Abstract: An injectable, flexible interspinous process device and a delivery system. The interspinous process device is flexible and can be fillable in situ with a desired amount of biocompatible material. The interspinous process device has a container portion. A support element, such as a self-expanding mesh, is used in conjunction with the container to provide added structural support. The mesh also facilitates deployment of the device when it is properly positioned. A conduit may be coupled to the interspinous process to fill the device. A delivery system is also provided for delivering the flexible interspinous process device to the desired location. The delivery system includes an outer catheter that is disposed over the interspinous process device to maintain it in the undeployed state and thus facilitate delivery of the device to the desired location. An inner removable sleeve and a guidewire may also be used with the delivery system.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.

Abstract: Devices and methods are adapted to permit fixation and stabilization of the bony elements of the skeleton. The devices permit adjustment and maintenance of the spatial relationship between neighboring bones. The motion between adjacent skeletal segments may be maintained, limited or completely eliminated.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for constraining spinous processes to elastically limit flexion of two or more adjacent spinal segments rely on placing a tether structure over at least three adjacent vertebral bodies or two adjacent vertebral bodies and the sacrum. The tether structures may be continuous, for example in the form of a continuous loop, or may be discontinuous, for example in the form of a loop or elongate element having at least two anchor structures for securing in bone.

Abstract: A vertebral spacer includes an expandable member having a self sealing percutaneous fluid access port and engaged to an anchor member that is secured the vertebrae. The anchor member may be an arcuate channel mechanically secured to adjacent spinous processes by bone screws through slots in the legs of the channel. The port allows for adding or removing fluid from the expandable member in order to adjust the volume thereof and thus the interspinous process spacing. Subsequent to initial expansion, the volume of the expandable member may be increased or decreased by using a needle to add or remove fluid from the expandable member via the port. The fluid may be a liquid, gel, or a viscous polymer and may remain in a liquid state or harden to a viscoelastic state.

Abstract: A system and method for performing percutaneous spinal stabilization, comprising inserting a k-wire into skin and tissue proximal to the spine; drilling the k-wire into and through the spinous process, creating a narrow aperture therethrough; inserting one or more cannulas over the k-wire, through the skin and tissue and towards said bone, a second cannula configured to fit over the first; removing all but the outermost cannula, thereby creating a working channel through the skin and tissue, providing unobstructed access to the bone; inserting into the channel a screwdriver comprising a preferably flexible shaft long enough to extend through the cannula to the bone, and having releasably attached to the end a screw with external screw threads; and drilling one or more screws into and through the bone for securement to a cap secured to a hollow, oval, flat stabilizing plate positioned on the opposite side of the bone.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may include a pair of structural members coupled to at least a portion of a human vertebra with connectors. Connectors may couple structural members to spinous processes. Some embodiments of a spinal stabilization system may include fasteners that couple structural members to vertebrae. In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system, provides three points of fixation for a single vertebral level. A fastener may fixate a facet joint between adjacent vertebrae and couple a stabilization structural member to a vertebra. Connectors may couple the structural members to the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Use of a spinal stabilization system may improve the stability of a weakened or damaged portion of a spine. When used in conjunction with an implant or other device, the spinal stabilization system may immobilize vertebrae and allow for fusion of the implant or other device with vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to various integrated Inter-Spinous Process Decompression, IPD, devices and methods for implantation thereof for treating spinal stenosis. Generally, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the disclosed IPD system comprises an IPD tusk-shaped needle, an IPD tusk-shaped sizer, an IPD tusk-shaped implant tool, and an IPD implant. Preferably, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the IPD tusk-shaped needle, the IPD tusk-shaped sizer, the IPD tusk-shaped implant tool, and IPD implant are suitably configured for percutaneous insertion between a patient's spinous process. Most preferably, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, either the IPD tusk-shaped sizer or the IPD tusk-shaped implant tool is configured to be reversibly coupled to an IPD implant.

Abstract: An implantable spinous process fixation device includes a k-shaped component comprising an elongated plate and top and bottom deformable plates extending at first and second angles from a first surface of the elongated plate, respectively, thereby defining first and second spaces between the elongated plate and the top and bottom deformable plates and a compression element configured to compress and move the first and second deformable plates toward the elongated plate and to change the first and the second angles, respectively. The first and second spaces are configured to receive first and second spinous processes, respectively. Compressing and moving the first and second deformable plates toward the elongated plate results in engaging the first surface of the elongated plate and first surfaces of the top and bottom deformable plates with lateral surfaces of the first and second spinous processes, respectively.

Abstract: A kit including an artificial implant for insertion between two adjacent vertebrae along a coronal plane.

