Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for reducing a spinal fixation element into a spinal implant element. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal rod reduction device is provided for reducing a spinal fixation element into a spinal implant element. The spinal rod reduction device can include a fastener engaging member for engaging at least a portion a spinal implant element, a reduction member for engaging at least a portion of a spinal fixation element, and a handle assembly mated to the reduction member. The handle assembly can be designed in such a way that actuation of the handle assembly causes movement of the reduction member relative to the fastener engaging member and the movement of the reduction member reduces the spinal fixation element into the spinal implant element. Two different styles of spinal rod reduction devices are discussed in detail. Various techniques are also provided for reducing a spinal fixation element into a spinal implant element.

Abstract: Device for fixing bone. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a plate member and a pair of hooks members. The plate member may have a pair of opposing edges arranged opposite each other. The pair of hook members each may project from a position adjacent the same edge of the plate member, to form a space to receive a same bone between the plate member and each of the hook members. Both hook members may be configured to contact a same side of the same bone. The plate member and a hook member may define first and second aligned apertures. The device also may comprise a fastener configured to extend from the first aperture, through the bone, and into locked engagement with the second aperture.

Abstract: An external fixation device for holding bone fragments in place includes a housing having a number of rotationally adjustable pin holders, each of which is held by a clamping member that simultaneously clamps the pin holder within an internal mounting surface of the housing and a bone pin within the pin holder. For example, the device includes a number of internal mounting surfaces, each of which can include a single pin holder. A drill guide fitting into the internal mounting surfaces is used to protect soft tissue from bone pins and they are rotated during installation.

Abstract: Systems for interbody fusion of adjacent bone portions may include an expanding implant and related instruments. An expanding implant may be formed as a linkage which is movable between a compact configuration and an expanded configuration. A shaft of the implant may increase and decrease in length to move between the compact and expanded configurations, and an implant width perpendicular to the length may be increased in the expanded configuration. The implant width may increase more in a first direction than a second direction opposite the first direction. An inserter instrument may releasably grasp the spacer and transform the implant between the compact and expanded configurations.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for connecting bones and/or bone portions using a bone connector with a pivotable joint.

Abstract: This invention includes surgical retractors that comprise an expandable frame that includes at least two base components, a connector, and at least two retractor blades attached to the expandable frame. Also included are surgical retractors that comprise a housing component that includes a cylindrical portion and a contiguous blade portion, assemblies comprising a surgical retractor assembled to at least one obtruator, illuminated surgical cannulas, and methods of using the same during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stabilizing the spine, comprising a bone screw (1) having a screw shaft (2) and having a first threaded portion (5) for insertion into the bone, comprising a rod (3) and a connector (4) that may be fixed to the bone screw (1) for the releasable connection of the rod (3) to the bone screw (1). The connector (3) comprises a connector body (9) having a throughgoing hole (10) and a rod seat (11) that is open on one side, into which the rod (3) may be snap fitted.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is adapted to fixate the spinous processes of vertebral bones. The device includes at least one bone engagement member. When implanted, a bone engagement member is located on each side of a spinous process and adapted to forcibly abut the side of each spinous process.

Abstract: A method of treating a spinal column shape deformation includes fixing at least two fixation screw assemblies to respective vertebrae, sliding a rod between the arm extensions on each of the fixation screw assemblies, swinging the channels of the screw assemblies relative to the fixation screws so that the channels become less inclined to the axes of the fixation screws, and so that the rod is located generally posteriorly of the spinal column, locking the channel against swinging relative to the screw, rotating the rod about its axis relative to at least one of the channels, and locking the rod against movement relative to the channel.

Abstract: One nonlimiting embodiment is directed to an anchor extender releasably engaged with an anchor configured for engagement with one or more bones or bony portions. The anchor extender generally includes a first member and a second member positioned about and movable relative to the first member. The anchor extender is positionable adjacent the anchor and movement of the second member relative to the first member toward the anchor as the anchor extender is engaged with the anchor results in lateral displacement of the anchor extender relative to the anchor while the first member engages with a first side of the anchor and the second member engages with an opposite second side of the anchor. However, in other embodiments, different forms and applications are envisioned.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for a spinal fixation system that is particularly useful in treatment of pediatric and small-statured patients includes a fastener, an attachment member, and a locking member. The fastener has a lower portion for contacting a bone and an upper portion integral with the lower portion. The upper portion has two open channels. Each channel is configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of a longitudinal or connecting member along its circumference. The attachment member is positionable on the fastener and at least partially covers the channel that receives the longitudinal or connecting member. The locking member is operatively associated with the upper portion of the fastener and secures the attachment member and the longitudinal or connecting member to the fastener.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of an intramedullary nail system for use in pediatric cases, including an intramedullary nail and a targeting assembly. Embodiments of the nail may be one-piece and include a proximal portion, a medial portion and a distal portion. The junction of the medial portion and distal portion is a bend that provides a small angle between the medial portion and the distal portion as viewed when the nail is substantially in a medial-lateral plane. The targeting assembly attaches to the proximal portion of the nail securely and enables easy insertion of fixing screws.

