Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: A prosthesis, in particular a shoulder prosthesis, includes a socket part receiving a joint head; an anchoring part anchoring the prosthesis in a bone; and a connecting arrangement securely connecting the socket part to the anchoring part. The socket part is assigned at least one pin and the anchoring part has at least one guide. The guide is designed in such a way that the pin can be held substantially safe from tilting in the guide.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprises an articulation head comprising a bearing surface and a reverse surface and a securement disk. The securement disk comprises an attachment surface attached to at least a portion of the reverse surface of the articulation head, a securement surface opposite the attachment surface and adapted for coupling to a fixation plate secured to a bone, and at least one opening formed in the securement surface of the securement disk and adapted to accept fasteners therein. The securement disk comprises a porous material.

Abstract: Customized patient-specific orthopedic surgical instruments are disclosed. Methods for fabricating and using such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable implant for inserting within a skeletal space is provided, and a method for using the implant to expand the skeletal space. The implant is preferably designed to be inserted into an intervertebral space to replace at least part of an intervertebral disc between adjacent vertebral bodies. The expandable implant contains at least one first expansion compartment and at least one second expansion compartments, which compartments can be inflatable balloons that are inflated by a catheter. Inflating the first expansion compartment expands the implant in a first direction and inflating the second expansion compartment expands the implant in a second direction.

Abstract: A medical device communications network comprises a plurality of medical devices including either or both of a first number of surgical instruments and a second number of implants configured for subcutaneous implantation in a biological body. A corresponding plurality of wireless communication circuits are each mounted to a different one of the plurality of medical devices. Each of the plurality of wireless communication circuits is configured to broadcast medical device information relating to the medical device to which it is mounted and to receive information relating to any other of the plurality of medical devices. The network may or may not include a master wireless communications circuit configured to receive the medical device information broadcast by any of the plurality of slave wireless communication circuits and to broadcast the information relating to any other of the plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.

Abstract: An vertebral implant for fusing adjacent vertebrae or for replacing vertebral bodies is disclosed. The implant is a biocompatible metal, resorbable, or radiolucent implant conforming substantially in size and shape with an end plate of a vertebra. The implant preferably has a wedge-shaped profile to restore disc height and the natural curvature of the spine. The top and bottom surfaces of the implant have areas with a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability and areas devoid of any protrusions to receive implantation instrumentation. The implant also has a stackability feature. The implant provides initial stability needed for fusion without stress shielding.

Abstract: A method and system for intraoperative, image-based reduction control for long bone shaft fracture treatment. The method includes preoperative steps of a) implanting markers into the proximal fragment and into the distal fragment of the broken bone, b) creating a 3D reference model of bone by taking a CT scan of the healthy bone, a CT scan of the broken bone and c) defining landmarks in the reference model based on the marker positions. The method further includes intraoperative steps of d) extracting the 3D position of the same landmarks from a series of 2D fluoroscopic images, using a reference object and e) comparing the positions the preoperatively defined landmarks and the positions of the intraoperatively extracted landmarks to calculate the malalignment of the fracture fragments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for integrating an electromagnetic navigation system and a tool and aligning the tool with a target are presented, including a sensor tool, a tool, a field generator, a display, and a computer. The sensor tool attaches to a target component in a unique position relative to target features. The field generator is fixed relative to the tool except in rotation about a tool axis. The display is adjustably mounted to the tool and automatically adjusts image parameters. Target registration and error compensation methods are provided. The system detects magnetic field and signal disturbances that may lead to inaccurate navigation, filters navigation data, and adjusts filtering parameters based on detected conditions. Apparatus for proximally locking an IM nail such that a clear passage through the cannulation of the nail is maintained are provided.

Abstract: A method and device for inserting screws into a patient, such that when the device is removed the device does not stick to the screw. The device, being a push-off driver, may have a handle, an inner driver, and a threaded driver sleeve having a button mechanism and a plurality of spheres, and an inner sleeve. The method includes the steps of assembling a push-off driver attaching a bone screw to the push-off driver inserting the bone screw and detaching the bone screw from the driver by unthreading the threaded driver sleeve from the polyaxial screw which causes the spheres in the recess of the inner driver to back up against the start of the recess and causing the threaded driver sleeve to “push-off” the polyaxial screw from the inner driver.

