Various systems and methods for treating the spine are provided. A portal system can be provided for treating the spine. The portal system can include a portal comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a first passageway extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a second passageway extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a latch. The bone tie can include a head, a body section comprising one or more gears, and a fastener section comprising a ratchet.

The present invention relates generally to implants and tools for the fixation or fusion of joints or bone segments. These tools include tissue dilators and protectors. Other tools include broaches used to shape bores in bone. The tools can also include a system for removing an implant from bone. Implants can include assemblies of one or more implant structures that make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. Implants for fusing both sacroiliac joints of a patient include a long implant that extends across both sacroiliac joints.

An implantable device including an intervertebral wedge including an upper bearing zone and a lower bearing zone and at least one first lateral spring having a position A relative to the intervertebral wedge in a position for inserting the implantable device and a position B relative to the intervertebral wedge in a position for implanting the implantable device, the positions A and B being different and the first lateral spring being configured: to freely translate from position A to position B and to form a retention component arranged relative to the intervertebral wedge to block the migration of the intervertebral wedge toward the spinal canal in position B.

Various embodiments of bone ties, bone tie inserters, and methods for treating the spine are provided. The bone tie can include a proximal end and a distal end. The bone tie can include a head section comprising a rounded head. The bone tie can include a neck section extending proximally from the head section. A bone tie inserter for placing a bone tie can also be provided. The bone tie inserter can include a bone tie advancer with a curved surface configured to guide a rounded head of a bone tie. The bone tie inserter can include a bone tie retriever configured to receive the rounded head of a bone tie. The bone tie is configured to pivot and/or rotate within the retriever portion of the bone tie inserter. The method can include forming a lumen in a first bone portion and a second bone portion. The bone tie can be configured to pivot and/or rotate as the bone tie retriever is withdrawn.

The present invention includes a novel procedure and corresponding medical devices for a Percutaneous Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PePLIF). In PePLIF, the surgeon performs the entire operation percutaneously without the use of a microscope, endoscope, or magnifying loupes. An adjustable retractor system is disclosed that enables the surgeon to percutaneously perform the surgery through accessing the facet joint (and later disc space) that was created by said retractor system. This retractor system provides the surgeon a safe area to work and operate without fear of damaging nerves, blood vessels, or other tissue. An expanding trial may be inserted into and removed from the disc space through the interior of the retractor system to determine the proper size for the expandable cage. The retractor system also enables the expandable cage to be inserted into the disc space.

A method for correcting a spinal deformity is provided. A spinal implant for correcting a spinal deformity includes a multipoint connector that connects to at least one vertebra of a spine at a plurality of locations and a force directing device that applies a force to the vertebra through the multipoint connector. The force directing device may include a rod which extends generally along an axis of the spine and a force directing member which is adjustably coupled to both the rod and the multipoint connector and which applies a corrective force to the at least one vertebra.

A facet joint replacement device includes an enclosing element including an enclosing body and an inferior attachment member. The enclosing body includes an inner cavity defined by an interior surface of the enclosing body, wherein a portion of the interior surface of the enclosing body forms a superior articulating surface. The facet joint replacement device also includes an inferior articulating element including an articulating body and a superior attachment member. The inferior articulating body is positioned within the inner cavity of the enclosing body of the enclosing element and is configured to move within the inner cavity of the enclosing body of the enclosing element. The inferior articulating body includes an inferior articulating surface. The movement of the articulating body of the inferior articulating element is constrained in at least one direction within the inner cavity of the enclosing body of the enclosing element.

The present invention relates to a spinal arthrodesis system including at least two types of implants from among the three following types: an intersomatic implant (IS), including at least one passage (40) mating at least one anchoring device (1); an interspinous implant (IE), including at least two wings able to run along a portion of the vertebral spines (EI, ES); a facet implant (IF) including a bone attachment.

Devices and methods for creating holes in the articular process of the vertebra are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a drill head comprising a frame, punch arm with punch tip and opposing plate. Methods of using the resulting holes to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided.

A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus is provided. The BDFT apparatus includes an intervertebral cage including a plurality of internal angled screw guides, a plurality of screw members, and a cage indentation adjacent to the screw guides that independently or supplemented by other screw locking mechanisms prevents the screw members from pulling out of the internal angled screw guides. The internal angled screw guides orient a first screw member superiorly and a second screw member inferiorly. The intervertebral cage is adapted for posterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterio-lateral thoracic intervertebral placement, or anterior cervical intervertebral placement.