Abstract: An implantable medical connector device is provided that employs a snap-on technology to safely and easily mate with another device. The medical connector device generally includes an elongate member having first and second connectors members formed on opposed ends thereof. Each connector member includes an opening formed in a sidewall thereof and extending into a nesting seat. The nesting seat is adapted to seat and engage an implanted cylindrical element.

Abstract: A bone growth-promoting composition is provided comprising hyaluronic acid and a growth factor. The composition has a viscosity and biodegradability sufficient to persist at an intra-articular site of desired bone growth for a period of time sufficient to promote the bone growth. Preferably hyaluronic acid is used in a composition range of 0.1-4% by weight and preferred growth factor is bFGF, present in a concentration range of about 10−6 to 100 mg/ml.

Abstract: A carrier and a method for preparing it are provided for use in the delivery of therapeutic agents. A polysaccharide is reacted with an oxidizing agent to open sugar rings on the polysaccharide to form aldehyde groups. The aldehyde groups are reacted to form covalent oxime linkages with a second polysaccharide and each of the first and second polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid, dextran, dextran sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, keratan sulfate, heparan, heparan sulfate and alginate.

Abstract: A surgical bone preparation instrument that is effective to prepare the surface of adjacent bone structures, and more particularly to remove a predetermined portion of bone from the vertebral endplates of adjacent vertebral bodies, is provided. In general, the surgical bone preparation instrument includes a housing member having an inner lumen formed therein, and an elongate member rotatably disposable within the housing member. The housing member can include a distractor member adapted to be disposed between adjacent bone structures, and optionally a rotation limiting element, and/or a stop member. In use, the elongate member is rotated with respect to the housing, thereby causing the cutting element to penetrate and remove bone from the adjacent bone structures.

Abstract: A coupler for connecting a first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element to a second spinal fixation element includes a post and a head disposed on a distal end of the post. The head of the coupler has a width shorter than a width of a slot in the first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element, and a length longer than the width of the slot in the first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element. The coupler with a head so configured can be placed in a first orientation so that the head passes through the slot in the first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element, and then can be placed in a second orientation wherein the head is trapped beneath the first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element while the post having a connecting element extends through the slot. Systems and methods for extending a first, implanted spinal fixation element to one or more additional vertebrae while leaving the first, implanted spinal fixation element in place are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic implant for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a spinal column. The prosthetic implant includes a cage having a top, bottom, front end, back end, first side and second side walls. The first side wall has an arcuate surface. The top and bottom wall include one or more ridges to engage a surface of an adjacent vertebrae. The top and bottom wall also include an opening to receive packing material such as medicine, human tissue and the like. The top and bottom walls also incline simultaneously in two directions.

Abstract: A spinal disc prosthesis (10) to replace a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column (16) of a human, includes an elastomeric core (200) having upper and lower surfaces (202, 212) which are parallel to each other. An upper rigid plate (20) has opposed first and second surfaces (42, 52). The first surface (42) is affixed to the upper surface (202) of the elastomeric core. The second surface (52) is inclined relative to the first surface (42). A lower rigid plate (120) has opposed third and fourth surfaces (142, 152). The third surface (142) is affixed to the lower surface (212) of the elastomeric core (200) and extends parallel to the first surface (42). The fourth surface (152) is inclined relative to the third surface (142). The second and fourth surfaces (52, 152) are inclined relative to each other.

Abstract: An installation tool is provided for the efficient and effective placement of an implant between adjacent bone structures, preferably adjacent vertebral bodies, and for the subsequent removal of the device without displacement of the implant. The installation tool generally includes a pair of opposed levers, a pusher assembly disposed between the levers, and an installation tool removing element having a mass slidably disposed with respect to at least a portion of the pusher assembly. The levers are effective to separate adjacent bone structures, such as adjacent vertebrae, upon insertion of an implant. The pusher assembly is slidably movable with respect to the levers, and is effective to insert an implant between the adjacent bone structures. Once the implant is positioned between the adjacent vertebrae, the mass can be used to apply a proximally directed force to the opposed levers, thereby removing the instrument from the space between the adjacent bone structures.

Abstract: A composition is provided for treating diseased, injured or diseased cartilage comprising hyaluronic acid and a growth factor. The composition has a viscosity and biodegradability sufficient to persist at the site for a period of time sufficient to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, injury or abnormality. Preferably hyaluronic acid is used in a composition range of 0.01-4% by weight and the preferred growth factor is IGF-I, present in a concentration range of about 10−6 to 100 mg/ml.

Abstract: A closure system for fixing a spinal fixation element to a spinal fixation element receiving body includes a low profile outer locking nut for engaging an outer surface of the spinal fixation element receiving body and an inner set screw for engaging an inner surface of a spinal fixation element. The outer locking nut includes opposed proximal and distal ends, a generally cylindrical, low profile outer surface, an inner surface defining an inner bore, and a spinal fixation element closure surface provided on the distal end. An engagement element is formed on the inner surface adjacent the distal end for engaging an outer portion of the spinal fixation element receiving body so as to close the spinal fixation element to the spinal fixation element receiving body upon tightening of the engagement element. A driving element is formed at the proximal end within a periphery defined by the low profile outer surface and is configured to receive a driving tool to tighten the engagement element.

