Abstract: An external fixation assembly includes a plurality of hollow pins that are inserted into a patient's bone. Each pin has an interior bore and a plurality of apertures extending through the pin wall from the bore. The pin may be coupled to a source of vacuum pressure operable to create reduced pressure in the tissue surrounding the pin. A cover is placed around the pin and sealed to provide a fluid-tight enclosure that maintains reduced pressure around the pin. A method for applying external fixation using the fixator pins described above includes the steps of inserting each pin through a skin opening, positioning the pin apertures near selected tissue, covering the skin opening with a sealed enclosure, connecting the pins to a source of vacuum pressure, and activating the source of vacuum pressure to create reduced pressure in the patient's tissue at or near the bone.

Abstract: A bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and having a flexible state and a rigid state, a plurality of grippers disposed at longitudinally spaced locations of the elongated body, a curved rigid hub connected to the elongated body, and an actuator operably connected to the grippers to deploy the grippers from a first shape to an expanded second shape. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprising inserting a bone fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of an elongate body of the fixation device in a flexible state on one side of the fracture and at least a portion of a curved rigid hub on another side of the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy a plurality of grippers of the fixation device to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone.

Abstract: A vertebral fixing system suitable for being mounted on a vertebra of the spine for connecting it to a rod. The system includes: a connecting part suitable for being connected to the rod, a flexible ligature of elongate shape having two free ends suitable for connecting together the connecting part and at least a portion of a vertebra and/or a rib, and an adjustable locking member mounted on the connecting part. The connecting part defines at least one passageway for passing the ligature in such a manner that two distinct strands of the ligature can be engaged in the passageway so that the two strands of the ligature define a first ligature portion forming a loop extending from one side of the connecting part, and second and third ligature portions extending from the other side of the connecting part.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for establishing an anatomical reference point of an intervertebral disc for the attachment of at least one instrument Intended for the implantation, through a posterior or posterolateral approach, of a disc prosthesis or osteosynthesis cage as a replacement for the intervertebral disc. The device includes at least two means for bone anchorage each intended to be attached to a vertebra adjacent to the disc, a coupling element for the instrument and elements for adjusting the position of the coupling element relative to the position of the disc.

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. A first embodiment includes a number of pin mounting structures, each of which can include a single pin holder. A second embodiment includes one or two pin mounting structures, each of which holds a row of pin holders that is clamped in place by a single clamping member. Other embodiments are formed by fastening together a group of elements to form different housing configurations.

Abstract: A pivoting insertion apparatus and method includes a main body comprising a shaft including a longitudinal channel cavity and a forked end coupled to the shaft; an actuator seated within the channel cavity; a hinge joint including a hinge joint main body coupled to the main body and a pair of arms coupled to the hinge joint main body; an outer sleeve including an outer shell surrounding a cavity that loosely contains the main body, actuator, and a portion of the hinge joint; a member housing including a member housing body that includes a main cavity housing the longitudinal member and a pair of arms coupled to the member housing body; and a linkage component including a first end coupled to the forked end of the actuator and a second end coupled to at least one of the member housing arms.

Abstract: A spinal implant particularly adapted for lateral expansion while disposed in the disc space between adjacent vertebrae. The implant includes a first frame member pivotally linked to a second frame member via at least one, and preferably multiple, pivoting links. The implant may be inserted into the disc space in a collapsed configuration using a lateral approach, and then expanded in the anterior-posterior direction (lateral to insertion direction) to a deployed configuration where the first and second frame members are farther apart. The implant may be expanded by holding one frame member and pushing on the other frame member or one or more proximal links linking the two frame members.

Abstract: Intervertebral prosthetic systems, devices, and associated methods are provided. The present disclosure provides top and bottom endplates that engage the lateral walls of the vertebral bodies for stability and incorporate a compliant core, ball-and-socket core, fusion-cage core, or any other suitable type of motion-preserving or fusion cores. The endplate designs allow insertion through a unilateral approach yet still have engagement on both sides of the vertebral body to provide stability and reduce the risk of subsidence. In some instances, saddle style endplates are inserted and then rotated to engage the lateral walls of the vertebral bodies. In other instances, hinged style endplates are inserted in a first orientation and then at least one end portion is pivoted to a second orientation so that the endplates engage the lateral walls of the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A prosthesis for partial replacement of a vertebral body includes upper and lower contact plates that contact upper and lower vertebral bodies and a bridging element to be inserted into a bone cavity that bridges an intermediate vertebral body to be replaced that lies between the upper and lower vertebral bodies. The bridging element has anchoring projections which can be moved between a retracted implantation position and a protruding anchoring position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implant for treating lumbar spinal canal stenosis, comprising a spacer that is proved with an elongate interior space into which an insert part can be inserted. A first retaining element is fixed in the spacer in the inserted state. Said first retaining part can be folded apart by inserting the insert part while a second rear retaining element that is molded onto the insert part simultaneously comes to rest on the vertebral processes, thus making it possible to insert the implant unilaterally while reducing the risk of having to undergo possible postoperative interventions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive stabilization of anterior pelvic fractures consisting of two rod shaped implants that may be surgically inserted subcutaneously or along the bone surface of each hemipelvis and a means of both linking the individual rods as well as rigidly securing the construct to the pelvis.

