Abstract: A surgical apparatus. The apparatus includes a handle structure, a shaft structure coupled to the handle structure, and a spreading structure coupled to the shaft structure and movable between a compact and an expanded configuration. The apparatus includes a protective sheath of shape-recovery material. The protective sheath covers the entire spreading structure in a substantially form fitting manner in any configuration of the spreading structure including the compact configuration, the expanded configuration and any configurations therebetween.

Abstract: Methods of modifying stem cells and compositions of modified stem cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells, using electric or electromagnetic fields. In various embodiments, the present invention's methods are for the treatment of a human or other mammal subject in need thereof, comprising providing an in vitro culture comprising mesenchymal stem cells, administering an electric stimulation to the in vitro culture, and implanting the mesenchymal stem cells into the subject. Methods also include treatment of a human or other mammal subject, comprising implanting mesenchymal stem cells into the subject, and administering an electric stimulation to the mesenchymal stem cells in situ. Other embodiments include methods of administering electric stimulation in conjunction with growth factors to stem cells.

Abstract: An instrument assembly for bone drilling. The instrument assembly can include a soft tissue sleeve defining an internal channel, and an irrigation cap removably coupled to the sleeve. The irrigation cap can include a delivery port connectable to an irrigation source for delivering irrigation to the internal channel, the port in fluid communication with the internal channel.

Abstract: An implantation apparatus for preparing adjacent vertebral bodies to receive an intervertebral implant including a plurality of keels. The implantation apparatus includes an elongated handle portion, and a template portion carried at a distal end of the handle portion substantially perpendicularly to the handle portion. The template portion defines a plurality of open channels corresponding in position and shape of the plurality of keels. Each channel is positioned and shaped for preparing a vertebral opening to receive a corresponding keel.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly. The bone fixation assembly includes a fixation member defining at least one aperture, wherein the aperture is adapted for engaging non-threadably and selectively a locking or a non-locking fastener.

Abstract: An external fixation system for a joint having a first and second bone and defining an anatomical axis of rotation is provided. The fixation system can include a proximal frame couplable to the first bone and a distal frame couplable to the second bone. A first connector can include a first member pivotally coupled to a second member at a first pivot axis. A second connector can include a third member pivotally coupled to a fourth member at a second pivot axis. The first and second connectors are mountable between the proximal and distal frames at a location such that the first and second pivot axes are coaxial with the anatomical axis of rotation.

Abstract: Methods of modifying stem cells and compositions of modified stem cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells, using electric or electromagnetic fields. In various embodiments, the present invention's methods are for the treatment of a human or other mammal subject in need thereof, comprising providing an in vitro culture comprising mesenchymal stem cells, administering an electric stimulation to the in vitro culture, and implanting the mesenchymal stem cells into the subject. Methods also include treatment of a human or other mammal subject, comprising implanting mesenchymal stem cells into the subject, and administering an electric stimulation to the mesenchymal stem cells in situ. Other embodiments include methods of administering electric stimulation in conjunction with growth factors to stem cells.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical instruments for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a hip or femoral fracture. The present teachings can also provide one or more orthopedic screws that can be inserted in and/or removed from bone using any of a dedicated driver or any of commonly available drivers. The present teachings can further provide a surgical instrument that includes dual reconstructive wires and associated method, among other instruments and methods for repairing a hip or femoral fracture.

Abstract: An instrument assembly for bone drilling. The instrument assembly can include a soft tissue sleeve defining an internal channel, and an irrigation cap removably coupled to the sleeve. The irrigation cap can include a delivery port connectable to an irrigation source for delivering irrigation to the internal channel, the port in fluid communication with the internal channel.

Abstract: Bone graft compositions comprising demineralized bone matrix, calcium phosphate, collagen and bioinductive cellular solution. Methods to repair and heal defective and missing bone using the bone graft compositions are also described.

