Abstract: A matrix for tissue growth includes: (a) a first layer including a first assembly of collagen fibers; (b) a plurality of projections on a top surface of the first layer; and (c) a second layer bonded to a bottom portion of the first layer and including a second assembly of collagen fibers, wherein the second layer has a lower density than the first layer, and the matrix includes pores effective to support cell growth into the matrix. A method for providing the matrix is also described.

Abstract: A patient head support system comprises a base unit, a head support, and an intervening member for connecting the base unit and the head support. The base unit includes a handle assembly with an elongated body, a bore at one end thereof, and a lever that moves relative to the body between closed and open positions to contract and to expand the bore, respectively. A sleeve retained within the bore is sized to receive and hold a shaft of the intervening member, so as to hold the intervening member in a fixed position when the lever is closed. The sleeve remains retained in the bore when the transition member is disconnected, to resist contracting of the bore caused by inadvertent closing of the lever when the intervening member is unattached, and to protect against the unwanted intrusion of material into the bore.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.

Abstract: Wrists implants and methods are disclosed. A wrist implant can advantageously allow motion with respect to a reconstructed wrist to more closely resemble natural motion. For example, in one aspect, motion can include movement in more than one direction to allow for flexion/extension, rotational, and translational movement. The wrist implant can include a radial implant component and/or a carpal implant component with a bearing component or member disposed therebetween. The radial implant can have a radial articulation surface having at least one variable radius of curvature and/or a tray having a variable width.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flowable collagen/glycosaminoglycan (GAG) material including particles of collagen/GAG matrix that, when hydrated, can be effectively delivered to wounds having varying depths and geometries. The flowable collagen/GAG matrix allows a more intimate contact between the wound matrix and the wound bed, and provides a structural framework that serves as a scaffold for cell ingrowth.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.

Abstract: A patient head support system comprises a base unit, a head support, and an intervening member for connecting the base unit and the head support. The base unit includes a handle assembly with an elongated body, a bore at one end thereof, and a lever that moves relative to the body between closed and open positions to contract and to expand the bore, respectively. A sleeve retained within the bore is sized to receive and hold a shaft of the intervening member, so as to hold the intervening member in a fixed position when the lever is closed. The sleeve remains retained in the bore when the transition member is disconnected, to resist contracting of the bore caused by inadvertent closing of the lever when the intervening member is unattached, and to protect against the unwanted intrusion of material into the bore.

Abstract: Surgical release apparatuses, systems and methods are provided. The apparatuses, systems and methods can include one or more cannulas having a base and an insertion body extending from the base with a chamber passing through the base and the insertion body. The cannula can have a movable retractor attached thereto. The retractor configured to facilitate creation of space between the insertion body of the cannula and the retractor. An obturator can be used and can provide a support body configured for insertion into the chamber of the cannula to facilitate the guidance of the cannula. A blade can be provided with a handle, a blade body, and a cutting edge. The blade configured for engaging and being guided by the cannula for the cutting edge to make an incision. One or more spatulas can also be provided. The spatulas can be configured to provide guidance to the blade.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flowable collagen/glycosaminoglycan (GAG) material including particles of collagen/GAG matrix that, when hydrated, can be effectively delivered to wounds having varying depths and geometries. The flowable collagen/GAG matrix allows a more intimate contact between the wound matrix and the wound bed, and provides a structural framework that serves as a scaffold for cell ingrowth.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flowable collagen/glycosaminoglycan (GAG) material including particles of collagen/GAG matrix that, when hydrated, can be effectively delivered to wounds having varying depths and geometries. The flowable collagen/GAG matrix allows a more intimate contact between the wound matrix and the wound bed, and provides a structural framework that serves as a scaffold for cell ingrowth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nerve regeneration conduit including a resorbable tube having a matrix therein. The matrix is characterized by substantially parallel, axially aligned pores extending the length of the matrix. The matrix is formed by the axial freezing of a slurry having little or no significant radial thermal gradient during the freezing process. The matrix is used to bridge the gap between the severed ends of a nerve and provide a scaffold for nerve regeneration.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for bone fixation are disclosed herein. A fixation apparatus is disclosed having a head portion having outer wall sections at least partially surrounding a central hollow area, and the head portion also having an inner bottom surface. A shank portion can extend from the head portion. An expander hub is provided for positioning at least partially within the central hollow area of the head portion and can be seated at least partially on the inner bottom surface of the head portion. The expander hub is rotatable to force the outer wall sections of the head portion outwardly for engaging and locking the fixation apparatus in place when the fixation apparatus is positioned within a hole of a plate. The fixation apparatus can advantageously be used with a plate whereby the fixation apparatus and plate can compress bone separately from locking the fixation apparatus in a desired position.

