Abstract: A subcutaneously formed in place orthopedic fixation device is provided, such as for fixation of the spine or other bone or bones. The device comprises an inflatable member, such as a tubular balloon. The balloon is positioned at a treatment site in the body while in a flexible, low crossing profile configuration. The balloon is thereafter inflated with a hardenable epoxy media comprising one or more epoxy compounds and one or more amine curing compounds that cures rapidly in place with low to moderate exotherm. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the repair of bone defects. The bone defect repair may be accomplished by minimally invasive means. The bone defect repair may utilize a bone growth promoting substance. The bone growth promoting substance may comprise a carrier material and at least one osteoinductive formulation.

Abstract: According to the invention, the patient (4) is placed upon a patient support (3) between an X-ray source (1) and a support for the target plate (2) sensitive to the X-rays. The patient support (3) is connected to a device for detecting the horizontal position of the global axis of gravity (5) of the patient when the X-ray source (1) is in operation. The patient (4) can, for example, remain standing. The inventive device can superimpose an image (Hg) of the global axis of gravity (5) on the digital radiographic image of the patient (4).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods. Devices expand linearly to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies of the spine.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc that is configured to be installed within an intervertebral space that can be established between an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra is disclosed. The intervertebral prosthetic disc includes an inferior articular half that can be configured to engage the inferior vertebra and a superior articular half that can be configured to engage the superior vertebra. The inferior articular half can be configured to cooperate with the superior articular half to allow relative angular motion between the inferior vertebra and the superior vertebra when installed. Further, the intervertebral prosthetic device can be sized and shaped to pass through a psoas muscle without injuring a spinal cord or a sympathetic chain.

Abstract: A vertebral rod assembly comprises first and second members that may rotate about a first axis. Each of the first and second members includes a base and a vertebral support rod extending from the base. An extension extends from the base on the first member into an opening formed in the base of the second section. A fastener extends through the base of the second member to lock the first and second members, and to prevent the rotation of the first member and second member.

Abstract: Each of an osteochondral plug graft and a kit comprises a trapezoid shaped construct configured for osteochondral implanting. An osteochondral regeneration method comprises forming a recipient socket in a chondral area of an articular joint in need of repair; harvesting a trapezoid shaped graft from another chondral area; and implanting the trapezoid shaped graft into the recipient socket.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for transforaminal insertion into an intervertebral space is provided. The prosthetic device includes a first component having a first curved flange for engaging a first vertebra from a transforaminal approach, the first component having a first articular surface, and a second component having a second curved flange for engaging a second vertebra from a transforaminal approach, the second component having a second articular surface for cooperating with the first articular surface to permit articulating motion between the first and second components.

Abstract: The present application is directed to screwdrivers and methods of use for applying a controlled amount of torque to a fastener. In one embodiment, the screwdriver includes a shaft constructed of a material that is deformable upon the application of an excessive amount of torque. The deformation may cause the screwdriver to disengage from the fastener. In one embodiment, the tip of the shaft that engages the fastener is constructed of a material that deforms when an excessive amount of torque is applied to the fastener. The deformation causes the tip to disengage from the fastener. The deformation prevents the screwdriver from applying an amount of torque above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices and methods for correcting a vertebral member and/or repositioning a vertebral device relative to the vertebral member. A vertebral device has been previously positioned relative to a vertebral member. Due to subsidence or other factors, the vertebral device has moved and is no longer in alignment. A positioning device is used for re-positioning the vertebral device. A delivery device is used for inserting a material to the vertebral member and/or vertebral device. The material is initially in a first state that is flowable to allow for insertion to the required location. The material changes to a second state that permanently fixes the position of the vertebral device relative to the vertebral member.

Abstract: An interbody spacer includes concave lateral surfaces extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. In one aspect, the interbody spacer includes upper and lower convex surfaces defined by an arc extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint. In another aspect, lateral edges of the upper and lower surfaces are also defined by convex arcs extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint.

Abstract: A posterior arch prosthesis according to the present invention includes a main body, two transverse protuberances extending transversely from either side of the main body, articulating surfaces formed on each of the transverse protuberances, and a posterior protuberance extending posteriorly from the main body. The posterior protuberance is attached to a first vertebra from which the natural posterior arch has been removed such that the articulating surfaces are arranged in articulating contact with surfaces on an adjacent, second vertebra. The posterior protuberance includes an attachment to which native structure may be reattached upon attachment of the prosthesis to the first vertebra.

