Devices and methods for protecting the neurovascular structures about the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a neuroprotective stent or device adapted for placement in an intervertebral foramen of a vertebral column and configured to resist compression or impingement from surrounding structures or forces. The stent or device may further comprise a flange or hinge region to facilitate attachment of the device to the vertebrae or to facilitate insertion of the device in the foramen, respectively.

A spinal stabilization system and method are provided for treating a patient's spinal column, for maintaining preselected spacing and movement between adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column, and for providing overall stability thereto. The system includes an interlaminar member positioned in the space intermediate a first vertebra and the vertebrae positioned 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 spinal implant is disclosed for engagement to portions of a spinal segment after a laminectomy procedure. The spinal implant includes a first member and a second member in orthogonal relation relative to the first member such that the spinal implant generally defines a t-shape configuration. The spinal implant is formed using biocompatible materials to safely adapt to the surgical area. The spinal implant may include hooks or apertures for engaging with portions of bodily tissue. The spinal implant may be engaged to other spinal implants along the spine using one or more arms of an interconnecting arrangement.

Interspinous process implants are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column.

An implantable body for a posterior stabilization system includes a lateral end, a medial end, an inwardly facing surface configured to abut against a lamina when the body is implanted along a vertebra. A lateral bone outrigger extends from the inwardly facing surface and may include a bone-abutting surface along a medial portion disposed to abut against a lateral mass of the vertebra when the body is implanted along a vertebra. The lateral bone outrigger may have a first height. A penetrating feature extends from the inwardly facing surface between the bone-engaging portion of the inwardly facing surface and the lateral bone outrigger. The penetrating feature may have a second height less than the first height. A fastener bore extends through the body at an angle toward the lateral bone outrigger.

Lamina plate assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A lamina plate assembly may be configured to provide lamina support following laminectomy, for example, in cervical and lumbar cases. The lamina plate assembly may include a generally elongate body having a first free end, a second free end, and a posterior portion disposed between the first free end and the second free end. Different embodiments of securing portions are used to secure the lamina plate assembly to a vertebra.

Technologies are generally provided for devices, systems, and methods to provide spinal fixation, spinal stabilization, and/or spinal fusion. Example devices may include a first end and a second end with a middle portion extending between the first and second end. The first end may be configured to be in contact with a portion of a first or upper vertebra and the second end may be configured to be in contact with a portion of a second or lower vertebra in an adjacent vertebral pair. Portions of the vertebra which may be in contact with the device may include lamia, processes, vertebral bodies, and facet joints. The example devices may include bone engagement features, such as screws or similar fasteners, to enhance stabilization and fixation when in contact with the vertebrae. Additionally, the devices may include a bone integration feature to promote bone growth and to facilitate fusion between the vertebrae.

Methods and apparatus provide for: (i) coupling a spinous process plate to one lateral side of a spinous process of a spine of a patient, the spinous process plate extending substantially parallel to a sagittal plane (anterior-posterior plane) through the spine of the patient, the spinous process plate including a first fixation element facilitating a connection of the spinous process plate to the one lateral side of the spinous process; (ii) coupling a laminar plate to a laminar on the one lateral side of the spinous process of the spine, the laminar plate extending transversely from the spinous process plate and transversely to both the sagittal plane and a coronal plane (lateral plane) through the spine of the patient, the laminar plate including a second fixation element facilitating a connection of the laminar plate to the laminar on the one lateral side of the spinous process; (iii) engaging a sub-laminar hook to the laminar on the one lateral side of the spinous process, the sub-laminar hook extending transversely from the laminar plate and substantially parallel to a transverse plane through the spine of the patient, the sub-laminar hook extending and hooking beneath the laminar on the one lateral side of the spinous process of the spine; and (iv) extending a rod toward a pedicle on the one lateral side of the spinous process of the spine of the patient, the rod having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end being connected to the laminar plate and the rod extending from the laminar plate toward the pedicle, where the rod prohibits movement of bone associated with a fracture in a pars interarticularis of a vertebral arch on the one lateral side of the spinous process of the spine.

A spinal implant includes an intermediate portion and a first portion extending in a transverse orientation from the intermediate portion. The first portion includes an inner surface connectable with vertebral tissue adjacent a lamina. A second portion is spaced from the first portion and extends in a transverse orientation from the intermediate portion. The second portion includes an inner surface connectable with vertebral tissue adjacent a lamina. At least one of the first portion and the second portion includes an outer surface having a mating element engageable with a mating element of a surgical instrument. Systems, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

An apparatus for maintaining spacing of a cutout portion of lamina used for patient-customized laminoplasty is proposed. The apparatus for maintaining spacing of a cutout portion of lamina used for patient-customized laminoplasty includes a spacer configured to be fitted in a cutout space secured by opening in order to open a cutout portion and expand a spinal canal after a portion of a lamina of a vertebra is cut, and configured to keep the spinal canal expanded, and a plate coupled to the spacer and fixed to an outer side of the lamina, thereby preventing movement of the spacer.