Abstract: A bone anchor (100) for attaching a rod (108) to a bone has an anchor member (106) for attachment to the bone and an anchor head (104) having a U-shaped opening for receiving the rod. The bone anchor also includes a locking cap (102) that has a main body (900) and a set screw (1000). Advantageously, in one embodiment the locking cap preferably is designed such that a single tool can be used to lock the locking cap in place on the anchor body preferably with a 90° turn and preferably then drive the set screw to clamp the rod. The locking cap also preferably non-threadingly engages the anchor body. The anchor body preferably has an inclined surface on its top surface which elastically deflects extending tabs on the main body to secure the locking cap to the anchor body. A method of implantation and assembly of the bone anchor are also described.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoulder prosthesis includes glenoid defect-filling component configured to be implanted within a defect in a glenoid of a patient. The glenoid defect-filling component includes a porous metallic body and a plurality of holes formed in the porous metallic body, the plurality of holes being arranged in a pattern to receive a number of pegs of a discrete polymer glenoid component.

Abstract: A system and method for draining at least one type of bodily fluid from a patient, including a chamber capable of being adjusted to hold one of at least a first volume of fluid and a second, smaller volume of fluid. The chamber has an inlet end with a barrier defining an opening and has an outlet end defining an outlet passage. The system further includes a valve with a valve seat and a valve closure member to define a usable volume within the chamber, and a movable adjustment member with a shaft passable through the opening in the barrier and terminating within the chamber at a first end. The first end of the shaft is connected to the valve seat, and the shaft has a plurality of features along its length engagable with corresponding engagement features in a fixed relationship with the barrier to enable the shaft to be advanced into the chamber to reduce the usable volume to be less than the first volume.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to compositions and methods for enhancing attachment of soft tissues to a metal prosthetic device. In one embodiment a construct is provided comprising a metal implant having a porous metal region, wherein the porous region exhibits a nano-textured surface, and a biocompatible polymer matrix coating the nano-textured surface. The polymer matrix coating comprises a naturally occurring extracellular matrix with biocompatible inorganic materials distributed within the matrix, or a biocompatible polymer and an osteo-inductive agent.

Abstract: A fixation device, comprises an elongated element extending along a central axis, having a total length L and including a proximal section formed of a material that is substantially non-absorbent for electromagnetic radiation within a preselected wavelength range and a distal section formed of a material that is substantially non-absorbent for electromagnetic radiation within the preselected wavelength range in combination with a middle section axially arranged between the proximal and distal sections, the middle section formed of a material that is substantially absorbent for electromagnetic radiation in the preselected wavelength range.

Abstract: Cells derived from human umbilical cords are disclosed along with methods for their therapeutic use. Isolation techniques, culture methods and detailed characterization of the cells with respect to their cell surface markers, gene expression, and their secretion of trophic factors are described.

Abstract: A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads.

Abstract: An intervertebral connection system wherein the bone anchor has a helical configuration. Also included is a method of installing a bone fastening connection system, comprising the steps of: a) forming a pilot hole in a bone, b) providing a connection system comprising a conformable ligament having a first end portion, and an anchor having a central axis which is axially implantable into a bone in a patient's body, c) inserting the distal head portion of the system into the pilot hole, and d) rotating the helix to drive the system into the bone and drive the ligament up the helix.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for tagging and tracking surgical devices using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. In general, the systems and methods allow for tracking surgical devices throughout distribution and sterilization thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a tray configured to seat a plurality of surgical devices and having a parent RFID tag attached thereto that contains information and/or facilitates access to information about the tray and each of the surgical devices seated therein. Each of the surgical devices seated in the instrument tray can have attached thereto a child RFID tag containing information and/or facilitating access to information about the surgical device.

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: 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: In intervertebral operative spinal procedures, using separate or pre-attached spreader blocks to control the directional growth of a distracting balloon.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable interbody fusion implant that is configured to have an initial configuration having a first footprint width suitable for being inserted into an intervertebral space and an expanded configuration having a second footprint width that is greater than the first footprint width. The implant may include a first body member and a second body member that is pivotally coupled to the first body member. The implant may be expanded using an inflatable balloon. The implant may be expanded bilaterally such that both body members rotate relative to the other or the implant may be expanded unilaterally such that one of the body members rotates relative to the other.

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: A device for detachably clamping fastening elements in a surgical fixing or repositioning device. The device may a rod with a longitudinal axis. A first and second pair of clamping jaws may be operably associated with the rod. Each pair of clamping jaws may have a side surface as well as an inner clamping jaw and an outer clamping jaw, which may have indentations forming a channel. The channels may be opened towards the side surface of the clamping jaws. A fastening means may be positioned in the channels by pushing the fastening means into the openings in the side surface in a direction which may be at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod. An elastic element may be positioned between the inner and outer clamping jaws of at least one pair of clamping jaws so as to resist movement of the inner and outer clamping jaws with respect to each other as a fastening means is inserted therebetween.

Abstract: A customized patient-specific orthopaedic instrument for facilitating implantation of an acetabular cup prosthesis in a coxal bone of a patient and method of use is disclosed. The customized patient-specific orthopaedic instrument includes a customized patient-specific acetabular reaming guide. The customized patient-specific acetabular reaming guide includes a longitudinal passageway for an acetabular reamer and a plurality of arms with attached feet. Each foot of the reaming guide is positioned relative to the body based on the contours of the coxal bone of the patient and a predetermined degree of version and inclination angles of the acetabular cup prosthesis when implanted in the patient's coxal bone.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments and correction of white balance and/or fixed pattern noise at startup or at any other time during a procedure.

Abstract: A bone fixation plate, comprises an elongated body contoured to conform to the anatomy of a clavicle, the elongated body comprising a head at a first end and a shaft extending therefrom to a second end, the second end further comprising a reduced diameter tapered tip configured to permit insertion of the elongate body through a minimally invasive incision formed adjacent the clavicle. The bone fixation plate also comprises a first plate hole extending through the shaft from a proximal face to a distal face, the first plate hole formed as a combination hole and a second plate hole extending through the head from the proximal face to the distal face, the second plate hole being threaded.

Abstract: Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.

Abstract: A device for treating a bone includes a plate having a connector opening and a first fastener receiving lumen extending therethrough, the first fastener receiving lumen being sized and shaped to receive therethrough a bone fastener and a nail sized and shaped for insertion in a medullary canal of a target bone, the nail including an elongate shaft and an opening extending through the shaft in combination with a connector sized and shaped so that, when the plate is positioned over a target portion of bone in a desired alignment with the nail, the connector may be passed into the target portion of bone via the connector opening and into the opening of the nail, the shape of the connector engaging the opening to form an angularly stable connection between the plate and the nail.