Abstract: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device that includes: a longitudinal member having first and second ends and a flexible member interposed between the first and second ends, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engaged by a first bone securing member; and at least one spacer located between the first and second ends, the spacer comprising a resilient element and a ring element encircling at least a portion of the resilient element, wherein the ring element is configured to be engaged by a second bone securing member.

Abstract: A method of replacing a nucleus pulposus material wherein curable nucleus pulposus material is injected into a balloon in an intervertebral space. The balloon has an inlet port and an outlet port that are connected to a pressure-measuring device. After the catheter is placed in the intervertebral space, the balloon is filled with a radio-opaque solution until the desired balloon volume is attained. The nucleus replacement material is then fed into the inlet port of the balloon, while the radiopaque agent is allowed to leave via the outlet port. Once the balloon is completely filled and curing of the curable nucleus replacement material is accomplished, the catheter and ports are removed, and the annular defect can be sealed.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair system includes a needle, a sheath, and a actuator. The needle has a body and a tip that extends distally from the body. The body defines a longitudinal channel configured to hold a plurality of suture anchors, and an ejection port proximal to the tip. The needle is configured to receive and hold a strand of suture. The sheath is disposed coaxially around the exterior of the needle, and is translatable with respect to the needle between a first position, and a second position. The actuator is translatable within the needle channel and is configured to push the suture anchors distally such that a first suture anchor of the plurality of suture anchors engages the suture strand held by the needle and sheath.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an instrumentation and implant system providing minimally invasive vertebral augmentation. The apparatus including an expandable membrane sized and configured to be located within a cavity in a patient's bone and having an interior volume for receiving bone filler material; a delivery cannula in communication with the membrane for providing bone filler material to the membrane; and an evacuation cannula in fluid communication with the membrane for receiving a portion of the provided bone filler material from the membrane.

Abstract: Red light implants for delivering red light to spinal implants to enhance osteointegration.

Abstract: An adjustable rod for spinal corrective surgery is provided that includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member, each having rod portions couplable to one or more bone connecting elements and expansion portions slidably moveable with respect to one another. A plurality of holes in each expansion portion are alignable with one another to choose the length of the adjustable rod and a locking element is inserted through a pair of aligned holes to couple the first and second elongate members and secure or fix the length of the expandable rod.

Abstract: A reamer for use in performing arthroplasty includes a first cutting structure having an inner concave surface that defines a first cavity and terminates in a generally circular leading edge. The inner concave surface includes a first cutting feature that is spaced apart from the leading edge. An elongate member extends from the first cutting structure into the first cavity toward the leading edge that includes a second cutting feature. A second cutting structure is secured to the elongate member and positioned within the first cavity. The second cutting structure extends outwardly from the elongate member toward the inner concave surface and includes a third cutting feature.

Abstract: Expandable fixation assemblies, expandable cranial fixation assemblies, and expandable intervertebral implant assemblies are provided for securing structures to bone and for securing bones and/or bone segments with respect to each other. An expansion member can be moved through at least a portion of an expandable fixation body, thereby causing expansion of the expandable fixation body, such that bone engagement features of the expandable fixation body engage surrounding structure, such as bone.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprises first and second parts having outer surfaces engaging adjacent vertebral surfaces. An insert between these parts provides relative movement therebetween. The first and/or second parts may have engagement means in the form of apertures for engagement with insertion instruments. The first and second parts may nest together, in the absence of the insert, for insertion into the intervertebral space. The boundaries of the implant may form a working space which would include insertion instruments therein. A detent and detent recess may be provided for engagement of the insert and one of said first and second parts.

Abstract: A method of bone fixation comprises the steps of implanting at least one first fixation element into a respective first anatomical body such that a portion of the first fixation element extends out from an exterior surface of the first anatomical body, and implanting at least one second fixation element into a respective second anatomical body that is adjacent the first anatomical body, such that a portion of the second fixation element extends out from an exterior surface of the second anatomical body. A hardenable material is applied to the portion of each of the fixation elements that extends out from the exterior surface of the respective anatomical body when the hardenable material is in an unhardened state. The hardenable material is hardened such that the hardenable material forms a hardened construct together with the bone fixation elements that bridges the anatomical bodies.

