Abstract: An implant extends along a central axis, and includes first and second members spaced along the central axis. The implant can include a compliant interface. The compliant interface includes a plurality of spring members, the plurality of spring members arranged to space apart the first member from the second member along the central axis.

Abstract: Surgical sutures are provided. In general, the surgical sutures can include a plurality of directional indicators that each visually indicate a same direction, e.g., a direction toward one free end of the suture. The directional indicators can be configured to indicate a position of the suture relative to a patient and/or other medical device(s). The directional indicators can be a function of the suture itself so as to be an integral part thereof. In other words, threads, also referred to as “strands,” that form the suture can define the directional indictors. The suture can be braided using threads of two different colors so as to form the directional arrows as an integral part of the suture when the suture is braided in manufacturing of the suture.

Abstract: A bone sizing guide for assessing the size of an end of a bone includes a body (6) having a foot component (2) with a first surface (10) to rest against an end surface of the bone and a foot (12) extending transverse to the first surface to contact a side surface of the bone. A superstructure (40) is coupled to the body so that the superstructure can slide relative to the body towards and away from the body, at least one of the superstructure and the body being adjustable so that the rotational direction in which the superstructure extends relative to the foot component about a first axis extending transverse to the first surface is adjustable. A stylus (53) extends from the superstructure transverse to the first surface of the body, the stylus having a tip to contact a surface of the bone, and a scale (64) is coupled to or formed on a first one of the superstructure and the body. An indicator (52) is coupled to or formed on a second one of the superstructure and the body to identify a position on the scale.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical instrument or prosthesis and an injection moulded surgical instrument or prosthesis are described. A first material is injected into a first mould to form an interim component. A second material is injected into a second mould containing at least part of the interim component to form the surgical instrument or prosthesis such that portions of the first and second materials are exposed at the external surface of the surgical instrument or prosthesis. The first and second materials are visually distinct such that at least one exposed portion of the first or second material adjacent to an exposed portion of the other material forms a marking which is visible to a user.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis or disk prosthesis comprising a front side, a rear side, an upper side which can be placed on the base plate of vertebral body, a lower side which can be placed on the base plate of a vertebral body, a right side, a left side, a cavity which can receive a fluid hydraulic osteocementum, an opening in the cavity and several outlets out from the cavity. The total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SV on the front side, the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SH on the rear side, the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SR on the right side and the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets on the left side satisfy the following conditions: SL>SR or SR>SL or SH>SV or SV>SH.

Abstract: An anchor-in-anchor fixation system is provided for securing underlying structure, such as bone. The fixation system includes a first bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone, and a head that defines an internal bore. A second bone anchor extends through the bore and into underlying bone. A fixation assembly is also provided that includes one or more fixation systems coupled to an auxiliary attachment member configured for long bone fixation, spinal fixation, or fixation of other bones as desired.

Abstract: A locking and lagging bone screw. The screw includes a head having an outer surface which is at least partially threaded and a shaft which is at least partially threaded having a first end coupled to the head and a second end adapted to be fastened to bone. The head of the screw is able to rotate independently of the shaft. Thus, the head of the screw can be locked to a bone plate by using a first driver (e.g., a torx driver) and the plate can be lagged to the bone by using a second driver (e.g., a hex driver).

Abstract: Various bone fixation devices and methods of using the same are provided. In one embodiment, a spinal implant assembly is provided having a generally U-shaped rod-receiving head or receiver member, and a bone-engaging member extending distally from the receiver member. The receiver member can have two side arms extending proximally from a distal end, and the arms can define a U-shaped channel therebetween for receiving a spinal fixation element. The side arms of the receiver can have various configurations and can include a number of features to facilitate mating with a spinal tool.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for implantation between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra having a central axis. The implant may have a first member with a top surface for contacting at least a portion of the upper vertebra and a bottom surface as well as a second member with a top surface and a bottom surface for contacting at least a portion of the lower vertebra. An elastic spacer may be disposed between the first member and the second member. Contraints may be employed to to limit the amount of lateral movement between the first and second members.

