Abstract: The method for preventing extravasation of bone cement used in balloon kyphoplasty involves first forming a void in a vertebral body. A pair of unfilled balloons are then inserted into the void in the vertebral body. An injection tube or catheter is inserted through an inlet port of each of the balloons, and the balloons are filled with bone cement. The injection tubes are then removed from the inlet ports. The bone cement is preferably provided in the form of pellets or granules. The inlet ports are each provided with a seal, such as an elastic band mounted thereabout, or the like, allowing the inlet port to be automatically sealed as soon as the corresponding injection tube is withdrawn. The device includes at least the balloon and the seal, but may be furnished as a kit that also includes the bone cement and injection tube.

Abstract: Internal pedicle insulator apparatuses and methods are provided. A representative method includes: providing an internal pedicle insulator implant; inserting the implant into a pedicle such that the implant is positioned between a nerve and material that is to be applied in a vicinity of the nerve; applying the material in the vicinity of the nerve; and using the implant to prevent the material from contacting the nerve.

Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.

Abstract: Non-aqueous hydraulic cement compositions comprise a non-aqueous mixture of a powder composition and a non-aqueous water-miscible liquid. In one embodiment, powder composition is a Brushite or Monetite-forming calcium phosphate powder composition. In another embodiment, the powder composition comprises porous ?-tricalcium phosphate (?-TCP) granules and at least one additional calcium phosphate powder. In another embodiment, the powder composition comprises calcium silicate powder. In a further embodiment, the powder composition comprises calcium aluminate powder. In another embodiment, the powder composition is a cement composition and comprises nanopowders having a grain size of less than 1 micron. Hardened cements are formed from such hydraulic cement compositions, and methods of producing hardened cements, kits, and articles of manufacture employ such hydraulic cement compositions.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for delivering material to a medical treatment site which comprises a plurality of containers for containing the material, a dispensing outlet and means for bringing each container into communication with the outlet and means for transferring material from the containers and through the outlet. The plurality of containers may be removably mounted within a removable cartridge. The apparatus is arranged so that the cartridge is biased to sequentially move each of the containers into communication with the outlet. The outlet may be provided at the end of a dispensing nozzle where the dispensing nozzle has an inner cross-sectional area that is uniform and the same as the containers so that no taper is provided as the material is dispensed from the containers and out of the outlet.

Abstract: A bone anchor includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, a bore extending from the first end to the second end, and a plug member which is insertable into the bore and guidable through the bore for closing the bore at the second end. The bone anchor is suitable for minimally invasive surgery in such a way a guide wire can be guided through the bone anchor and after the bone anchor has been anchored in the bone the plug member is inserted to close the open end of the bone anchor. A bone cement or a pharmaceutical substance can be introduced into the bone anchor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectably detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.

Abstract: Methods and devices are shown for forming polymer fasteners into bone by expelling the polymer from a cannula. Devices and methods shown allow a user to form multiple fasteners of various sizes without re-loading a device. Devices and methods shown further provide temperature profiles during fastener formation that reduce or eliminate thermal necrosis. Devices and methods shown further provide fasteners with increased strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a systems, devices and methods of delivering and deploying a stent into a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony or body structure. In some instances, a system can include an elongate shaft for delivering a self-expanding, cement-directing stent. The elongate shaft can include at least one of an inner shaft, an outer shaft, a tubular sheath, a flexible guidewire, and an internal polymer extrusion. A rotational handle can be used to control movement of the elongate shaft. The rotational handle can incorporate one or more pins in slots associated with each of the components (e.g., inner shaft, outer shaft, and tubular sheath), such that upon rotation of the handle, the pins are forced to move in the direction of their respective slots.

Abstract: A device for dispensing biomaterial includes a handle configured to receive a syringe, the syringe including a biomaterial and a threaded plunger, and an engagement pin retained within the handle and slidable between a first position and a second position. The engagement pin is configured to engage the threaded plunger in the first position, the engagement pin is further configured to disengage from the threaded plunger in the second position.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring graft to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a bone cavity is created in bone, a graft is partially advanced into the bone cavity, and a hardenable filler material is inserted into the cavity. The hardenable filler material can change from a viscous first state to a harder second state, compressing the graft against the walls of the bone cavity and thereby anchoring the graft within the cavity. The hardenable filler material can be inserted in an open sac, a closed sac, other carriers or housings, or directly into the bone cavity.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a cannula system that is readily maneuverable in an operating room setting, can be used to expose different instrumentalities to a target site, and has directional capabilities to allow the user to treat multiple quadrants or areas of a target site. The present invention provides cannula systems including these different instrumentalities as well as methods of operating these cannula systems and methods of treating orthopedic conditions using these cannula systems.

