An instrument for implanting an orthopedic implant in a target space between a pair of skeletal segments, comprising: a first mount comprising an elongate body having a distal end mountable at a defined anatomical position relative to the target space; an implant insertion device pivotably attached to a first end of the mount, wherein the insertion device is pivotable to an orientation so as to deliver the implant into the space between the pair of skeletal segments, and wherein the insertion device comprises a straight member rotatably attached to the first end of the mount, and a curved elongate body extending from the straight member, wherein the curved elongate body has a proximal end attached to the straight member and wherein the curved elongate body contains an arcuate internal bore extending from a proximal opening at a proximal region of the curved elongated body to a distal opening at a distal region of the curved elongated body and wherein the arcuate internal bore is sized to permit advancement of an orthopedic implant therethrough; an arcuate plunger that slidably fits within the arcuate internal bore of the curved elongate body, the plunger having a proximal end and a conical distal end and wherein, when the plunger is positioned in the arcuate internal bore, the proximal end of the plunger protrudes out of the proximal opening of the arcuate internal bore and a conical distal end of the plunger protrudes out of the distal opening of the arcuate internal bore, and wherein the plunger prevents delivery of the implant by the insertion device through the arcuate internal bore when the plunger is positioned within the arcuate internal bore; an orthopedic implant sized to be advanced through the arcuate internal bore of the insertion device and into the skeletal system. view more

An instrument as in claim 1, wherein the insertion device pivots about a pivot axis such that a distal end of the curved elongate body pivots toward the space between the pair of skeletal segments.

An instrument as in claim 1, wherein the plunger has a sharpened tip.

An instrument as in claim 1, wherein the insertion device is removably attached to the proximal end of the mount.

An instrument for implanting an orthopedic implant into a target space between skeletal segments, comprising: an insertion device having a straight member and a curved elongate body extending from the straight member, wherein the curved elongate body has a proximal end attached to the straight member and wherein the curved elongate body contains an arcuate internal bore extending along a first axis from a proximal opening at a proximal region of the curved elongated body to a distal opening at a distal region of the curved elongated body and wherein at least a portion of the internal bore extends along the first axis from the proximal opening toward the distal opening in a curved trajectory, and wherein the internal bore, the proximal opening, and the distal opening are sized to permit advancement of the orthopedic implant therethrough; a mount that is positionable at a defined anatomical relationship relative to the target space between the skeletal segments, wherein the mount attaches to the straight member of the insertion device at a proximal end of the insertion device and, when attached to the insertion device, the mount limits movement of the insertion device relative to the skeletal segments; and an orthopedic implant that is adapted to implant into the target space, wherein the implant is sized to be advanced through the arcuate internal bore and into the target space. view more

An instrument set for use in a surgical procedure on a segment of a vertebral column that includes a first vertebral bone, a second vertebral bone, and an intervening disc space, comprising: an insertion device adapted to advance an orthopedic implant onto the segment, the insertion device comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated body positioned between the proximal end and the distal end, the elongate body containing an internal bore that extends along a first axis from an opening in the proximal end of the insertion device to an opening in the distal end of the insertion device, wherein at least a portion of the internal bore extends along the first axis in a curvilinear trajectory, and wherein the internal bore is sized to permit advancement of the implant through the arcuate internal bore and onto the segment; at least one anchor device having a first region that attaches with the proximal end of the insertion device at the proximal end of the insertion device and a second region attaches onto a surface with defined spatial relationship to the disc space, wherein the anchor, when attached to the insertion device, limits the movement of the insertion device relative to the disc space; and an orthopedic implant that is adapted to implant onto the segment, wherein the implant is sized to be advanced through the arcuate internal bore. view more

An instrument set as in claim 8, further comprising a plunger that slidably positions within the internal bore of the elongate body, and wherein, when the plunger is positioned in the internal bore, a proximal end of the plunger protrudes out of the proximal opening of the insertion device and a distal end of the plunger protrudes out of the distal opening of the insertion device. view more

An instrument set as in claim 9, wherein the plunger, when seated within the internal bore, prevents the delivery of the implant by the insertion device through the internal bore.

An instrument set as in claim 8, wherein the insertion device is aimed toward a target location using an x-ray image.

