Abstract: A subcutaneously assembled in place orthopedic construct is provided, such as for fixation of the spine. The construct includes a first bar and a second bar for attachment to the spine. A crossbar connects the first and second bar, to provide additional structural support. Each of the first bar, the second bar, and the crossbar may be inserted in a minimally invasive procedure, and constructed in place to form the orthopedic device. Each of the first bar, second bar, and crossbar may comprise an inflatable container, adapted for inflation with a hardenable media and cured in place. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty is provided. The tool includes a first member operably associated with the first component and a second member. The second member is operably associated with the second component. At least one of the first member and the second member are adapted to provide for the assembly of the first component of the prosthesis to the second component of the prosthesis. The second member is operably associated with the first member for relative motion between the first member and the second member for assembly of the first component of the prosthesis to the second component. The tool also includes an angular orientation feature cooperating with at least one of the first member and the second member for at least one of replicating and measuring the relative angular orientation of the first component with respect to the second component.

Abstract: The invention concerns an intervertebral prosthesis comprised of a first prosthetic end plate (20) and a second prosthetic end plate (30) as wall as a prosthetic core (10) located between the first prosthetic end plate (20) and the second prosthetic end plate (30), wherein the first prosthetic end plate (20) has a hemispherical shaped recess (21) with a radius (R3), in which a hemispherical segment (11) of the prosthetic core (10) engages, and wherein the second prosthetic end plate (30) has an essentially planar recess (31), in which an essentially flat segment (15) of the prosthetic core (10), connected to the hemispherical segment (11), engages, wherein the essentially flat segment (15) of the prosthetic core (10) is slideably moveable in the essentially planar recess (31).

Abstract: Compression screw apparatuses, systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the compression screw includes a primary screw and a secondary screw. The primary screw includes an at least partially threaded leading portion and an at least partially threaded trailing portion. The secondary screw includes outer threads and has a central opening which is also threaded and adapted for being screwed onto and matingly engaging the trailing portion of the primary screw. Drivers can be used to rotatably control the primary screw and the secondary screw to cause compression of spaced-apart material, particularly for compression of bone fragments across a fracture line.

Abstract: A guide assembly for forming a tunnel through a proximal end of a tibia includes a brace having a first end and an opposing second end. A template is mounted on the first end of the brace. The template is adapted to rest on a lateral or medial facet at a proximal end of the tibia. A tubular guide sleeve has a proximal end and an opposing distal end. The tubular guide sleeve is adjustably mounted on the second end of the brace such that when the template is disposed on the lateral or medial facet of the tibia, the distal end of the tubular guide sleeve can be selectively biased against a lateral, medial, or anterior side of a proximal end of the tibia.

Abstract: Apparatus to facilitate reduction and fixation of a fracture by drawing together the fracture by applying tension to a reduction wire are disclosed. These apparatus include a bone plate for the fixation of a fractured bone having a plurality of fastener openings so that the bone plate may be secured by a plurality of fasteners across a reduced fracture to fixate a reduced fracture. The bone plate is configured with a channel that receives a reduction wire so that the reduction wire may extend between the bone plate and a reduction wire mount such as a bone screw.

Abstract: A surgical drill guide is disclosed generally comprising a handle connected to an arm, the arm having an end for contacting a bone. The handle has a plurality of non-parallel channels therein for receiving a sleeve at different angles. Once properly positioned, the sleeve can be used to guide a K-wire into the bone, which can then be used as a guide for drilling a tunnel. The various angles allow the surgeon to achieve a range of tunnel lengths. In some embodiments, the guide has a locking mechanism for locking the sleeve in the channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (and corresponding method) for holding and inserting one or more components of a pedicle screw assembly. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the present invention may be used in connection with minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: An occipital plating system includes a plate extending along a longitudinal axis. The plate is engageable to the occiput, and includes at least one coupling member laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the plate. The coupling member extends along a portion of the length of the plate. The at least one coupling member includes a passage to receive a connecting element. The coupling member is structured to at least medially and laterally constrain a portion of a length of the connecting element positioned in the passage.

Abstract: A detachable cutting tool capture for a cutting block provides a guide surface to convert an open surface block into a slotted block for plying a surgical cutting tool along the surfaces of the guide during a surgical procedure such as a bone resection with a blade. A magnetized catch provides a convenient device for securing the capture and the block together. A triangular cam on the detachable capture in conjunction with a “v” groove in a magnetized lever of the catch permits a pin of the catch to be selectively retracted from or extended into an aperture of the block when the lever is rotated so that when the pin extends, it serves to secure the combined apparatus for cutting. Mating surfaces of the block and capture provide additional structure for supporting the capture with the block to secure them from relative movement.

Abstract: A spinal fixation plate that is adapted to be implanted in a variety of positions in the occiput is provided. In general, the plate has a substantially planar configuration and it includes a mid-line or central portion having several thru-bores formed therein, and first and second opposed branch portions that extend from the central portion and that also include at least one thru-bore formed therein. The configuration of the branch portions relative to the central portion, as well as the position of the mid-line thru-bores formed in the central portion in relation to the thru-bore(s) formed in each branch portion, allow the spinal fixation plate to be implanted in a variety of positions in the occiput, thus allowing the optimal implant site to be selected.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: Endosteal fixation of a ligament graft with a bioabsorbable interference screw installed in a retrograde manner in ACL reconstruction. The bioabsorbable interference screw is insert-molded with a length of suture extending from the distal tip of the screw for pulling the interference screw into the joint and into position for retrograde insertion at the top of the tibial tunnel. The interference screw has a cannulation extending partially through the screw from the leading tip. The cannulation is shaped to receive a correspondingly shaped driver. The driver is inserted into the tibial tunnel to engage the screw. By turning the driver, the interference screw is turned into the tibial tunnel in a retrograde manner. Accordingly, interference fixation of the graft near the tibial plateau is provided, thereby eliminating graft abrasion at the tibial plateau tunnel opening.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for replacing the functions of a facet joint between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra without necessarily requiring an anatomical implant. The method includes: providing one or more flexible posterior devices to replace main functions of the facet joint; and adapting a first one of the one or more posterior devices for a first attachment to a first pedicle, and a second attachment to a second pedicle.

Abstract: A spinal fixation element is provided having a feature formed thereon that facilitates placement of the spinal fixation element through an access device, thus allowing the spinal fixation element to be positioned in relation to a spinal anchor that is coupled to the access device and that is implanted in a vertebra in a patient's spine. The feature also optionally facilitates placement of the spinal fixation element in relation to spinal anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. In particular, the spinal fixation element is adapted for use with an access device that has at least one slot or opening formed therein and having a width that is less than a width of the feature, thus preventing the feature from passing therethrough. The spinal fixation element can therefore be inserted through the access device, and a portion of the fixation element can be passed through the slot or opening in the access device while the feature is retained in the access device.

Abstract: A fixation system includes a plate intended to be positioned against a bone, a plurality of bone screws for securing the plate along a non-fractured portion of the bone, and a plurality of bone pegs which extend from the plate and into bone fragments of the fracture to provide a supporting framework. The pegs can be oriented at various angles relative to an axis normal to be lower surface of the plate. For each peg, once the peg has been appropriately positioned within the peg hole, a set screw is threaded into the peg hole and tightened, thereby securing the peg in the selected orientation.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element into a surgical site in a patient's spinal column are provided. In general, the method involves advancing a spinal fixation element in a first, lengthwise orientation along a pathway extending from a minimally invasive percutaneous incision to a spinal anchor site. As the spinal fixation element approaches the spinal anchor site, the fixation element can be manipulated to extend in a second orientation, which is preferably substantially transverse to the first orientation, to position the fixation element in relation to one or more spinal anchors.

Abstract: A vertebral plate system and associated method minimizes the number of required multiple configurations and sizes of hardware on hand during surgery for repair, stabilization or fusion of bone segments. A novel aspect of the invention is a resilient split ring that cooperates with angled contact surfaces in a plate for allowing convenient and fast dynamic locking between the plate and a bone screw. In another aspect of the present invention, a screw or similarly elongated fastener having a generally spherical or part-spherical head with a section of helical threads is configured in a generally horizontal band and positioned around a maximum-diameter section of the head. The screw is loosely retained to a first structure by a snap-ring formed from a ring of elastic material having a slot cut so that the ring is a “C” ring. The ring is seated on an annular shoulder formed in a through-hole in the first structure.

Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.