Abstract: A bone screw and method of inserting the same is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes an awl tip for creating a pilot hole in the pedicle of a vertebra without having to predrill a starter hole. One or more threads located adjacent to the awl tip engage the wall of the pilot hole and draw the screw into the bone, thereby eliminating the need to drill and tap a hole in the bone prior to implantation of the screw.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a lock including an inner surface defining a cavity and a locking surface. A holding element is positioned within the cavity and includes an inner surface defining a passageway. A longitudinal element is positioned within the passageway and the cavity. The surgical instrument includes a first orientation in which a distal end of the holding element is spaced apart from the locking surface and the longitudinal element is translatable relative to the holding element and a second orientation in which the distal end of the holding element engages the locking surface and the longitudinal element is fixed relative to the holding element. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone screw and method of inserting the same is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes an awl tip for creating a pilot hole in the pedicle of a vertebra without having to predrill a starter hole. One or more threads located adjacent to the awl tip engage the wall of the pilot hole and draw the screw into the bone, thereby eliminating the need to drill and tap a hole in the bone prior to implantation of the screw.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis and being configured to penetrate tissue. The second end has a first portion having a thread diameter and a core diameter. The second portion has a core diameter less than the core diameter of the first portion. The second portion includes a threaded surface and a substantially even surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a lock including an inner surface defining a cavity and a locking surface. A holding element is positioned within the cavity and includes an inner surface defining a passageway. A longitudinal element is positioned within the passageway and the cavity. The surgical instrument includes a first orientation in which a distal end of the holding element is spaced apart from the locking surface and the longitudinal element is translatable relative to the holding element and a second orientation in which the distal end of the holding element engages the locking surface and the longitudinal element is fixed relative to the holding element. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis and being configured to penetrate tissue. The second end has a first portion having a thread diameter and a core diameter. The second portion has a core diameter less than the core diameter of the first portion. The second portion includes a threaded surface and a substantially even surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include expandable medical implant systems and methods. The systems may include devices to reinforce a tube through which a fill material may be moved at least in part into expandable medical implants. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more of vertebral bodies, portions of vertebral bodies, discs, and portions of discs of the spine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include implants and methods for connecting devices to bones, such as one or more endplates of vertebrae. Devices may include mechanisms for connecting to one or more vertebrae by extending portions of the devices through an aperture in a vertebral implant and expanding the implant within the one or more vertebrae. A fill material may be used to drive the expansion in some embodiments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include expandable medical implant systems and methods. The systems may include devices to reinforce a tube through which a fill material may be moved at least in part into expandable medical implants. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more of vertebral bodies, portions of vertebral bodies, discs, and portions of discs of the spine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for replacing at least a part of a vertebral body. Systems may include end components for interfacing with adjacent vertebrae and a central component for placement between end components. Instruments for placing system components and preparing anatomical structures to receive system embodiments may also be included.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods. Devices expand linearly within the volume of a membrane and laterally to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies, or portions of vertebral bodies, of the spine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods. Devices expand linearly and laterally to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies, or portions of vertebral bodies, of the spine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include implants and methods for connecting devices to bones, such as one or more endplates of vertebrae. Devices may include mechanisms for connecting to one or more vertebrae by extending portions of the devices through an aperture in a vertebral implant and expanding the implant within the one or more vertebrae. A fill material may be used to drive the expansion in some embodiments.

Abstract: A method and system to assist in a planning and navigation of procedure. Generally, the system allows for image acquisition of a selected area of the anatomy. The images may then be used to mark various points to determine true anatomical definitions and planes. The definitions may assist in positioning a prosthesis.

Abstract: A method and system to assist in a planning and navigation of procedure. Generally, the system allows for image acquisition of a selected area of the anatomy. The images may then be used to mark various points to determine true anatomical definitions and planes. The definitions may assist in positioning a prosthesis.