Abstract: A non-aqueous hydraulic cement composition comprises a non-aqueous mixture of (a) ?-tricalcium phosphate powder, (b) monocalcium phosphate powder, and (c) non-aqueous water-miscible liquid, wherein (i) at least about 90% of the monocalcium phosphate powder has a grain size in a range of about 200-600 ?m and the powder (weight) to liquid (volume) ratio is about 2.5-5.5, (ii) at least about 90% of the monocalcium phosphate powder has a grain size in a range of about 1-400 ?m and the powder (weight) to liquid (volume) ratio is about 2-5, or (iii) at least about 90% of the monocalcium phosphate powder has a grain size in a range of about 1-600 ?m and the powder (weight) to liquid (volume) ratio is about 2.5-5.5. Methods, hardened cements, articles of manufacture and kits employ such compositions.

Abstract: A method of predicting the operating state of a curable bone cement composition includes determining the impedance of the bone cement composition. The impedance is used to predict a number of operating states of the bone cement composition including end-of-work time and setting time.

Abstract: The invention features bone screws having a threaded screw body and a screw head attached to one end of the screw body, the bone screw further including: a) an interior channel extending longitudinally through the screw head and through at least a portion of the screw body, wherein the interior channel has a width of less than 5.0 millimeters; and b) a plurality of radially-disposed delivery channels connecting the interior channel to the exterior of the screw body, each delivery channel having exterior openings. The invention further features devices that include a bone screw and a delivery manifold detachably attached to the screw head of the bone screw. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone defect by using a bone screw described herein.

Abstract: Photodynamic bone stabilization systems are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a photodynamic bone stabilization system includes a catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end adapter, a distal end releasably engaging an expandable portion, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a light-conducting fiber configured to transmit light energy to the expandable portion; a light-sensitive liquid monomer comprising an initiator, wherein the initiator is activated when the light-conducting fiber transmits the light energy to initiate polymerization of the light-sensitive liquid monomer; and a cooling medium configured to control polymerization temperature, wherein the catheter comprises an inner void sufficiently designed to pass the light-sensitive liquid monomer into the expandable portion, and wherein the catheter comprises an inner lumen sufficiently designed to pass the light-conducting fiber into the expandable portion and configured to circulate the cooling medium.

Abstract: A method for filling a bone defect in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method includes heating a bone cement composition at a first temperature where the bone cement composition is fluidic, and delivering an effective amount of the fluidic bone cement composition at a second temperature to the bone defect thereby filling the bone defect and allowing the fluidic bone cement composition to solidify, the second temperature being sufficiently high for maintaining the bone cement composition fluidic without causing thermal necrosis. Also disclosed are systems for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A system for inserting an augmentation pin into an augmentation screw, including a pin-inserter with an axial through-bore and a lateral opening. A pin-magazine with a pin-retainer for an augmentation pin in insertable in the lateral opening. The pin-magazine is placed in the lateral opening of the pin-inserter and an augmentation pin in the pin-retainer is aligned with the axial through-bore. The augmentation pin may be pushed by means of a pusher from the pin-magazine into an augmentation screw, when the augmentation screw is arranged in front of the pin-inserter.

Abstract: A kit for injecting a biomaterial into an intradiscal space accessed through an opening in the disc annulus comprises a plurality of needles, each sized for introduction through the annulus opening with a passageway for injecting the biomaterial therethrough, and each including a distal end to be disposed within the intradiscal space when the needle extends through the annulus opening. Each needle includes a stop affixed thereto at different pre-determined distances from the distal end to define the location of the distal end within the intradiscal space when the needle extends through the opening in the annulus. The kit further includes a plurality of seals defining a bore for sliding engagement with a needle, each of the plurality of seals including a sealing face for engaging the annulus around the needle. Each sealing face defines a differently configured area of contact, such as circular, elliptical, tapered and threaded.

Abstract: Devices are provided for injecting fluid into the body. One such device includes an elongated, hollow cannula having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a shaft portion between the proximal and distal end portions, and a fluid flow lumen extending through the shaft portion between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion is flexible and pre-disposed to assume a curved configuration having a radially inner side and a radially outer side. The radially inner side includes at least one aperture to direct fluid flowing from the lumen in a radially inward direction. The device may include an introducer member and/or a guide member for introducing the cannula to a treatment site. Methods of injecting fluid into the body are also provided.

Abstract: A delivery mechanism comprising a dilator, catheter, lumen or the like is provided to allow a filler material to be injected to a gap in a partially fused intervertebral disc space to allow correction of the incomplete, partial, or deteriorated fusion.

