral non-distracting extensions extending from reduced thickness wall portions. The guide sleeve has an overall reduced width configuration. A pair of distractors are provided. A first distractor includes a shaft and distal tip, each having convex walls. A second distractor includes a shaft and distal tip including a recessed area at least along the tip. The first distractor is at least partially received within the recessed area of the second distractor when the first and second distractors are in side-by-side relation and a reduced overall width of the distractors is obtained. Preferably, the first and second distractors are used with the guide sleeve. Methods using the disclosed instruments are also provided.

Abstract: A series of instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are provided for direct-anterior and oblique-anterior disc space and end plate preparation. The instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) provide precise guidance for channel formation in the vertebral endplates by guiding rotating and bladed cutting instruments (122, 250, 580). Instrumentation (550) for oblique-anterior disc space preparation includes compound angulation to account for the angle of approach to the spine and the angulation between adjacent vertebrae. Methods and techniques for use of the instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are also described.

Abstract: Instrument and implants are disclosed which provide for insertion of an implant into an intervertebral disc space from multiple approaches to the spine. Specifically, as a preferred aspect of the invention the implant includes a tapered portion and the implant may be inserted from multiple approaches to the spine with the orientation and taper properly oriented in the disc space regardless of the approach.

Abstract: A series of instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are provided for direct-anterior and oblique-anterior disc space and end plate preparation. The instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) provide precise guidance for channel formation in the vertebral endplates by guiding rotating and bladed cutting instruments (122, 250, 580). Instrumentation (550) for oblique-anterior disc space preparation includes compound angulation to account for the angle of approach to the spine and the angulation between adjacent vertebrae. Methods and techniques for use of the instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are also described.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes a tapered body defining a hollow interior or chamber for receiving bone graft or bone substitute material. The body defines exterior threads which are interrupted over portions of the outer surface of the device. The fusion device includes truncated side walls so that on end view the body takes on a cylindrical form. In another embodiment, the tapered body is solid and formed of a porous biocompatible material having sufficient structural integrity to maintain the intradiscal space and normal curvature. The material is preferably a porous tantalum composite having fully interconnected pores to facilitate complete bone tissue ingrowth into the implant. In further embodiments, the fusion devices are provided with osteogenic material to facilitate bone ingrowth. A cap is also provided to block the opening of hollow fusion devices. The cap includes an occlusion body and an elongated anchor.

Abstract: Instrument and implants are disclosed which provide for insertion of an implant into an intervertebral disc space from multiple approaches to the spine. Specifically, as a preferred aspect of the invention the implant includes a tapered portion and the implant may be inserted from multiple approaches to the spine with the orientation and taper properly oriented in the disc space regardless of the approach.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes a tapered body defining a hollow interior or chamber for receiving bone graft or bone substitute material. The body defines exterior threads which are interrupted over portions of the outer surface of the device. The fusion device includes truncated side walls so that on end view the body takes on a cylindrical form. In another embodiment, the tapered body is solid and formed of a porous biocompatible material having sufficient structural integrity to maintain the intradiscal space and normal curvature. The material is preferably a porous tantalum composite having fully interconnected pores to facilitate complete bone tissue ingrowth into the implant. In further embodiments, the fusion devices are provided with osteogenic material to facilitate bone ingrowth. A cap is also provided to block the opening of hollow fusion devices. The cap includes an occlusion body and an elongated anchor.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Abstract: A system and method for anterior fixation of the spine utilizes a cylindrical implant engaged in the intradiscal space at the cephalad and caudal ends of the construct. The implants are cylindrical fusion devices (10) filled with bone material to promote bone ingrowth and fusion of the disc space. An attachment member (40) is connected to each of the fusion devices (10) and a spinal rod (50) is connected to each of the attachment members using an eyebolt assembly (53, 54, 55). In a further inventive method, a revision of the construct is achieved by removing the fusion devices. Each fusion device is engaged by an elongated guide member (62) over which a cylindrical trephine (70) is advanced. The trephine (70) is used to extract a core (84) of bone material around the fusion implant, while the guide member (62) is used to remove the bone core (84) containing the fusion implant (10). In another aspect of the invention, a removal insert (90, 90') is provided that engages an implanted fusion device (10).

Abstract: A system and method for anterior fixation of the spine utilizes a cylindrical implant engaged in the intradiscal space at the cephalad and caudal ends of the construct. The implants are cylindrical fusion devices (10) filled with bone material to promote bone ingrowth and fusion of the disc space. An attachment member (40) is connected to each of the fusion devices (10) and a spinal rod (50) is connected to each of the attachment members using an eyebolt assembly (53, 54, 55). In a further inventive method, a revision of the construct is achieved by removing the fusion devices. Each fusion device is engaged by an elongated guide member (62) over which a cylindrical trephine (70) is advanced. The trephine (70) is used to extract a core (84) of bone material around the fusion implant, while the guide member (62) is used to remove the bone core (84) containing the fusion implant (10). In another aspect of the invention, a removal insert (90, 90') is provided that engages an implanted fusion device (10).