Abstract: Methods are provided for treating a spinal condition. One method includes promoting fusion of an area of a vertebral column by introducing a biological treatment into the area to be fused. Another method includes causing damage in the area to be fused so as to induce a healing response. Other methods include applying a mechanical device to the vertebral column to provide stability to the area undergoing fusion.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a spinal condition. The method includes introducing a biological treatment into an area of a vertebral column, and mechanically unloading the treated area by applying a load-bearing device to the anterior region, the anterior column region, the posterior region, or the spinous process region of the vertebral column.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) workstation reader for RFID-enabled surgical instruments and surgical instrument trays and a method of using a RFID workstation reader to read RFID-enabled surgical instruments and surgical instrument trays. The method, apparatus, and system enable individual instruments or a surgical instrument tray containing several surgical instruments to be quickly and efficiently inventoried and tracked. An instrument or instrument tray is placed on the workstation reader. An RF field generated by a plurality of antennae, causes RFID tags embedded in or attached to the instrument or instrument tray to emit a signal containing item specific identification information stored in the tags. The information is received by a control circuit and passed to a computer for data analysis. A status LED is illuminated on the workstation reader based on the results of the data analysis.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc is disclosed and can be installed within an intervertebral space between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can include a superior component and an inferior component that can have an inferior bearing surface. A hydrophilicity of the inferior bearing surface can be greater-than an average hydrophilicity of the inferior component.

Abstract: A drill bit assembly is disclosed and can include a drill bit and a drill stop sleeve disposed around the drill bit. The drill stop sleeve can include a locking collar that can be movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the drill stop sleeve can be movable along the drill bit to one of a plurality of drill stop depths. In the locked position, the drill stop sleeve can be locked along the drill bit in one of the plurality of drill stop depths.

Abstract: A posterior fixation system includes a saddle member and an anchoring member. The anchoring member anchors the saddle member to bone. The saddle member includes a pair of upright portions that define a channel. The saddle member further has a hole therethrough bounded by an inner wall, and the hole forms a lower opening in the saddle member. The lower opening in the saddle member may contain angular cutouts placed symmetrically about the axis of the saddle to increase the allowable angulation of the bone screw in relationship to the axis of the saddle. The channel is adapted to receive an orthopedic rod, and the hole in the saddle member is adapted to receive the anchoring member. The saddle member and the anchoring member can be coupled so as to allow multi-axial movement of the members.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae includes a first articulation member and a second articulation member configured to cooperate to permit articulating motion. An expandable member may be connected to the first articulation member and may be configured to support and position the first articulation member within the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A connecting device is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, for example to connect a spinal rod and a vertebral screw or hook. The connector generally includes a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, and an grommet member for receiving a bone fixation member. The grommet member is inserted into the receiver member so that the receiver member and grommet member are rotatably connected. One or more disks may be placed between the receiver member and grommet member to assist in locking the device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for assessing tissue characteristics such as tissue density and volume is disclosed. The surgical instrument is hand-held and includes transducers adapted for emitting and/or receiving acoustic signals. The surgical instrument utilizes pulse-echo to determine tissue characteristics. The surgical instrument may be utilized to determine such things as the size of a lesion and whether the lesion has been completely removed or filled with graft material.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for placement in an intervertebral space defined between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra to provide articulating motion to the upper and lower vertebrae may includes an upper articular portion configured to be at least partially disposed in the intervertebral space and a lower articular portion configured to be at least partially disposed in the intervertebral space. The lower articular portion may be configured to cooperate with the upper articular portion to provide articulating motion to the upper and lower vertebrae. An attachment element may extend in the general direction of the spinal column. The attachment element may be configured to be fastened to at least one of the upper and the lower vertebrae to at least partially secure in place said one of the upper and lower articular portions. A method of implanting also is disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal disc replacement surgical instrument includes a first contacting member positionable along an endplate of a first vertebra and a second contacting member positionable along an endplate of second vertebra. The second contacting member is moveable relative to the first contacting member. A handle assembly is coupled to the first contacting member and the second contacting member. At least one actuating member is positioned between the first contacting member and the second contacting member. The at least one actuating member is moveable by the hand assembly from a first position, wherein the first and second contacting members include an unexpanded configuration relative to one another for insertion in the spinal cavity, to a second position providing expanded configuration relative to one another.

Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for implanting nucleus replacement material in an intervertebral disc nucleus space employing an inserter having proximal and distal end regions and a passageway effective for passing the material therethrough. The distal end region of the inserter includes a conical-shaped outer surface, and the passageway exits through a side surface of the inserter in the distal end region at other than the apex of the conical-shaped outer surface. The nucleus replacement material passing through the inserter exits into an intervertebral disc nucleus space when the passageway exit in the side surface at the distal end region is disposed in the nucleus space. The instrument may also include a cover locking mechanism having pivotally connected first and second cover plates with a latching tab and landing sized and configured to mate and lock the cover plates automatically when the inserter assumes an implanting configuration.

Abstract: An implant inserter is disclosed and can include a body and an implant engagement head that can be attached to the body. The implant engagement head can be configured to removably engage an intervertebral prosthetic disc. Further, an injector can be incorporated in the implant engagement head. The injector can be configured to deliver an injectable material to an expandable structure within the intervertebral prosthetic disc.

Abstract: A chisel system for harvesting an implantable graft from an area of a human having a cartilage overlying a condyle, according to which a module is provided that has one end connected to a handle. A cutting surface is formed at the other end of the module that cuts through the cartilage and condyle.

Abstract: A surgical procedure and a device used in the procedure according to which one end portion of a guide rod is inserted into the condyle of a damaged area of a human. The rod is used as a guide for a drill bit and a chisel to cut an opening in the condyle.

Abstract: A surgical tool and method are provided for positioning an intervertebral device between vertebral members. The tool includes an elongate shaft, an anti-rotation sleeve, and an actuation mechanism. The shaft has proximal and distal ends, with the distal end of the shaft including an engagement member for releasably engaging an intervertebral device. The sleeve includes proximal and distal ends, and is movably mounted to the shaft for reciprocating relative thereto between retracted and extended positions. The distal end of the sleeve includes an anti-rotation member. The actuation mechanism controls positioning of the sleeve between the retracted and extended positions, and locks the sleeve relative to the shaft. When the intervertebral device is releasably engaged by the engagement member, and the sleeve is in the extended position, the anti-rotation member engages the intervertebral device and prevents rotation of the intervertebral device when releasing the engagement member from the intervertebral device.

Abstract: An in-series, dual locking mechanism device for securing at least one implant having a clamp, a locking mechanism and a bone fastener. The clamp is configured to include a channel for receiving the implant and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is structured to secure the implant within the clamp by applying a force in at least two locations that are configured to be adjacent and in-series relative to each other. The locking mechanism functions to reduce the resultant internal stresses realized by the implant that may lead to implant fracture or fatigue. The implant is generally continuous and is preferably rod shaped. The shape of the implant thereby allowing it to be utilized in various surgical procedural applications. The clamp is further configured for the attachment of a bone fastener. The bone fastener functioning to rigidly fix the clamp to the bone.

Abstract: A distractor assembly for preparing an intervertebral disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra is described. The distractor assembly comprises a cross bar and first and second distracting arms connected to the cross bar.

Abstract: An RFID tag that is integrated into button-type, substantially cylindrically-shaped housing with a portion for attaching the tag to an object to be identified through radio frequency identification techniques.

Abstract: A multi-axial bone fixation implant includes an elongated member, one or more bone anchor assemblies, and stabilizer members fitted within the elongated member. A bolt having a bone-threaded end and a machine-threaded end and an enlarged medial portion is also provided. The bolt is anchored into a bone, and its machine-threaded end passes through the elongated member and the stabilizer, and is engaged by a coupled washer and nut. The washer includes an oblong aperture, and the nut includes a projecting sleeve. The sleeve is inserted into the washer and expanded, and the washer retains the sleeve without impairing relative rotatability or translatability of the nut and washer. When locked by the nut and washer, the enlarged portion of the bolt is forced against the stabilizer, which locks against the elongated member. The elongated member can be fixed with respect to the anchor at an infinite number of multi-axial angles.