The present invention provides a single surgical method, procedure and/or system that creates open visual and physical access to an identified spinal treatment site that comprises both targeted vertebral and spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels comprise at least one dorsal root ganglion. A spinal treatment procedure is performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.

A surgical system includes a first surgical instrument having a selected configuration and an image guide disposed relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the image guide. A passive image guide is fixed with vertebral tissue and is disposed relative to the sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the passive image guide. The passive image guide includes a first surface. A second surgical instrument is connectable with the first surgical instrument and includes a second surface engageable with the first surface in a mating configuration to provide verification of the selected configuration. Surgical instruments, implants, spinal constructs and methods are disclosed.

A fiber optic tracking sensor includes at least three optical fibers, each optical fiber having a plurality of fiber optic sensors along a length of a sensing portion of the sensor. A shape-memory member is coupled to the three optical fibers and provides support to the sensor. The at least three optical fibers are arranged in a spaced apart relationship, each offset from a central longitudinal axis of the sensor.

A pedicle insulator implant is designed to protect the nerves and surrounding tissue from injury by pedicle screws or other surgical devices and instruments. The implant is configured to shield a fixture, reduce nerve root irritation, and diminish loosening of the fixture, when the fixture is implanted into the void of a target site. The implant includes features for stabilizing and securing the implant within the void at the target site. For example, in one embodiment, the implant includes one or more ridges and one or more teeth sections that stabilize the implant against rotational and extractive forces that could disturb the implant.

Anatomic points within the body are projected outside the body through the use of extenders. The projected points may then be used for measurement, or to facilitate the selection or configuration of an implant that is to be positioned proximate the anatomic points. Such an implant may be a rod for a posterior spinal fusion system. Pedicle screws may be implanted into pedicles of the spine, and may then serve as anchors for the extenders. The extenders may have rod interfaces that receive the rod in a manner that mimics the geometry of the pedicle screws so that the selected or configured contoured rod will properly fit into engagement with the pedicle screws.

The present invention is an implant for bone. The current implant is particularly useful in spinal surgical procedures.

Instruments and methods for selectively coupling to an object are provided, for example surgical instruments that can form a rigid connection with an object and also be disassembled for cleaning, sterilization, etc. One embodiment includes an elongate shaft with a longitudinal groove, a first partial circumferential groove that intersects with a distal end of the longitudinal groove, and a second at least partial circumferential groove formed distal to the first partial circumferential groove. The instrument also includes a sleeve disposed over the elongate shaft that includes a protrusion extending from an internal wall that is received within the longitudinal groove to constrain movement of the sleeve relative to the elongate shaft. The sleeve further includes a lock that interfaces with the second at least partial circumferential groove when the protrusion is disposed in the first partial circumferential groove to further selectively constrain axial and rotational movement of the sleeve.

A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.

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.

A spinal stabilization apparatus and method thereof for preventing and detecting the unintended movement of the spine of a patient during spinal surgery performed at least in part by a robot is disclosed herein. The spinal stabilization apparatus may comprise a proximal attachment member, a distal attachment member, a first adjustable attachment arm, and a second adjustable attachment arm, defining a frame, configured to stabilize the spine of the patient. For detecting and preventing unintended movement of the spine, the spinal stabilization apparatus may further include optical reference spheres and at least one strain gauge. The optical reference spheres are coupled to the frame and the spatial relationship therebetween may be monitored by the robot. The at least one strain gauge may be incorporated into the connection between frame and the robot and allows for monitoring of the amount of force being applied to the patient.