Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing an orthopedic procedure in the sacroiliac region are disclosed. In one form, an aperture is formed that at least partially extends through at least one of an ilium and a sacrum. An undercutting system is inserted into the aperture. The undercutting system may include an insertion apparatus, a probe assembly, and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position. The probe assembly is manipulated within a joint between the ilium and the sacrum while the probe assembly is in the extended position. The cutting assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position. The cutting assembly is manipulated within the joint between the ilium and the sacrum while the cutting assembly is in the extended position to form a fusion region.

Abstract: A bone fragment and osteomedullary tissue harvesting system that includes a harvesting device, a collection vessel and tubing. The harvesting device includes a needle portion and a handle portion. The needle portion that has a needle bore that extends through at least part of the needle portion. The handle portion is operably attached to the needle portion. The handle portion includes a connection port and a vacuum control mechanism that are in communication with a handle bore that extends through the handle portion. The needle bore is in communication with the handle bore. The vacuum control mechanism includes a vacuum aperture that extends through a surface of the handle portion and is in communication with the handle bore. The collection vessel is capable of receiving aspirated bone fragments and tissue. The tubing operably connects the connection port and the collection vessel.

Abstract: A method of recovering progenitor cells from bone marrow aspirate. A bone void filler preparation container is provided. The bone void filler preparation container has an inlet port and an outlet port. A bone graft matrix having a particle size of between about 1,000 ?m and about 2,000 ?m is placed in the bone void filler preparation container. A bone marrow aspirate is passed through the bone void filler preparation container. Progenitor cells in the bone marrow aspirate are retained in the bone void filler preparation container. A selectivity ratio of the progenitor cells retained in the bone void filler preparation container to a total number of nucleated cells retained in the bone void filler preparation container is greater than about 3.

Abstract: A bone fragment and osteomedullary tissue harvesting system that includes a harvesting device, a collection vessel and tubing. The harvesting device includes a needle portion and a handle portion. The needle portion that has a needle bore that extends through at least part of the needle portion. The handle portion is operably attached to the needle portion. The handle portion includes a connection port and a vacuum control mechanism that are in communication with a handle bore that extends through the handle portion. The needle bore is in communication with the handle bore. The vacuum control mechanism includes a vacuum aperture that extends through a surface of the handle portion and is in communication with the handle bore. The collection vessel is capable of receiving aspirated bone fragments and tissue. The tubing operably connects the connection port and the collection vessel.

Abstract: A method of performing an orthopedic procedure in the sacroiliac region. At least one aperture is formed that at least partially extends through at least one of an ilium and a sacrum. An undercutting system is at least partially inserted into the aperture. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus, a probe assembly and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position. The probe assembly is manipulated within a joint between the ilium and the sacrum while the probe assembly is in the extended position. The cutting assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position. The cutting assembly is sharper than the probe assembly. The cutting assembly is manipulated within the joint between the ilium and the sacrum while the cutting assembly is in the extended position to form a fusion region. The undercutting system is removed from the aperture.

Abstract: A method of recovering progenitor cells from bone marrow aspirate. A bone void filler preparation container is provided. The bone void filler preparation container has an inlet port and an outlet port. A bone graft matrix having a particle size of between about 1,000 ?m and about 2,000 ?m is placed in the bone void filler preparation container. A bone marrow aspirate is passed through the bone void filler preparation container. Progenitor cells in the bone marrow aspirate are retained in the bone void filler preparation container. A selection ratio of the progenitor cells retained in the bone void filler preparation container to a total number of nucleated cells retained in the bone void filler preparation container is greater than about 3.

Abstract: A bone graft preparation and delivery system including a main body shaft, a bone graft matrix, a first end cap, a second end cap and a plunger. The main body shaft has a first end and a second end. The main body shaft has a main body shaft bore that extends between the first end and the second end. The bone graft matrix is placed in the main bore shaft. The first end cap is attachable to the first end. The second end cap is attachable to the second end. The bone graft preparation and delivery system is operable in a bone graft preparation configuration and a bone graft delivery configuration. When the bone graft preparation and delivery system is in the bone graft preparation configuration, the first end cap and the second end cap are attached to the main body shaft. When the bone graft preparation and delivery system is in the bone graft delivery configuration, the plunger is extendable through the main body shaft bore.

Abstract: A tissue collection and processing system for collecting bone fragments and tissue aspirated from a bone. The tissue collection and processing system includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel cap, a processing cover, a first tubing and a fluid withdrawal mechanism. The collection vessel has an opening formed therein to receive bone fragments and tissue aspirated from the bone. The collection vessel cap is capable of engaging the collection vessel to substantially seal the opening. The collection vessel cap or the collection vessel has a first port. The processing cover has an upper surface and a lower surface. The processing cover has a connection port and a bore. The connection port is proximate the upper surface. The bore is fluidly connected to the connection port and extends toward the lower surface. The processing cover has a density that is less than a density of fluid in the aspirated bone fragments and tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a region between adjacent bones for fusion. A first aperture is formed that extends through one of the bones. An undercutting system is inserted into the first aperture. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus and a cutting assembly. A first path is cut between the adjacent bones by extending or retracting the cutting assembly with respect to the insertion apparatus.

