An interbody fusion device employs a torque transfer mechanism to transfer torque to a driving mechanism responsible for expansion of the interbody fusion device in a direction non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the driving mechanism.

The present invention provides a spinal fusion cage that can be inserted between vertebral bodies at the lowest height, and the height thereof may be adjusted with being inserted, such that cages having different heights within a certain range may be replaced by one cage. Therefore, the number of product groups that should be produced is reduced and the amount in stock is also decreased on the manufacturer. In addition, unlike the cage having a predetermined height at a constant interval in the prior art, the height of the spinal fusion cage is linearly adjusted according to a spacing between vertebral bodies of a patient, such that the surgery may be performed at the optimal height according to spinal conditions of the patient.

An expandable intervertebral implant includes a superior plate having a proximal end, an opposing distal end, and a threaded first hole. An inferior plate has a proximal end, an opposing distal end, and a first bore, the inferior plate at least partially bounding an elongated channel that communicates with the first bore. A first lift screw includes a gear wheel rotatably received within the first bore of the inferior plate and a threaded stem projecting from the gear wheel and being threaded into the first hole of the superior plate. A drive screw is rotatably disposed within the channel of the inferior plate, the drive screw having a worm that engages with the gear wheel such that rotation of the drive screw facilitates rotation of the first lift screw which in turn facilitates movement of the superior plate relative to the inferior plate.

A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.

A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.

An expandable intervertebral cage device includes a first base plate and a second base plate, a distal block with an internal passage that mechanically couples to each base plate, and a proximal block comprising internal threading. The device has exactly two arm assemblies with one on each side. Each arm assembly comprises a first arm mechanically coupled to the first base plate and a second arm mechanically coupled to the second base plate. A screw is arranged partially within the internal threading of the proximal block and passes through the internal passage of the distal block, such that rotation of the screw relative to the distal block causes a change in distance between the distal block and the proximal block, and a corresponding change in the spacing and lordosis of the device.

An expandable, adjustable inter-body fusion device is presented. The inter-body fusion device can have a first plate, a second plate, and an insert positioned substantially therebetween the first plate and the second plate. The first plate, the second plate, and the insert define an interior cavity. Moving the insert longitudinally with respect to the first and second plates increases or decreases the distance of the first plate with respect to the second plate, effectively expanding the inter-body fusion device and increasing the volume of the interior cavity. The angle between the first plate and the second plate is selectively adjustable.

A surgical instrument includes a chassis, a first driving shaft, a first measuring mechanism, a second measuring mechanism, and a first handle. The chassis defines a first channel and a second channel each extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The first measuring mechanism corresponds to rotation in the first channel. The second measuring mechanism corresponds to rotation in the second channel. The first driving shaft is operable to be inserted into the first channel, engaging with the first measuring mechanism. The first driving shaft has an end portion configured to engage and drive a first adjustable feature and/or a second adjustable feature on a work-piece. The handle is operable to be releasably attached to the first driving shaft for applying torque or operable to remove the first driving shaft from the first channel.

Various surgical tools having a movable handle mechanism including a positioning handle are disclosed. The movable handle mechanism may be configured to move forward and backward in a longitudinal direction along the housing and rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around the housing. In various embodiments, the housing may include a plurality of channels and each channel may have at least one detent. The movable handle mechanism may be configured to securely couple to the housing via one channel of the plurality of channels and one detent of the plurality of detents. At least one surgical tool may include a drill having an angled tip portion and a sleeve configured to protect adjacent structures from lateral edges of the drill bit when the drill bit is rotating. Another surgical tool may include a screwdriver having an elastic retaining clip configured to progressively release a bone screw therein at an extraction force.

A distally expanding facet joint implant and delivery device for distally distracting a facet joint. The facet joint implant generally includes an outer part and an inner part. The outer part includes a pair of opposed distally expandable facet plates connected by a hinge. The inner part includes a wedge that is selectively movable against the facet plates to distally expand and contract the facet joint implant into open and closed states. Teeth on the outer part engage indents on the inner part to maintain the facet joint implant in the distally expanded state. The outer and inner parts include outer and inner connectors, and the delivery device includes corresponding outer and inner connectors adapted to be in locked engagement with the outer and inner connectors to hold the implant and selectively cause it to distally expand and contract.