Abstract: An apparatus for distributing the load caused by the insertion of a fastening device into bony tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a crown having a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions may have any desired physical properties, and function to obtain purchase in the bony tissue. Preferably, the crown includes an opening that is selectively engageable with a spherical head of the fastening device. The opening preferably comprises a spherical curvature that allows the surfaces of the spherical head and the opening to maintain flush contact, even when the fastening device is inserted into the bony tissue at a non-orthogonal angle. When the fastening device is inserted into the bony tissue, the crown distributes the load over a wider section of the bone, allowing the bone to maintain its structural integrity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible fixation member having a body with a longitudinal extent and a width, the body defining a plurality of openings through the body, each of the plurality of openings formed substantially cross wise through the width of the body, and a suture having two terminal ends, the suture being interwoven through each of the plurality of openings in the body of the fixation member such that multiple portions of the fixation member are slidably coupled to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a two-piece implant. The implant includes a first piece having at least two prongs and a protrusion located between the prongs and a second piece coupled to the first piece, wherein the second piece is configured to rotate relative to the first piece. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra, a receiving part connected to the shank the receiving part having a first end opposite to the shank and a second end facing the shank, a longitudinal axis passing through the two ends, a bore coaxial with the longitudinal axis extending from the first end through at least a portion of the receiving part and a substantially U-shaped recess for receiving a rod The U-shaped recess forms two free legs extending in the direction of the first end, the legs are provided with an internal thread. A locking device for securing the rod in the receiving part is provided which includes an external thread cooperating with the internal thread.

Abstract: A method of connecting a suture to a bone including the steps of inserting at least one suture anchor into the bone, and disposing a suture loop about a crossbar of the suture anchor in such a way that when a proximally directed force is applied to the suture loop, a free end of the crossbar engages a transverse edge of the body of the suture anchor to limit proximal motion of the crossbar and capture the suture loop.

Abstract: A knotless suture anchor provides a method for securing soft tissue to a rigid structure such as bone. The anchor has an inner member that receives suture thread and rotates within an outer tubular member. As the inner member rotates, the suture thread is wrapped onto the inner member thereby increasing contact with the outer tubular member which applies pressure to the wrapped suture thread to retain it in position on the inner member while simultaneously and adjustably tensioning the suture thread. A ratchet prevents undesirable counter-rotation, although the ratchet can be released to permit loosening of the suture thread. Also described is a suture bridge and suture platform for providing further stabilization of a tendon. A method for repairing rotator cuff tears is also described.

Abstract: A graft ligament anchor includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough and proximal and distal ends. A flange is attached to the tubular body at the proximal end thereof and extends radially outwardly beyond the tubular body. A deformable wall is disposed in the tubular body bore and defines, at least in part, a chamber for retaining the graft ligament therein. An expansion device is configured for insertion into the tubular body axially of the tubular body, and for impinging upon the deformable wall to press the deformable wall, and hence the graft ligament received in the chamber, toward a wall of the bore, whereby to fix the graft ligament in the tubular body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composite anchor. The anchor includes a cannulated proximal portion having a threaded outer surface and a distal portion coupled to the proximal portion, the distal portion including a top portion, a bottom portion, and a through hole, wherein the top portion is configured to be disposed within the cannulation of the proximal portion.

Abstract: An insert-molded suture anchor with a biodegradable polymer body in which a loop of suture is totally contained within the polymer. The suture anchor body features a drive end that is shaped to be received into a recess in the end of a hand driver. Anchoring ribs are formed along the remaining length of the anchor. The loop of suture which includes and eyelet for attaching a suture strand is totally embedded within the anchor body during the insert-molding fabrication process. The anchor is produced by placing the suture in an injection mold, and injecting biodegradable polymer into the mold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus described herein provide for a knotless suture anchor that captures and secures a suture by pinching on an inserted suture with a flexible element disposed within the knotless suture anchors body. The knotless suture anchor has an integrated flexible element that is formed as a plastic part within the knotless suture anchor's body. The free end of the flexible element terminates near a suture eyelet and can be compressed by a driver rod that is inserted into the knotless suture anchor to allow for insertion of a suture. With the flexible element compressed by the driver rod, the suture can be passed through the eyelet(s). When the driver rod is withdrawn, the flexible element expands thereby pinching the suture against the eyelet(s). If the driver rod is reinserted, the flexible element is recompressed and the suture can thereby be released or adjusted.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for sternum repair. A sternum repair device may include a central body, which may include a plurality of male and female components, such that a suture extends from a male component and is received by the female component. The suture may wrap around the sternum and the device may be tightened to keep the separate sternum pieces together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a worm drive screw, a spur gear and superior and inferior screws which turn simultaneously in a bi-directional manner. A rotating mechanism drives the first and second screw members in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. A device employing two screws (two-in-one) can be combined with a capping horizontal mini-plate. A device employing three screws can be combined in enclosures (three-in-one). The stapling apparatus includes grip handles, transmission linkages, a drive rod a fulcrum and a cylinder.