Abstract: Photodynamic bone stabilization systems are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a photodynamic bone stabilization system includes a catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end adapter, a distal end releasably engaging an expandable portion, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a light-conducting fiber configured to transmit light energy to the expandable portion; a light-sensitive liquid monomer comprising an initiator, wherein the initiator is activated when the light-conducting fiber transmits the light energy to initiate polymerization of the light-sensitive liquid monomer; and a cooling medium configured to control polymerization temperature, wherein the catheter comprises an inner void sufficiently designed to pass the light-sensitive liquid monomer into the expandable portion, and wherein the catheter comprises an inner lumen sufficiently designed to pass the light-conducting fiber into the expandable portion and configured to circulate the cooling medium.

Abstract: Reduced bone fracture fixation devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the reduced bone fracture fixation devices include a body dimensioned to be positioned in a reduced bone fracture, wherein the body has a wedge shape configuration sufficient to exert a force on bone of the reduced bone fracture and maintain reduction of the reduced bone fracture. The devices, kits and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to repair a reduced bone fracture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for percutaneous delivery of bone cement during a surgical procedure. The system of the present invention has a plunger assembly 100, comprising: a shaft having a first end, a middle section, and a second end, wherein the middle section is threaded; and a handle attached to the first end of the shaft. The system further comprises a dispenser hub assembly 200 around the shaft having a collar and a hand-grip attached to the collar, and a threaded portion formed on an interior surface of the collar. The system may further comprise a hollow tube 300 for containing the bone cement during the surgical procedure having a first end and a second end, the first end of the hollow tube adapted to be removably engaged with the threaded portion of the dispenser hub assembly. The shaft is axially displaceable through the hollow tube for controlled displacement of the bone cement through the second end of the hollow tube.

Abstract: An application device for bone substitute material is disclosed. A cylinder contains a piston rod having an elastically deformable piston. The cylinder is closed via an attachment, through which a wetting liquid phase can be inserted via an injection opening. After a period of time, the wetted bone substitute material is compressed, with excess liquid phase being pressed out through drainage openings. Thereafter, the attachment can be removed and if applicable discharging takes place through a curved discharge nozzle, with the piston being able to adapt itself to the curvature with the benefit of total emptying of the device.

Abstract: A device for straightening and stabilizing the vertebral column, particularly for stabilizing broken vertebrae, includes a supporting implant which is plastically expandable by internal pressure. The supporting implant can be placed into the interior of a vertebral body which has been fractured under compression or between adjacent vertebral bodies. A pressure balloon to which pressure fluid can be admitted may be arranged in the interior of the supporting implant for producing the internal pressure.

Abstract: A cannula (1) comprising A) a central axis (2), a front end (3), a rear end (4) and a channel (5) coaxial or parallel to said central axis (2) and defining a peripheral wall (12) of said cannula (1); B) referencing means (15) at said rear end (4), so that said cannula (1) can be brought in a desired position relative to a cavity (120) in a bone; wherein C) said cannula (1) further comprises at least two perforations (8) penetrating said peripheral wall (12) transversely to said central axis (2); and D) said at least two perforations (8) are arranged in a portion (16) of said peripheral wall (12) which extends over an arc (18) orthogonal to said central axis (2) with a central angle ?<270°.

Abstract: An adapter attached between a dispenser containing a bone void filler and the head of a cannulated surgical screw allows the cannulated surgical screw to be used as a port to inject bone void filler into a bone void during the course of a surgical repair which would use a surgical screw to attach broken or separated bone fragments providing a more secure bone anchor matrix within which the surgical screw is set.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat at least two vertebral bodies in a spinal column. The systems and methods make use of first and second tool assemblies operable to treat an interior region of, respectively, a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body in the spinal column. The systems and methods provide directions for operating the first and second tool assemblies to treat the first and second vertebral bodies, at least for a portion of time, concurrently.

Abstract: An elongated shaft is sized and configured to establish an access path to bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone. The elongated shaft includes a generally closed distal end portion and a side opening spaced from the closed distal end. A first tool is sized and configured to be selectively inserted into the shaft and selectively removed from the shaft. The tool includes a region that, when the first tool is inserted into the shaft, is capable of being aligned with and advanced through the side opening to project outside the side opening and contact cancellous bone. A second tool is sized and configured, upon removal of the first tool from the shaft, to introduce into the shaft a bone filling material for discharge through the side opening into the cancellous bone contacted by the first tool.