An instrument set for use in a surgical procedure on a segment of a vertebral column that includes a first vertebral bone, a second vertebral, and an intervening disc space, comprising: an insertion device adapted to advance an orthopedic implant onto the segment, the insertion device comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a curved elongated body positioned between the proximal end and the distal end, the curved elongate body containing an arcuate internal bore that extends between an opening in the proximal end of the insertion device to an opening in the distal end of the insertion device, wherein the arcuate internal bore is sized to permit advancement of an implant through the arcuate internal bore and onto the segment; at least one anchor device having a first region that couples with the proximal end of the insertion device and a second region attaches onto a surface with a defined spatial relationship to the disc space, wherein the anchor, when attached to the insertion device, limits movement of the insertion device relative to the disc space; and a plunger that slidably positions within the arcuate internal bore of the curved elongate body, and wherein, when the plunger is positioned in the arcuate internal bore, a proximal end of the plunger protrudes out of the proximal opening of the insertion device and a distal end of the plunger protrudes out of the distal opening of the insertion device, and wherein the plunger, when positioned within the arcuate internal bore, prevents delivery of the implant by the insertion device through the arcuate internal bore. view more

An instrument set as in claim 12, further comprising orthopedic implant that is implantable at the segment, wherein the implant is sized to be advanced through the arcuate internal bore of the insertion device.

An instrument set as in claim 8, wherein the at least one anchor device is comprised of more than one segment.

An instrument set as in claim 8, wherein the at least one anchor device comprises a plurality of segments that are adapted to cooperatively attach to one another to collectively form the anchor device.

An instrument set as in claim 8, wherein the at least one anchor device comprises a first anchor segment and a second anchor segment and wherein the first anchor segment is adapted to articulate with the second anchor segment.

An instrument set as in claim 16, wherein the first anchor segment forms a ball and socket articulation with the second anchor segment.

An instrument set as in claim 8, wherein the at least one anchor device contains a deployable locking mechanism that is adapted to reversibly transition from a first position to a second position, and wherein the at least one anchor device includes a plurality of anchor segments are movable relative to one another when the locking mechanism is in the first position, and wherein the anchor segments are rigidly affixed to one another when the locking mechanism is transitioned into the second position. view more

An instrument set as in claim 8, wherein the at least one anchor device contains a deployable locking mechanism that is adapted to reversibly transition from a first position to a second position, wherein the at least one anchor device is movable relative to the target segment of the vertebral column when the locking mechanism is in the first position and wherein the anchor is immobilized relative to the segment of the vertebral column when the locking mechanism is transitioned into the second position. view more

An instrument set for use in a surgical procedure on a target segment of a skeletal member, comprising: an insertion device adapted to advance an orthopedic implant onto the target segment, the insertion device comprising a proximal segment, a distal segment, and an elongated body that extends in a first direction from the proximal segment to the distal segment, wherein the elongated body extends in a curvilinear trajectory along the first direction, wherein the elongated body contains an internal bore, and wherein the internal bore is sized to permit advancement of an orthopedic implant through the internal bore and onto the target segment of the skeletal member; at least one anchor device having a first region that is adapted to directly attach onto the proximal segment of the insertion device and a second segment that is adapted to attach onto a surface with defined spatial relationship to the target segment of the skeletal member, wherein the anchor device, when attached to the insertion device, limits the movement of the insertion device relative to the target segment of the skeletal member; the orthopedic implant adapted to implant onto the target segment of the skeletal member, wherein the orthopedic implant is sized to be advanced through the internal bore of the elongated body and wherein the orthopedic implant follows a curvilinear trajectory when advanced along the first direction of the elongated body from the proximal segment, through the internal bore and onto the spinal segment. view more

An instrument set for use in a surgical procedure on a target segment of a skeletal member, comprising: an insertion device adapted to advance an orthopedic implant onto the target segment, the insertion device comprising a proximal segment, a distal segment, and an elongated body that extends in a first direction from the proximal segment to the distal segment; wherein the elongated body contains a bore that is at least partially contained within the elongated body, wherein at least a portion of the internal bore extends along the first direction of the elongated body in a curvilinear trajectory, and wherein the internal bore is sized to permit advancement of an orthopedic implant through the internal bore and onto the spinal segment; a mount having a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment of the mount is postionable at a defined anatomical relationship relative to the target segment of the skeletal member, wherein the second segment of the mount attaches to the proximal segment of the insertion device, and, when attached to the insertion device, the mount limits movement of the insertion device relative to the skeletal member; and the orthopedic implant that is adapted to be implanted onto the target segment, wherein the orthopedic implant is sized to be advanced through the internal bore of the insertion device and onto the target segment. view more

An instrument set as in claim 21, wherein the elongated body extends outwardly in a first direction from the distal aspect of a straight member of the insertion device.

An instrument set as in claim 21, wherein the orthopedic implant follows a curvilinear trajectory when advanced along the first direction of the elongated body, through the internal bore and onto the target segment.

