Abstract: A bone hook apparatus is provided that includes a base, a rod receptacle disposed on a proximal side of the base, a first hook distally extending from the base and oriented in a first direction, and a second hook distally extending from the base and oriented in a second direction opposing the first direction, the first hook and second hook together configured to receive the bone. Kits and spinal constructs employing the bone hook apparatus are also described.

Abstract: Multiple processes for preparing porous articles are described. The porous articles can be in a wide array of shapes and configurations. The methods include providing a soluble material in particulate form and forming a packed region from the material. The methods also include contacting a flowable polymeric material with the packed region such that the polymeric material is disposed in voids in the packed region. The polymeric material is then at least partially solidified. The soluble material is then removed such as by solvent washing to thereby produce desired porous articles. Also described are systems for performing the various processes.

Abstract: A spinal procedure includes attaching a first reduction instrument to a first guide assembly and a second guide assembly. The first reduction instrument includes a fixed attachment assembly and a translating attachment assembly that cooperatively interfaces the fixed attachment assembly. The first guide assembly is attached to a first pedicle and the second guide assembly is attached to a second pedicle. The first reduction instrument is moved to reduce an orientation of the spine, while imaging a reduction of the orientation of the spine. An angle and position of the first reduction instrument is locked upon achieving a desired reduction. The spine may then be fused.

Abstract: In general, in various embodiments, the present disclosure is directed systems and methods for producing a porous surface from a solid piece of polymer. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to systems that include a track assembly, mold assembly, press assembly, and methods for using the same for producing a porous surface from a solid piece of polymer. In some embodiments, the present systems and methods are directed to processing a polymer at a temperature below a melting point of the polymer to produce a solid piece of polymer with an integrated a porous surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable bone distraction device (1) for distracting osteotomically separated bone sections (2, 2?), said implantable distraction device (1) comprising a first block (3), a second block (3?), and an actuator (4) including means for adjusting the space between the two blocks, enabling distraction between the first bone section (2) and the second bone section (2?). The implantable bone distraction device (1) further comprises at least one vibration sensor (6) arranged in an area located between the first block (3) and the second block (3?) and oriented in order to measure a vibration response of a medium comprising the implantable bone distraction device (1).

Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants, including a rod reduction instrument, for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column. Extension guides are provided that attach to bone anchors implanted within the spine. The extension guides have a guide channel that align with a rod channel in the anchor to help direct the rod to the anchor. The rod reducer may be passed through the interior of the guide assemblies with a distal end arranged in a first position allowing the distal end to pass through the guide. Once through the guide the distal end may be expanded to provide dual contact on the rod at each end of the bone anchor rod channel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an adjustable implant system includes a bone anchor having first and second ends, a bone engagement surface adjacent the first end, and a housing extending between the first and second ends. The adjustable implant system can further include a non-invasively actuatable driving element within the housing and coupled to an adjustment component configured to couple to a flexible elongate tension member which is capable of engaging a patient's soft tissue (e.g., rotator cuff or ACL). Non-invasive actuation of the driving element can cause the adjustment component to change the amount of tension on the flexible elongate tension member and consequently on the patient's soft tissue. The adjustable implant system can include an external adjustment device configured to be placed on or adjacent the patient's skin and comprising at least one energy transferring component configured to energize/actuate the driving element inside the housing of the adjustable implant.

Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly is provided having a frame that releasably couples two retractor blades. The retractor blades are coupled to the frame via a pair of mobile carriages that engage a track on the frame. A third retractor blade is configured to be independent of the frame with the first two retractor blades. The independent blade may be fixably positionable in the patient by a direct coupling to a rigid table mount. The retractor assembly may be utilized for creating anterior access to spinal target site while the patient is oriented in the lateral decubitus position.

Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine and fixing one or more segments of the spine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for enhancement of objects of interest in medical images.

Abstract: An implantable bone elongation device including an inner rod defining an internal cavity housing a rotational actuator having an output shaft connected to a lead screw disposed at the end of the inner rod and in threaded engagement with a threaded inner surface of an outer rod. Rotation of the lead screw converts rotation motion into linear motion resulting in telescopic movement of the outer rod relative to the inner rod. Rotational motion is converted into linear motion by components disposed in a parallel configuration thereby minimizing the overall length of the bone elongating device while maintaining a maximum stroke length. In various embodiments, additional components, such as electronic circuit boards, electrical power supply or battery power source, may be housed within the internal cavity formed by the inner rod.

Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column. Extension guides are provided that attach to bone anchors implanted within the spine. The extension guides have a guide channel that align with a rod channel in the anchor to help direct the rod to the anchor. Instruments are provided to aid in insertion and positioning or the rod.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly 40 and a tissue retraction assembly 10, both of which may be equipped with one or more. electrodes 23 for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor 15 to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly 10 has a plurality of blades 12, 16, 18 which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor 15 to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade 12, 16, 18 to expand the operative corridor 15 adjacent to the operative site.

Abstract: The present disclosure in one aspect provides an adjustable depth drill guide comprising a trigger assembly further comprising a trigger and a primary actuating element and a telescopic rotational assembly which abuts the primary actuating element and further comprises an intermediate actuating element. The drill guide described herein allows a surgeon to adjust the depth of the drill guide using only one hand while in-situ.

Abstract: A filter device comprises a frame with interrupted perimeter having a top surface and a bottom surface and a screen having a plurality of pores is attached to the frame. The filter device designed to fit into an interior of a container. The container is configured to contain a mixture of Demineralised Bone Matrix (DBM) containing bone graft material and liquid. The liquid mixture can be poured out of the container through the pores in the screen on the filter device and separated from the bone graft material while the DBM containing the bone graft material remains in the container. The pores are sized smaller than DBM particles to prevent the DBM particles from separated from the bone graft material with the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and methods for assembling and implanting a vertebral body implant. The vertebral body implant includes, but is not necessarily limited to, an expandable core body and endplates that can be attached at both ends. Endplates of various shapes, sizes and angles are attachable to the expandable core so that a suitable vertebral body implant can be implanted between vertebrae.

Abstract: A system and related methods for performing nerve detection during surgical access using ultrasound testing during surgery.

Abstract: Correction of a scoliotic curve in a spine comprises the steps of implanting an expanding rod isolated completely under the skin and attached to selected portions of the scoliotic curve of the spine at opposing ends of the rod; and producing a controlled force by means of expansion of the rod over at an extended time period under externa control until a desire spinal curve is obtained. An incremental force is generated to stretch the scoliotic curve of the spine between the selected portions where attachment of the rod is defined. The controlled force is provided steadily for at least one month or alternatively 1-3 months. Multiple rods may be employed each associated with a different scoliotic curve of the spine or a different portion of the scoliotic curve.

Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly is provided that can assume both open and closed positions, and is easily convertible from one position to the other. The retractor assembly involves an arcuate frame member that can be engaged to an arcuate connector, which together form a generally circular or elliptical retractor frame assembly. The frame member has a groove for the insertion of one or more mobile carriages that hold retractor blade posts and allow the posts to move in multiple directions. The carriages may be locked to prevent movement in one or more directions, as well.

Abstract: The present disclosure in one aspect provides a sterile packaging container comprising a container body with a cross-sectional shape that is constant along the majority of the longitudinal axis, a cover and a closure assembly that inhibits the passage of microbial contaminants. The container is configured such that the interior of the container can be sterilized. The sterile packaging container described herein allows one to manufacture a sterile packaging tube exercising the smallest possible volume.