Abstract: A bone fixation device. The bone fixation device includes a receiver having a deformable portion, a bone fastener having a head, the head insertable into the receiver from the deformable portion, and a retaining member couplable to the deformable portion. The retaining member deforms the deformable portion and angulatably retains the fastener relative to the receiver.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge for an orthopedic brace includes a housing, first and second members and first and second control devices rotatably supported by the housing. The first member has a first gear portion pivotable about a first axis, and first and second cam surfaces. The second member has a second gear portion pivotable about a second axis and engageable with the first gear portion. The second axis is parallel and spaced apart from the first axis. The first control device has a third cam surface that is selectively rotatable in and out of engagement with the first cam surface and controlling a range of motion in a first rotational direction. The second control device has a fourth cam surface that is selectively rotatable in and out of engagement with the second cam surface and controlling a range of motion in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A fastener adapter and fastener strap combination includes a first strap member having first and second ends, an outer surface and an inner surface with hook material; and a second strap member having first and second opposing surfaces of hook material. The second strap member is attached to the inner surface intermediately between the first and second ends of the first strap member. The first surface of the second member and a portion of the inner surface of the first member define a first all-hook opening. The second surface of the second member and a portion of the inner surface of the first member define a second all-hook surface. The combination also includes a continuous fastener strap having first and second end portions, the first end portion frictionally attached to the first all-hook opening and the second end portion frictionally attached to the second all-hook surface.

Abstract: A bone graft material comprising about 50-90% quickly bioresorbable porogen particles and about 10-50% of a calcium matrix material. A bioactive substance can be included in the matrix material, the porogen particles, or both. Commercial packages containing the bone graft materials and methods for repairing bone therewith are also claimed.

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes a fixation plate including at least one fixation hole and at least one fastener. The fastener includes a coupler and a shank for engaging a bone. The coupler is threadably engaged with the fixation hole and includes an aperture receiving a proximal portion of the shank. The proximal portion of the shank can move relative to the coupler. The proximal portion of the shank includes a driver engagement recess for rotating the shank and the coupler together relative to the fixation plate without rotating the shank relative to the coupler and for threading the coupler to the fixation hole.

Abstract: A bone plating system has a plate and a locking element. The plate has a bone screw aperture defined by a sidewall including first and second substantially planar segments. The locking element is coupled to the plate and at least partially positioned in the aperture. The locking element has an external geometry defining first and second substantially planar surfaces and an internal geometry for receiving a head of a bone fastener and preventing the bone fastener from backing out of the plate. The locking element is expandable from a first state to a second state. In the first state the locking element is permitted to articulate relative to the plate. In the second state the first and second substantially planar surfaces of the locking element engage the first and second substantially planar segments of the aperture sidewall, respectively, to prevent relative movement between the locking element and the plate.

Abstract: A hook assembly for securing a component of an orthopaedic brace to a patient with a strap. The hook assembly includes a base for attachment to the component; and a hook member coupled to the base and including a portion normally spring-biased away from the base for accepting the strap, such that when the strap is tightened on the patient, the hook member is drawn against the base.

Abstract: A bone fixation system. The bone fixation system includes a fixation plate including at least one fixation hole, and at least one fastener, the fastener including a coupler and a shank for engaging a bone. The coupler is threadably engaged with the fixation hole. The shank is angulatably retained by the coupler and orientable relative to the fixation plate at a selectable angle.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a targeting member, an elongated guiding member, and an adjustment member. The targeting member has an elongated body along a first longitudinal axis and can be coupled to an intramedullary implant such that the first longitudinal axis is parallel to the intramedullary implant. The targeting member includes a first bore extending along a second longitudinal axis through the elongated body, the first bore having a cross-section elongated in the direction of the first longitudinal axis. The first and second longitudinal axes define a first plane. The elongated guiding member passes through the first bore and is pivotable relative to the first longitudinal axis. The adjustment member is coupled to the elongated body and operable to change an orientation of the guiding member relative to the first longitudinal axis in the first plane.