Abstract: An interbody spacer assembly includes a pair of end pieces spaced apart by a connector extending between them. The end pieces extend generally parallel to the end plates of adjoining vertebral bodies. Fasteners connect the end pieces to the vertebral bodies. Bone graft material or solid bone can be placed in the interior space defined by the end pieces and connector, which bone graft material or solid bone eventually fuses together and to the adjoining end plates through the end pieces.

Abstract: Intervertebral disc treatment devices and methods are provided. An intervertebral disc treatment device includes a fibrous body sized for introduction into a disc cavity of a damaged disc wherein the body incorporates an effective amount of a tissue growth factor. Intervertebral disc treatment apparatuses are also described that include such a disc treatment device in combination with a delivery apparatus for retaining and selectively releasing the device into the disc cavity. Methods for treatment include providing a disc treatment device as described above and inserting the device into an opening in an annulus fibrous and into the disc cavity. The methods further include stimulating tissue growth within the disc cavity of the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: A flexible drill and method of drilling a material are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a flexible drill includes a lower sub-assembly connected to an upper sub-assembly, where the lower sub-assembly comprises a retainer tube and the upper sub-assembly comprises a guiding tube; a drilling tip, and capable of orienting the drilling tip at a predetermined position after accessing a material to he drilled through a substantially straight passage having a lone axis. The predetermined position is at least 10° off of the lone axis of the substantially straight passage. According to one embodiment, a method of drilling a material includes the steps of (a) providing a flexible drill; (b) advancing the drill through a substantially straight passage until the drilling tip accesses the material to be drilled, thereby orienting the drilling tip at the predetermined position; and (c) actuating the drill.

Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral column in tensile and compressive loading by connecting a first and a second vertebrae includes first means for connecting to the first vertebra and second means for connecting to the second vertebra. A flexible connector is configured to extend from and connect the first means to the second means. The flexible connector may include first and second apertures for respectively attaching to the first and second means for connecting. Each aperture may include a reinforcement member therein.

Abstract: A orthopedic fixation system comprising a plate with an outwardly-extending member. A saddle may be mounted on the member and includes spaced-apart arms that form a channel to receive a rod. An engagement member may be mounted within the saddle to prevent escape of the rod. In one embodiment, the engagement member is attached to the saddle to apply a downward force on the rod and an upward force on the saddle to lift the saddle relative to the plate. A method of attaching an orthopedic rod is also included. In one embodiment, a rod is positioned within a channel in the saddle and a downward force is applied against the anchor which results in an upward force on the saddle to lift the saddle relative to the anchor.

Abstract: This invention is a pedicle screw (1), comprising a threaded rod (2) having a longitudinal axis (XX) and a head (4) in which there is a channel (5) adapted to receive a spinal support rod, and a means for blocking the rod; the channel is formed such that its longitudinal axial plane (P) is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (XX) of the threaded rod. The head (4) of the screw being made up of two flanks (6, 7), a threaded hole (11) is formed in one of them; the inclination of the channel (5) relative to the axis of the treaded rod (2) makes it possible to place a tool for blocking the rod in the channel without this tool coming into contact with the muscle tissues delimiting the incision. Moreover, the threaded seat (11) permits the positioning of instruments without obstructing the channel for passage of the rod.

Abstract: A method for controlling properties of a medical implant includes locating the medical implant in an interspinous area between two spinal processes of a person. The medical implant is coupled to a container via a conduit. A fluid is received in an interior of the container in fluid communication with the conduit. The fluid flows from the container toward the implant having an interior configured to receive the fluid. A pressure sensor is coupled to the interior of the container and/or an interior of the conduit. An internal pressure is determined of the interior of the interior of the container and/or the interior of the conduit by the sensor. The flow of the fluid is regulated to the interior of the implant to regulate a volume of the implant based on the internal pressure and a medical condition of the person.

Abstract: A surgical procedure according to which a member containing a material is inserted between two anatomical structures; and the member is caused to change state and expand into engagement with at least one of the structures.