Abstract: A novel coplanar X-ray guided method and aiming arm device for insertion of distal locking screws in intramedullary bone nails. Radiopaque target markers in the aiming arm enable the easy positioning of an X-ray source such that an X-ray beam is coplanar with the aiming arm transverse holes. After the X-ray source is accurately oriented, a single X-ray snapshot is enough to assess the exact distortion of the implanted intramedullary nail. The X-ray beam need not be coaxial with the nail holes. The aiming arm includes a mobile portion and a fixed portion fastened to the nail, and the aiming arm can be adjusted, displacing the mobile portion over the fixed portion, to compensate for the distortion of the intramedullary nail caused by implantation in bone.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system includes at least one bone anchor assembly, the bone anchor assembly including a bone engaging member and a receiver member, wherein the receiver member includes a connecting member cavity, and an elongated connecting member inserted into the connecting member cavity and connected to the receiver member, wherein the connecting member comprises locking features configured to secure the connecting member to the receiver member without the use of a fixation screw extending through a top portion of the receiver member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument which can be attached to a patient is described. The instrument includes an alignment guide having a distal end and a proximal end. A brace is attached toward the proximal end of the alignment guide for attaching the instrument to a limb of a patient. The brace comprises a pair of opposed members, each member being shaped to hold a respective bony part of the patient on either side of the patient. At least a part of the brace is made of a resilient material allowing the brace to grip the patient in use.

Abstract: A buttress pin for fixing an implant to a bone, comprises a head at a proximal end, the head comprising a rounded outer profile and including first threading and a shaft extending distally from the head, the shaft including second threading extending over at least a portion of a length thereof, a position of a proximal end of the second threading along the shaft being spaced from a distal end of the first threading by a distance equal to a distance between a proximal end of a hole in an implant to be anchored to a bone via the buttress pin and a surface of the bone when the implant is in a target position on the bone.

Abstract: A device for treating a bone comprises a cable block including a first lumen extending from a first proximal opening in a proximal face of the cable block to a first distal opening in a distal face thereof, the first lumen being configured to receive a cerclage cable including an enlarged end. The cable block further includes a second lumen extending from a second proximal opening in the proximal face to a second distal opening in the distal face and being configured to receive a portion of the cable extending from the enlarged end while preventing the enlarged end from passing therethrough. The cable block includes a slot connecting distal portions of the first and second lumens and being at least as large as the second lumen in combination with a crimpable locking member including a channel configured to receive the portion of the cable extending from the enlarged end.

Abstract: A conformable tissue implant is provided for use in repairing or augmenting a tissue defect or injury site. The tissue implant contains a tissue carrier matrix comprising a plurality of biocompatible, bioresorbable granules and at least one tissue fragment in association with the granules. The tissue fragment contains one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the tissue carrier matrix. Also provided is a method for injectably delivering the tissue implant.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for autologous or artificial tendon grafts comprises an insertion element and a stabilizing element. The insertion element has a stem and a head containing an aperture large enough to receive a graft. The stabilizing element is adapted to be embedded in bone, and comprises a sleeve with a cavity arranged to receive and hold the insertion element stem. In use, the stabilizing element is affixed in the bone, and the stem of the insertion element is placed therein. A tendon graft may be secured to the insertion element either before or after its placement in the stabilizing element. Two such anchors may be linked with one or multiple grafts, in either a two-ply or four-ply arrangement.

Abstract: A device for straightening and stabilizing the vertebral column, particularly for stabilizing broken vertebrae, includes a supporting implant which is plastically expandable by internal pressure. The supporting implant can be placed into the interior of a vertebral body which has been fractured under compression or between adjacent vertebral bodies. A pressure balloon to which pressure fluid can be admitted may be arranged in the interior of the supporting implant for producing the internal pressure.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for positioning and forming bone tunnels. In one embodiment, a surgical drill guide apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include a first guide member having a longitudinal passageway extending therethrough for aiming a first guide pin along a first path to form a first bone tunnel. The apparatus can also include a second guide member having a longitudinal passageway extending therethrough for aiming a second guide pin along a second path to form a second bone tunnel. The first and second guide members can extend at an angle relative to one another and they can be offset such that axes of the guide members do not intersect.

Abstract: An anterior bone plate system is provided that promotes osseous fusion and allows subsidence while restricting extension. The bone plate system requires a minimum number of screws for securing the plate onto bone, thus reducing the amount of osseous tissue damage incurred by the bone structures to which they are attached. The system is also simple to use and provides for independent screw placement while incurring minimal soft tissue damage from lateral retraction. A method for implementing the system is also provided.