An instrument set as in claim 22, wherein a curvilinear segment of the internal bore of the elongated body has a radius that is substantially equal to the length of the straight member.

An instrument set as in claim 21, wherein the mount is comprised of a plurality of segments that are adapted to cooperatively attach to one another.

An instrument set as in claim 21, wherein the mount comprises a first segment and a second segment, and wherein the first segment of the mount is adapted to articulate with the second segment of the mount.

An instrument set as in claim 21, wherein the mount comprises a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment of the mount forms a ball and socket articulation with the second segment of the mount.

An instrument set as in claim 21, wherein the mount includes a deployable locking mechanism that is adapted to reversibly transition from a first position to a second position, wherein the mount includes a plurality of mount segments movable relative to one another when the locking mechanism is in the first position, and wherein the plurality of mount segments are rigidly affixed to one another when the locking mechanism is transitioned into the second position. view more

An instrument set as in claim 21, wherein the mount includes a deployable locking mechanism that is adapted to reversibly transition from a first position to a second position, wherein the mount is movable relative to the target segment when the locking mechanism is in the first position and wherein the mount is immobilized relative to the target segment when the locking mechanism is transitioned into the second position. view more

An instrument set as in claim 6, wherein the at least one mount is comprised of more than one segment.

An instrument set as in claim 6, wherein the at least one mount comprises a plurality of segments that are adapted to cooperatively attach to one another to collectively form the mount.

An instrument set as in claim 6, wherein the at least one mount comprises a first mount segment and a second mount segment and wherein the first mount segment is adapted to articulate with the second mount segment.

An instrument set as in claim 32, wherein the first mount segment forms a ball and socket articulation with the second mount segment.

An instrument set as in claim 6, wherein the at lease one mount contains a deployable locking mechanism that is adapted to reversibly transition from a first position to a second position, and wherein the at least one mount includes a plurality of segments that are movable relative to one another when the locking mechanism is in the first position, and wherein the segments are rigidly affixed to one another when the locking mechanism is transitioned into the second position. view more

An instrument set as in claim 6, wherein the at lease one mount contains a deployable locking mechanism that is adapted to reversibly transition from a first position to a second position, wherein the at least one mount is movable relative to the target segment of the vertebral column when the locking mechanism is in the first position and wherein the mount is immobilized relative to the segment of the vertebral column when the locking mechanism is transitioned into the second position. view more

A method for the delivery of an orthopedic implant onto a target location within a spinal column of a subject, comprising: identifying the target location using an imaging technique; positioning an implant insertion assembly in proximity to the target location, wherein the implant insertion assembly comprises: an implant insertion member having an elongated curvilinear body and an internal bore, wherein at least a segment of the internal bore extends from a proximal opening to a distal opening along a curvilinear trajectory, and wherein the internal bore is sized to permit advancement of the implant through the internal bore; a fixation member, having a first segment that attaches onto a proximal segment of the implant insertion member and a second segment that attaches onto a first surface, wherein, after attachment, the fixation member limits movement of the implant insertion member relative to the target location in at least one plane; advancing the orthopedic implant through the internal bore of the implant insertion member and onto the target location. view more

A method as in claim 6, wherein the implant placement procedure is performed using radiographic imaging.

A method as in claim 6, wherein the implant placement procedure is minimally invasive.

A method as in claim 6, wherein the implant insertion member is advanced onto the target location through a skin incision and wherein at least a portion of the same incision is used to advance the implant into the subject.

A method as in claim 6, wherein at least a segment of the insertion member is retained outside of the body cavity of the subject during implant placement.

A method as in claim 6, wherein at least a segment of the fixation member is retained outside of the subject during implant placement.

A method as in claim 6, wherein the implant is affixed to an implant holder prior to insertion into the internal bore of the insertion member.

A method as in claim 12, wherein the implant holder includes a locking mechanism that is adapted to retain the implant onto the holder.

A method as in claim 12, wherein the implant holder is used to advance the implant through the internal bore of the insertion member.

A method as in claim 12, wherein the implant holder extends along an axis from a proximal segment adapted to be held by an operator to a distal segment that is affixed to the implant, and wherein at least a segment of the axis follows a curvilinear trajectory. view more

A method as in claim 12, wherein the implant is detached from the implant holder after the implant is positioned at the target location.

A method as in claim 6, wherein an implant sizing device is used to determine the size of the required implant prior to implant placement at the target location.

A method as in claim 17, wherein the sizing instrument extends along an axis from a proximal segment to a distal segment and wherein at least a segment of the axis follows a curvilinear trajectory.

