Abstract

A spinal implant device is provided comprising a body structure with a central cavity and a movable lid configured to cover the central cavity. The movable lid is configured to be opened to pack a material in the central cavity. The movable lid can be connected to the body structure with a moveable joint. The spinal implant device can include a compressible feature. A method for treating the spine is provided comprising opening a movable lid of a spinal implant device, packing a material in a central cavity of a spinal implant device, closing the movable lid, and inserting the spinal implant device between vertebrae.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 2/44 - Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
• A61F 2/46 - Special tools for implanting artificial joints

Abstract

A retractor for use in surgical operations comprises a pair of blade assemblies. In operation, the blade assemblies are initially in a closed position to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The retractor is adapted to rotate a first blade about a first axis and a second blade about a second axis. The retractor is adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart along a third axis. The retractor is adapted to pivot the first blade about a fourth axis and the second blade about a fifth axis. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed retractor is provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/02 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for holding wounds open; Tractors
• A61B 1/32 - Devices for opening or enlarging the visual field, e.g. of a tube of the body

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the facet joint. An implant for treating the facet joint is provided comprising a fixation plate having an access surface and a bone facing surface, a spacer configured to be inserted into the facet joint, and at least one hinge between the spacer and the bone facing surface of the fixation plate. A method for treating a facet joint comprising a superior articular process and an inferior articular process is provided comprising the steps of implanting a spacer between the superior articular process and the inferior articular process, positioning a fixation plate over the facet joint, and securing the fixation plate to at least one of the superior articular process and the inferior articular process. Another method comprises the steps of providing an implant comprising a fixation plate having an access surface and a bone facing surface, a spacer, and at least one hinge between the spacer and the bone facing surface of the fixation plate.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 2/44 - Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs

Abstract

An interspinous process device includes a first plate, a second plate, and a transverse member between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the second plate is adjustably coupled to the transverse member. A post is coupled to the transverse member and a spring mechanism is disposed between the post and the first plate. The spring mechanism is configured to provide a preloaded compression force to the first and second plates. Methods of implanting the interspinous process device using an inserter tool are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/70 - Spinal positioners or stabilisers
• A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices

Abstract

A retractor for use in surgical operations comprises a pair of blade assemblies. In operation, the blade assemblies are initially in a closed position to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The retractor is adapted to rotate a first blade about a first axis and a second blade about a second axis. The retractor is adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart along a third axis. The retractor is adapted to pivot the first blade about a fourth axis and the second blade about a fifth axis. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed retractor is provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/02 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for holding wounds open; Tractors

Abstract

An articulating rod inserter is configured for use in delivering a fixation rod to an orthopedic fixation system through a cannula or tower. The articulating rod inserter is releasably coupled to a rod and can move the rod from a generally aligned configuration, wherein the longitudinal axes of the rod and rod inserter are generally aligned, to an angled configuration, wherein the longitudinal axis of the rod is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the rod inserter. The rod is inserted into the patient through a first tower and then articulated to a second tower such that the rod extends between two or more fixation devices.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/70 - Spinal positioners or stabilisers
• A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices

Abstract

An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 2/44 - Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs

Abstract

In some embodiments, a device for reinforcement of a facet joint is provided. The device comprises a lumen configured to receive a fastener member. In some embodiments, a second segment comprises a second lumen configured to receive a fastener member or fastener. In some embodiments, kits are provided with a fastener member and a facet reinforcement device. Methods are also provided for treating a spine. In some embodiments, the fastener member is placed through both articular processes of a facet joint and a fact reinforcement device.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/70 - Spinal positioners or stabilisers
• A61B 17/82 - Internal fixation devices for bone cerclage
• A61F 2/44 - Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs

Abstract

In some embodiments, a device for reinforcement of a facet joint is provided. The device comprises a lumen configured to receive a fastener member. In some embodiments, a second segment comprises a second lumen configured to receive a fastener member or fastener. In some embodiments, kits are provided with a fastener member and a facet reinforcement device. Methods are also provided for treating a spine. In some embodiments, the fastener member is placed through both articular processes of a facet joint and a facet reinforcement device.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/70 - Spinal positioners or stabilisers
• A61B 17/82 - Internal fixation devices for bone cerclage

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. The distraction device defines a generally annular configuration, with a locking member secured to one of the elongated members at a plurality of locations to maintain the distraction device in the generally annular configuration. The augmenting elongated member may be shorter than the first and second elongated members such that a window is defined between the proximal and distal ends of the augmenting elongated member when the distraction device and the first and second elongated members are in the generally annular configuration. Bone graft material or bone filler may be introduced into the interior of the distraction device through the window.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/70 - Spinal positioners or stabilisers
• A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices
• A61F 2/44 - Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs

Abstract

In some embodiments, a method includes disposing a flexible band through an aperture of a support member, the support member having a fixation portion configured to secure the support member to a first bone portion. The method includes advancing a portion of the flexible band through an attachment portion of the flexible band until the flexible band is secured to a second bone portion. The method includes advancing a portion of the fixation portion of the support member into the first bone portion until the support member is secured to the first bone portion.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/70 - Spinal positioners or stabilisers
• A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices

Abstract

In some embodiments, a method comprises forming a lumen in a first bone portion and forming a lumen in a second bone portion. The method further includes inserting a portion of a flexible fastening band through the lumen in the first bone portion and through the lumen in the second bone portion, and inserting the portion of the flexible fastening band into a fastener mechanism monolithically formed with the flexible fastening band. The method further includes advancing the portion of the flexible fastening band through the fastener mechanism until the first bone portion and the second bone portion are stabilized.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/70 - Spinal positioners or stabilisers
• A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices
• A61F 2/44 - Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs

Abstract

Devices and methods for creating lumens in the articular process of the vertebra are provided. An embodiment of the invention can be a tool that can cut a curved lumen through the articular process. The tool can have a lumen-forming arm with a rotating drill contained within that can be powered by a drill motor. The lumen-forming arm can be axially translated to cut a path through the articular process. Methods of using the resulting lumens to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/16 - Osteoclasts; Drills or chisels for bones; Trepans
• A61B 17/70 - Spinal positioners or stabilisers
• A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices

Abstract

A bone attachment device comprises an attachment collar having a hinged lid is disclosed. The bone attachment device may also comprise a bone fastener (such as a bone screw). A bone attachment device including an attachment collar and a spinal rod locking device is disclosed. A bone attachment device as described herein may be used together with a spinal stabilization rod and one or more additional bone attachment devices. Such devices are adapted to clamp and hold a spinal stabilization rod. Methods for implanting a spinal stabilizer having a bone attachment device including a hinged Ud are disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/70 - Spinal positioners or stabilisers
• A61B 17/84 - Fasteners therefor

Abstract

Method and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue and particularly spinal tissue. The device and method may include insertion of at least one elongated member and an augmenting member to form a structure between the tissues to be distraction, such that a dimensional aspect of the structure is augmented upon movement of the augmenting structure.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/02 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for holding wounds open; Tractors
• A61B 17/70 - Spinal positioners or stabilisers
• A61F 2/44 - Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs

Abstract

Devices and methods for protecting the neurovascular structures about the vertebral column (2) are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a neuroprotective stent or device (36) adapted for placement in an intervertebral foramen (26) of a vertebral column (2) and configured to resist compression or impingement from surrounding structures or forces. The stent or device may further comprise a flange (140) to facilitate attachment of the device (36) to the vertebrae (4) or a hinge region (144) to facilitate insertion of the device (36) in the foramen (26).

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 2/44 - Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
• A61F 2/82 - Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents

Abstract

Devices and methods for protecting the neurovascular structures about the vertebral column (2) are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a neuroprotective stent or device (36) adapted for placement in an intervertebral foramen (26) of a vertebral column (2) and configured to resist compression or impingement from surrounding structures or forces. The stent or device may further comprise a flange (140) to facilitate attachment of the device (36) to the vertebrae (4) or a hinge region (144) to facilitate insertion of the device (36) in the foramen (26).

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 2/44 - Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs

Abstract

Devices and methods for altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a prosthesis 34 with surfaces or faces 46, 48 configured to articulate with the facets 20, 22 of the facet joint 28. A retaining member 72 for anchoring the prosthesis 34 within the facet joint 28 is optionally included. Methods for surgically and less invasively implanting the prosthesis 34 and securing the prosthesis 34 to the articular processes or surrounding soft tissue are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 2/30 - Joints
• A61F 2/44 - Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
• A61L 27/04 - Metals or alloys
• A61L 27/10 - Ceramics or glasses
• A61L 27/14 - Macromolecular materials

Abstract

Devices and methods for altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a prosthesis 34 with surfaces or faces 46, 48 configured to articulate with the facets 20, 22 of the facet joint 28. A retaining member 72 for anchoring the prosthesis 34 within the facet joint 28 is optionally included. Methods for surgically and less invasively implanting the prosthesis 34 and securing the prosthesis 34 to the articular processes or surrounding soft tissue are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 2/30 - Joints
• A61F 2/44 - Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
• A61L 27/04 - Metals or alloys
• A61L 27/10 - Ceramics or glasses
• A61L 27/14 - Macromolecular materials