Abstract: A conical interspinous apparatus comprising: an insertion portion with a proximal end, a distal end, and conical screw-shaped grooves configured to distract two adjacent spinous processes; a shaft portion, coupled to the distal end of the insertion portion, and having a smaller cross-section than a cross-section at the distal end of the insertion portion, such that the two spinous processes rest on the shaft portion; and a clamp portion being movable and securable along the shaft, and being configured to secure the two spinous processes between the clamp portion and the distal end of the insertion portion.

Abstract: A fasterner and rod fusion device with extensions to support an adjacent vertebral body is provided. The extensions are connected to the fasterner and rod fusion device. The extensions include flexibly connected rods, bands, spacers, or the like to resist extension and/or flexion of the vertebral body(ies) adjacent a fusion site. Alternatively, the extensions may be coupled to a cross link between multiple rods.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve. Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted to restore the normal angular relationship of the vertebrae adjacent to that disc space. An extended outer sleeve having extended portions capable of maintaining the vertebrae distracted in their normal angular relationship is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

Abstract: Interspinous/inter-laminar spinal spacers are configured to be placed between bony structures of adjacent vertebrae. In one form, spinal spacers are defined by a unitary body comprising a first contoured plate and a second contoured plate. The first contoured plate comprises first and second wings configured to engage first and second vertebra, and a post extending from the contoured plate and having a bullet nose and an outer surface with a curved portion and a planar portion. The second contoured plate is slidably coupled to the post of the body and comprises first and second wings configured to engage first and second vertebra, a rear portion extending between the first wing and the second wing, and a front portion extending between the first wing and the second wing. The first wing, second wing, rear portion, and front portion define a first bore configured to receive the post.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a first arm comprising a first upper portion and a first lower portion extending from a first middle portion, the first upper portion, first lower portion, and first middle portion defining a first inward facing surface; a projection extending from the first middle portion; a second arm comprising a second upper portion and a second lower portion extending from a second middle portion, the second middle portion defining a bore configured to receive the projection to enable adjustment of the second arm relative to the first arm, the second upper portion, the second lower portion, and the second middle portion defining a second inward facing surface; a plurality of first spikes extending in a generally perpendicular fashion from the first and second inward facing surfaces; and at least one second spike extending in a non-perpendicular fashion from the first and second inward facing surfaces.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly including at least one bone plate, polyaxially adjustable fixation elements and a polyaxially adjustable locking mechanism. A first plate includes at least one polyaxial element for lockable connection with a fixation pad, and a connection feature which allows the plate to translate and polyaxially rotate relative to the locking mechanism. A second plate includes at least one polyaxial element for connection with a fixation pad and a connection feature for non-rotatable connection with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism allows translation and polyaxial adjustment of the first plate relative to the second plate and locks the first and second plates via a taper lock. The fixation pad includes a deflectable spacer configured to prevent premature locking of the pad. Methods for implantation of the bone plate assembly between bone structures are disclosed. Instrumentation for implantation, compression and locking of the bone plate assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is adapted to fixate the spinous processes of vertebral bones. The device includes at least one bone engagement member. When implanted, a bone engagement member is located on each side of a spinous process and adapted to forcibly abut the side of each spinous process.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may include a pair of structural members coupled to at least a portion of a human vertebra with connectors. Connectors may couple structural members to spinous processes. Some embodiments of a spinal stabilization system may include fasteners that couple structural members to vertebrae. In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system, provides three points of fixation for a single vertebral level. A fastener may fixate a facet joint between adjacent vertebrae and couple a stabilization structural member to a vertebra. Connectors may couple the structural members to the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Use of a spinal stabilization system may improve the stability of a weakened or damaged portion of a spine. When used in conjunction with an implant or other device, the spinal stabilization system may immobilize vertebrae and allow for fusion of the implant or other device with vertebrae.

Abstract: An interspinous process spacer includes a main body, a first wing, and a screw. The main body includes a first securing member extending from a top portion of the main body that engages a first vertebra and a bottom portion of the main body that engages a second vertebra. The first wing pivotably couples to a distal portion of the main body and includes a second securing member extending parallel to the first securing member to form a first clamp. The screw is positionable within the main body and includes a distal end that positions the first wing between a first position and a second position. The first clamp includes a first diameter in the first position and a second diameter in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interspinous implant, intended to be implanted between two adjacent dorsal spines, each including an upper edge, a lower edge and two opposed lateral faces, wherein the implant includes at least one body with dimensions arranged so as to maintain or restore a distance between the adjacent edges of the two spinous processes and including at least two wings extending so that at least a part of each wing lies along at least a part of one lateral face of one of the two spinous processes and, additionally, at least one retainer for the implant, designed to retain the body of the implant between the two spinous processes and to be inserted from the same lateral face as the body.

