Abstract: Disclosed are improved orthopedic tools and methods for use during orthopedic surgical procedures, including joint arthroplasty and joint replacement procedures. More specifically, disclosed herein are improved apparatus for preparing bone and/or soft tissue of the spine and/or other regions for implantation of intervertebral implants.

Abstract: A device for dispensing biomaterial includes a handle configured to receive a syringe, the syringe including a biomaterial and a threaded plunger, and an engagement pin retained within the handle and slidable between a first position and a second position. The engagement pin is configured to engage the threaded plunger in the first position, the engagement pin is further configured to disengage from the threaded plunger in the second position.

Abstract: An interbody system for implanting between vertebrae, the interbody system comprises a cage having a cage body that includes a graft chamber having a volume that receives graft material, a sagittal wall that forms a portion of the graft chamber, and a wall membrane that forms another portion of the graft chamber. The interbody system may comprise an interbody device that includes an aperture that receives a bone fastener, wherein the wall membrane interacts with the bone fastener. The wall membrane may bend as result of a force applied by the bone fastener to a portion of the wall membrane, thereby providing directional support to the bone fastener and/or forcing graft material from the graft chamber.

Abstract: A two part annulus repair rivet for repairing a defect in the annulus of an intervertebral disc includes a first part delivered through a port and adapted to be positioned at an internal surface of an annulus adjacent a defect and a second part adapted to be positioned on an external surface of the annulus adjacent the defect. The first and second parts are secured together, repairing the defect.

Abstract: Orthopedic plating assemblies and methods for bone fixation that include an orthopedic plate and orthopedic anchors that can accommodate subsidence in the vertebral bodies as well as prevent the anchors from “backing out” of their installed position. The orthopedic anchors may be capable of rotating and translating with respect to the plate, and the plate may be able to translate after being fastened to the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A power tool for removing an intervertebral disc and preparing vertebral endplates is described. The power tool may include a cutting element, and the height of the cutting element may be adjustable. The cutting element may be a braided cable and may include one or more beads to enhance the effectiveness of the cable. The cutting element may have a minimum height requirement, which may not be satisfied in patients with a collapsed disc due to degenerative disc disorder. For these patients, also described are bone tamps for increasing the intervertebral distance and providing access to tissues distal to the tamp. One type of bone tamp features an inflatable balloon with an inner lumen. Another type of bone tamp includes an expanding distal end and an inner cannula. Also described is a manual expander scraper tool that is compatible with both types of bone tamp.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant may include a superior exterior surface, an inferior exterior surface, a first exterior lateral surface, and a second exterior lateral surface. The first and second exterior lateral surfaces may be substantially transverse to the superior and inferior exterior surfaces. The implant may further include a first curved end wall at a first longitudinal extremity of the body. The first curved end wall may include a bore configured to receive a first shaft of a tool. Additionally, the implant may include a second curved end wall at a second longitudinal extremity of the body and an elongated slot extending from a portion of the first curved end wall to a portion of the first exterior lateral surface.

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes a bone fastener and a tower including a frangible or detachably linked distal section with a thread formed on an inner surface thereof, the tower having at least one flexible section and at least one rigid section to accommodate and/or mitigate tower interference and/or collision during surgical procedures. The distal section can desirably be separated and/or detached from the tower to function as a head locking unit of the bone fixation assembly, with the detached distal section capable of accommodating set screws, fixation rods and/or other spinal hardware.