A method as in claim 6, wherein the implant insertion member is advanced from a skin incision site to the spinal column with at least one internal member positioned within the internal bore of the insertion member.

A method as in claim 19, wherein the internal member extends from a proximal end to a distal end along an axis and for a first distance, and wherein the distal end is tapered.

A method as in claim 19, wherein the internal member, when positioned within the internal bore of the implant insertion member, prevents the advancement of the implant though the internal bore.

A method as in claim 19, wherein the internal member extends from a proximal aspect to a distal aspect in a curvilinear trajectory.

A method as in claim 20, wherein the first distance of the internal member is greater than the distance from the proximal opening to the distal opening of the internal bore of the implant insertion member.

A method as in claim 6, wherein the fixation member is comprised of more than one segment.

A method as in claim 6, wherein the fixation member is comprised of at least a first and a second segment that cooperatively articulate.

A method as in claim 25, wherein the first segment and the second segment of the fixation member from a ball and socket articulation.

A method as in claim 6, wherein the fixation member contains at least one deployable locking mechanism that is adapted to transition from a first state to a second state, wherein, in the first state, at least two segments of the fixation member are movable relative to one another, and wherein, in the second state, the said segments of the fixation member are rigidly affixed to one another. view more

A method to target and access a spinal segment of a subject, comprising: identifying a target location within the spinal segment, wherein the target location is in proximity to a first vertebral bone; positioning at least a first member of a targeting apparatus in proximity to the first vertebral bone, the targeting apparatus being comprised of: the first member; a second member being comprised of at least one base segment that is attached to a pivot member, wherein the pivot member is adapted to rotate relative to the base segment about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot member has an elongated arm that extends from the pivot axis to a distal segment, wherein the distal segment of the elongated arm contains at least one bore that is adapted to receive a curvilinear member, wherein the curvilinear member extends from a proximal end to a distal tip; the first member being movably coupled to the second member, wherein a distance adjustment feature is adapted to adjust a distance between the first and the second members, wherein advancement of the adjustment feature in a first direction increases and retains the increased distance between the pivot axis of the second member and the target location, and wherein advancement of the adjustment feature in a second direction decreases and retains the decreased distance between the pivot axis and the target location; using a pointer member to localize the target location on an imaging modality, wherein the pointer member extends form a proximal segment to a distal end, wherein the proximal segment contains an attachment region that is adapted to couple with the second member, and wherein the attachment region is a first distance from the distal end; coupling the attachment region of the pointer member to the second member and actuating the adjustment feature of the targeting apparatus, wherein, after manipulation of the adjustment feature, the distal end of the pointer member is positioned at the target location on the imaging modality; rotating the pivot member about the pivot axis and advancing the distal tip of the curvilinear member from a skin entry site to the target location within the subject. view more

A method as in claim 28, wherein the subject is in the prone position for performance of the targeting procedure.

A method as in claim 28, wherein the first member is positioned using radiographic guidance.

A method as in claim 28, wherein the adjustment feature of the targeting apparatus is adapted to movably adjust the location of the pivot axis relative to the first vertebral bone.

A method as in claim 28, wherein the adjustment feature of the targeting apparatus adjusts the distance between the first and the second members using a threaded member.

A method as in claim 28, wherein the pointer member is adapted to be immobilized relative to the second member in at least one plane.

A method as in claim 28, wherein the elongated arm of the pivot member extends a first distance from the pivot axis to the bore that is adapted to receive the curvilinear member, wherein the first distance of elongated arm is substantially equal to the first distance of the pointer member. view more

A method as in claim 28, wherein the advancing curvilinear member of the targeting apparatus produces a curvilinear corridor within the subject from the skin entry site to the target location.

A method as in claim 37, wherein an orthopedic implant is advanced to the target location at least partially through the curvilinear corridor produced by the targeting apparatus.

A method as in claim 38, wherein the implant, when positioned at the target location, functions as a spacer that is adapted to separate at least a segment of the first vertebral bone from a segment of an adjacent vertebral bone.

A method as in claim 38, wherein the orthopedic implant extends from a proximal end to a distal end along a central axis, and wherein at least a segment of the implant extends along the central axis in a curvilinear trajectory.

A method as in claim 38, wherein the orthopedic implant, when positioned at the target location, is aligned with a proximal segment on a first side of a vertebral midline and a distal segment positioned contra-lateral to the first side, and wherein the vertebral midline is defined by a mid-sagittal plane that is used to divide the vertebral bone into right and left halves. view more

A method as in claim 28, wherein the distal tip of the curvilinear member is adapted to separate tissue ahead of the rotating pivot member.