Abstract: A spinal device in which a plate is placed on both sides of the lamina spinous process. The plates include horizontal and diagonal slots through which anchoring screws may be placed and secured. The screws may pass through the base of the spinous process and lamina structure. The plates may have cut-out portions on the ventral side to accommodate the lamina when reduction is performed. The diagonal slots preferably have an apex proximate to the dorsal side and open at the ventral side. The two plates can be mirror images of each other, and, when secured together by the screws, forms a stable construct that can sandwich the spinous process.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for an interspinous fixation and/or distraction of vertebrae and a methodology for minimally invasive implantation of the apparatus in the spine of a patient. The apparatus corresponds to a pair of teardrop shaped lateral wing elements spaced apart by a central core element that may be selectively sized during the implantation process. The wings and central core are held together by a single threaded bolt and locking nut configuration resulting in a simple structure that may be easily implanted with minimal patient discomfort.

Abstract: An implant set for insertion into the lamina of a vertebra includes several reinforcing implants, each of which includes a main body with bearing surfaces on the vertebra and a fastening device. The main body has a front surface, a rear surface, and lateral and medial side surfaces, the medial side surface being offset rearwardly in relation to the lateral side surface. The side surfaces bear on sectioned surfaces of the lamina, and a rearwardly protruding extension with a lateral bearing surface on a spinous process of the vertebra is arranged on the rear surface. In this way, the resection opening can be easily and safely closed. Sleeves can be provided for the fastening via screws that are oriented such that the screws are guided through the adjoining facets and fuse the latter.

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.

Abstract: A method for improving shear loading capacity of a spinal segment having a superior vertebra, an inferior vertebra or sacrum, and a facet joint, includes providing a constraint device having an upper portion, a lower portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The constraint device is coupled with the spinal segment such that the upper portion of the constraint device is coupled with the superior vertebra and the lower portion of the constraint device is coupled with the inferior vertebra or a sacrum. The constraint device provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. Also, length or tension in the constraint device is adjusted so as to increase engagement between an upper portion of the facet joint and a lower portion of the facet joint, thereby increasing capacity of the spinal segment to resist shear loading.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a spinal stabilization system and method for stabilizing at least two vertebrae. The system holds together the vertebrae while allowing a limited amount of relative movement between the vertebrae. The system may include a flexible braid having two free ends, at least one spacer interposed between the spinous processes of the vertebrae, and a securing mechanism for securing the two ends of the braid to hold the at least one spacer between the spinous processes of the vertebrae. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism may comprise parts movable relative to each other. Portions of the braid may be placed between the movable parts. A mechanical member may cause the movable parts to move towards each other to secure the two ends of the braid.

Abstract: A spinal implant has two pairs of mounting plates or “staples,” two rods, and a crosslink. Each mounting plate mounts to a lateral side of a spinous process. Each rod interconnects a pair of mounting plates. The crosslink is disposed through the interspinous space and interconnects the rods. The crosslink hinders movement of the rods away from each other. The rods have a flexural modulus less than the mounting plates. The rod flexibility allows a small amount of relative movement of the vertebrae, which may be helpful in promoting fusion.

Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods for stabilizing the spine and replacing spinous processes removed during spine surgery are provided. The device has a suitable configuration to attach to both spine surgery hardware and to the paraspinal muscles and fascia. The device contains a muscle attachment portion, one or more connectors, and one or more cross connectors. Each cross connector contains a pair of connection portions configured to attach to hardware that is implanted in the spine, such as screw heads or rods. The muscle attachment portion contains a plurality of openings for the attachment of the paraspinal muscles and fascia. Following spine surgery, a surgeon attaches the device to the hardware implanted in the surgical site, and sutures the paraspinal muscles to the openings. Thus the device provides a direct attachment to the paraspinal musculature and fascia, and thereby stabilizes the spine.

Abstract: A spinal fusion apparatus includes a cage body configured to be inserted between two vertebral bodies and which has internal sidewalls that define a cavity which extends vertically through the cage body, and an internal compression member which includes a movable sidewall which defines at least one side of the cavity, and which is movable in a lateral direction from a first position located in the cavity to a second position located in the cavity such that a space within the cavity is reduced when the movable sidewall is at the second position. The internal compression member includes a compression mechanism coupled to the moveable sidewall, and moves the movable sidewall from the first position to the second position. Fusion material is disposed in the cavity is compressed and compacted by the movable sidewall as the moveable sidewall moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Systems for trauma and/or joint fusion implants and instruments include transarticular screw and intra-articular washer, polyaxial screw and plate, single- and multi-level polyaxial bone clamps, and minimally invasive adaptations.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided for posterior vertebral stabilization and/or fixation of a lumbar vertebra relative to the pelvis by attachment to the spinous process of a lumbar vertebra and to the sacrum of the pelvis. The posterior spinal implant has a spinous process attachment portion and a sacrum attachment portion formed by a first part having a first spinous process segment and a first sacrum segment and a second part having a second spinous process segment and a second sacrum segment. The first segments are carried on a first arm, while the second segments are carried on a second arm with the first and second arms adjustable relative to each other. The first and second spinous process segments and the first and second sacrum segments each have a plurality of inwardly extending spikes for respectively gripping or clamping against the sides of the spinous process and the sacrum.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device including a clamping device and a flexible band configured to be secured a vertebra. The clamping device includes a base member and an upper member configured to be secured together with a fastener. The flexible band is configured to be passed around a bone portion and through a passage of the base member to position the flexible band between a clamping surface of the base member and a clamping surface of the upper member. The flexible band is tensioned to urge the clamping device against the bone portion and then clamped between the clamping surfaces of the base member and the upper member. A stabilization member of a vertebral stabilization construct may be secured to the vertebra with the bone anchoring device without invasively altering or impairing the structural integrity of the vertebra.