Abstract: First and second bone segments separated by a fracture line or joint can be fixated or fused by creating an insertion path through the first bone segment, through the fracture line or joint, and into the second bone segment. An anchor body is introduced through the insertion path. The distal end of the anchor body is anchored in the interior region of the second bone segment. An elongated implant structure is passed over the anchor body to span the fracture line or joint between the bone segments. The proximal end of the anchor body is anchored to an exterior region of the first bone segment to place, in concert with the anchored distal end, the anchor body in compression, to thereby compress and fixate the bone segments relative to the fracture line or joint.

Abstract: Internal pedicle insulator apparatuses and methods are provided. A representative method includes: providing an internal pedicle insulator implant; inserting the implant into a pedicle such that the implant is positioned between a nerve and material that is to be applied in a vicinity of the nerve; applying the material in the vicinity of the nerve; and using the implant to prevent the material from contacting the nerve.

Abstract: A washer for use with a bone screw in the reduction and fixation of bone fragments includes a frusto-conical body having a leading end, a trailing end, an exterior surface and an interior surface. A central bore defined by the interior surface for insertion of a bone screw extends longitudinally through the washer. The interior surface is tapered resulting in the central bore's diameter being larger at the trailing end than at the leading end. The washer, when used in combination with a compression bone screw, improves seating of the bone screw head in the bone and results in enhanced compression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spine fixation device containing a set screw having a double spiral form. The spine fixation device is characterized by comprising: a pedicle fixation screw which has a head portion having a receiving groove of a certain depth formed thereinside and a plurality of female screws formed in one region of the inner circumference of the receiving groove, and a screw portion extended from one side of the head portion lengthwise and embedded into a pedicle, and is fixed to a damaged pedicle; a spine rod which is received in the receiving groove to connect the pedicle fixation screw, thereby realigning the angle and interval of the pedicle; and a set screw which forms a plurality of male screws with the same screw inner diameter, the same screw thread direction and different pitches, and is screw-coupled to the female screws of the pedicle fixation screw to prevent the movement of the rod received in the receiving groove.

Abstract: Surgical anchoring systems and methods are employed for the correction of bone deformities. The anchoring system and its associated instrument may be suitable for surgical repair of hallux valgus, tarsometatarsal sprains, ankle ligament reconstruction, spring ligament repair, knee ligament reinforcement, acromioclavicular sprains, coracoclavicular sprains, elbow ligament repair, wrist and hand ligamentous stabilization or similar conditions. The anchoring system may include a fixation system for anchoring two or more sections of bone or other body parts and a system for aligning of one section relative to another section.

Abstract: A screw with a stress sensing device is disclosed. The screw includes a main body, a coaxial member and a stress sensing member. The main body has a hollow threaded hole along its axle center, and the coaxial member is applied to be screw into the threaded hole. The coaxial member includes an elongated body and two threaded parts disposed on both ends of the elongated body. The two threaded parts are applied to engage with and screwed in the threaded hole, and thus the stress applied on the main body can also be applied on the elongated body. One of the two threaded parts has a groove. The stress sensing member is arranged on the elongated body, and the signal sensed by the stress sensing member can be obtained via a wire passing through the groove.

Abstract: Locking nail system for arthrodesis reconstruction of calcaneus fractures which includes a nail, several calcaneus-talar screws, and a guide. The system is usable for the reconstruction of severe comminuted fractures of the calcaneus in humans and fixation of this bone after reconstructing its principal form, to the talus, in order to attain arthrodesis or fusion with the latter. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the fixation of bone fractures is disclosed. The head component includes a tip, cutting threads and mating threads which are inserted into the far cortex of the bone. A wire extends from the head component and exits from the near cortex. A cap device includes a tension spring, wherein the tension spring is configured to assert friction against the wire when the cap is translated in one direction, but minimal friction against the wire when the cap is translated in the opposite direction. The cap is threaded over the wire such that the cap is restricted from backwards movement. Tension is then applied to the wire while the cap is tightened against or within the bone surface to apply an appropriate amount of pressure between the surfaces of the fracture. The excess wire beyond the cap can then be removed.