Abstract: A three-pin skull clamp, including a U-shaped frame defined by an interconnectable base piece with a slot that receives the ratchet arm of a ratchet piece, also includes a plate movably connected to the base piece, thereby to permit inspection and cleaning of the slot which receives the ratchet arm. To increase the adjustability of the ratchet piece relative to the base piece, the base piece includes at least two pawls with offset engagement teeth, preferably with the offset equal to half the pitch of ratchet teeth located along the ratchet arm. This feature facilitates positioning of the skull clamp relative to a patient, and is particularly beneficial for radiolucent skull clamps.

Abstract: Radial head implant apparatuses and methods are provided in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein wherein a shaft and a head portion can be axially movable within a stem portion. In one embodiment, a radial head implant can include a head portion for articular engagement with a humerus bone, a stem portion for engagement with a radius bone, and a shaft for engagement with the stem portion. The head portion can include an upper surface for engaging the humerus bone. The stem portion can have an axial opening for receiving at least a portion of the shaft, and a collar can be disposed around the stem portion at a proximal end thereof. An upper portion of the shaft can be configured for engaging the head portion, while a lower portion of the shaft can be elongated and cylindrical for axially fitting into and moving within the axial opening of the stem portion. Other embodiments are also disclosed for axial movement for a radial head implant.

Abstract: A head support system that has a fixation arc system that is adjustable both vertically and horizontally and is mounted to a patient support structure. The fixation arc system is positionable adjacent to, and provides lateral support for, the patient's head. A pin support is connected to, and extends from the fixation arc system. A pin is adjustably mounted to the pin support and contacts the patient's head to provide a lateral fixation thereof. The pin has a centerline that is rotatable about two axes of motion substantially perpendicular to the pin centerline.

Abstract: Systems and methods for bone fixation are disclosed. A fixation system can have a planar fixation device and a laterally-fixed fixation apparatus. The planar fixation device can have a planar surface and at least one opening having side walls defining an at least generally cylindrical shape. The laterally-fixed fixation apparatus can have an at least generally cylindrical shaped head portion having outer wall sections at least partially surrounding a central hollow area. The head portion can have an inner bottom surface. An expander hub is provided in the fixation apparatus for positioning at least partially within the central hollow area of the head portion and can be seated at least partially on the inner bottom surface of the head portion. The expander hub is rotatable to force the outer wall sections of the head portion outwardly for engaging and locking the fixation apparatus in place in the opening.

Abstract: An assembly for exchanging retractor support arms within a retractor support clamp. The assembly includes a main body having a surface defining a cavity extending into the main body from a first end. A support arm having an end portion with a substantially complimentary configuration to the surface defining the cavity is positionable within the cavity. A retaining mechanism is disposed about the main body and in communication with the end portion where the retaining mechanism retains the end portion within the main body.

Abstract: Compression screw apparatuses, systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the compression screw includes a primary screw and a secondary screw. The primary screw includes an at least partially threaded leading portion and an at least partially threaded trailing portion. The secondary screw includes outer threads and has a central opening which is also threaded and adapted for being screwed onto and matingly engaging the trailing portion of the primary screw. Drivers can be used to rotatably control the primary screw and the secondary screw to cause compression of spaced-apart material, particularly for compression of bone fragments across a fracture line.

Abstract: A head support base unit enables enhanced capability for positioning the head of a patient at the end of a medical table, by incorporating into the handle assembly thereof an additional degree of freedom, namely rotatability along the longitudinal axis of the handle. More specifically, a pair of axially opposed, spring-biased ratchets are housed within the handle, to permit or prevent axial rotation of one end of the handle relative to the other. This enhanced flexibility an maneuverability is achieved without any added complexity, and without requiring any additional space. These advantages are further magnified if an additional like handle assembly is connected to the first handle assembly, with a link interconnected therebetween, because composite angles and off-axis positioning of the patient can be readily accommodated.