Abstract: An implantable orthopedic stability device is disclosed. The device can have a contracted and an expanded configuration. A method of using the device between adjacent vertebral body surfaces surfaces for support and/or fixation of either or both of the adjacent vertebrae is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hip nail is inserted across a fracture of the proximal femur and locked in place by a plurality of tangs that are forcibly deployed from within the leading end of the nail into the head of the femur by means of blows on a central driving shaft, while a recoil transferring tube and tool shaft, and the inertia of a mass releasably attached to the base of the nail absorbs the recoil, enabling the nail to remain stationary relative to the bone, thereby enabling the tangs to deploy in a generally curvilinear perpendicular direction without twisting or unwanted distortion.

Abstract: According to one representative embodiment, a method for distracting a segment of bone from a source bone includes providing a bone distractor that has a first end portion and a second end portion movable relative to each other. The method further includes coupling the first end portion to the segment of bone and coupling the second end portion to an anchor bone opposing the source bone. Additionally, the method includes actuating the bone distractor to move the first and second end portions closer to each other and pull the segment of bone toward the anchor bone. The method can also include fixing the source bone relative to the anchor bone. Further, the method can include positioning the bone distractor to the sides of the source bone, anchor bone, and a gingival layer covering the bones.

Abstract: An implant for a spinal column and a method for inserting the same into a patient is disclosed. The implant includes an elongated body positionable in a spinal disc space. The body comprises a first body member and a second body member that each include at least one wedge extending into an interior cavity. A front bracket is connected with a leading portion of the first and second body members and a rear bracket connected with a trailing portion of said first and second body members. The brackets allow the first and second body members to move between an expanded state and an unexpanded state. An expansion component is positioned within the interior cavity when the implant is in an expanded state and the implant is then positioned in an unexpanded state. The expansion component includes at least one inverted wedge in engagement with the wedge of the first and second body members. The inverted wedge is operable to cause the first and second body members to expand way from one another to the expanded state.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting an implant between vertebrae includes an upper and a lower ramp each having a respective proximal and a distal end. A bracket assembly is coupled to the upper and lower ramps at the proximal ends. The bracket assembly biases the upper and lower ramps closed at the distal end. A drive member has a longitudinal axis and a screw thread thereon. The drive member is disposed between the upper and lower ramps and extends through a passage in the bracket assembly. An adjustable spreader is operably coupled to the drive member and movable between the upper and lower ramps along the longitudinal axis by rotation of the drive member. The adjustable spreader separates the upper ramp from the lower ramp during forwardly movement along the longitudinal axis. An implant holder is coupled to the adjustable spreader.

Abstract: An artificial disc prosthesis having load-bearing characteristics that mimic those of the normal, healthy intervertebral disc so as to provide resist flexion and axial compression of the spine in a way that preserves normal spinal function. The disc prosthesis includes three main components, a frame, a cushion molded over the frame, and a sac containing a hydrogel for maintaining disc height that is confined within a cavity in the cushion. Disc height is changed by increasing and/or decreasing the amount of hydrogel in the sac in accordance with the particular needs of the patient into which the artificial disc is implanted. Also provided is a frame for an artifical intervertebral disc that allows the axis of rotation of the spine to shift in a manner that replicates, or mimics, the normal function of the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: A system for a dynamic facet replacement includes first and second inferior facets, first and second pars and first and second superior facets. The first and second inferior facets are configured to replace left and right natural inferior facets and each facet comprises an articulating surface. The first and second superior facets are configured to replace left and right natural superior facets and each facet comprises an articulating surface. Each of the first and second pars includes first and second articulating surfaces and is configured to articulately connect the first and second articulating surfaces with the first articulating surfaces of the inferior and superior facets, respectively.

Abstract: A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or other portions of the tether structure to stabilize the tether structure and prevent misalignment after implantation.