Abstract: A delivery device for semi-solid implantable material such as synthetic bone graft substitutes. The device comprises a handle (1), a cylinder (2) extending from the handle and having an outlet at its distal end. A piston (23) is operated by a trigger (5) and is slidable within the cylinder to displace the material from the cylinder. The cylinder has a substantially constant inner diameter along its entire length such that the outlet has substantially the same inner diameter as the rest of the cylinder. When the trigger is fully depressed, a ratchet mechanism (14, 32) is disengaged allowing the piston to be pulled back to a starting position.

Abstract: A method of preparing a graft material for a bone surface at a surgical site includes providing a first syringe having continuous side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein the syringe has a first end and a second end wherein the inner surface defines a chamber. An adapter is removably attached to the distal end of the syringe wherein the adapter has a throughbore in fluid communication with the chamber. A first selected amount of solid bone graft material is disposed within the chamber. A plunger is inserted into the chamber to define a selected volume between a distal end of the plunger and the second end of the first syringe. A second syringe containing a selected amount of a liquid biomaterial is attached to the adapter wherein the second syringe is in fluid communication with the adapter and the first syringe such that the liquid biomaterial is transferred from the second syringe to the first syringe.

Abstract: Bone graft compositions for repairing bone defects, which are characterized by a chemical composition of cementitious, non-cementitious, highly-resorbable and poorly-resorbable particulate substances, and further characterized by a specific particle size distribution that includes two or more different ranges of particle size, are disclosed. Further disclosed are articles of manufacturing and unit dosage forms containing the bone graft compositions, methods of repairing bone defects utilizing the bone graft compositions, and processes of preparing the same. Also provided are applicators for applying flowable mixtures formed by mixing a dry composition and a liquid carrier, which are particularly useful for preparing and applying bone graft compositions, as well as methods of using same.

Abstract: A cement delivery system for vertebroplasty including a rigid cannula having a tubular inner wall defining a central conduit to deliver bone cement and a tubular outer wall extending around the inner wall and spaced apart therefrom to define a peripheral conduit for aspirating bone fluids. Aspirating means communicate with a proximal outlet port of the peripheral conduit to create a pressure gradient between the central conduit and the peripheral conduit to provide a hydraulic force guiding the displacement of bone fluid and the flow of cement. Also, a bone cement delivery system including a rigid cannula having a tubular inner wall defining a central conduit, a tubular outer wall extending around the inner wall and spaced apart therefrom to define a peripheral conduit, and a tubular middle wall extending between the inner and peripheral walls and spaced apart therefrom to define a middle conduit around the central conduit.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a spine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes expanding an expandable member to move a tissue portion and form a cavity within an interior of a bone-related structure. At least a portion of the cavity is filled with a filler material while simultaneously withdrawing a medium from the expandable member at a predefined ratio such that the tissue portion substantially maintains its moved position. In some embodiments, the predefined ratio is 1:1. In another embodiment, a method includes expanding an expandable member to move a tissue portion and form a cavity within an interior of an intervertebral disc. At least a portion of the cavity is filled with a filler material while substantially maintaining the moved position of the tissue portion.

Abstract: A stand for use with a syringe is disclosed. The stand includes a base and a clip affixed to the base. The clip engages a portion of the syringe so as to removably secure the syringe to the stand in a position such that the distal end of the syringe is spaced vertically away from the base. Preferably, the syringe includes a handle extending outwardly from a barrel of the syringe, and the feature which the clip engages includes the handle of the syringe.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for controlling the distribution of bone cement on a surface of a prepared bone so as to prepare the bone to receive a resurfacing prosthesis. The instrument includes a shaft having a shaft axis configured to at least partially disposed within the bore of the bone, and at least one arm coupled to the shaft. The at least one arm is configured to rotate about the shaft axis and shaped so as to contact the cement on the bone when the at least one arm is rotated about the shaft axis.

Abstract: A non-aqueous hydraulic cement composition comprises a non-aqueous mixture of (a) ?-tricalcium phosphate powder, (b) monocalcium phosphate powder, and (c) non-aqueous water-miscible liquid, wherein (i) at least about 90% of the monocalcium phosphate powder has a grain size in a range of about 200-600 ?m and the powder (weight) to liquid (volume) ratio is about 2.5-5.5, (ii) at least about 90% of the monocalcium phosphate powder has a grain size in a range of about 1-400 ?m and the powder (weight) to liquid (volume) ratio is about 2-5, or (iii) at least about 90% of the monocalcium phosphate powder has a grain size in a range of about 1-600 ?m and the powder (weight) to liquid (volume) ratio is about 2.5-5.5. Methods, hardened cements, articles of manufacture and kits employ such compositions.

