A tensioned cord (208) formed into a closed loop is secured to adjacent bone structures (201, 203), and a flexible patch (236) is secured to the cord in tension so that the combined, predetermined tension is applied between the adjacent bones structures (201, 203). The tensioned cord (203) and patch (236) may be used with or without a fusion implant device (206) in order to, in the former instance, contribute to compressive forces applied to the fusion device by the surrounding bone structures. The patch (236) may also be used as a delivery medium for a substance such as bone graft (241).

A spacer member (1) is intended to be placed between the ends of the bones which are to be connected, one end of the spacer member being designed to form a joint surface against one of the bone ends (6,7). A joint-stabilizing connection (2,3) is arranged to connect the bones. The spacer member (1) is made of at least one tissue-compatible material.

A spinal fixation device having a spacer member and a pair of fixation plate members, where the spacer member is a cage-like structure having a generally open and exposed interior defined by a pair of superior-inferior bores intersecting a lateral bore, the spacer member having a pair of opposing, generally planar, contact surface members having a plurality of anterior-posterior oriented, beveled ridges disposed thereon, with the fixation plate members attached to the anterior of the spacer member, the fixation plate members being asymmetrical and each containing a generally circular and a slotted screw-retaining aperture, with each disposed to one side of a lateral midline in reversed manner relative to each fixation plate member.

An artificial disc includes a top vertebra-attachment portion and a lower spacer support connected to the top vertebra-attachment portion; a bottom vertebra-attachment portion and an upper spacer support connected to the bottom vertebra-attachment portion. The spacer supports are disposed between the vertebra-attachment portions, and the lower spacer support is disposed between the bottom vertebra-attachment portion and the upper spacer support. The disc further includes a first elastic spacer positioned between the spacer supports for compressively resisting tensile loading of the disc; and a second spacer disposed between the bottom vertebra-attachment portion and the lower spacer support or between the top vertebra-attachment portion and the upper spacer support for compressively resisting compressive loading of the disc.

Systems and methods for repairing annulus defects include at least one blocking member positionable in or adjacent to the annulus defect, and at least one anchor for securing the blocking member to adjacent tissue recessed into the adjacent vertebrae. The blocking member extends at least partially across the annulus defect for repair of the defect and/or retention of nucleus material, one or more implants, bio-compatible materials or device, and/or other objects positioned in the disc space. Instruments are provided to facilitate preparation of the implantation site of the annulus repair system.