Abstract: An insertion tool for placing a spinal implant in an intervertebral space includes a handle assembly, a jaw assembly having first and second jaw members movable with respect to each other, and a holding member adapted to hold and release an implant in response to a manipulation of the handle assembly. The holding member is configured to move longitudinally with respect to the jaw assembly upon manipulation of the handle assembly.

Abstract: A spinal buttress plate includes a body having a top surface and a bottom surface and including an annular lip, a ledge, and a pair of teeth. The annular lip defines an opening. The annular lip and the opening are adapted to engage a screw for facilitating the securement of the buttress plate to one or more vertebrae. The ledge defines an aperture. The ledge and aperture are adapted to engage an instrument for positioning the buttress plate adjacent a spinal bone graft. The teeth are disposed in spaced-apart relation on the bottom surface of the body and are positionable within the one or more vertebrae.

Abstract: A semi-constrained screw and a cervical plate assembly that engages to a cervical area of the human vertebrae system are disclosed. The semi-constrained screw and cervical plate assembly includes a cervical plate and one or more semi-constrained bone screws. Each semi-constrained bone screw includes an elongated shank, which is mechanically and releasably coupled to a head portion. The head portion includes one or more threaded segments which define one or more slits therebetween. As the semi-constrained bone screw is driven through the screw opening in the cervical plate and into the bone, the head portion allows poly-axial movement of the shank relative to the head portion.

Abstract: A spinal spacer for engagement between vertebrae includes a body having a substantially contoured first end surface at a distal end and a second end surface opposite thereto at a proximal end. The body extends between the first and second end surfaces to define top and bottom vertebral engaging surfaces that are opposed to one another. The body extends between the top and bottom vertebral engaging surfaces to define opposed side surfaces. The top and bottom vertebral engaging surfaces intersect with the side surfaces to provide a substantially quadrilateral cross-section with rounded corners. The top and bottom vertebral engaging surfaces have a substantially streamlined convex profile. The surfaces converge at the distal end to define a substantially atraumatic blunt nose having a tip configured with planar and/or convex surfaces.

Abstract: A drill guide apparatus for aligning a cervical drill bit and a target site in a vertebral body prior to drilling a hole in the vertebral body is disclosed. The apparatus includes a handle assembly, an extension member extending from the handle assembly, a mounting plate disposed on the distal end of the extension member, a guide member proximally extending from the mounting plate and a rotation mechanism operably connecting the handle assembly and the extension member. The rotation mechanism is configured to selectively position the handle assembly relative to the mounting plate. The guide member may include a single or double barrel configuration. The guide member is selectively positionable relative to the mounting plate. The mounting plate may include a protrusion for selectively engaging a second plate.

Abstract: Provided is a novel surgical instrument having an adjustable distal end that can securely engage an interbody for introduction of the interbody into an intervertebral space, can be adjusted before and during the surgical procedure to vary the angle of the distal end of the device and the angle of introduction of the interbody, and after positioning that interbody at the surgical site, can be easily disengaged and removed.

Abstract: A cervical drill guide apparatus includes a handle assembly having a housing and an extension member attached to one end of the housing. The handle assembly includes a fixed handle and a movable handle. A distal end of the extension member includes a plurality of fingers that are radially expandable or contractible in response to relative movement between an actuation shaft and the extension tube. The fingers are adapted for releasably engaging an opening in a plate. Additionally, a guide member is releasably attached to the distal end portion of the cervical drill guide apparatus. The guide member includes at least one opening therethrough for receiving a drill or other surgical instrumentation. The extension member may be rotatable in relation to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel minimally invasive surgical system and method for introducing instruments and/or biomaterial into the interior of a bone, particularly the interior of a vertebral body, using a unique cannulated screw that is sized and configured to penetrate the cortical bone and thereby provide access to the interior of the bone through the integral cannula of the screw. That same screw having a screw head that is then adaptable to employ a connector for securely holding a connecting device, such as a spinal rod or plate that can then be used to fix bones or bone fragments together. A method of fixing bones or bone fragments is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a device, system, and method for the fixation of the spine. In particular, the present invention provides a system that includes a low profile anterior vertebral plate and screws for fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine, the anterior vertebral plate having a selectable locking mechanism embedded in the underside of the plate during the manufacturing thereof and providing a visual locked indicator on the top side of the plate.

Abstract: Provided is a novel cross-connector assembly for interconnecting first and second bracing members or rods, one to the other. The cross-connector assembly is capable of multi-directional articulation in three dimensions, length, azimuth, and elevation and is also capable of having one end rotated along its longitudinal axis in relation to the other end so as to custom fit and securely connect the assembly to two opposing bracing members or rods. Also provided is a kit including the device and ancillary instrumentation to facilitate the method of the present invention.