Abstract: A liner adapted for insertion into an acetabular shell for use in hip arthroplasty. The liner includes a concave inner surface adapted to engage a femoral head. The liner also includes an outer surface adapted to engage the acetabular shell and a rim that extends between the inner surface and the outer surface. The outer surface includes a locking section extending from the rim, a composite-curved section extending from the locking section at a first transition point, and a dome section extending from the composite-curved section, wherein at the first transition point, the composite-curved section is tangential to the locking section.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant comprises a fixation plate and an articulation component comprising a bearing surface and an opposing securement surface formed of a porous material. The orthopaedic implant further includes at least one fastener extending through the fixation plate and secured within the porous material of the securement surface of the articulation component.

Abstract: A device for binding a cable about a fractured bone to stabilize a fracture comprises a slot including a distal opening sized to receive an enlarged end of a cable and a proximal opening sized to permit the cable to slide therethrough while preventing the enlarged end from passing therethough and a bore sized to slidably receive the cable, the bore extending to a proximal opening in combination with a locking element channel extending to a distal end opening into the bore and a locking element movable into a locking position in which a distal end of the locking element extends into the bore to engage a portion of the cable received therein and lock the cable in a desired position within the bore.

Abstract: A system for preparing an implant for implantation includes a trial implant including a first dialable component and a datum, a final implant including a second dialable component, and an instrument including (i) a base assembly configured to support the trial implant so that the datum is in a predetermined orientation, (ii) a fixture supported on the base assembly, the fixture including a domed element, and an alignment tool configured to engage the first dialable component when the trial implant is supported by said base assembly, and (iii) a locking assembly including a guide member defining a spherical surface for nested engagement with said domed element, the locking assembly configured to record the angular orientation of said alignment tool relative to said fixture with said alignment tool engaged with the first dialable component, and to replicate the recorded angular orientation with the alignment tool and a second dialable component.

Abstract: A measuring device 1 configured to receive a drill bit 3, and determine the relative displacement of the drill bit 3, is disclosed. The measuring device 1 is configured to be deployed proximate to the material to be drilled, reset, and subsequently determine the relative displacement of the drill bit 3. The measuring device 1 can be used in orthopaedic surgery procedures for determining the depth of a bore hole in bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interspinous spacer (10, 10?, 10?, 10??, 10??, 10???) for implantation between adjacent spinous process (SP) to treat spinal stenosis. The interspinous spacer preferably includes a W-shaped or S-shaped leaf spring body member (21) for insertion between adjacent spinous processes and one or more wire straps (42) extending from the body to attach the spacer to the adjacent spinous processes. The wire straps are preferably sized and configured to extend from one side of the leaf spring, along one side of a spinous process, over or under the spinous process to the other side wherein the wire strap can be coupled to the leaf spring. Alternatively, the spacer may include one or more hooks (60) for engaging one or both of the adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for spinal stabilization, including: a first end portion having a first longitudinal channel and configured to be coupled to a first securing member secured to a patient's spine; a second end portion having a second longitudinal channel and configured to be coupled to a second securing member secured to the patient's spine; and a flexible wire extending through at least a portion of the first and second longitudinal channels and flexibly linking the first and second end portions.

Abstract: An implantable spinal cross connector is provided for connecting one or more spinal fixation devices, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods that are implanted within a patient's spinal system. In general, an exemplary cross connector in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate body with at least one rod-receiving recess formed therein, and a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the elongate body and that is effective to lock a spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess(es). The present invention also provides an inserter tool to facilitate implanting a spinal implant or device, such as a spinal cross connector.

Abstract: A growing rod for mounting between attachment mechanisms that are secured to anatomical structures of a patient having scoliosis. The growing rod includes an outer housing and an inner housing disposed within the outer housing. The inner housing includes a magnet assembly including a magnet having a first pole and a second pole and a gear reduction mechanism coupled to the magnet. A first rod is secured to the inner housing and a second rod is secured to the outer housing. The gear reduction mechanism reduces an output rotation of the magnet to rotate a driver that operates to move the inner housing along a longitudinal axis with respect to the outer housing.

Abstract: Reciprocating rasps for the surgical preparation of the bone prior to the implantation of a glenoid or acetabular component with complex geometry are disclosed. Surgical methods for the use of such reciprocating rasps are also disclosed.