An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal earning surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the earning surfaces of amls to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms.

An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms.

A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or other portions of the tether structure to stabilize the tether structure and prevent misalignment after implantation.

The shim-type implant for distraction and fusion of cervical facet joints is provided. The implant has a generally box-like shape with a blunt leading edge that may be centered or offset to the inferior face. The implant may include a graft window for enhanced osseous through-growth after implantation. The implant is coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) and/or tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) to allow for osteo-conduction, is porous, and has a roughened surface with serrations on the superior and inferior faces. The implant may be fabricated from a titanium or tantalum alloy. In an embodiment, a set of tools is provided with a chisel and one or tongs and one or more decorticators for inserting the implant.

Disclosed is an endoscopic interspinous insert capable of being inserted into a body through an incision hole during a spinal endoscopic operation. The endoscopic interspinous insert includes a first support member including a first support body configured to support any one of the adjacent spinous processes, and a plurality of first support protrusions protruding from two opposite ends of the first support body, a second support member including a second support body configured to support the other of the adjacent spinous processes, and a plurality of second support protrusions protruding from two opposite ends of the second support body, and an adjustment member disposed between the first support member and the second support member and configured to adjust a distance between the first support member and the second support member.

An adjustable spinous process implant configured with one or more flexible members that extend from the implant and are further attachable to anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. The adjustable spinous process implant comprises a spacer that is shaped to fit between two adjacent spinal processes. The flexible members extend from one or more points on the adjustable spinous process implant and attach the anchors to provide tension and stability to the overall implant construct. The anchors are configured with a tensioning mechanism that enables the flexible members to be tensioned within the anchor.

Various methods and apparatus for dynamic stabilization of bones, and especially of vertebra. Disclosed herein are bushings that permit axial movement of a rod, tether, or similar interconnection device relative to an anchoring head that is coupled to a bone. Some bushings further allow lateral relative movement or rotational relative movement, such additional relative movement being limited by the size and shape of the bushing, the size and shape of the interconnection device, the size and shape of the bushing container, the manner of attaching the anchoring head to the bone, or other considerations.

A method for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes inserting a respective uncinate joint stabilizer into each uncinate joint along a medial-to-lateral direction starting from intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment, and securing each uncinate joint stabilizer to the respective uncinate joint. A system for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes a pair of uncinate joint stabilizers, each (a) elongated along a lengthwise dimension and configured for placement in the respective uncinate joint with the lengthwise dimension substantially oriented along an anterior-to-posterior direction of the cervical spine segment, (b) having height configured to define spacing of the respective uncinate joint, (c) and including a tapered portion for interfacing with superior and inferior surfaces of the respective uncinate joint and to enable insertion of the uncinate joint stabilizer into the respective uncinate joint from intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment.

The present invention relates to an implantable vertebral arthrodesis device (1) for fusing an overlying vertebra and an underlying vertebra, the device comprising an anterior portion (2) having upper and lower bearing zones (2a, 2b) suitable respectively for receiving lower and upper portions (3, 6) of upper and lower laminae (4, 7) of the overlying and underlying vertebrae (5, 8), said zones (2a, 2b) being spaced apart by a minimum height h (h1) for maintaining intervertebral spacing; rigid retaining devices (9) arranged relative to the anterior portion (2) so as to block migration of said anterior portion (2) towards the spinal canal; a posterior portion (10) in connection with said anterior portion (2), including a main housing (11) having first and second openings (11a, 11b) facing each other and suitable for receiving in part the spinous processes (12, 13); and a granular osteosynthesis material arranged in said main housing (11).

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.