Abstract: A power tool for removing an intervertebral disc and preparing vertebral endplates is described. The power tool may include a cutting element, and the height of the cutting element may be adjustable. The cutting element may be a braided cable and may include one or more beads to enhance the effectiveness of the cable. The cutting element may have a minimum height requirement, which may not be satisfied in patients with a collapsed disc due to degenerative disc disorder. For these patients, also described are bone tamps for increasing the intervertebral distance and providing access to tissues distal to the tamp. One type of bone tamp features an inflatable balloon with an inner lumen. Another type of bone tamp includes an expanding distal end and an inner cannula. Also described is a manual expander scraper tool that is compatible with both types of bone tamp.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses methods, devices, systems and kits for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules. An implantable facet joint device of one embodiment comprises a cephalad facet joint element and a caudal facet joint element. The cephalad facet joint element includes a member adapted to engage a first vertebra, and an artificial cephalad bearing member. The caudal facet joint element includes a connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebra at a fixation point and an artificial caudal bearing member adapted to engage the cephalad bearing member. The artificial caudal bearing member is adapted for a location lateral to the fixation point.

Abstract: A distraction screw includes a proximal portion secured to a first vertebra, a distal portion secured to a second vertebra and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is coupled to the proximal and distal portions and is positioned in an intervertebral space. The intermediate portion is configured and adapted to enable distraction of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant may include a superior exterior surface, an inferior exterior surface, a first exterior lateral surface, and a second exterior lateral surface. The first and second exterior lateral surfaces may be substantially transverse to the superior and inferior exterior surfaces. The implant may further include a first curved end wall at a first longitudinal extremity of the body. The first curved end wall may include a bore configured to receive a first shaft of a tool. Additionally, the implant may include a second curved end wall at a second longitudinal extremity of the body and an elongated slot extending from a portion of the first curved end wall to a portion of the first exterior lateral surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are settable bone cements incorporating silicon nitride in various forms as a component, including powders, granules, particulates, portions, layers and/or coatings of solids and/or particulates of silicon nitride and/or components thereof, that may be useful in joint and/or bone replacement implants used in spinal surgeries, dental surgeries and/or other orthopedic and/or general surgical procedures.

Abstract: A SI joint fusion system including a wedging cage. The SI joint fusion system may further comprise a fixation screw and/or an axial screw. The wedging cage is adapted to be positioned between the sacrum and the lilac bone (e.g., the sacroiliac joint), and the wedging cage is effective to receive one or more fixation or axial screws to fasten the wedging cage and secure the wedging cage to the adjacent pelvic bones to provide a combination effect of fusion and/or fixation.

Abstract: A tissue removal device including customizable tips and method of use thereof. The tissue removal device may include an outer shaft having a removable tip attached to the outer shaft and a rotatable inner shaft extending through the outer shaft and having a rotatable cutting portion extending from the inner shaft. Disc material may be cut and removed from a surgical area using an auger-like and/or suction mechanism to facilitate the transfer of removed tissue away from the surgical area.

Abstract: A cage for implanting in bone includes a main body having a fastener mounting receiver. The main body includes a first surface that contacts a first bone surface, a second surface that contacts a second bone surface, a side wall extending between the first and second surfaces, and a front wall comprising a connection surface, wherein the fastener mounting receiver extends from the connection surface. A fastener is placed within the fastener mounting received and configured to engage and fix a plating device on the connection surface of the main body.

Abstract: A distraction screw includes a proximal portion secured to a first vertebra, a distal portion secured to a second vertebra and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is coupled to the proximal and distal portions and is positioned in an intervertebral space. The intermediate portion is configured and adapted to enable distraction of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for the fixation and support of vertebrae, particularly spinal implant devices having adjustability in size, shape and/or configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and/or methods for use in the surgical treatment of vertebrae and/or other bones, particularly implants and/or related devices comprising silicon nitride in some of all of the implant or device body, including portions, layers and/or surface coatings thereof, for use in spinal surgeries and/or other orthopedic procedures.

Abstract: A tissue removal device including customizable tips and method of use thereof. The tissue removal device may include an outer shaft having a removable tip attached to the outer shaft and a rotatable inner shaft extending through the outer shaft and having a rotatable cutting portion extending from the inner shaft. Disc material may be cut and removed from a surgical area using an auger-like and/or suction mechanism to facilitate the transfer of removed tissue away from the surgical area.