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. A first embodiment includes a number of internal mounting surfaces, each of which can include a single pin holder. A second embodiment includes one or two internal mounting surfaces, each of which holds a row of pin holders that is clamped in place by a single clamping member.

Abstract: A cross connector for attachment between two spinal implants comprises a first element having one end and an opposite end configured for engaging one of the two spinal implants, a second element having one end and an opposite end configured for engaging the other of the two spinal implants, an engagement mechanism between the one end of each of the first and second elements, and a locking element for locking the two elements together at the respective one end. The engagement mechanism includes an interface configured to permit relative pivoting between the first element and the second element about at least two non-parallel axes.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for bone screw fixation. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices provide a bone fixation device that includes a receiving head having a recess adapted to seat a spinal rod therein and a shank extending distally from the receiving head. An anti-rotation mechanism can be located distal of a distal end of the receiving head and around a proximal portion of the shank, and it can be configured to interact with bone to prevent rotation of at least a portion of the bone fixation device relative to the bone.

Abstract: An artificial spinal disk prosthesis comprised of an artificial disk (101), mounting bracket (105) assembly that secures the disk to at least one vertebrae and a sliding rod (104) that connects the two whereby the shape of the components determines the range of motion of the disk, thus allowing desirable motions of the disk consistent with normal body motions and preventing undesirable motions of the artificial disk. In the preferred embodiment, the angular motion of the disk is controlled by a hinge that is on the side of the artificial disk. In the preferred embodiment, the artificial disc is connected to the spine via one vertebra.

Abstract: A surgical access portal includes a seal housing and a sleeve mounted to the sleeve housing having an internal longitudinal passage adapted to provide access to underlying tissue. A seal is in mechanical cooperation with an inner wall of the seal housing and has an opening for reception and passage of a surgical instrument in a substantially sealed relation. A sponge is disposed distally of the seal and absorbs fluids that enter the seal housing.

Abstract: A surgical portal assembly includes a portal member adapted for positioning within a tissue tract and defining a longitudinal axis with leading and trailing ends. The portal member includes at least one longitudinal port for passage of an object. The portal member comprises a compressible material adapted to transition between a first expanded condition to facilitate securing of the portal within the tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining the tissue tract, and a second compressed condition to facilitate at least partial insertion of the portal within the tissue tract. The portal assembly also includes an elongated member extending through the at least one longitudinal port and mechanically couplable to the portal member adjacent the leading end thereof.

Abstract: A minimally invasive spacer for positioning between vertebral members. The spacer is adjustable between a first orientation having a reduced size to facilitate insertion between the vertebral members. A second orientation has an enlarged size for contacting the vertebral members. The spacer includes linkages that are attached to a pair of plates. A pull arm is operatively connected to the linkages for adjusting the spacer from the first orientation to the second orientation. A indicator gauge indicates the height of the spacer.

Abstract: A surgical portal and introducer assembly includes an introducer and a portal member positionable within a longitudinal passageway of the introducer. The portal member is adapted for positioning within a tissue tract and has at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal member comprises a compressible material and is adapted to transition between a first expanded condition and a second compressed condition. The assembly may include an expandable restraining member that may be disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The restraining member is adapted to expand and compress the portal member to cause the portal member to transition to the compressed condition.

Abstract: In order to improve an implant for the dorsal stabilization of a human or animal spinal column, comprising an attachment device for placing in position against and/or fixing to spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae of the spinal column, such that it can be used for the dynamic dorsal stabilization of the spinal column, it is suggested that the implant comprise at least one spacer element which is associated with the attachment device and designed in such a manner that it alters its external shape and/or its elastic properties as a result of a change in ambient conditions and/or forces acting on it. Furthermore, an improved implant system for the dorsal stabilization of a human or animal spinal column is suggested.