Abstract: A hydraulic cement composition comprises a mixture of (a) a cement powder composition which is soluble or partly soluble in water, (b) a non-aqueous water-miscible liquid, and (c) an aqueous hydration liquid. Methods of producing a hardened cement, hardened cements, kits, and articles of manufacture employ such compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing bone cement includes a cartridge for containing the bone cement. The apparatus also includes a plunger insertable into the cartridge. An impedance sensor is coupled to the plunger and configured to produce an output signal indicative of an impedance of bone cement contained in the cartridge. The apparatus may also include a processing circuit configured to determine an impedance value of bone cement contained within the cartridge based on the sensor signal. The processing circuit may activate a visual indicator based on the impedance value to indicate that the dough time, the end-of-work time, and/or setting-time of bone cement contained in the cartridge has been reached.

Abstract: A shroud for protecting exterior portions of a prosthetic implant from adhesive and a method for utilizing the same. The shroud includes a hub, a rim, and at least one bridge connecting the hub and the rim. The rim of the shroud may be sized to cover substantially the same area as a guard of the implant. The method of utilizing the shroud involves securing the shroud to the prosthetic implant. A quantity of adhesive is provided, and the prosthetic implant is secured thereto. The shroud is removed from the implant, and then the guard is secured to the implant.

Abstract: A force-limiting clutch for a surgical instrument includes a drive element and a transmission element. An actuator is coupled to the drive element, and a drive shaft is coupled to the transmission element for providing an output force. If the force input from the actuator to the clutch reaches a predetermined threshold, the force-limiting clutch “slips” and does not transfer the actuator force to the drive shaft to prevent excessive force/pressure output. Normally, drive features on the drive element engage with transmission features on the transmission element to transfer forces from the actuator to the drive shaft. When a threshold force is reached, the drive features slip past the transmission features. This clutch “breakpoint” determines the maximum loading that the surgical instrument can provide at its output. In various embodiments, multiple transmission features can be arranged in a serial manner, such that the force-limiting clutch provides multiple breakpoints.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing material into an injection site of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a carrier. The cannula is inserted into an injection site of a patient. The carrier is connected to an injector containing a volume of material. Material may be pre-loaded into the carrier so that the material is delivered to a distal end of the carrier from the injector and the carrier is thus pre-loaded with material. A portion of the distal end of the pre-loaded carrier is inserted into the cannula and material is delivered to an injection site. The supply section can be rotatable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inner section.

Abstract: A system for forming an implant to stabilize an interior of a vertebral body is provided. The system includes a delivery cannula (18) in which there is an agglomeration of beads (20) and cement (22). A membrane is disposed over the open end of the cannula. When the agglomeration is discharged from the cannula it fills the membrane. The membrane thus forms the outer shell of the implant internal to the bone.

Abstract: A kit for injecting a biomaterial into an intradiscal space accessed through an opening in the disc annulus comprises a plurality of needles, each sized for introduction through the annulus opening with a passageway for injecting the biomaterial therethrough, and each including a distal end to be disposed within the intradiscal space when the needle extends through the annulus opening. Each needle includes a stop affixed thereto at different pre-determined distances from the distal end to define the location of the distal end within the intradiscal space when the needle extends through the opening in the annulus. The kit further includes a plurality of seals defining a bore for sliding engagement with a needle, each of the plurality of seals including a sealing face for engaging the annulus around the needle. Each sealing face defines a differently configured area of contact, such as circular, elliptical, tapered and threaded.

Abstract: Disclosed are vertebroplasty methods that include cauterizing an inner cavity of a vertebra of a mammal, such as a human, and injecting bone cement into the vertebra. Systems and kits for performing such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: A remotely-activated injection device for use in vertebroplasty is provided to inject a flourescent probe material into a patient. The injection device includes a pump defining an injection chamber having an exit opening; an actuator; and a cable having a first end coupled to the actuator, and a second end remotely engaging the pump. The actuator remotely controls the pump by responsive movement of the cable to thereby cause injection of a flourescent probe material from the injection chamber of the pump through the exit opening to the patient.

Abstract: A device and method for biologic vertebral reconstruction utilizes a biologically active jacket inserted into a cavity formed in a vertebra to be reconstructed. An artificial bone material is inserted into the biologically active jacket and allowed to set. The structure and method described herein provide for effective biologic vertebral reconstruction. The use of a biological material and artificial bone enables the host bone to replace the artificial bone over a period of time. Additionally, the structure of the biologically active jacket minimizes any impact into the spinal canal and the paravertebral spaces. Moreover, because of its biomechanical characteristics, which approximate the host bone, there is relative protection of the neighboring vertebral against fracture. Still further, the materials of the biologically active jacket may be impregnated with various substances to achieve various advantageous tasks.