Abstract: A serrated pedicle hook for use in a spinal fixation system is provided. The pedicle hook includes a body portion that is adapted to engage the fixation element of a spinal fixation system, and a hook portion that is adapted to be positioned on and/or around the pedicle bone of a vertebra. The hook portion includes at least one serration formed on the bone-contacting surface. The serrated spinal hook according to the present invention is particularly useful for maintaining the desired position of a pedicle hook both during and after the implantation of a spinal fixation system.

Abstract: A coupler for connecting a first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element to a second spinal fixation element includes a post and a head disposed on a distal end of the post. The head of the coupler has a width shorter than a width of a slot in the first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element, and a length longer than the width of the slot in the first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element. The coupler with a head so configured can be placed in a first orientation so that the head passes through the slot in the first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element, and then can be placed in a second orientation wherein the head is trapped beneath the first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element while the post having a connecting element extends through the slot. Systems and methods for extending a first, implanted spinal fixation element to one or more additional vertebrae while leaving the first, implanted spinal fixation element in place are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic element includes a first end plate and a second end plate, each of which has a bone-facing surface and an opposed mating surface. The bone-facing surfaces of the first end plate and the second end plate each have at least one lobe protruding therefrom. Some or all of the lobes may have a plurality of wedge-like like fins which protrude therefrom. An elastomeric core is interposed between, and attached to, the mating surfaces of the first end plate and the second end plate.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for inducing or enhancing chondrogenesis in vivo or in vitro. The method is performed by exposing the cells in vitro or in vivo to an extracellular matrix comprising of type I collagen, type II collagen or a mixture of type I collagen or type II collagen and hyaluronate and further containing GDF-5.

Abstract: A fusion cage having a structural bioresorbable layer thereon.

Abstract: A system of instruments and a method for using these instruments for effective spinal stabilization using cannulated bone screws is described. In particular, the system and method provides accurate and efficient measurement of the appropriate screw length to be inserted in a patient with a lower spine injury. The system and method further enables accurate orientation or placement of the cannulated bone screws from outside the patient's body. The present method describes a surgical technique for the placement of cannulated bone screw for translaminar facet, transfacet, and general orthopedic applications.

Abstract: An orthopaedic method and anchor assemblies for anchoring a linkage such as a rod or cable used for fixation or reduction. One assembly includes an anchor plate and a slotted anchor bolt that captures the plate in a one-piece assembly for convenient installation. The base of the anchor bolt lies below the plate, and a cap or nut tightens down to secure a linking member, e.g., a rod or cable, in the slot, simultaneously clamping the bolt to fix both its position and its orientation on the plate. One occipital plate has lateral arms that hold the anchor bolts, and a Y-shaped embodiment is mounted in an inverted orientation to position the anchor bolts well down in soft tissue for more effective wound closure. A cable connector is used together with an anchor plate, vertebra anchor screws and fixation rods to secure ends of a cable at the level of one or more vertebrae, providing a versatile and highly stable system for alignment, fixation and fusing of the cervical and thoracic spine.

Abstract: An orthopaedic junction or anchor assembly for anchoring a linkage such as a rod or cable used for fixation or reduction. The assembly includes a slotted bolt that fits through an apertured plate, and a support platform that fits over the bolt, capturing the plate in a one-piece assembly for convenient installation. The base of the bolt is recessed in the plate and a cap or nut tightens down to secure the linking member, e.g., a rod or cable, in the bolt slot, simultaneously clamping the bolt to fix both its position and its orientation on the plate. The support platform has the form of a generally annular washer with an upper surface including a transverse groove on which the rod seats, and a lower surface abutting the plate. A sleeve potion may extend within and buttress the surrounding wall of the plate. The plate may take various forms, such as a hook or offset arm, an occipital T-plate, or a vertebra plate.

Abstract: An implantable spinal graft includes a substantially annular body with opposed superior and inferior surfaces. At least a portion of the superior and inferior surfaces includes a plurality of bone-engaging protrusions. Both of the superior and inferior surfaces also include at least one region that is free of protrusions. Preferably, the protrusion-free regions are centrally disposed and are oriented so as to be parallel to or angled with respect to an anterior-posterior axis of the implant. The implant further includes a tip on the posterior that is formed by converging portion of the superior and inferior surfaces.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge installs clamping fasteners, e.g., a set screw and a lock nut, to fix a linking rod or cable in the head of an anchor assembly. The cartridge carries one or more fasteners, or pairs of inner and outer fasteners, and applies them onto the anchor head without cross-threading. A separate holder mechanism aligns and guides the cartridge with a centering body into which the fastener cartridge fits. One cartridge has a box wrench that externally grips and turns the nut, and a central shaft coaxial with the box wrench that positions and rotates a clamp screw in coordination with the nut. Preferably, these are configured, by springs, detents or offset positioning surfaces, to install the inner lock screw coaxially with but ahead of the outer nut to fix a linking member anchor assemblies prior to fitting, e.g., compressions and distractions of the spine and final tightening.