Abstract: A spinal distractor for distracting opposed vertebrae in which a pair of elements are threadably connected by a screw having opposing threads, wherein actuating the screw spreads the elements apart and pushes the vertebrae apart.

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: 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 expandable implant for treating bone preferably in a minimally invasive manner includes a preferably cylindrical core element extending along a longitudinal axis and preferably a plurality of nestable, expandable sleeves extending along a longitudinal axis for placement radially about the core element. The plurality of nestable sleeves are sequentially insertable over the core element in such a manner that a first nestable sleeve is inserted over the core element and each subsequently inserted nestable sleeve is received between the core element and the previously inserted nestable sleeve such that the insertion of each additional sleeve causes each previously inserted sleeve to outwardly expand.

Abstract: A system to stabilize and guide the growth of the spinal column includes an elongated support member having a width and a length and a guiding connector having a bone connecting portion and a guiding portion. The bone connecting portion secures the guiding connector to a vertebrae and the guiding portion has a bearing element with a passageway adapted to receive the elongated support member. The bearing element permits relative sliding movement of the elongated support element in the passageway of the bearing element. The system may further include a bone fixation element has an elongated support member receiving channel, a locking mechanism and a bone anchoring portion. The bone anchoring portion secures the bone fixation element to bone. The locking mechanism secures the elongated support member in the channel. The guiding connector is moveable along the elongated support member to permit and control the growth of the spinal column along a predetermined path.

Abstract: An x-ray calibration apparatus includes a radiolucent knee alignment jig configured to receive a knee of a patient and a radiolucent cushion configured to hold a patient's knee at a fixed angle of flexion. The x-ray calibration apparatus also includes a number of radio-opaque fiducial markers positioned within the radiolucent knee alignment jig.

Abstract: Devices and methods for aligning the components of polyaxial screws are described herein. In one embodiment, an alignment instrument includes an elongate frame having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of connection caps slidably disposed along the elongate frame. Each connection cap can removably couple to a polyaxial screw extension tube and selectively lock relative to the elongate frame such that a distance between the plurality of connection caps and an angular orientation of each connection cap relative to the elongate frame is maintained. The instrument can also include a transverse angle indicator to indicate an angular orientation of the elongate frame in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame. The device can, for example, capture the orientation of a plurality of polyaxial screws during spinal surgery such that the screws can be returned to the same orientation after manipulation to correct a spinal deformity, etc.

Abstract: A tool includes a locator having a center aligned with a rotor axis when disposed over the valve. The locator has a first dimension approximately perpendicular with the rotor axis. A wall of the locator forms a volume to allow an adjustor to be disposed therein. The adjustor fits within the wall and has a magnet having a magnetic axis to unlock the rotor. An adjustable outer wall has a first position dimension permitting the adjustor to rotate about the center of the locator and aligning the magnetic axis with the center. The adjustable outer wall has a second position dimension less than the first dimension and the first position dimension. The adjustor can move lateral, rotational, and orbital in the locator misaligning the magnetic axis with the center. Misaligning the magnetic and rotor axes unlocks the rotors and the magnet maintains the unlocked state even when the axes are misaligned.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant frame that is configured to be attached to a spacer body can include a pair of arms that extend longitudinally from a support member such that the arms extend substantially around the spacer body. The arms may be configured to expand, crimp, or otherwise engage the spacer body to thereby hold the spacer body to the frame. The spacer body may be made from bone graft.

Abstract: A system is configured to create or enlarge a cavity in a tissue body and generally includes a cannula, a friction reduction covering, and a cavity creation member. The cavity creation member includes an end portion that is configured to transition between a first shape and a second shape that is different from the first shape. In operation, retracting the friction reduction covering relative to end portion causes the end portion to change shape from the first shape to the second shape such that the cavity creation member is configured to create or enlarge a cavity in the tissue body as the second end portion exits the friction reduction member.

Abstract: An acetabular hip implant includes an acetabular shell component having a first feature and a first insert having a second feature that cooperates with the first feature of the acetabular shell component and further includes a third feature. The implant further includes a second insert having a fourth feature that cooperates with the third feature of the first insert and further includes a fifth feature. A femoral head component includes a sixth feature that cooperates with the fifth feature. Interaction between the first and second features, between the third and fourth features, and between the fifth and sixth features mechanically constrains the acetabular hip implant to prevent dislocation of the femoral head during rotation.

Abstract: A bone fixation system is provided. The bone fixation system may include a plate, one or more fasteners configured to attach the plate to a target anatomical location such as bone, and a surgical device that facilitates the attachment of the plate and the fasteners.

Abstract: The surgical nail, here in the form of an intramedullary nail, has a central axis, a longitudinal borehole with a diameter D extending coaxially with the central axis, a casing with an inner surface and a transverse borehole, extending transversely to the central axis with the cross-sectional profile F and the borehole axis. A component, which narrows the cross-sectional profile F, is provided in the longitudinal borehole in the region of the transverse borehole. By these means, the clearance, which is usually present between the medullary nail and the locking screws that have been introduced therein, can be eliminated without risk and an improved holding force as well as an improved guiding effect between the locking screw and the medullary nail can be achieved.

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: A device for treating a bone comprises a cable block including a first lumen extending from a first proximal opening in a proximal face of the cable block to a first distal opening in a distal face thereof, the first lumen being configured to receive a cerclage cable including an enlarged end. The cable block further includes a second lumen extending from a second proximal opening in the proximal face to a second distal opening in the distal face and being configured to receive a portion of the cable extending from the enlarged end while preventing the enlarged end from passing therethrough. The cable block includes a slot connecting distal portions of the first and second lumens and being at least as large as the second lumen in combination with a crimpable locking member including a channel configured to receive the portion of the cable extending from the enlarged end.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum umbilicus and placenta are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, devices and methods for the regeneration or repair of ocular tissue using the postpartum-derived cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal pedicle rod comprising an internally reinforced polymeric core that is at least partially encased within at least one polymeric coating. A dynamic stabilization device for bones in which flexible rods are combined with a pair of dynamic anchoring devices comprising i) a shank for anchoring into a bone or a vertebra, ii) a head connected to the shank, iii) a receiving part for the head and iv) a mobile element acting on the head.

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 bone plate system including a bone plate and a bone screw with an integrated locking mechanism is disclosed. The bone screw includes an elongate member having a threaded shank and a bone screw head that is radially deformable. The integrated locking mechanism sits within the bone screw head and can rotate between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. When the bone screw head is seated within an aperture in the bone plate, rotating the integrated locking mechanism into the locked condition helps to prevent bone screw backout.

Abstract: A catheter guiding device includes a bolt including a shaft configured to be inserted within a hole drilled in a bone and a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough along a bolt axis and a guide member received within the passageway of the bolt and extending longitudinally along a guide axis. The guide member includes a guide channel extending therethrough along the guide axis, wherein, in a first configuration, the guide member is arrangeable to a desired position relative to the bolt to align the guide axis with a target area and, in a second configuration, the guide member is fixed in the desired position relative to the bolt such that the guide axis is at a desired angle relative to the bolt axis within a permitted range of angulations.