Abstract: An intervertebral implant having an endplate that can be slidably expanded following its placement in the intervertebral space. The endplate comprises a pair of planks that are slidably received within respective recesses of a base portion of the endplate. During insertion of the implant into the intervertebral space, the planks are set in a contracted position within respective recesses of a base portion of the endplate. This provides the implant with a relatively small profile that is suitable for MIS procedures. Once the implant has been inserted, the planks are slid outward from the recesses to an expanded position that increases the footprint of the implant endplate. This expansion increases the stability of the implant.

Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for displacing tissue within the body, wherein the apparatus includes two or more attachment members selectively displaceable with respect to each other via a driving member. The driving member preferably is rotatable and is caused to rotate by a magnetic actuator that can be activated by a magnetic field from outside the body.

Abstract: An instrument for engaging a bone anchor may include a first implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end and a second implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end. The second implant engaging member may be integrally connected to the first implant engaging member by a pair of opposed integral spring members located proximal to the distal ends of the first and second implant engaging members. Manipulation of the proximal ends of the first and second implant engaging member can cause each of the distal ends to rotate about the pair of opposed spring members to engage at least a portion of a bone anchor. A rod adjusting tool may be connectable to the bone anchor engaging tool and may be axially adjustable relative to the bone anchor tool to adjust a spinal rod relative to the bone anchor.

Abstract: This invention relates to local administration of a bone-forming agent and at least one anti-resorptive agent to treat osteoporosis and related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to stabilizing Bone Morphogenetic Protein in various lyophilized formulations and compositions. The present invention comprises formulations primarily including trehalose as an excipient for lyophilized compositions and their subsequent storage and reconstitution, and can also optionally include other excipients, including buffers and surfactants.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly for coupling an offset bone anchor with a previously inserted spinal fixation element and method of use is provided. Exemplary embodiments of a bone anchor assembly are particularly suited for use in a rod-first spinal surgical technique in which a bone anchor inserted into a patient vertebra may be separated from a previously inserted spinal fixation element by a separation distance.

Abstract: A spinal implant including a stabilization member coupled to an elongate member is herein provided. The implant can be configured for placement within a facet joint in an intra-facet or trans-facet configuration. Also, the implant can include a fusion-promoting bioactive material thereby providing a single device capable of spinal stabilization and/or fusion. Furthermore, a method of placing such an implant within a facet joint in an intra-facet or trans-facet orientation is hereby provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implant that can be inserted on top of a previously placed spinal fixation element. The implant includes a bone anchor and a connector body. The bone anchor includes a proximal head and a distal shaft extending along a longitudinal axis configured to engage bone. The connector body is configured to engage the proximal head of bone anchor and engage a spinal fixation element offset from longitudinal axis of the bone anchor shaft. Because, the implant is inserted over the spinal fixation element, direct visualization of the surgical site is available during insertion. In addition, the implant may provide tactile or audible feedback indicating that the spinal fixation element has been engaged by the implant.

Abstract: A locking screw for an intramedullary nail having at least one transverse hole. The locking screw has a central longitudinal axis and includes a screw shank, which is at least partially provided with an external thread, and a screw head. The diameter of the screw head is greater than the outer diameter of the external thread, and the screw head includes a passage extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw and the external thread. The passage is configured to receive a longitudinal wedge element. As a result, any gap between the locking screw and the intramedullary nail is eliminated and the screw is wedged in position in the transverse hole of the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: An isolated mammalian internal mammary artery-derived cell is disclosed. Furthermore, methods of isolating the mammalian internal mammary artery-derived cell are disclosed. The cell is useful in tissue engineering technologies, specifically in vascular tissue engineering.

Abstract: The vasoocclusive device for use in interventional therapy and vascular surgery adapted to be inserted into a portion of a vasculature, includes a vasoocclusive coil disposed about an inner reinforcement coil wherein said vasoocclusive coil is helically wound and the inner reinforcement coil forms a reverse helical winding opposite the vasoocclusive coil winding, thereby forming a biplex wound coil. The vasoocclusive device biplex winding provides improved mechanical properties to the device. An inner reinforcement stretch resistant member attached within the biplex windings limits coil stretchability.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc implant for use in the spine including a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and second part are configured as a joint prosthesis for the spine. The first part includes one of a concave or convex articulating surface and the second part includes one of the other concave or convex articulating surface. One of the concave or convex articulating surfaces is preferably elliptically shaped in at least one direction and does not match and is different than one of the other concave or convex articulating surfaces.

Abstract: A method for manipulating intervertebral tissue in one embodiment includes inserting at least one abrading member for abrading tissue into an area to be cleared, expanding at least one expandable member from a first condition to a second condition, wherein the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the second condition is greater than the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the first condition, moving the inserted at least one abrading member from a first position to a second position by the expansion of the at least one expandable member, manipulating the inserted at least one abrading member to loosen tissue, and removing the loosened tissue from the area to be cleared.

Abstract: In an intervertebral implant, having an upper part that has a support face for a vertebra and a lower part that has a support face for an adjacent vertebra, on each of which parts engagement elements, which are accessible from one side of the intervertebral implant, for a manipulation instrument are disposed, in order to minimize the structural height of the intervertebral implant upon insertion into an intervertebral space, it is proposed that the upper part and lower part each have protrusions and recesses aimed at the respectively other part, which are offset laterally from one another in such a way that when the upper part has been brought close to the lower part they mesh with one another; and that the engagement elements on the upper part and on the lower part are each disposed in protrusions of these parts in such a way that the engagement elements of the upper part and lower part are located side by side and at least partly overlap in the direction of the height of the intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A device intended for the treatment of spinal stenosis. This device is an inter-spinous spacer that is introduced through a single posterior incision. It uses a single piece insertion technique with a unilateral approach. The surgeon does not need to access the opposite side of the spinous process. It allows the user infinite adjustability in distraction height with a single locking mechanism.

Abstract: A prosthesis assembly configured for use with a scapula in one embodiment includes a spherical humeral component, an elongated glenoid bearing including a first bearing surface with (i) a first spherical end portion with a first radius of curvature, (ii) a second spherical end portion with a second radius of curvature, and (iii) a central portion located between the first spherical end portion and the second spherical end portion, and a first coupling portion extending from a second bearing surface opposite the bearing surface, and a base configured to rotatably support the elongated glenoid bearing, wherein the first radius of curvature is substantially equal to the second radius of curvature and the central portion does not have a radius of curvature that is substantially equal to the second radius of curvature.

Abstract: A kit for use in performing joint arthroplasty, the kit including a prosthesis to be fitted to a long bone and a cutting guide. The cutting guide including a housing having an attachment mechanism adapted to couple the housing to the bone during arthroplasty and a wall defining a continuous path and a blade for cutting the bone, the blade fitting within and sliding along the continuous path such that the blade cuts the bone in a shape matching the second body articulating surface.

Abstract: A fixation assembly having a driver, a holding sleeve, and an alignment mechanism is disclosed. The driver may include a driver body and a coupling extending from a distal end of the driver body. The holding sleeve may have a holding sleeve body, a channel extending through the holding sleeve body, and a fixation element coupler disposed at a distal portion of the holding sleeve body. The channel may be configured to receive the driver, and the fixation element coupler may be configured to temporarily hold a fixation element. The alignment mechanism may extend from the holding sleeve, and may have at least one alignment member configured to engage an underlying structure to which the fixation element is to be affixed so as to align the fixation element and driver assembly with respect to the underlying structure.