Abstract: A bone fastener for stabilizing bone fragments includes a single or multiple components coupleable with one another and displaceable to a locked position of the bone fastener.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a soft tissue graft anchor. The anchor includes a plurality of prongs, each prong including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the prongs are coupled at their distal ends to form an inner cavity having an opening, at least one of the prongs including a fin, the fin extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the prong and including a pointed end. A tissue graft anchor assembly, a method for tissue repair, and instrumentation for use therewith are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of anchoring an implant in hard tissue, and/or hard tissue replacement material, includes the steps of providing an initial opening in the hard tissue, providing a thermoplastic augmentation element, a tool and a counter element, compressing the augmentation element between the tool and the counter element while energy is coupled into the tool and while a periphery of a liquefaction interface of the tool and the augmentation element and/or of a liquefaction interface of the augmentation element and the counter element is in the opening, thereby liquefying material of the augmentation element at the liquefaction interface(s) to yield liquefied material, causing portions of the liquefied material to penetrate into structures of the hard tissue, allowing the liquefied material to harden and to thereby become augmentation material, removing the tool and the counter element, and anchoring the implant in the opening including at least some of the augmentation material.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly comprises a tulip-shaped assembly and a bone fixation device such as a surgical or pedicle screw, comprising a head and a bone fixation portion. The tulip assembly comprises an upper portion to receive a rod and a lower portion that has a cavity in which the head of the bone fixation device rests. The cavity has an aperture below. The aperture has a length through which the tulip assembly may slide with respect to the bone fixation device, for movement of the tulip assembly when the bone fixation device is in place, while also maintaining the angular movement of the tulip assembly. The bone fixation device may comprise an aperture engaging part, which locks the bone fixation device position on the aperture length. A tulip assembly translation mechanism comprises a head, a cavity, an aperture to the cavity.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation system, most typically applicable to orthopedic joint repairs, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee repair procedures, comprises an implant which is placeable in a tunnel disposed in a portion of bone, wherein the tunnel is defined by walls comprised of bone. A first member is deployable outwardly to engage the tunnel walls for anchoring the implant in place in the tunnel, and a second member is deployable outwardly to engage tissue material to be fixed within the tunnel. The second member also functions to move the tissue material outwardly into contact with the tunnel walls to promote tendon-bone fixation. Extra graft length is eliminated by compression of the tendon against the bone at the aperture of the femoral tunnel, which more closely replicates the native ACL and increases graft stiffness. The inventive device provides high fixation of tendon to bone and active tendon-bone compression.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a receiver defining a longitudinal axis and an implant cavity. A base is connected to the receiver and includes a wall extending along the longitudinal axis and defining a lateral opening. The base further includes a bearing surface connected to the wall. The wall and the bearing surface define an interior cavity of the base, wherein the bearing surface has a first thickness adjacent the lateral opening and a second thickness adjacent a portion of the wall disposed opposite the lateral opening, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. The bone fastener further includes a bone penetrating member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being disposable in the interior cavity of the base. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A pedicle screw has a screw shaft and a screw head connected thereto. The screw head has a center longitudinal axis extending in an X-direction. The screw further has a recess for receiving a connecting rod with a circular cross-section, a fixing screw that is used to fix the connecting rod in the screw head, a clamping unit between the fixing screw and a head base and an intermediate element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a subtalar implant as well as methods of use thereof for the purpose of correcting podiatric disorders such as various types of flat foot conditions relating to the subtalar joint. The subtalar implant is capable of threaded engagement with a positioning element used to position and manipulate the implant during surgical implantation in the sinus tarsi of the foot. The implant is cannulated to receive a guide rod to facilitate final positioning of the implant. Once implanted, the subtalar implant provides anatomical fit with the subtalar joint anatomical structure without the need for indentations to receive osseous tissue growth to anchor the subtalar implant.

Abstract: A device for the anchoring of a suture in tissue includes a guide sleeve, a sonotrode, an anchor and the suture. The guide sleeve has a distal part with a smaller cross section and a proximal part with a larger cross section. The sonotrode extends through the lumen of the guide sleeve and has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being designed for coupling the sonotrode to a vibration source (e.g. an ultrasonic device). The anchor is arranged at the distal end of the device and includes an anchor foot and an anchoring sleeve sitting on a shoulder of the anchor foot. The anchoring sleeve consists of a material which is liquefiable through mechanical vibrations. A middle portion of the suture runs through the anchor foot and two end portions of the suture are attached to the guide sleeve.

