Abstract: An implantable sensor for detecting changes in tissue density is disclosed. The implantable sensor includes a transducer adapted for detecting indicators of tissue density. The implantable sensor includes memory for storing data corresponding to the tissue density indicators detected by the sensor. A telemetry circuit is configured for transmitting the tissue density data outside of the body.

Abstract: Intervertebral disc nucleus replacement implants and methods are provided. The nucleus replacement implant, which is configured to reside within an intervertebral disc nucleus space, includes a core support structure, including a rotatable member and multiple vertebral support structures. The vertebral support structures are disposed in spaced relation with the rotatable member positioned therebetween. The implant further includes an elastic body at least partially surrounding the core support structure. When the rotatable member is in the first orientation, the implant is in a compressed height configuration to facilitate insertion of the implant into the intervertebral disc nucleus space, and when the rotatable member is in the second orientation, the implant is in an extended height configuration to facilitate use of the implant as a prosthetic intervertebral disc nucleus replacement.

Abstract: Intervertebral prosthetic devices and methods are provided which include an arthroplasty implant configured to reside within an intervertebral space between first and second vertebral bodies, and at least one implant-to-vertebra staple. Each staple, which includes first and second prongs, is formed of a shape memory material having a memorized state and a deformed state. The arthroplasty implant includes at least one vertebral support plate configured to engage at least one of the first and second vertebral bodies, and configured to receive the first prong of the staple(s). When the arthroplasty implant is disposed in the intervertebral space, the staple(s) couples the at least one vertebral support plate to the at least one first and second vertebral bodies when in the deformed state, and thereafter transitions to the memorized state resulting in compressive force being applied between the vertebral support plate(s) and the at least one first and second vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A lateral connector assembly for connecting a bone engaging fastener to an elongated member, such as a spinal rod includes a lateral connector having an opening for receiving a portion of the bone engaging fastener therethrough. The lateral connector includes a plate portion and an integral yoke portion, which yoke portion is attached to the elongated member by way of a clamp. The lateral connector assembly can include variable angle means between the clamp and the yoke portion of the lateral connector that permits rotation of the lateral connector about an axis projecting outward from the spinal rod. The clamp includes a tapering channel to capture the elongated member and lock the connector assembly.

Abstract: A surgical procedure and device according to which an expandable member is inserted between anatomical structures, and a force is applied to the member in a first plane to cause expansion of the member in a second plane and into engagement with the structures.

Abstract: A system for implanting an interspinous process spacer comprises a deformation instrument adapted to engage a pair of opposing arms of the interspinous process spacer and operable to move the opposing arms relative to one another to deform the interspinous process spacer from an uncollapsed state to a collapsed state. The system further comprises a cannula adapted to receive the collapsed interspinous process spacer from the deformation instrument and direct the interspinous process spacer to an area between a pair of spinous processes.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient includes determining a patient characteristic associated with the patient, determining a property value based at least in part on the patient characteristic, and determining a crosslinking parameter based at least in part on the property value.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring the condition of the skeletal system and adjusting a treatment device to provide appropriate treatment in response to the sensed signal. More particularly, in one aspect the present invention is directed to a sensor for detecting changes at a spinal level and a dynamic treatment system adjustable in response to the detected changes.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a spinal condition. The method includes introducing a biological treatment into an area of a vertebral column, and mechanically unloading the treated area by applying a load-bearing device to the anterior region, the anterior column region, the posterior region, or the spinous process region of the vertebral column.

Abstract: A method comprises selecting an intervertebral implant having a predetermined shape with a height dimension and a width dimension. The implant further comprises an empty or partially filled reservoir. The method further comprises selecting a deformation instrument and inserting the intervertebral implant into the deformation instrument. The deformation instrument comprises at least one joint for moving the deformation instrument between an expanded state and a collapsed state. The method further comprises placing the intervertebral implant in the deformation instrument while in the expanded state and activating the at least one joint to move the deformation instrument into a collapsed state. The method further comprises collapsing the reservoir to reduce one of the dimensions of the implant and moving the implant from the deformation instrument into an intervertebral disc space. The implant is allowed to expand substantially to the predetermined shape within the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting changes in spinal tissue is disclosed. The implantable sensor or surgical instrument includes a sensing element adapted for detecting indicators of tissue health. The sensor is configured for transmitting the tissue data outside of the body. Further a system and method are provided to utilize the sensed tissue properties to treat the patient's condition.

Abstract: A measurement device to determining a length of an anatomical feature is provided. In one embodiment, the measurement device is a depth gauge adapted to measure the depth of a vertebral endplate. The depth gauge may includes a probe that travels into the disc space. The depth gauge also includes a cam dial for indicating measurements.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly and method of implanting same, according to which a least one rod is secured to the spinal column. A spacer engages the spinous process of a vertebrae of the spinal column. The rod is connected to the spacer via an adapter.

Abstract: An intramedullary drug delivery device is disclosed and can be inserted within a bone canal of a bone. The intramedullary drug delivery device can include a housing. A drug delivery region can be established along the housing. Also, the drug delivery region can be configured to substantially span a fracture within the bone.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for placement at least partially between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra is provided. The prosthetic device includes a single piece of material having an upper portion adapted to engage the superior vertebra, a lower portion adapted to engage the inferior vertebra, and a first motion segment having a first shape to allow movement between the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra.

Abstract: Compound orthopedic implants, intervertebral prosthetic implants and methods of treating a patient are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a compound orthopedic implant comprises a first conformable body and a second conformable body overlying the first conformable body. The compound orthopedic implant can function as a conformable carrier for delivering a therapeutic agent to an orthopedic site.

Abstract: A bone fixation system for locking a longitudinal member, such as a spinal rod, to a bone anchor element allowing a variable orientation of the axis of the longitudinal member relative to the axis of the bone anchor. A one-piece body element split along a substantially horizontal plane into upper and lower portions by a slot includes a ball element through which a longitudinal member, such as a spinal rod, may pass. A portion of a bone anchor element passes through an aperture having portions on each of the upper and lower portions of the body element. Tightening a set screw draws the upper and lower portions of the body element together and locks the bone anchor and spinal rod into the desired position.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a spinal condition. The method includes introducing a biological treatment into an area of a vertebral column, and mechanically unloading the treated area by applying a load-bearing device to the anterior region, the anterior column region, the posterior region, or the spinous process region of the vertebral column.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a spinal condition. The method includes introducing a biological treatment into an area of a vertebral column, and mechanically unloading the treated area by applying a load-bearing device to the anterior region, the anterior column region, the posterior region, or the spinous process region of the vertebral column.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a spinal condition. The method includes introducing a biological treatment into an area of a vertebral column, and mechanically unloading the treated area by applying a load-bearing device to the anterior region, the anterior column region, the posterior region, or the spinous process region of the vertebral column.