Abstract: Expandable dilators, dilation assemblies, and kits are disclosed, along with methods for using same.

Abstract: A device for opening an ampoule includes an ampoule holder configured to hold a body of the ampoule along a central longitudinal axis, a head holder configured to hold a head of the ampoule, and a guide engaged with the head holder and configured to direct the head holder from a first position on the central longitudinal axis to a second position offset from the central longitudinal axis when the ampoule holder is advanced in a first direction along the central longitudinal axis from an initial position. A method for opening an ampoule includes moving the ampoule in a first direction along a central longitudinal axis, directing the head of the ampoule laterally and/or obliquely away from the central longitudinal axis to break the head of the ampoule from the body of the ampoule when the ampoule is moved in the first direction, removing material from the body of the ampoule, and removing liquid from the head of the ampoule.

Abstract: The use of red or near infrared light upon neurons of the lumbar plexus that are in distress due to retraction-induced ischemia. The surgeon may protect nerves made ischemic in the surgery by: a) making an incision in a patient, b) inserting an access device into the patient through the incision to at least partially create a path to a spine of the patient, and c) irradiating nervous tissue adjacent the path with an amount of NIR or red light effective to provide neuroprotection.

Abstract: A method of irradiating spinal tissue with red/NIR light, comprising: inserting a cannulated device defining a bore into the spinal column, wherein the bore contains an optically transparent substrate adapted to emit red/NIR light, and transmitting NIR/red light through the substrate to irradiate tissue within the spinal column.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that can allow for wirelessly powering and/or communicating with a sterile-packed electronic device without removing the electronic device from its sterile packaging and while maintaining the sterility of the electronic device. In some embodiments, a base station with a power transmitter wirelessly transfers power to a power receiver of the electronic device, for example using inductive, capacitive, or ultrasonic coupling. The base station or another external device can also be used to wirelessly program or interrogate the electronic device. Battery charging circuits and switching circuits for use with said systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spinal implant or spacer that addresses the variation in anatomy of vertebrae along the spine by having inferior and superior surface angle and convexity variations that are adapted to address the differences in lordosis and endplate surface convexity of the spine. The difference between the convexity of the superior and inferior surface of the spacer increases as the lordotic angle of the spacer increases. The spacers described herein thus provide overall improved fit into vertebral disc space and in some embodiments are even used in the absence of fusion for a prolonged period. The vertebral spacers described herein in some embodiments are used with supplemental internal fixation systems, such as an anchor plate. The interior of the spacer has channels and undercuts to increase graft volume and retention, support bony ingrowth, and bony stability for better secondary and tertiary stabilization.

Abstract: A surgical fixation device is provided, including a preformed cranial mesh configured to generally conform to a predetermined averaged geometry. The cranial mesh includes a preformed flexible mesh body having opposed inner and outer surfaces, and a plurality of apertures that extend through the mesh body from the outer surface to the inner surface, each of the plurality of apertures extending along a respective central axis from the outer surface to the inner surface. The mesh body is configured as-manufactured to contact the predetermined averaged geometry at least at three spaced apart locations, such that 1) no portion of the mesh body crosses the predetermined averaged geometry in a first direction from the outer surface toward the inner surface, and 2) no location on the inner surface of the mesh body is spaced from the predetermined averaged geometry a distance greater than a select distance along the first direction.

Abstract: An adjustable fixation clamp having first and second clamp assemblies positioned about a shaft. The clamp assemblies may each have a pair of vise plates. Each pair of vise plates may define at least two receiving portions and insertion portions intersecting the receiving portions. The receiving portions of one clamp assembly may receive at least two fixation components such as screws, pins or wires. The receiving portions of the other clamp assembly may receive at least one connector such as a rod, bar and/or ring. A biasing structure may be positioned between the first and second clamp assemblies and may allow for the fixation components to be snapped into the receiving portions through the insertion portions. Two or more adjustable fixation clamps may be used to form an external fixation system. At least two screws, pins or wires may be inserted into bone and one of the clamp assemblies may be attached thereto. A guide may be used for insertion of screws, pins or wires into bone.