Abstract: An assembly system configured to seat a first orthopedic component having either a male taper or a female taper with a second orthopedic component having the other of a male taper or a female taper. In one embodiment, the assembly system includes a taper seating connector having a fastener and a bushing moveable retained on the fastener. The fastener may be connected to the first orthopedic component and the bushing may be positioned adjacent the second orthopedic component. The corresponding tapers on the first and second orthopedic components may be configured to secure the first and second orthopedic components together. Thus, by exerting a sufficient force on the bushing, the bushing will move along the fastener, transferring the force to the second orthopedic component. In this manner, the corresponding tapers of the first and second orthopedic components may be seated.

Abstract: Tissue fixation devices are provided. The devices include a first component and a second component, the components having different rates of in vivo degradation. The first component and second component are arranged so that, upon degradation of one of the components, the other component provides a scaffold into which bone can grow.

Abstract: Strip fasteners and cranial plugs for use in reattaching a skull flap removed during brain surgery and methods of using the same. The strip fasteners are flexible and can be shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The cranial plugs can be used to reattach the skull flap or they can be installed after the skull flap is reattached using the strip fasteners. In some embodiments, the cranial plug(s) and strip fasteners can be installed at the same time. The strip fasteners and cranial plugs are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement compositions to the surgical site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for securing soft tissue to a rigid structure such as bone. Various directional anchors that allow for increasing the stability the attachment of soft tissue to bone are described. Also described is a delivery system for use with the directional anchors that allows for open surgical or arthroscopic application of one embodiment of the device. A method for repairing rotator cuff tears is also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating bones wherein the devices include a generally elongated implant that has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an intermediate portion therebetween. The implant also includes a lumen extending therethrough. The intermediate portion includes a configuration for engaging bone structure to substantially immobilize the implant within the bone structure. The intermediate portion also includes openings therein that are in communication with the lumen.

Abstract: An intervertebral connection system wherein the bone anchor has a helical configuration.

Abstract: A low profile bone screw system includes a retainable washer and a low profile bone screw having a smooth conical head for insertion into the washer. The washer has an axial bore with a conical portion for fully seating the screw head and a smooth outer surface shaped like the head of a conventional compression bone screw head. Washer dispensing units are also provided.

Abstract: Present invention depicts a poly-porous (micropore) hollow screws as diffusion chamber filled with core matrix for targeted delivery of growth factors and bone marrow stem cells. The screws comprise at least two parts: the distal part of the screw consists of the tip of the screw made of poly porous material and hollow inside proximally. It has threaded navel attached to the threaded nipple of the distal part of the proximal screw which has the screw head and is made of the solid material of the same kind. The screw head had hexagonal recess targeted for screw driver insertion. Assembly of screw created a chamber in the middle of the screw. The chamber is filled with core matrix consisting of gelatin nano-particles pre-impregnated with BMPs (BMP2/BMP7 for bone or BMP12 for tendon, ligament) and fibrin sealants or Chitosan dispersed with bone marrow stem cells and/or other growth factors. Bioactive protein core material is prepared during the surgery and filled the chamber of the screw by the surgeon.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to implants used in medical procedures such as bone fixation or fusion. More specifically, this application relates to fenestrated implants used in bone fixation or fusion.

Abstract: The invention features bone screws having a threaded screw body and a screw head attached to one end of the screw body, the bone screw further including: a) an interior channel extending longitudinally through the screw head and through at least a portion of the screw body, wherein the interior channel has a width of less than 5.0 millimeters; and b) a plurality of radially-disposed delivery channels connecting the interior channel to the exterior of the screw body, each delivery channel having exterior openings. The invention further features devices that include a bone screw and a delivery manifold detachably attached to the screw head of the bone screw. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone defect by using a bone screw described herein.

