Abstract: A system (10) and associated method are provided for mechanically fixating a region of a skull to a portion of a spine. A plate (20) is provided to contact a region of the skull and be secured thereto. A spinal rod (22) is configured to extend from a location adjacent the plate (20) to a location adjacent at least one vertebra (30). A variable connection (24) is provided to secure the rod (22) to the plate (20). The variable connection (24) has a first mode wherein the relative position of the rod (22) to the plate (20) can be adjusted and a second mode wherein the relative position of the rod (22) to the plate (20) is locked at a particular value selected to maintain a desired curvature of the spine.

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. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders 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. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies.

Abstract: An intake air management apparatus attached to a vehicle frame and configured for connection to an air cleaner of a vehicle includes a box having an opening defined by a pair of opposing sidewalls, a back wall, a top surface and a bottom surface having an aperture. An air drop tube is inserted into the aperture and has an inlet end and an oppositely located outlet end. A diversion baffle partially covers the opening and is configured for preventing moisture from entering the inlet end of the tube.

Abstract: Surgical port to maintain a working channel through bodily tissue includes a tubular body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the tubular body having a working channel defined therethrough. Additionally, the surgical port includes a collar disposed at the proximal portion of the tubular body, the collar including a connection extending therefrom, and a radiopaque marker disposed at the distal portion of the tubular body. Dilatation system includes the surgical port as previously described, in combination with at least one tissue dilator.

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: 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. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders 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. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed relating to surgical implants having one or more strands extending from the implant to assist with the installation of the implants into patients. In one example, the strand may be used during installation to provide a constant reference to the trailing edge of the implant in situ. In another example, the strand may be used during installation to provide guidance to the implant for instrumentation. In another example, the strand may be used during installation to provide the ability to pull back on the implant. In another example, the strand allows for novel designs of installation and removal instruments.

Abstract: An intake air management apparatus attached to a vehicle frame and configured for connection to an air cleaner of a vehicle includes a box having an opening defined by a pair of opposing sidewalls, a back wall, a top surface and a bottom surface having an aperture. An air drop tube is inserted into the aperture and has an inlet end and an oppositely located outlet end. A diversion baffle partially covers the opening and is configured for preventing moisture from entering the inlet end of the tube.

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: Nucleotide analogs characterized by the presence of an amidate linked amino acid or an ester linked group which is bonded to the phosphorus atom of phosphonate nucleotide analogs are disclosed. The analogs comprise a phosphoamidate or ester bond that is hydrolyzed in vivo to yield a corresponding phosphonate nucleotide analog. Methods and intermediates for their synthesis and use are described.

Abstract: An adjustable transverse connector connects orthopedic stabilization rods that may be parallel or skewed in orientation relative to each other The connector may include two sections that are joined together by a fastener. The connector may be adjustable in many ways. The overall length of the connector may be adjustable. The rod openings of the connector may be partially rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the connector. The two sections of the connector may be angulated. The connector may include cam locks that securely attach the connector to the rods. Rotating a cam lock may extend a rod engager into a rod opening. The rod engager may be a portion of the cam lock. The extension of the rod engager into a rod opening may push a rod against a body of the transverse connector to form a frictional engagement between the connector, the rod, and the rod engager.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. An exemplary interbody fusion device includes a synthetic non-metallic radiolucent interbody spacer having an opening formed between its top and bottom surfaces. A cancellous allograft plug is configured to be disposed within the opening formed in the spacer. The cancellous allograft plug can be reconstituted with a material that will help to facilitate fusion of the vertebrae.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. A one or two piece interbody fusion device has a fusion bearing component designed to bear the axial loading from the end plates of adjacent vertebrae. An optional retention piece prevents migration of the load bearing device. One or more fasteners secure the retention device to the vertebrae above and below the load bearing device. The fasteners cause the end plates of the vertebrae to compress the end plates to the load bearing device to facilitate proper fusion. An anti-backout mechanism prevents the fasteners backing out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use with a surgical implant to secure fasteners, such as bone screws or pins. An anti-backout mechanism is used to preventing migration of the fasteners after the implant is installed. In one example, an anti-backout mechanism includes a locking plate having a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking plate has one or more protrusions that are configured to prevent migration the fasteners when the locking plate is in the locked position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. An exemplary interbody fusion device includes a synthetic non-metallic radiolucent interbody spacer having an opening formed between its top and bottom surfaces. A cancellous allograft plug is configured to be disposed within the opening formed in the spacer. The cancellous allograft plug can be reconstituted with a material that will help to facilitate fusion of the vertebrae.

Abstract: A transverse connector may be attached to rods of an orthopedic stabilization system by cam locks. Rotation of a cam system may extend a rod engager into a rod opening. The rod engager may be a portion of the cam system. The extension of the rod engager into the rod opening may push a rod against a body of the transverse connector to form a frictional engagement between the transverse connector, the rod, and the rod engager. The cam system allows the formation of an un-threaded, unitary transverse connector that has a low profile. The transverse connector may be easily and securely attached to a rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. An interbody fusion device has a first piece that is a load bearing device designed to bear the axial loading from the end plates of adjacent vertebrae. A second piece of the interbody fusion device is a retention device whose function is to prevent migration of the load bearing device. One or more fasteners secure the retention device to the vertebrae above and below the load bearing device. The fasteners cause the end plates of the vertebrae to compress the end plates to the load bearing device to facilitate proper fusion.

Abstract: Nucleotide analogs characterized by the presence of an amidate linked amino acid or an ester linked group which is bonded to the phosphorus atom of phosphonate nucleotide analogs are disclosed. The analogs comprise a phosphoamidate or ester bond that is hydrolyzed in vivo to yield a corresponding phosphonate nucleotide analog. Methods and intermediates for their synthesis and use are described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided relating to artificial discs. An artificial disc is provided that facilitates simultaneous and independent articulation of flexion/extension, lateral bending, anterior/posterior translation, and axial rotation. The artificial disc provides these four simultaneous and independent articulations by independently addressing each type of articulation in the design of the artificial disc. In one example, an artificial disc is comprised of a bearing disposed between first and second end plates. The bearing is movable relative to each end plate, independent of the other end plate. The end plates are affixed to adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided relating to artificial discs. An artificial disc is provided that facilitates simultaneous and independent articulation of flexion/extension, lateral bending, anterior/posterior translation, and axial rotation. The artificial disc provides these four simultaneous and independent articulations by independently addressing each type of articulation in the design of the artificial disc. In one example, an artificial disc is comprised of a bearing disposed between first and second end plates. The bearing is movable relative to each end plate, independent of the other end plate. The end plates are affixed to adjacent vertebrae.