Abstract: A device for spinal surgery that may be used for tightening a locking cap onto at least a portion of a pedicle screw. The device may include a torque-generating body having a proximal end and an opposing distal end and a drive shaft rotatably driven by the torque-generating body. A proximal end of the drive shaft may be operatively engaged to the distal end of the torque-generating body and an opposing distal end of the drive shaft may engage at least a portion of one of the locking cap and the pedicle screw. An anti-torque device is provided that has an elongated and generally hollow member defining a longitudinal axis. The member has a proximal end and an opposing distal end, where the proximal end of the anti-torque device may be fixed from rotating relative to at least a portion of the torque-generating body and the distal end may be fixed from rotating relative to a spine rod or a pedicle screw.

Abstract: Coiled spinal implants for disc, vertebral body, and spinal motion segment replacement or reconstruction comprise a plurality of loops and spaces between the loops, with the loops formed of a hollow material and having a plurality of apertures or a longitudinal gap that extend(s) through the sidewalls of the loops and into the hollow center. The coiled implants include one or more balloons within the hollow center, the spaces between the coil loops, and/or within the central void that the coil surrounds. Filling the balloon expands the loops and thereby increases the height of the coil. Bone graft material or bone cement may be deployed from the apertures or gap.

Abstract: A hybrid spinal implant device, and method of making the same are disclosed. The spinal implant device comprises two facing endplates, each having at least one anchoring wall or pin element, and a plastic spacer anchored to and located between the two endplates. The endplates may be manufactured from titanium. The plastic spacer may be manufactured from a radiolucent, and bio-compatible polymer-based material including polyetheretherketone (“PEEK”), polyetherketone, polyetherketoneketone, and/or fiber reinforced plastic. The endplates made of titanium allow for enhanced bone growth, while the plastic/PEEK spacer element allows for improved load absorption and distribution. The spinal implant device, using titanium endplates and a PEEK spacer, provides excellent radiolucency thereby eliminating the need for X-ray markers either intra- or post-operation. The manufacturing method for the hybrid spinal implant device uses injection molding to insert or back injection mold the spacer between the two endplates.

Abstract: An inflatable and implantable balloon for treatment of degenerative disc disease, bones, lesions, spinal deformities and spinal motion segment instabilities. The balloon is comprised of adjustable and expandable volumes. Further disclosed are methods of forming, inserting, expanding, and implanting the multi-volume balloon for proper placement and stabilization of the spinal lesion or disease. Still further disclosed are kits for aligning and stabilizing elements of the spine.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon for diagnostics and treatment of diseased discs or fractured bones. The balloon is a multi-volume balloon comprised of a plurality of adjustable and expandable single volumes. Further disclosed are methods of forming, expanding, and implanting the multi-volume balloon for proper placement and stabilization of the diseased discs or fractured bones. Still further disclosed are kits for aligning and stabilizing a bone, disc, or spinal motion segment.

Abstract: A device for facilitating implantation of an intramedullary nail includes a coupling portion extending from a first end configured to couple to a proximal end of an intramedullary nail to a joint portion and a radiolucent handle coupled to the joint portion and extending distally therefrom along a path which, when the coupling portion is coupled to an intramedullary nail in a desired orientation, extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a proximal portion of the nail, the radiolucent part including first and second radiopaque markers positioned and oriented so that, when the nail is coupled to the coupling portion in the desired orientation, the first and second markers align with edges of the proximal portion of the nail.

Abstract: An aiming device includes a body extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and including a first body opening extending laterally therethrough along a first axis, the first body opening being sized and shaped to receive a device therein, the first end of the body including a coupling for coupling the body to an implantable device in an aiming configuration in which the first body opening is aligned with a corresponding first implant opening extending through the implantable device so that a device inserted through the first body opening in the body will pass along an axis of the first implant opening and a lock releasably coupled to the body and movable relative thereto between an unlocked and a locked configuration, the lock including an engaging portion extending into the first body opening in the locked configuration to engage an outer surface of a device received therein to lock the device in a desired position within the first body opening.

Abstract: A spinal implant. The spinal implant includes a spacer having an upper surface for contacting a superior vertebral body, a lower surface for contacting an inferior vertebral body, a first insertion end portion, and a second end portion opposite the first insertion end portion; a fixation frame coupled to the second end portion of the spacer and including a bridge portion oriented substantially coplanar with the spacer and at least one arm extending from the bridge portion; and at least one fixation element having a first insertion end for penetrating the superior or inferior vertebral bodies and a second end coupled to the at least one arm of the fixation frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical cutting device configured to drive a removable surgical saw blade in oscillating rotation. The saw blade is held within the cutting device at a holding member and a clamping member and removeabley attached to a drive plate.

Abstract: A trialing and preparation system for preparing a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae is provided. The system includes a guide shaft, a trialing cage or spacer, a scraper and a driving shaft. The guide shaft supports the trialing spacer within the disc space and may include an angular adjustment for such access. The scraper sleeves over the guide shaft into an abutting relationship with the adjacent vertebrae. The driving shaft is coupled to the scraper by a pivoting and reciprocation mechanism that allows angular adjustment of the scraper. Also, reciprocation of the driving shaft reciprocates the scraper through a limited sweep of motion to remove osteophytes from the vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a release mechanism for removing and/or releasing a locking cap from the head of a bone anchor in situ. The release mechanism includes a sleeve, an anchor coupling member and a knob. The anchor coupling member is located within the sleeve and the knob engages both the anchor coupling member and the sleeve. The distal end of the sleeve and anchor coupling member engage the bone anchor causing the bone anchor to splay from the locking cap. A driver may be inserted into the central bore of the release mechanism to release any further threaded engagement of the locking cap and the bone anchor.