Abstract: A bone dowel is disclosed that may be used for connecting two or more bone components. The bone dowel may have three dowel sections positioned between a base and a tip with a conical upper section. Each bone dowel section may be positioned in axial alignment adjacent at least one other bone dowel section wherein the diameters decrease over the length of the bone dowel from the base to the tip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone can include forming a bore in the bone and carrying a flexible suture anchor into the bore. The flexible anchor can include a passage and can be coupled to a suture construct. The suture construct can include at least one self-locking adjustable loop, and the flexible anchor can include a first profile while being carried into the bore. A shape of the flexible anchor can be changed from the first profile to a second profile forming an anchoring mass to retain the flexible anchor in the bore. Tension can be applied to a portion of the suture construct to reduce a size of the self-locking adjustable loop and secure the soft tissue relative to the flexible anchor and the bone.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a sinus tarsi implant with an inverted thread profile having a lip or lips at the thread crest. The lips may help hold tissue in-growth and give greater purchase to the implant. The implant may also include voids that traverse threads. The voids may create an open area for soft tissue to grow into. The voids may be relatively small and consequently promote faster tissue in-growth. Thus, the lips and/or voids limit migration. They do this without creating sharp edges or pressure points (or at least limiting such creation) that are typically associated with techniques (e.g., cutting deep negative thread spaces) used to prevent migration. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention limit migration while also limiting patient discomfort. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A button and attached suture loop for CMC repair. A suture strand is threaded through holes in the button to attach the button to the suture. The suture ends are then brought together (by being swaged, spliced or cinched together, for example) to form the suture loop comprising a continuous, uninterrupted suture loop with a single strand of swaged-together ends. The swaged-together ends are attached to a suture passing instrument such as a K-wire (Kirschner wire) that is also used to drill a hole through adjoining metacarpals (for example, the first and second metacarpals). The swaged-together ends of the suture are then passed through the drill holes in the first and second metacarpals, and the ends of the suture are pulled until the button abuts one of the first and second metacarpals. A second button is used to secure the cut suture ends to the other metacarpal.

Abstract: A surgical ring and related methods for plantar plate reconstruction and other surgical procedures are described. In particular, the described anchoring systems and surgical methods may include an anchor configured to wrap at least partially around a first bone associated with an affected joint, and wrap at least partially around a tissue alongside the first bone. The anchor may be compressed in a number of ways so as to compress the tissue alongside the first bone against the first bone. The anchor may be formed from a compressible material, configured with an open shape, and/or or include mechanically closeable or compressible features, and the like. The anchor may be formed from various materials including non-bioabsorbable, bioabsorbable, and/or superelastic materials. The first bone may be a metatarsal or phalanx and the tissue alongside the first bone may be a ligament, a plantar plate, or similar tissue.

Abstract: An implantable interference screw for use in a soft tissue repair, the screw having a bioresorbable body comprising a plurality of interconnected pores, the body having an instrument interface in one end and a thread around an exterior of the body starting from distal end. The plurality of interconnected pores of the resorbable body are substantially filled with a bioresorbable polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant in the form of a bone-connecting device with an implant carrier, having at least two structure carriers for stimulating bone growth, the structure carriers can move relative to one another so that, due to a loading of the implant, a relative movement of the structure carriers occurs, the structure carriers furthermore contain structure elements that are arranged so that they define a plurality of partially open intermediate spaces, wherein a volume defined by these intermediate spaces and an immediate environment is deformed by the implant load, and a strain in the intermediate spaces and its immediate environment resulting from the deformation lies in the physiological range for bone growth.

Abstract: A device for attaching an elongated member to a vertebral member and provide for dampened movement of the elongated member. The device may include a receiver that receives an elongated member. The receiver may be movably attached to an anchor that may be attached to a vertebral member. A dampener may be positioned within the receiver. Further, one or more slots may be positioned in the receiver. The dampener and/or slots dampen the translational movement of the receiver and attached elongated member relative to the anchor in first and second directions, and may also buffer forces applied into the spine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel split barbed fixation device for tenodesis, soft tissue reattachment of tendons and ligaments to bones. The insertion device is adapted for an entirely arthroscopic approach while achieving fixation strength with ultimate pullout resistance comparable to interference screws. The device includes an integrated tendon grasper that provides for easy manipulation of the tendon arthroscopically while eliminating the need for external whip stitching of the tendon, thereby reducing preparation time. The device further includes elements that prevent the fixation implant from being destabilized or rotating during deployment and manipulation, including: a depth limiting sheath, a first implant retainer, a first implant retaining step, a tendon grasping needle tube, and an implant keyway for mating the implant to the tube.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a proximal portion including an extension that includes an inner surface defining at least one projection. A pivoting member is moveable relative to the proximal portion. The pivoting member includes a first surface that defines an implant cavity with the inner surface of the proximal portion. A component is configured for disposal of the extension and includes at least one planar surface. A distal portion has a first end and a second end configured to penetrate tissue. The first end includes at least one planar surface configured to engage the at least one planar surface of the component. The proximal portion is rotatable relative to the distal portion in a first plane of a body and the pivoting member is rotatable relative to the proximal portion in a second plane of the body. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for repairing a defect in an interosseous membrane located between a first bone and a second bone. The method includes: coupling a flexible member to the first bone and the second bone, the flexible member extending past a first area of the interosseous membrane between the first bone and the second bone; and orienting the flexible member such that the flexible member extends generally parallel to fibers of the first area of the interosseous membrane.