Abstract: In a first broad aspect, there is provided herein a bioactive device and system for fusion between two bones, two parts of a bony joint, or a bony defect, such as of the spine. The fusion device includes a screw having a head and a threaded shaft. The fusion device also includes a bone dowel having an internal bore of which at least a distal portion is threaded to engage the threads of the screw shaft. The bone dowel is made of a bone-like, biocompatible, or allograft material to provide a layer of bone-like, biocompatible, or allograft material between the screw and the spinal bone. The device is generally coaxial and is further described in the drawings and description herein.

Abstract: A fusion device includes a screw having a head and a shaft. A hollow bone dowel is disposed about the shaft of the screw. The bone dowel is formed from a bone-like, biocompatible, or allograft material.

Abstract: A metering delivery apparatus for injecting bone graft cement includes a body portion, a material containment vessel, an actuator, and a control unit. The body portion includes a drive housing that supports an actuator drivetrain and receiver end that supports the material containment vessel. The actuator has a first end connected to the actuator drivetrain and a second end that supports a moveable portion of the vessel to dispense material in the vessel and a retracting movement that relieves pressure applied to the material. The control unit receives actuator parameter inputs and includes a sensor to detect a signal of at least one of a pressure level and a time period. The sensor provides the detected signal to the control unit such that the control unit operates the actuator between the dispensing and retracting movements based on the detected signal and the actuator parameter inputs.

Abstract: An articulating fusible support cage comprises a first support member having a first and second end and a second support member having a first and second end. A first end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the first ends. The first end cap supports a jackscrew for rotation. A second end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the second ends opposite the first ends. The second end cap has a threaded sleeve configured to engage a portion of the jackscrew. Rotation of the jackscrew into the threaded sleeve causes the first and second support members to extend outwardly from a collapsed condition to a deployed condition.

Abstract: An articulating fusible support cage comprises a first support member having a first and second end and a second support member having a first and second end. A first end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the first ends. The first end cap supports a jackscrew for rotation. A second end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the second ends opposite the first ends. The second end cap has a threaded sleeve configured to engage a portion of the jackscrew. Rotation of the jackscrew into the threaded sleeve causes the first and second support members to extend outwardly from a collapsed condition to a deployed condition.

Abstract: Macroporous cement compositions, methods of making the same, and methods of using the same, are described.

Abstract: Compositions of, methods of making, and methods of using alkaline earth phosphate bone cements are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions of, methods of making, and methods of using alkaline earth phosphate bone cements are disclosed.

Abstract: A sample testing device includes a motor, a gear reducer, and an output shaft coupled for rotation by the motor via the gear reducer. The sample testing device further includes a first device adapted to enable the output shaft to move linearly in a first direction substantially parallel with an axis of the output shaft and a second device coupled to the first device for enabling the output shaft to move linearly in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The sample testing can further include a third device coupled to the first and second devices for enabling the output shaft to translate linearly in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Abstract: A fusion device includes a screw having a head and a shaft. A hollow bone dowel is disposed about the shaft of the screw. The bone dowel is formed from a bone-like, biocompatible, or allograft material.

Abstract: An intervertebral cage includes a plurality of segments that are connected together by one or more members formed from a shape memory alloy material such that the segments are automatically moved from an initial orientation before implantation/insertion in an intervertebral space to an expanded orientation after implantation/insertion in the intervertebral space. Each of the plurality of segments may have a plurality of passageways or recesses formed therethrough, and wherein a wire formed from a shape memory alloy material extends through each of the plurality of passageways or recesses. The member may be formed from a shape memory alloy material that demonstrates shape memory effects and superelasticity properties, such as nitinol.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a device body configured for implantation in a human body and a clamp that is formed from shape memory material and attached to the device body.

Abstract: Bone filler compositions, methods of making and using the same, and methods of treating osteoporosis and cancer-induced bone defects, are described.

Abstract: A biosensor device for the real-time detection of a target analyte includes a receptor component operatively connected to a transducer component which is adapted to interpret and transmit a detectable signal. The receptor component includes a sensing element capable of detecting and binding to at least one target analyte, and a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) layer. The SAM layer is positioned between and in contact with the sensing element and an electrode such that the sensing element, in the presence of the target analyte, causes a detectable signal capable of being transmitted to the electrode. The transducer component includes the electrode and microprocessor configured to screen noise and to pick up impedance change at a very low frequency range.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved structure for an interspinous stabilization device that more evenly distributes loads throughout the adjacent vertebrae than known interspinous stabilization devices, and further readily compensates for graft settling so as to maintain continued axial loading of the graft. More specifically, this invention relates to a medical device that helps in performing a spinal fusion procedure by holding the bone graft in place and stabilizing the facet screw by a plate that is attached to it. The invention also performs a dynamic function that compensates for settling of the bone graft over time. This dynamic function may, if desired, be enhanced by a movement-limiting mechanism that allows extension but not flexion such that the bone graft fusion remains in contact and fusion takes place.

Abstract: Compositions of, methods of making, and methods of using alkaline earth phosphate bone cements are disclosed. A bone cement composition includes a powder comprising a basic source of calcium, magnesium, or strontium, a setting solution comprising H3PO4 and a buffer, and a biocompatible polymer that is incorporated into the setting solution. The powder is mixed with the setting solution to form a bone cement paste that either (a) sets into a hardened mass, or (b) is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation to form dry powders, the dry powders then being mixed with a second setting solution to form a radiation-assisted bone cement paste that sets into a hardened mass.

Abstract: In a first broad aspect, there is provided herein a bioactive device and system for fusion between two bones, two parts of a bony joint, or a bony defect, such as of the spine. The fusion device includes a screw having a head and a threaded shaft. The fusion device also includes a bone dowel having an internal bore of which at least a distal portion is threaded to engage the threads of the screw shaft. The bone dowel is made of a bone-like, biocompatible, or allograft material to provide a layer of bone-like, biocompatible, or allograft material between the screw and the spinal bone. The device is generally coaxial and is further described in the drawings and description herein.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a method for preparing a biocompatible coated substrate. The method generally includes: depositing nucleation amorphous calcium phosphate sites on at least a portion of an outer surface of a substrate by: exposing at least the portion of the outer surface to a mixture having a favorable Ca/P molar ratio, and irradiating with microwave energy; and, stabilizing the deposited nucleation amorphous calcium phosphate sites on the portion of the outer surface. In another aspect, there is provided herein a method for preparing a biocompatible coated substrate.

Abstract: The method and system of this invention provides for core muscle strengthening. The method comprises the step of: providing an apparatus (10) that provides resistance and assistance during core muscle training using dynamic therapeutic movement for chest, back, abdominal and leg musculature to strengthen and condition muscles of the axial skeleton and lower extremities of a performing user. In one embodiment, the method also is for non-invasive physical therapy.

Abstract: A sample testing device includes a motor, a gear reducer, and an output shaft coupled for rotation by the motor via the gear reducer. The sample testing device further includes a first device adapted to enable the output shaft to move linearly in a first direction substantially parallel with an axis of the output shaft and a second device coupled to the first device for enabling the output shaft to move linearly in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The sample testing can further include a third device coupled to the first and second devices for enabling the output shaft to translate linearly in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions.