Abstract: A method of stabilizing a portion of a spine includes pivoting first and second members of an expandable spinal implant relative to one another to a closed configuration in which the spinal implant has a compact profile, inserting the spinal implant in the closed configuration into the spine between first and second vertebral bodies, and pivoting the first and second members crosswise to an expanded configuration while the spinal implant is within the spine. The first and second members are separate from and coupled to one another.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant and associated method. The intervertebral implant can include a first component having a first articulating surface and a first bone engagement surface for engaging a first vertebra, and a second component having a second articulating surface and a second bone engagement surface for engaging a second vertebra adjacent to the first vertebra. The first and second articulating surfaces can articulate with each other for substantially replicating a natural spinal movement. The first and second bone engagement surfaces can define an outer surface substantially shaped as an envelope of two intersecting cylinders. In one aspect, the first and second articulating surfaces can have substantially equal radii of curvature in a coronal plane and different radii of curvature in a sagittal plane.

Abstract: A tool for inserting or removing an intervertebral implant. The tool includes a first arm having a curved tip adapted for engaging a side wall groove of the intervertebral implant and a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm. The first arm defines a first concave distal surface extending continuously from the curved tip and the second arm defines a second concave distal surface. The first and second concave distal surfaces define an engagement surface engageable to a substantially complementary convex end wall of the intervertebral implant.

Abstract: Frame assembly for external fixation device and associated method. The frame assembly includes a first arc segment and a second arc segment. The first arc segment is for interconnection to a first bone portion. The second arc segment is for interconnection to a second bone portion. The first arc segment is coupled to the second arc segment for controlled relative rotation.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant including a first member and a second member. The first member has first and second arms. The first and second members are pivotally coupled to each other for relative movement about a rotation axis between a closed position for inserting the implant into a spine and an expanded position for providing structural support to the spine. The expandable implant includes a locking mechanism for arresting relative movement between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: An orthopedic device can include an intramedullary nail with a longitudinal bore, first and second bone fasteners with sleeves and a cannulated movable member received within the longitudinal bore. The movable member defines first and second guiding bores for receiving respectively the first and second fasteners. Each of the first and second guiding bores includes a pair of opposing deformable elongated strips. Each pair of strips can engage the sleeve of a corresponding bone fastener.

Abstract: A fastener adapter for connecting fastener straps. The fastener adapter includes an outer member, and an inner member attached at an angle to the outer member such that the outer and inner members cooperate to form first and second pockets. At least one of the first and second pockets defines one of an all-hook and an all-loop pocket.

Abstract: An external fixation device includes a frame assembly having a first arc segment and a second arc segment. The first arc segment is for interconnection to a first bone portion. The second arc segment is for interconnection to a second bone portion. The first arc segment is coupled to the second arc segment for relative rotation. The external fixation assembly additionally includes an articulating module. The articulating module includes a central member, a first pivot segment and a second pivot segment. The first pivot segment is coupled to the central member for driven rotation about a first pivot axis. The second pivot segment is coupled to the central member for driven rotation about a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: A spinal connector includes a first seat having a first opening for coupling to a first spinal connecting member along a first longitudinal axis and a second seat having a second opening for coupling to a second spinal connecting member along a second longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis is substantially coaxial to the first longitudinal axis for connecting the first and second connecting members end to end. The spinal connector also includes a ball enclosure rotatably received in the second opening of the second seat. The ball enclosure defines a bore along the second longitudinal axis and articulates with the second opening for allowing change of orientation of the second connecting member relative to the first connecting member.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device includes an intramedullary implant having a longitudinal bore along a longitudinal axis, a two-component compression device and a two-component locking device, both devices preassembled in the longitudinal bore. The intramedullary implant includes an elongated slot and first and second apertures transversely crossing the longitudinal axis. The compression device is movable along the longitudinal axis and defines an end opening aligned with the elongated slot of the intramedullary implant. The locking device includes first and second openings aligned along the first and second apertures of the intramedullary implant.