Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a three-dimensional body and a securing plate. The three-dimensional body includes a front surface and a rear surface. The three-dimensional body further includes a plurality of boreholes for accommodating fixation elements. The intervertebral implant also includes a front plate disposed at the front surface of the three-dimensional body and has a plurality of boreholes. A securing plate can be fastened to the front plate.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient, involving a) injecting a flowable material into a cancellous bone region of a bone, wherein the material is adapted to facilitate tissue regeneration, and b) irradiating the cancellous bone region with an effective amount of NIR/red light. The irradiation may be carried out from a light source located inside the bone. The light may enter the bone via a transmitter located underneath the skin of the patient.

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 discectomy tool comprising: a) a cannula having an outer surface having a longitudinal bore therein, a proximal end and a distal end; b) a steering wire disposed in the longitudinal bore; c) a flexible, hollow transmission shaft disposed in the cannula, the shaft having a throughbore, a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an outer surface having a thread extending therefrom; d) an irrigation source fluidly connected to the throughbore; e) a cutting tip attached to the distal end portion of the transmission shaft.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for digitally imaging with area limited image sensors, such as within a lumen of an endoscope.

Abstract: An expandable trial can include an inferior portion, a superior portion, and a middle expanding portion as well as load cells for monitoring the load on the trial. The trial may also include recesses on its lateral sides to provide spacing to accommodate a disc removal tool so tissue can be cleared monitoring load. In addition, neural foramen spacing can be monitoring to provide information about how much neural release has been achieved as the disc is cleaned and the spine is positioned and repositioned.

Abstract: A trackable medical instrument for use in a computer assisted image guided surgery system having a digitizer for tracking the position of the instrument in three dimensional space and a display providing an indication of the position of the instrument with respect to images of a body part taken preoperatively, wherein the instrument comprises a tracking array located distally of a rotatable, axially fixed drive handle.

Abstract: A bone fixation system has a bone implant with an implant body. The implant body defines an upper surface, a bone-facing surface spaced from the upper surface along a transverse direction, and at least one aperture defined by an inner wall. A bone fixation element is configured for insertion at least partially through the aperture. The bone fixation element defines a proximal end and a distal end spaced from the proximal end along a central axis. The bone fixation element has a head and a shaft that extends relative to the head toward the distal end. The head defines a first ridge, a second ridge spaced from the first ridge, and a groove disposed between the first and second ridges. The groove can receive at least a portion of the inner wall to couple the bone fixation element to the bone implant.

Abstract: An insertion instrument is configured to eject a pair of anchor bodies across an anatomical gap so as to approximate the gap. The insertion instrument can include a single cannula that retains the pair of anchor bodies in a stacked relationship, or a pair of adjacent cannulas that each retain respective anchor bodies. The insertion instrument can be actuated so as to eject the anchor bodies into respective target anatomical locations.

Abstract: A method of implanting a glenoid component includes selecting a metaglene component having a body portion and an augment extending medially from the body based upon a defect in a scapula, inserting the selected metaglene component into the scapula, inserting a portion of a first fastener through a body fastener hole of the body portion into a void defined by the body portion and a portion of the augment, inserting the portion of the first fastener into a first augment fastener hole extending through the augment and aligned with the body fastener hole, and inserting the portion of the first fastener into the scapula.

Abstract: A humeral prosthesis includes a first body having a first body articulating surface defining a generally circular outer periphery, and a first centerline axis. The first body having a support surface opposite to the first body articulating surface, the first body is hollow and configured to receive a head of the humerus, and a stem extending away from the support surface, the stem defining a second centerline axis which is coincident with the first centerline axis. The prosthesis further includes a second body in the form of a flange which extends laterally from a portion of the circular outer periphery, the first body articulating surface and a surface of the second body defining a boundary portion between them which is generally smooth and continuous, wherein the second body is located superiorly and the surface of the second body which bounds the first body articulating surface is a second articulating surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Posterior Dynamic Stabilization (PDS) device that allows elongation, which is a critical requirement for a PDS device as it allows pedicles to travel naturally in flexion, extension, and lateral bending of the spine. This interpedicular travel preserves a more natural center of rotation unlike other PDS devices that simply allow bending. In particular, the invention involves a PDS spring rod, wherein the helix is created with composite flow molding (CFM) technology and comprises a polymer matrix reinforced with continuous carbon fibers, wherein the fibers are oriented substantially parallel to the centerline of the helix, thereby creating a high strength spring.

Abstract: Arcuate fixation members with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided intervertebral implants. The arcuate fixation members may be of different lengths, cross sectional geometries, and/or cross sectional areas. Applications of intervertebral implants utilizing arcuate fixation members are particularly suitable when a linear line-of-approach for delivering fixation members is undesirable.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for tensioning a tether. In one embodiment, a tether tensioning device is provided and includes an elongate shaft adapted to be positioned adjacent to a bone anchor implanted in bone, and a tensioning mechanism pivotally associated with the elongate shaft and adapted to couple to a tether seated across the bone anchor and to pivot relative to the elongate shaft to apply a tensioning force to the tether.

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: A graft anchor has first and second arms each having a leading end, a trailing end, an inner surface, and an outer bone contactable surface. The graft anchor also has a resilient bridge extending between the inner surface of the first arm and the inner surface of the second arm to space apart the first arm and the second arm. The resilient bridge defines a graft receiving pathway between the inner surfaces of the first and second arms. The resilient bridge also defines a deflection point about which a force acting upon the resilient bridge in a direction from the leading end to the trailing end causes the leading ends of the first and second arms to move toward one another and the trailing ends of the first and second arms to move away from one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a polyaxial bone fixation element for use in spinal fixation to interconnect a longitudinal spinal rod with a patient's vertebra. The polyaxial bone fixation element preferably includes a bone anchor, a collet, a body, and a locking cap. The polyaxial bone fixation element preferably enables in-situ assembly. That is, the polyaxial bone fixation element is preferably configured so that in use, the bone anchor may be secured to the patient's vertebra prior to being received within the body. Accordingly, the polyaxial bone fixation element enables a surgeon to implant the bone anchor without the body to maximize visibility and access around the anchoring site. Once the bone anchor has been secured to the patient's vertebra, the body can be snapped-onto the bone anchor. The bone anchor preferably also includes a second tool interface so that a surgical instrument can be directly coupled to the bone anchor.

Abstract: A method of installing a prosthesis assembly includes installing a base component in a prepared glenoid vault, axially aligning a plurality of slots in one of a stretched glenoid bearing component and a base component with a plurality of ridges in the other of the glenoid bearing component and the base component, each of the plurality of slots having a maximum length which is greater than a maximum length of a respective one of the plurality of ridges, engaging each of the plurality of ridges with the respective one of the plurality of grooves thereby rotatably coupling the glenoid bearing component and the base component and limiting axial movement of the glenoid bearing component relative to the base component, and placing the bearing surface into articulating contact with a humeral head.

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 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.