Abstract: The biocompatible, biodegradable materials in the solid and/or liquid form are based on segmented linear polyurethanes and/or segmented crosslinked polyurethanes based on A) one or more biocompatible polyols susceptible to hydrolytic and/or enzymatic degradation having a molecular weight of 100 to 20,000 dalton and a number of active hydroxyl groups per molecule (functionality) of at least two or higher; B) one or more diisocyanates and/or triisocyanates; and C) one or more low molecular weight chain extenders having a molecular weight of 18 to 1000 dalton and the functionality of at least two or higher.

Abstract: Systems and methods for registering objects with a surgical navigation system are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for registering objects with a surgical navigation system can include detecting identification information associated with an object using a sensing device coupled to a digital data processor and detecting a position-tracking array using the sensing device. The method can also include searching a digital data store coupled to the digital data processor that contains a listing of objects and associated identification information to identify an object having identification information that matches the identification information detected by the sensing device, and registering with the surgical navigation system an association between the position-tracking array and the identified object.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: A sternal reconstruction system for securing parts of a sternum includes at least one flexible cable with a fused end fitting, at least one parallel fitting piece and at least one ferrule. Optionally, the system includes at least one cannulated screw. Circumferential or parasternal fixation may be brought about by use of the sternal reconstruction system. Also provided is a method for sternal reconstruction utilizing the sternal reconstruction system. Also provided is a kit for sternal reconstruction.

Abstract: A device for implanting heat deformable fixation elements of different sizes in a bone, comprises a hand piece extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including an internal optical waveguide connected to a laser source and open to the distal end of the hand piece and a light guiding tip extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end of the light guiding tip being removably mechanically and optically connectable to the distal end of the hand piece and the distal end of the light guiding tip being configured to permit removable attachment of a bone fixation element, the light guiding tip including an optical waveguide, wherein the light guiding tip is configured to control a total radiant energy Q transmitted from the laser source to the bone fixation element.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument and method for positioning an acetabular prosthetic component in a patient's surgically-prepared acetabulum is disclosed. The orthopaedic surgical instrument has a base configured to engage the patient's pelvis, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the base, a locking mechanism operable to lock the first linkage in position relative to the base, and a second linkage removably coupled to the first linkage. The second linkage has an alignment axis corresponding to a desired abduction angle and a desired anteversion angle of the acetabular axis of the acetabular prosthetic component.

Abstract: A method of using a guide system for resecting a bone through incisions of the type utilized for arthroscopic procedures is provided. The guide system comprises a first alignment pin, a second alignment pin and a wire saw. The first alignment pin is configured to be inserted through a first incision into a bone in a first orientation. The second alignment pin is configured to inserted through a second incision into the bone in a second orientation. The first alignment pin and the second alignment pin are configured and oriented to define a resection plane of reference through which the bone is to be resected and the wire saw is configured to be inserted through the first and second incisions to be guided by the first and second alignment pins while being moved to resect the bone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for elongating a tendon including a cutting blade and a cutting guide supporting the cutting blade in such a way that the cutting blade is movable through at least a portion of a tendon in a helical path so as to make a helical cut in the tendon which allows elongation of the tendon.

Abstract: A method of determining patient follow-up subsequent to an orthopaedic procedure includes determining the number of cycles of use of an orthopaedic joint of the patient. If a predetermined threshold is exceeded, communication with an orthopaedic care provider is initiated. A patient monitoring system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive cannula is sized by including indica on a cannulated dilator that is used to measure the depth of a body cavity, and in one embodiment with the use of a cuttable fixture inserted into an initially enlarged dilator retractor made from a cuttable material the excess of the dilator retractor is snipped by a commercial cutter. A tool engaging the end of the cannulated dilator provides leverage on the cannulated dilator for rotation as it is forced into the body cavity, a pusher tool provides leverage on the dilator retractor for inserting the dilator retractor into the body cavity. A clamp that fits the top of the dilator retractor serves to support the dilator retractor through an arm to a rigid structure. In an alternate embodiment one of a series of sized dilator retractors are selected commensurate with the measurement attained by the scaled cannulated dilator.