Abstract: A tissue collection and processing system for collecting bone fragments and tissue therein. The tissue collection and processing system includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel cap and a filter container. The collection vessel has an opening formed therein. The collection vessel cap is capable of engaging the collection vessel to substantially seal the opening. The collection vessel cap or the collection vessel includes a first port and a second port. The filter container is mounted with respect to the first port.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing an orthopedic procedure in the sacroiliac region are disclosed. In one form, an aperture is formed that at least partially extends through at least one of an ilium and a sacrum. An undercutting system is inserted into the aperture. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus, a probe assembly and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position. The probe assembly is manipulated within a joint between the ilium and the sacrum while the probe assembly is in the extended position. The cutting assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position. The cutting assembly is manipulated within the joint between the ilium and the sacrum while the cutting assembly is in the extended position to form a fusion region.

Abstract: A method of preparing a region between adjacent bones for fusion. A first aperture is formed that extends through one of the bones. An undercutting system is inserted into the first aperture. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus and a cutting assembly. A first path is cut between the adjacent bones by extending or retracting the cutting assembly with respect to the insertion apparatus.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bone graft. An osteoconductive matrix is placed in a receptacle. Bone marrow aspirate is provided that includes plasma, progenitor cells, hematopoietic cells, endothelial cells, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, bone, cartilage, thrombus or combinations thereof. The bone marrow aspirate is passed through the receptacle. At least a portion of bone marrow aspirate is retained in the receptacle. The portion of the bone marrow aspirate retained in the receptacle becomes associated with the osteoconductive matrix to form the bone graft.

Abstract: A method of treating soft tissue conditions. A harvesting device is provided. The harvesting device is operably connected to a tissue processing device using tubing. An aperture is formed in a bone. The bone has an interior. The harvesting device is inserted through the aperture in the bone and into the interior of the bone. The harvesting device is manipulated to dissociate connective tissue progenitor cells in the interior of the bone. Tissue is aspirated from the interior of the bone. The connective tissue progenitor cells are separated from the aspirated tissue. The separated connective tissue progenitor cells are injected in a region of a body that is experiencing a soft tissue condition to treat the soft tissue condition.

Abstract: A method of preparing a region between adjacent bones for fusion. A first aperture is formed that extends through one of the bones. An undercutting system is inserted into the first aperture. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus and a cutting assembly. A first path is cut between the adjacent bones by extending or retracting the cutting assembly with respect to the insertion apparatus.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bone graft. Mixing bone marrow aspirate with an effective amount of a binding reagent that is capable of binding with red blood cells in the bone marrow aspirate. The bound red blood cells are aggregated. The aggregated bound red blood cells are separated from the bone marrow aspirate to provide a supernatant. At least a portion of the supernatant is associated with an osteoconductive matrix to form the bone graft.

Abstract: A method of recovering progenitor cells from bone marrow aspirate. A bone void filler preparation container is provided. The bone void filler preparation container has an inlet port and an outlet port. A bone graft matrix having a particle size of between about 1,000 ?m and about 2,000 ?m is placed in the bone void filler preparation container. A bone marrow aspirate is passed through the bone void filler preparation container. Progenitor cells in the bone marrow aspirate are retained in the bone void filler preparation container. A selectivity ratio of the progenitor cells retained in the bone void filler preparation container to a total number of nucleated cells retained in the bone void filler preparation container is greater than about 3.

Abstract: An undercutting system for preparing a region between an ilium and a sacrum for sacroiliac fusion. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly is operably mounted with respect to the insertion apparatus. The cutting assembly has a distal end and a proximal end. The cutting assembly includes a plurality of cutting elements and a cutting element attachment mechanism. The cutting element attachment mechanism engages the cutting elements to operably mount the cutting elements with respect to the insertion apparatus. The cutting element attachment mechanism permits the cutting elements to pivot with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method of performing an orthopedic procedure in the sacroiliac region. At least one aperture is formed that at least partially extends through at least one of an ilium and a sacrum. An undercutting system is at least partially inserted into the aperture. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus, a probe assembly and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position. The probe assembly is manipulated within a joint between the ilium and the sacrum while the probe assembly is in the extended position. The cutting assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position. The cutting assembly is sharper than the probe assembly. The cutting assembly is manipulated within the joint between the ilium and the sacrum while the cutting assembly is in the extended position to form a fusion region. The undercutting system is removed from the aperture.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bone graft. An osteoconductive matrix is placed in a receptacle. Bone marrow aspirate is provided that includes plasma, progenitor cells, hematopoietic cells, endothelial cells, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, bone, cartilage, thrombus or combinations thereof. The bone marrow aspirate is passed through the receptacle. At least a portion of bone marrow aspirate is retained in the receptacle. The portion of the bone marrow aspirate retained in the receptacle becomes associated with the osteoconductive matrix to form the bone graft.