Abstract: Systems of manipulating (e.g., compressing or distracting) a spinal construct are provided herein. In general, the system can include a surgical sleeve extending from a vertebra and a fulcrum movably coupled to some component of the system thereby allowing the fulcrum to be positioned at various location along the length of the sleeve. As indicated, the fulcrum can be movably coupled to virtually any component of the system. For example, the fulcrum can be movably coupled to the surgical sleeve, to a manipulation device sized and configured to receive the surgical sleeve, to a driver configured to apply a manipulation force, etc. Additionally, methods for manipulating a spinal construct are also provided herein.

Abstract: A self-retaining neural retraction clip, preferably having controlled retraction level and an off-set retraction means. This device can reduce operative site clutter to enhance disc access while providing consistent and stable dural retraction.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching soft tissue to bone is provided. In general, the apparatus includes an expandable body that is configured to expand into bone, and an expander pin that is adapted to be driven into the expandable body. The device can also include a tissue attachment apparatus that can be used to secure tissue to the device, thereby providing a method for attaching tissue to bone.

Abstract: A kit (10) for preparation of a bone cavity (12) in a bone (14) for implantation of a joint prosthesis (16) is provided. The kit (10) includes a guide (20) defining an opening (22) therethrough. The guide (20) is in cooperation with the prosthesis. The kit (10) also includes a rotatable tool (24) constrainable within the opening (22) of said guide (20). The tool (24) is adapted for removal of bone (14) to form the bone cavity (12).

Abstract: A bone plate system includes (a) Bone Plate having a bottom surface for contacting bone, an upper surface and at least one through hole extending from the bottom surface to the upper surface, the through hole having a central axis and a cross-section that extends orthogonally to the central axis and is one of at least partially polygonal, at least partially prismatic, and at least partially elliptical; (b) Bushing within the through hole, Bushing including a central bore designed to receive a bone fixation element, a cross-section of Bushing orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of Bushing is shaped substantially the same as the cross-section of the through hole so that Bushing is secured against rotation about its longitudinal axis; and (c) at least one Bone Fixation Element having a portion for anchoring within bone, Bone Fixation Element configured and dimensioned for insertion into the central bore of Bushing.

Abstract: Oscillating 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 oscillating rasps are also disclosed. The oscillating rasp includes an attachment head configured to be secured in a chuck of an oscillating tool, and a cutting head secured to the attachment head. The cutting head includes a cutting surface extending posteriorly from the longitudinal axis of the oscillating surgical rasp. The cutting surface has a plurality of cutting teeth arranged in a geometry that, when oscillated along a predetermined path in contact with the glenoid of the patient, corresponds with the geometry of the augmented glenoid prosthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable interbody fusion implant that is configured to have an initial configuration having a first footprint width suitable for being inserted into an intervertebral space and an expanded configuration having a second footprint width that is greater than the first footprint width. The implant may include a first body member and a second body member that is pivotally coupled to the first body member. The implant may be expanded using an inflatable balloon. The implant may be expanded bilaterally such that both body members rotate relative to the other or the implant may be expanded unilaterally such that one of the body members rotates relative to the other.

Abstract: A method and system for insertion of an implant is disclosed. One embodiment of a system for use in implanting a spinal prosthesis incorporating principles of the invention includes an insertion assembly housing with a channel extending from a distal end portion to a proximal end portion, a gripper having a prosthesis coupling portion for coupling with a spinal prosthesis and an end portion, and a coupler member having a gripper coupling portion rotatably positioned within the channel and configured to couple with the end portion of the gripper within the channel.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprising a metallic substrate coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer, and a layer of a polymeric material placed over the DLC layer that is less stiff than the substrate, and methods of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A multi-level spine stabilization system comprises a plurality of securing members configured for attachment to a plurality of vertebrae. A plurality of adjustable rods segments extend between the plurality of securing members. The adjustable rod comprises a first rod segment that engages a second rod segment in an adjustable relationship. The length of the rod may be adjusted by moving the first rod segment relative to the second rod segment. For example, the first rod segment may be in a slideable relationship with the second rod segment such that sliding the first rod segment relative to the second rod segment results in a change in the length of the rod. In one embodiment, portions of both the first rod segment and the second rod segment are positioned within and secured to the securing member. Advantageously, the multi-level spine stabilization system described herein may be used to center dynamic portions of the rod between securing members.