Spinal Elements, Inc.

Various embodiments of filling assemblies and methods are provided. The filling assembly can include a barrel and receiving block assembly configured to couple to a tube. The filling assembly can include a filling auger, wherein the filling auger is configured to rotate and translate to fill the tube with material. The method of filling a tube can include disposing flights of a filling auger within a barrel and receiving block assembly. The method can include coupling a tube to the barrel and receiving block assembly. The method can include rotating and translating flights of the filling auger within the barrel and receiving block assembly to fill the tube with material. The filling assemblies can be utilized for loading material into small diameter tubes, including small diameter tubes used for spinal fusion for delivering graft material, biologics, and/or other material to the disc space.

An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

A graft material injector device and method are disclosed. The injector device includes an elongated injector tube and a side loading aperture for receiving graft material. A graft material loader and a cover for the side loading aperture may optionally be included.

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 apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

A clip-on reducer tool assembly for seating a spinal fixation rod in a rod receiving implant, the tool assembly has an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a proximal end with a cylindrical portion having a threaded opening, a first leg extension extending therefrom to a distal end, and a second leg extension joined to the first leg extension at an intermediate location between the distal end and proximal end. The second leg extension extends from the distal end toward the proximal end to a lever end spaced from the cylindrical portion. The leg extensions at the distal end have grasping members to engage an outer surface of a rod receiving implant and a fulcrum proximally located near the intermediate location configured to enlarge the space between the leg extension at the distal end as the lever end is depressed inwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve.

Various embodiments of cervical plates for treating the spine are provided. The cervical plates include an access surface and a bone facing surface. The cervical plate further includes at least one hole between the access surface and the bone facing surface. The hole includes a trajectory surface that guides an anchor into a corner or edge of a vertebral body, wherein a portion of the hole extends into the disc space region. In some embodiments, the cervical plate includes a ledge to support high angle screw insertion. In some embodiments, an interbody implant is provided. The cervical plate and the interbody spacer can have a corresponding curvature.

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.

A detachable vertical cutter for insertion into a cylinder or tube is formed as a single unitary structure. The single blade has a pair of tool attachment end portions and a cutting blade extending in a loop between the attachment ends. The cutting blade is inclined vertically relative to a longitudinal axis of a cylinder or tube into which the attachment ends can slide into. The cutting blade has a cutting edge, a portion of which when extended free of the cylinder or tube will extend a distance greater than the tube outside diameter. The cutting edge when pushed inwardly and pulled outwardly between adjacent vertebrae scrapes and cuts disc material. When retracted the cutting blade deflects into the cylinder or tube for insertion or extraction into or from the disc space.

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. The distraction device defines a generally annular configuration, with a locking member secured to one of the elongated members at a plurality of locations to maintain the distraction device in the generally annular configuration. The augmenting elongated member may be shorter than the first and second elongated members such that a window is defined between the proximal and distal ends of the augmenting elongated member when the distraction device and the first and second elongated members are in the generally annular configuration. Bone graft material or bone filler may be introduced into the interior of the distraction device through the window.