Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.

Sdgi Holdings, Inc.

T Andrew Simonton

Sean M Haddock

Jeff J Justis

Keith Matthew Kinnane

William F McKay

Kevin Thomas Foley

Eddie F Ray, Iii

Craig M Squires

Cary R Reeves

Gregory C Marik

James J Bindseil

Steven D DeRidder

Bradley J Coates

James P Duncan

Regis W Haid

Jeffrey D Moore

James E Van Hoeck

Christopher I Shaffrey

Dennis Crandall

James Douglas Schwender

James J Bindsell

An instrument set is provided that has a tapered configuration that facilitates the insertion of the instrument set into a patient.

Dilating stylet and cannula

In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming an opening in bone for the sequential dilation of tissue.

Method for using retractable stylet and cannula combination to form an opening in bone

A method is disclosed for increasing the stiffness of an intervertebral disc between vertebral bodies. The method includes providing a syringe with a needle approximately in the range of 16 to 25 gauge; providing a material having a first stage with a first viscosity adapted to flow through the needle, the material having a second stage with a second viscosity greater than the first viscosity, the second stage material having a stiffness in a range of 1.0-5.0 MPa; testing the annulus fibrosus of the disc to ensure that the annulus fibrosus has sufficient continuity so as to retain the first flowable stage material when subsequently injected into the disc; inserting the needle into the annulus fibrosus; injecting the first stage material into the disc; and permitting the first stage material to become the second stage material so as to form a load bearing implant in the disc.

Method of deformity correction in a spine using injectable materials

In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting an instrument set having a tapered configuration into a patient. In another preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting a cannula having an external threaded portion into bone. In yet another preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming and enlarging an opening in bone.

Method for use of dilating stylet and cannula

In one preferred aspect, a surgical instrument for insertion into human tissue is provided with a release mechanism that permits one or more components of the surgical instrument to be removably coupled to a handle.

Retractable stylet and cannula combination

An implant for placing in the spine is disclosed. The implant has a tool engaging surface on its trailing end configured for intimate engagement with an insertion tool. The insertion tool configuration is particularly suited for implants made of brittle materials including bone and bone substitutes. Also disclosed is an insertion tool having a gripping end adapted for intimate engagement with an implant. In one embodiment, the insertion tool is operable by axial movement of one gripping arm with respect to the other.

Intervertebral spacer and insertion tool

A guide and a blade for contouring vertebral bodies. The guide is sized to be mounted between two vertebral members and includes a pair of edges for receiving the blade. The pair of edges are spaced a distance apart for the first edge to align with a first vertebral member, and the second edge to align with a second vertebral member. The blade includes a pair of arms with at least one cutting edge. The arms are sized to fit within the pair of edges respectively. Using the blade and guide comprises inserting the guide adjacent to two vertebral members, and inserting the arms through the pair of edges to contour the ends of the members. In an embodiment with cutting edges at the distal ends of each of the arms, the two vertebral members can be contoured simultaneously.

Guide and blade for contouring vertebral bodies

The present invention provides an implant for use in fusing adjacent bony structures. The implant comprises a plurality of bone pieces formed into at least one load bearing layer.

Bone strip implants and method of making same

The present invention provides an implant for use in fusing adjacent bony structures. The implant comprises a plurality of pieces of bone and a flexible mechanism including one or more flexible, elongate, biocompatible connectors interconnecting the pieces of bone.

Bone implants and methods of making same

The present invention provides an implant for use in fusing adjacent bony structures. The implant comprises at least one structural member combined with at least one flexible planar member to retain the at least one structural member to form the implant.

Growing community of inventors

Memphis, TN, United States of America

T Andrew Simonton