A surgical tool for positioning a surgical device including a gripping portion; a rod protruding from the gripping portion; and a coupling system. The coupling system comprises an axial retention assembly comprising, at a free end of the rod, two opposite semispherical portions, wherein the respective flat surfaces are separated from each other by an axial notch made partially along the rod, and a central clutch movable between a locking position and a disengagement position. In the locking position, the central clutch approaches the free end of the rod and is interposed between the two semispherical portions, preventing the reciprocal approach thereof so as to block the two semispherical portions within a seat of said surgical device. In the disengagement position, the central clutch moves away from the free end and the two semispherical portions can approach to allow the tool to come out of the surgical device.

A retractor system may provide access to a surgical site along an access pathway surrounded by tissue. In some embodiments, the retractor system may include three arms and four retractor blades, each having a tissue engagement surface. The second arm may translate along a first retraction direction relative to the first arm. The first retractor blade may be securable to the first arm and the second retractor blade may be securable to the second arm. The third arm may have a connection feature that may be removably securable to a connection interface of the second arm. The third retractor blade may be securable to the third arm and the fourth retractor blade may be securable to a rack between the first and second arms. The third and fourth retractor blades may have cross-sectional shapes oriented generally parallel to the first retraction direction.

An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws. The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws and a clamping instrument configured to clamp the levers.

The present application is generally directed to improved instruments and instrument features for distraction and tissue retraction. In particular, the present application is directed to distraction blades and wide blocking blades that can be used together, or individually, to assist in the distraction of bone and the retraction of tissue during a surgical procedure, such as a spinal fusion procedure.

An instrument configured to attach to a bone anchoring element during surgery includes an elongate portion and an end portion having a first side and an opposite second side, where the elongate portion extends away from the first side, and where an opening is defined at the second side to accommodate at least a portion of a head of the bone anchoring element. The opening of the end portion has a first section sized to permit insertion and removal of the head therethrough, and a second section forming a seat for the head. When the head is held in the seat, the seat prevents removal of the head through the opening, while the head is movable unobstructedly from the second section back towards the first section.

A surgical system may include a conductive stylet with a distal end advanceable into bone material and a proximal end coupled to a stylet hub. A handle is non-removably attached to the stylet hub, and removably attachable to an insulative cannula hub. The cannula hub is non-removably attached to a conductive cannula that surrounds the stylet when the handle is attached to the proximal end of the insulative cannula hub. An outer insulative sheath is slideably engaged to insulative cannula hub, and has a radiopaque distal tip. An electrical signal source may be applied to the stylet hub to conduct a pedicle integrity assessment. The handle and stylet may be removed from the cannula assembly, leaving the cannula assembly in place at the surgical site.

A retractor assembly includes a base, a first side assembly, a second side assembly, and a medial arm assembly. The first side assembly is coupled to a first side of the base and translates relative to the base along a first direction. The second side assembly is coupled to a second side of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along the first direction. The medial arm assembly is coupled to the base and can extend in an extension direction and retract in a retraction direction. The extension direction is opposite the retraction direction. The extension direction and the retraction direction are perpendicular to the first direction. The medial arm assembly includes a body, and a blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a receiving portion and a medial blade. The receiving portion and the medial blade are rotatably interfaced via a ball and a socket.

Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.

An adjustable spinal stabilization system for maintaining preselected spacing and movement between adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column and for providing overall stability thereto. The system includes at least one interlaminar member positioned in the spaces intermediate a first vertebra and the vertebrae positioned immediately above or immediately below and adjacent to the first vertebra. The interlaminar member is operatively connected to an adjustable support structure and cooperates therewith to maintain the preselected spacing between adjacent vertebrae and to provide overall stability to the spinal column.

A system and method for the minimally invasive insertion of an intervertebral rod into the vertebrae of a subject, according to a preoperative surgical plan also defining positions for the insertion of rod clamping screws into the vertebrae. The rod shape for connecting the heads of the screws is calculated, and a path planning algorithm used to determine whether the distal end of the rod can be threaded through the screw heads by longitudinal and rotational manipulation of the proximal end of the rod. If so, instructions are provided for forming that rod shape and for the robotic insertion of the screw holes and the rod. If not, either or both of the screw positions and the rod shape are adjusted, to moderate the bends in the rods, until insertion becomes possible. The insertion can be performed robotically, or, if a navigation tracking system is added, manually.