Abstract: A device for removing tissue or bone includes a housing having an outer tube defining an inner lip. A middle tube is supported within the outer tube and includes an opening having teeth at a distal end thereof and a shoulder defined around an outer surface thereof proximate the opening. An inner tube is disposed within the middle tube and includes an opening having teeth at a distal end thereof in registration with the opening in the middle tube. The inner tube couples to a power source and rotates relative to the middle tube such that the teeth cooperate to cut tissue or bone disposed in a cutting window between the openings. A bushing is disposed atop the middle tube against the shoulder, such that, upon assembly, the bushing seats between the shoulder of the middle tube and the inner lip of the outer tube to provide stability therebetween.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting tissue from a body cavity includes a hollow tubular body. The tubular body has a tubular wall that extends between a proximal-most end and a distal-most end of the tubular body. The tubular wall surrounds a passage that extends to the distal end portion of the tubular body. The tubular body can be a non-bending shaft, or a shaft having an articulating section that allows a portion of the tubular body to articulate relative to the proximal end portion. The distal end portion includes a core drill with a cutting tip. The cutting tip defines a first aperture, a second aperture opposite the first aperture, and a web extending between the first aperture and the second aperture. The web tapers to a drill point at the distal-most end of the tubular body.

Abstract: A fixation assembly includes a pedicle screw having a screw head, an elongate tulip head inserted over the pedicle screw, and a swivel rocker inserted into the tulip head. The swivel rocker has an axial through passage extending therethrough, an arcuate concave distal face being contoured to match the screw head, and a saddle shaped proximal face. A rod assembly is seated on the saddle shaped proximal face. A retainer ring secures the tulip head around the screw head. A method of implanting the assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A trocar for preparing pilot holes, tunnels and other spaces within bone includes a piercing tip, a cutting element, and an expansion element for expanding the cutting element radially outwardly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the trocar. The cutting element includes one or more cutting blades. The trocar also includes a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft can include one or more apertures axially and radially aligned with the one or more cutting blades. The expansion element can include an activation rod housed inside the hollow shaft. The one or more cutting blades can be in the form of two opposed cutting blades separated by a gap, the two opposed cutting blades being radially displaceable with respect to the longitudinal axis. The activation rod can include a wedge that partially enters the gap between the two opposed cutting blades to displace the cutting blades to an expanded position.

Abstract: An instrument for cutting bone includes a hollow shaft having a sidewall. A cutting element is at least partially housed in the hollow shaft. The cutting element can include one or more cutting blades that are radially expandable through the sidewall. The instrument can also include a piercing tip on a distal end of the hollow shaft is located distally of the one or more cutting blades. In addition, the instrument can include an expansion element for radially expanding the one or more cutting blades through the sidewall.

Abstract: A trocar for preparing pilot holes, tunnels and other spaces within bone includes a piercing tip, a cutting element, and an expansion element for expanding the cutting element radially outwardly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the trocar. The cutting element includes one or more cutting blades. The trocar also includes a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft can include one or more apertures axially and radially aligned with the one or more cutting blades. The expansion element can include an activation rod housed inside the hollow shaft. The one or more cutting blades can be in the form of two opposed cutting blades separated by a gap, the two opposed cutting blades being radially displaceable with respect to the longitudinal axis. The activation rod can include a wedge that partially enters the gap between the two opposed cutting blades to displace the cutting blades to an expanded position.

Abstract: An instrument for cutting bone includes a hollow shaft having a sidewall. A cutting element is at least partially housed in the hollow shaft. The cutting element can include one or more cutting blades that are radially expandable through the sidewall. The instrument can also include a piercing tip on a distal end of the hollow shaft is located distally of the one or more cutting blades. In addition, the instrument can include an expansion element for radially expanding the one or more cutting blades through the sidewall.