Abstract: Novel orthopaedic bone screws/spinal pedicle screws and implants that include coatings to help promote a structurally stable interface between the implant and the patient's bone/tissue, and methods of coating such screws and implants are provided. The implants and methodologies described involve at least a coating that facilitates osseous integration, and additionally at least one coating that either reduces the risk of infection in immunologically suppressed patients and/or for utilization in patients who have infection, but who require stabilization, or coatings that permit the use of dissimilar metals and prevent galvanic corrosive reactions.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a system and method for fusing two adjacent vertebrae. In one embodiment, the vertebrae are fused by inserting a self-broaching interbody apparatus into a disc space without the need for separately drilling and broaching. The self-broaching interbody apparatus may include cutting flutes or other broaching means capable of cutting through the cartilaginous endplates of the vertebrae. In another embodiment, an interbody apparatus with an expanding means capable of distracting the disc space between the adjacent vertebrae is inserted into the disc space. Another embodiment includes a sleeve that fits around an interbody apparatus that has at least one opening in its outer surface leading to a cavity filled with bone and/or ortho-biological materials.

Abstract: A bone fastener assembly and a method of stabilizing a bone using such an assembly are presented. The bone assembly includes a bone fastener and a connecting member for holding a stabilizing member, such as a rod or plate, wherein the connecting member has a side-opening for accepting the rod therein. Optionally the bone fastener system also permits the bone fastener to pivot relative to a longitudinal axis of the assembly, and is provided with an armature that allows the connecting member to be offset from the longitudinal axis of the bone fastener and for the connecting member to swivel about the longitudinal axis of the assembly. By allowing the rod to be inserted into the connecting member via this side-opening the bone fastener provides a system that is particularly useful for minimally invasive surgeries.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a system and method for fusing two adjacent vertebrae. In one embodiment, the vertebrae are fused by inserting a self-broaching interbody apparatus into a disc space without the need for separately drilling and broaching. The self-broaching interbody apparatus may include cutting flutes or other broaching means capable of cutting through the cartilaginous endplates of the vertebrae. In another embodiment, an interbody apparatus with an expanding means capable of distracting the disc space between the adjacent vertebrae is inserted into the disc space. Another embodiment includes a sleeve that fits around an interbody apparatus that has at least one opening in its outer surface leading to a cavity filled with bone and/or ortho-biological materials.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for stabilizing a facet joint are provided herein. The surgical method includes angling a screw from a ventral and a lateral side of the spine toward a dorsal and medial side of the spine, and screwing the screw through a superior facet of an inferior vertebra and into an inferior facet of a superior vertebra. The system includes a screwdriver insertable into a surgical opening, a screw coupled to the screwdriver and a torque transmitter coupled to and rotatable with a head on the screwdriver. The screwdriver apparatus includes a handle and a head projecting at an obtuse angle from the handle. The head in turn is coupled to and rotatable with a torque transmitter. The accompanying facet screw includes a sharp and self-tapping point, an ellipsoidal shaft with progressively spaced threads, and a bulbous screw head. The optional cutter includes a narrow, longitudinal shaft with a two-handle closing mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical rongeur for cutting bone or tissue is provided. The rongeur has an elongated track member, and a generally hollow cutting slide defining an inner cavity slidably received within the track member. The distal end of the cutting slide terminates in a sharp cutting edge and an opening. The distal end of the track member terminates in a foot plate. The cutting slide is longitudinally movable relative to the track member from a first open position to a second closed position. In the first open position, there is an opening between the sharp cutting edge and the foot plate, in which opening the bone to be cut is placed. In the second closed position the sharp cutting edge contacts the foot plate, cuts the bone and pushes the bone chip through the opening into the inner cavity of the cutting slide, where multiple bone chips may be stored.

Abstract: An ergonomically and functionally improved combination nerve root retractor and sucker device, system, and methods of using such a nerve root retractor and sucker are provided. The nerve root retractor and sucker of the current invention having an adjustable geometry nerve root retractor/sucker shaft.