Abstract: A Static Compression Device (SC device) for active, measurable compression of a spinal fusion graft is disclosed. The device attaches to adjacent vertebral bodies or other bone pieces works with a compression tool to apply compressive force to adjacent vertebral bodies or pieces of bone to assist fusion. Once compressed, the SC device locks to maintain the compression applied at surgery, while preventing further compression after surgery. In one embodiment, the compression device applies a desired, quantified, amount of force to allow the surgeon more control over the force applied to a cervical, thoracic or lumbar implant than previously available. The SC device may be used to compresses multiple adjacent vertebrae across adjacent bone graft(s) to facilitate fusion of these vertebrae to treat pain from damaged disks between vertebrae that impinge on the spinal cord and nerve roots. SC device may also apply compression across fractures to facilitate union.

Abstract: An expandable cannula includes a proximal end portion having a substantially constant diameter therethrough, and a distal end portion, coupled to the proximal end portion and having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end portion includes a plurality of panels hinged by “living hinges” to the proximal end portion, and a locking mechanism that stabilizes the distal end portion in one of a contracted position and an expanded position. The locking mechanism may be a strut pressed overcenter during expansion distal portion to expanded configuration, or may include a locking ring and a catch for stabilizing the ring in a configuration where it holds the panels in expanded configuration.

Abstract: A device for compressing two or more adjacent bones includes a male plate attachable to a first one bones and having a central protrusion extending away from the male plate along a longitudinal axis, a female plate attachable to a second one of the bones and having a channel substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and adapted to conformally receive the central protrusion when the plates are aligned, and a locking mechanism configured to: hold the male plate and the female plate together when the plates are aligned; allow the male plate and the female plate to move with respect to each other under compression along the longitudinal axis when the protrusion is engaged with the channel; and prevent movement of the male plate with respect to the female plate when a desired, measurable amount of force is applied to the first bone with respect to the second bone.

Abstract: A Static Compression Device (SC device) for active, measurable compression of a fusion graft by the surgeon at the time of surgery is disclosed. The SC device is attachable to adjacent vertebral bodies or other pieces of bone and has a device that applies compressive force to the adjacent vertebral bodies or pieces of bone to assist fusion according to Wolffs law. The SC device has a locking mechanism that maintains the compression applied at surgery, but prevents further compression (settling) from occurring after surgery. The SC device allows the surgeon the ability to compress a segment, measure the applied compression, and lock the segment in the compressed position. In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure is applied to the SC device through a compression device that applies a desired and measurable amount of force.

Abstract: A Static Compression Device (SC device) for active, measurable compression of a fusion graft by the surgeon at the time of surgery is disclosed. The SC device is attachable to adjacent vertebral bodies or other pieces of bone and has a device that applies compressive force to the adjacent vertebral bodies or pieces of bone to assist fusion according to Wolff's law. The SC device has a locking mechanism that maintains the compression applied at surgery, but prevents further compression (settling) from occurring after surgery. The SC device allows the surgeon the ability to compress a segment, measure the applied compression, and lock the segment in the compressed position. In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure is applied to the SC device through a compression device that applies a desired and measurable amount of force.