Abstract: A spinal implant device immobilizes an attached vertebrae through a minimally invasive surgical approach while providing a compartment within the implant for the placement of bone graft or bone graft substitute. The bone graft material fuses the spinous processes and/or lamina portion of bone of the vertebral bone to which the device is attached.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: A spinal fixation plate for posterior fixation, including a plate body having flattened flanges extending along sides of the plate body, the flanges being interconnected by a convex arcuate process. A method of fixing vertebrae, including the steps of disposing a spinal fixation plate upon dorsal surfaces of adjoining vertebrae, wherein flanges of the spinal fixation plate extend parallel to the spinal column and rest upon superior articular processes of the adjoining vertebrae, and anchoring the spinal fixation plate to the vertebrae with at least one fastener by disposing the fastener through at least one aperture of the spinal fixation plate into the vertebrae.

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: Medical devices and kits for dynamically stabilizing or preserving motion in a spine and limiting adjacent, non-adjacent, or isolated segment degeneration of the spine while providing a controlled, determinable range of motion at the treated site, as well as methods for surgical use of the system.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: A system for restricting flexion of a spinal segment in a patient comprises a constraint device having a tether structure and a compliance member coupled with the tether structure. The tether structure is adapted to be coupled with a superior spinous process and a sacrum. The system also includes an anchor member that is anchored to the sacrum. The anchor member has an attachment feature that is adapted to couple with the constraint device.

Abstract: An implant device includes a pair of hook devices and an elongate guide device. The hook devices are configured to be disposed between and engage adjacent vertebral bodies. The elongate guide device is connected to the hook devices and allows for relative movement of at least one of the hook devices to adjust for the geometries of the vertebral surfaces to be engaged by the hook devices.

Abstract: A system for fusing a spine comprises a flexion limiting tether having a superior portion, and an inferior portion. The superior portion of the device is coupled to a superior portion of the spine, and the inferior portion of the device is coupled to an inferior portion of the spine thereby constraining flexion of the spine. The system also includes bone graft for fusing the superior and inferior portions of the spine together. The bone graft is disposed between the superior and inferior portions of the spine, and the tether has a width suitable for holding the bone graft in a mass disposed between the superior and inferior portions of the spine. The tether also has a porosity suitable to allow body fluids to pass therethrough so that the graft material forms a solid mass.

Abstract: A prosthetic spinous process includes a member and a plurality of crosslinking rods connected to the member at an angle relative to each other, wherein the member includes at least one opening therethrough.

Abstract: A spinal implant adapted to be inserted into an interspinous space between adjacent spinous processes includes a proximal section, a central section, and a distal section disposed sequentially along a longitudinal axis. The distal section has feature(s) that allow the implant to be inserted laterally into the interspinous space, such as an approximately helical groove and/or a thread-like structure. The distal tip of the implant tapers inwardly, and may be rounded. The proximal section may include an outwardly extending wing or flange. The implant may include a main body that includes the wing or flange and a spacer slidably mated to the main body through the wing or flange.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: A system for surgically coupling the spinous processes includes a first plate, a second plate, a pair of semi-rigid guide members, and a coupler. The first plate engages with a first lateral side of the spinous processes. The pair of semi-rigid guide members attaches to the first plate for inserting the first plate between the spinous processes. The second plate includes a pair of apertures that slide over the pair of semi-rigid guide members engage a second lateral side of the spinous processes. The coupler couples the first plate and the second plate together.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes disposing at least a portion of a support member into a space between adjacent spinous processes. The support member defines a lumen between a proximal end and a distal end of the support member. An expandable member is inserted through the lumen of the support member such that a distal end portion of the expandable member is disposed outside a distal end of the lumen and a proximal end portion of the expandable member is disposed outside a proximal end of the lumen. The distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the expandable member are then expanded such that each of the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the expandable member has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the support member.

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.