Abstract: A locking and lagging bone screw. The screw includes a head having an outer surface which is at least partially threaded and a shaft which is at least partially threaded having a first end coupled to the head and a second end adapted to be fastened to bone. The head of the screw is able to rotate independently of the shaft. Thus, the head of the screw can be locked to a bone plate by using a first driver (e.g., a torx driver) and the plate can be lagged to the bone by using a second driver (e.g., a hex driver).

Abstract: A device for implanting a bone fixation system comprises an insertion instrument extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end having an engagement portion for removably engaging a proximal end of a bone plate, the insertion instrument having an elongated channel extending therethrough to permit insertion of a first protection sleeve therethrough, wherein a longitudinal axis of the elongated channel is coaxial with a longitudinal axis of a first opening extending through the bone plate and a first protection sleeve insertable into the elongated channel and guiding insertion of an anti-rotation screw therethrough and through the bone plate, a longitudinal axis of the first protection sleeve being angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to surgical instruments for spinal surgery. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a bi-planar rod persuader for urging a spinal rod into a screw, and methods regarding the same. The bi-planar rod persuader may include an implant holder, which may also include a holding sleeve. A securing foot may be attached to the distal end of the holding sleeve, and the holding sleeve may also include a threaded opening at the proximal end for receiving a stem that drives the securing foot between a first position and second position. The implant holder may also include a threaded part to engage a reduction knob. A handle assembly may also be provided, which may include two pivotally attached arms. A rod hook may be connected to one of the arms and a guide attached to the other of the arms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug eluting surgical screw and a method for manufacturing a drug eluting surgical screw. The drug eluting surgical screw may include a shaft having a threaded portion, a head having a drive recess disposed at a proximal end of the shaft, the drive recess having a reservoir region and a driver engagement region, and at least one or more drug eluting components disposed within the reservoir region of the drive recess in a manner that does not substantially impair a connection between a driver and the surgical screw when the driver is operably disposed within the driver engagement region, each of the at least one or more drug eluting components including a carrier matrix and a therapeutic agent, the therapeutic agent being at least 20 wt % of the drug eluting component prior to any implantation of the drug eluting surgical screw.

Abstract: A suture anchor insert comprising a body configured to be inserted into a hole in a bone plate. The body has a proximal end, a distal end, a length extending between the proximal and distal ends and substantially corresponding to a thickness of a bone plate, a sidewall, at least one plate engaging member extending outwardly from the sidewall to secure the body to the bone plate, a recess defined by the sidewall, and a transverse edge formed on the sidewall. A crossbar extends inwardly from the sidewall across the recess such that a free end of the crossbar is normally disposed distally of the transverse edge. The crossbar is flexible such that when a distally directed force is applied, the free end of the crossbar is positionable in the recess. The free end of the crossbar is engageable with the transverse edge to limit proximal motion of the crossbar.

Abstract: An articulating driver having a ball-in-socket joint. The driver may include a driver tip having a spherical head, a retention cap having a domed surface to mate with the spherical head, an input shaft, a spring disposed in an end of the input shaft and in a recess of the retention cap opposite that of the domed surface, and a housing that receives the input shaft, the spring, the retention cap and the spherical head. The housing may have a tapered end to positionally retain the spherical head therein. In another aspect, the driver may include a driver tip coupled to the input shaft that includes an interface to engage a screw. A bushing may engage the driver tip at one end and receive the screw at the other end to retain the screw within the driver.

Abstract: A device for guiding a depth gauge for measuring blind holes formed through a bone including (a) a handle having an elongated body, an upper surface of the body having a peg extending therefrom to removably engage a proximal end of a first elongated rod of the depth gauge, the handle including a first slot extending into the upper surface and open to a first elongated channel extending through the handle and (b) a first elongated shaft extending through the first elongated channel and including a first tab extending through the first slot, a range of movement of the first elongated shaft relative to the handle being limited by engagement of the first tab with walls of the first slot. In an operative configuration, the slotted tab receives a proximal end of the depth gauge to control movement of an increased diameter insert at a distal end thereof.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for reliably sealing a surgical device are disclosed herein. Specifically, a surgical device including a drive shaft tube that is coupled to a drive shaft is disclosed. Because the drive shaft tube is coupled to the drive shaft, the drive shaft tube rotates at the same rotational speed as the drive shaft, which is less than the rotational speed of a cannulated motor shaft. The drive shaft tube can extend through the cannulated motor shaft. In addition, a sealing member can be provided to seal between the drive shaft tube (which rotates slowly) and the motor instead of between the motor shaft (which rotates more quickly) and the motor. The sealing member can be provided in a gap defined between an outer surface of a portion of the drive shaft tube extending beyond the cannulated motor shaft and the motor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing an overlay image of an implant during a surgical procedure using a mobile computing device are provided herein. The implant may include radio-opaque internal markers adjacent to and defining edges of the implant. The method may include: capturing an image of a imaging display device screen; estimating a pose of the implant based on the relationship between the 2-D positions of the radio-opaque internal markers and the 3-D positions of the radio-opaque internal markers; retrieving or generating a 3-D model image of the implant at the determined pose using the 3-D implant data; and overlaying the 3-D model image onto the image of the implant. The captured image may include the implant and at least two of the radio-opaque internal markers being visible as fiducial markers within the image. The fiducial markers may be 2-D positions of the radio-opaque internal markers in a 2-D plane.