Zimmer Spine, Inc.

Theken Spine, LLC

Sulzer Spine-tech Inc.

Erik E Emstad

Daniel T Robbins

Peter J Pohndorf

James Bruffey

Bret Everette Hartzell

Kevin V Guenther

Ross A Longhini

John J Grabowski

A spinal cage with a wall extending in a longitudinal direction defining an interior space is disclosed. There is also provided a deployable element in movable relation to the spinal cage. In some embodiments, there is a rib, and the rotatable member is engaged at one end with the wall and at the other end with the rib. In some embodiments, the spinal cage is provided with holes for screws that can be directed at adjacent vertebrae for fixation. Such a spinal cage can be used with the spin-plate or with the screws. The screws and the spinal cage may have features that cooperate to prevent back-out of the screws.

Spinal cage having deployable member

A method of, and surgical instrument for accessing first and second pedicle locations of a spinal column area. The surgical instrument including a blade member slidably positionable along first and second wires. The instrument having a nested arrangement of members, including a portal member having an elongated aperture to access the first and second pedicle locations. The nested arrangement further including a plurality of members configured and sized to incrementally expand the access opening to the spinal column area.

Spinal access instrument

A surgical instrument for use during a spinal surgery procedure. The surgical instrument being configured to distract two adjacent vertebral elements and retract the nerve root to provide access to the distracted site. The instrument including an elongated blade member having a wing located on an edge of the blade member, and a handle.

Combined distractor and retractor instrument and methods

Instruments and methods for insertion of one or more spinal implants into an intervertebral space between opposing vertebral bodies are disclosed. Instruments according to the invention include a guide for preparing a spinal fusion implant site, a guide starter, implant depth gauges, reamers, taps and implant drivers. The instruments and methods disclosed provide improved visualization of the surgical field and enhanced precision of placement of spinal fusion implants between vertebral bodies.

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Saint Paul, MN, United States of America

Erik E Emstad