Methods and systems for modulating intraosseous nerves (e.g., nerves within bone) are provided. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be used to modulate (e.g., denervate, ablate) basivertebral nerves within vertebrae. The modulation of the basivertebral nerves may facilitate treatment of chronic back pain. The modulation may be performed by a neuromodulation device (e.g., an energy delivery device).

A bone anchor includes an anchor member including a first material, and having a tubular section extending along a longitudinal axis, a region configured to expand radially outwards from the longitudinal axis, and a bone engagement structure projecting from at least a portion of the expandable region of the tubular section, and a core member including a second material, and configured for insertion into and connection to the anchor member. When the core member is in the anchor member and is actuated relative to the anchor member, the tubular section is adjustable between a first position where the expandable region of the tubular member has a first length and a first maximum diameter, to a second position where the expandable region of the tubular member has a length shorter than the first length and a maximum diameter greater than the first maximum diameter.

A method for implanting a medical device for lubricating a joint in a human body, said method comprising the steps of creating an opening reaching from outside of the human body into the joint, providing an artificial contacting surface to said joint, fixating the artificial contacting surface to the joint, implanting a reservoir in the human body, and lubricating said artificial contacting surface by pressurizing a lubricating fluid contained in said reservoir.

A surgical injection device includes at least one tubular element defining a passageway. The passageway is configured for disposal of a selected volume of an agent and an evacuator disposed within the passageway. An actuator is engageable with the evacuator to entirely expel the selected volume of the agent from the passageway to a selected site. Spinal constructs, implants, systems and methods are disclosed.

Systems and methods for indicating an interval in which a procedure (or sub-procedure) should be carried out are disclosed. Some systems and methods involve timing various sub-procedures and alerting a practitioner at the completion of a sub-procedure period. Some systems and methods include a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, that is used determine a window of time in which a variable-viscosity material is of suitable viscosity for delivery to a patient.

A kyphoplasty cannula includes a shaft extending between opposite first and second end surfaces. The shaft has an inner surface defining a lumen. The shaft has a first opening that extends through the first end surface and a second opening that extends through the second end surface. A scoop extends from the second end surface. The scoop has an arcuate inner surface that is continuous with the inner surface of the shaft an opposite outer surface. The scoop has a rib. Kits and methods of use are disclosed.

An inflatable bone tamp for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes an outer shaft defining an internal lumen, an inflatable structure coupled to the outer shaft, and an inner shaft movably disposed within the internal lumen and coupled to a distal end region of the inflatable structure. The internal lumen is sized to receive the inflatable structure, such that by moving the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft, the inflatable structure can be retracted into the internal lumen (and likewise can be extended from within the internal lumen for deployment in bone). This retraction capability can beneficially protect the inflatable structure during positioning/removal, and can also enhance recovery from radial tears of the inflatable structure.

A surgical instrument for assessing tissue characteristics such as tissue density and volume is disclosed. The surgical instrument is hand-held and includes transducers adapted for emitting and/or receiving acoustic signals. The surgical instrument utilizes pulse-echo to determine tissue characteristics. The surgical instrument may be utilized to determine such things as the size of a lesion and whether the lesion has been completely removed or filled with graft material.

A device is disclosed for reducing a vertebral compression fracture, comprising a superior end plate and an inferior end plate disposed along a vertical axis. The superior end plate and the inferior end plate are slidably separable in a vertical direction along the vertical axis. An interior chamber is provided in fluid communication with a port extending from an exterior to the interior chamber. The device is deployable within a vertebral body and expandable within the vertebral body by injecting a flowable material into the interior chamber thereby displacing the superior and inferior end plates along the vertical axis.

System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a radial opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curveable cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curveable cannula comprising a curveable distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the radial opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curveable cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.