Devices and methods for minimally invasive spinal stablization and instrumentation

Abstract

Described herein are devices and methods for fusion of adjacent vertebral bones using distractor platforms for exposure and resection of at least a portion of the facet joint, such as in performance of a TLiF procedure. In one embodiment, the distractor platform contains at least a first receptacle and/or extension adapted to couple to the implanted screw/bone marker and the method includes advancing a threaded segment of a bone fastener assembly into the identified first pedicle of the first vertebral bone, the first bone fastener assembly further comprises a second segment adapted to couple with a distraction platform adapted to concurrently attach onto at least one tissue retention blade and adapted to retain the tissue retention blade in the displaced position. Stabilization of a spinal segment is also provided by advancing a substantially concave orthopedic implant through an opening made in a posterior aspect of a disc space.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . An orthopedic implant, comprising:
 a curvilinear body member comprising at least a first ipsilateral side surface and an opposing contra-lateral side surface;   wherein said curvilinear body is configured to extend along a curvilinear trajectory having a center of rotation positioned ipsilateral to said first ipsilateral side surface;   wherein said curvilinear shape of said body member is such that said first ipsilateral side surface is substantially concave relative to said center of rotation; and   wherein said curvilinear body is configured to be advanced into an intervertebral disc space of a subject via rotation thereof about a circular trajectory centered at said center of rotation.   
     
     
         25 . The implant of  claim 24 , wherein said curvilinear body further comprises at least one cavity. 
     
     
         26 . The implant of  claim 25 , wherein said at least one cavity is configured to permit formation of a bony connection of a fusion mass on said first ipsilateral side of said curvilinear body and a fusion mass on said opposing contra-lateral side of said curvilinear body. 
     
     
         27 . The implant of  claim 24 , wherein said advancement of said curvilinear body into said intervertebral disc space of said subject further comprises an interaction of said curvilinear body with at least one implantation instrument. 
     
     
         28 . The implant of  claim 24 , further comprising at least one interconnecting member configured to connect at least two bone fasteners, each bone fastener rigidly interconnecting a respective superior and inferior vertebral bone, said superior and inferior vertebral bones abutting said disc space.