Spinal Elements, Inc.

Devices and methods for placing an implant between two bone portions are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises disposing a portion of a flexible member through a first bone portion, through an aperture in a trial implant, and through a second bone portion. The trial implant can be withdrawn to enable an implant to be coupled to the flexible member. The method includes applying tension to the flexible member to urge the implant into the space between two bone portions. In some embodiments, the two bone portions are facets.

An interspinous process device includes a first plate, a second plate, and a transverse member between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the second plate is adjustably coupled to the transverse member. A post is coupled to the transverse member and a spring mechanism is disposed between the post and the first plate. The spring mechanism is configured to provide a preloaded compression force to the first and second plates. Methods of implanting the interspinous process device using an inserter tool are also disclosed.

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.

Articulated instruments that include tools for disrupting and/or distracting tissue, and methods of using the same.

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.

A method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using a retractor comprising a pair of blade assemblies which are adapted to open about a set of axes that are not parallel to a third spatial axis, and further comprising a pair of arms, which are adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart from one another in the third spatial axis. In the method, the blade assemblies are closed to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The blade assemblies are then opened by rotating the blades about the set of axes, stretching the skin around the incision in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (i.e. the direction of the incision.)

A flexible fastening band connector can comprises a recess to receive a distal end portion of a flexible fastening band and lumen to receive the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band. The lumen guides the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band toward a fastening mechanism. The flexible fastening band connector can comprise an opening to receive a spinal rod. In operation, the spinal rod is coupled to additional devices to secure the spinal rod to portions of one or more vertebra. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed connector is provided.

An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.

In some embodiments, a spinal implant device is provided. The spinal implant device can include a shell. The shell can include a movable lid forming an upper surface of the shell. In some embodiments, the movable lid is configured to rotate and translate. The spinal implant device can include an insert configured to couple with the shell. In some embodiments, a spinal implant device is provided. The spinal implant device can include a body, a movable lid configured to rotate relative to the body, and an endplate. The body, the movable lid, and the endplate can form a cavity configured to be packed with material

A curved expandable interbody device for placement between vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure, and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the curved expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae and actuating the screw mechanism, wherein the deployment tool can lock to the curved expandable interbody device and pivot relative to the curved expandable interbody device.