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: Cell-based compositions and methods of their use to inhibit an adverse immune response such as graft versus host disease or rejection of transplanted tissue in a transplant recipient that is histocompatibility mismatched to the transplant donor are disclosed. The compositions and methods utilize postpartum-derived cells, such as cells derived from the placenta or umbilicus.

Abstract: An anchor assembly can include at least one anchor member, such as a pair of anchor members that are configured to be implanted in a target anatomical location in a first configuration, and can subsequently be actuated to an expanded configuration that secures the anchor members in the target anatomy. The anchor assembly can further include a connector member that attaches the pair of anchor members together across a gap so as to approximate the anatomical defect.

Abstract: A customized patient-specific tibial cutting block comprising a body having a bone-facing surface that has a customized patient-specific negative contour configured to receive (i) a portion of an anterior side of a patient's tibia that has a corresponding positive contour, and (ii) a portion of a medial side of the patient's tibia that has a corresponding positive contour such that, when viewed superiorly, an angle greater than zero is defined between a vertically-extending, bisecting plane of the body and a bisecting sagittal plane of the patient's tibia when the portions of the patient's tibia are received in the customized patient-specific negative contour of the body, and at least one tab extending posteriorly from the body, the at least one tab having a bone-facing surface having a customized patient-specific negative contour configured to receive a portion of the proximal side of the patient's tibia that has a corresponding positive contour.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for fabricating multimaterial bodies in a layer-wise fashion, which bodies may be used bone-stabilizing implants. The multimaterial bodies include rigid and flexible portions that are integrally formed with one another. The multimaterial bodies may be softened or stiffened in specific areas to match the biological or anatomical features of a bone.

Abstract: A bone registration system is disclosed. The bone registration system may have a device including a scanner arranged to scan a target surface area of bone to obtain scan data and a first communication component. The registration system may have also a first marker positionable on a first portion of bone. The first marker may include a second communication component arranged to transmit a location signal for indicating a position of the first marker in a plurality of dimensions relative to the device. The system may have also a registration unit that compares the scan data with surface data of the bone to generate position data identifying overlapping elements of the scan data relative to the surface data, determines location data from the location signal and determines a location of the first marker on a surface of the bone using the position data and the location data.

Abstract: A revisable orthopedic anchor and method of use for removably securing an anchor in bone, such as compromised or degenerated bone, is described herein. In one embodiment, the anchor makes use of dual probes and vector divergence of the distal tips of the probes to achieve superior bone purchase and pull-out resistance. In such an embodiment, the probes can be inserted one at a time into a hole formed in, for example, the pedicle bone. After the probes are inserted and joined at the proximal end, they have a greater pull-out resistance than a threaded anchor. Removing the anchor involves separating the proximal heads and reversing the implantation process. As a result of the unique bone anchor design disclosed herein, the devices and methods of the present invention allow for less complicated implantation and removal of orthopedic anchors, all while providing enhanced bone purchase when implanted in a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manipulating a spinal construct are provided herein. In general, the system includes first and second sleeves extending from vertebrae and a fulcrum that can be releasably coupled to the sleeves. In certain aspects, the fulcrum can receive a portion of the sleeves therein and can allow the sleeves to pivot about the fulcrum in response to an applied force. The fulcrum can releasably couple to the sleeves in a variety of ways, and a position of the fulcrum relative to the sleeves can vary depending on whether there is an applied distracting, compressing, and/or derotating force. In some embodiments, user can manipulate the first and second sleeves relative to the fulcrum, using one hand, to distract, compress, and/or derotate the vertebrae.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for removing tissue. In one aspect, a device for removing tissue includes a hollow elongate member having an outer wall and a lumen, a selectively deployable tissue-cutting element extending from the hollow elongate member, and an actuation member extending through the lumen and coupled to the hollow elongate member at a location that is distal to the tissue-cutting element. Movement of the actuation member can cause the tissue-cutting element to move from the insertion configuration where the tissue-cutting element is not deployed to a tissue-cutting configuration where the tissue-cutting element is deployed such that it is radially extended relative to the insertion configuration.

Abstract: A coating for a CoCrMo substrate including a first layer located directly on the substrate and including Ta(CoCrMo)0.5-2.0, a second layer located directly on the first layer and including tantalum, a third layer located directly on the second layer and including tantalum carbide, and a fourth layer located directly on the third layer and including diamond-like carbon (DLC).

Abstract: A method of determining disc space geometry with the use of an expandable trial having endplate-mapping capabilities. An expandable trial is inserted into the disc space and its height is adjusted to obtain the desired decompression and spinal alignment (which is typically confirmed with the use of CT or Fluoroscopic imaging). The endplate dome/geometry dome is then determined by one of the following three methods: a) direct imaging through the trial, b) balloon moldings filled with flowable in-situ fluid (for example, silicon, polyurethane, or PMMA) from superior/inferior endplates or c) light-based imaging through superior & inferior balloons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interspinous spacer assembly for implantation and/or affixation between spinous processes of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae and associated tools and methods for stabilizing the human spine. The interspinous spacer assembly includes a spacer body, a first lateral plate, a second lateral plate and a locking mechanism extending through a channel provided in the spacer body and coupling the first and second lateral plates to the spacer body.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly for securing a fixation device such as a bone plate, to bone includes a fixation device, including at least a through hole with isolated protrusions (such as pegs or spikes); and locking bone engaging members such as screws. The screw has a shank with a thread for engaging bone and a partial sphere head with a thread configured and dimensioned to match with the isolated protrusions of the hourglass shaped through holes of the bone plate. The bone plate has a through hole shaped like an hourglass which diameter matches that of the screw spherical head and is provided with multiple isolated protrusions. In use, the screw is threaded into the bone, through the hole of the bone plate at a selected angle. The partial sphere head of the screw engages in the protrusions of the plate hole resulting in the strong locking of the screw at the selected orientation within the through hole in just one single surgical action.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc implant for use in the spine including a first part (10) and a second part (20), wherein the first part and second part are configured as a joint prosthesis for the spine. The first part includes one of a concave or convex articulating surface (16) and the second part includes one of the other concave or convex articulating surface (26). One of the concave or convex articulating surfaces is preferably elliptically shaped in at least one direction and does not match and is different than one of the other concave or convex articulating surfaces.

Abstract: A coating for a CoCrMo substrate including a first layer located directly on the substrate and including Ta(CoCrMo)0.5-2.0, a second layer located directly on the first layer and including tantalum, a third layer located directly on the second layer and including tantalum carbide, and a fourth layer located directly on the third layer and including diamond-like carbon (DLC).

Abstract: A customized patient-specific acetabular orthopaedic surgical instrument is disclosed. A method for fabricating and using the orthopaedic surgical instrument us also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for in situ drawing, filtering and seeding cells from the marrow of surrounding bone into a fusion cage without any of the challenges mentioned above. Various implants and devices with aspiration ports that enable in-situ harvesting and mixing of stem cells. These devices may include spinal fusion cages, long bone spacers, lateral grafts and joint replacement devices. Each device utilizes at least one aspiration port for harvesting of stem cell-containing marrow via aspiration from adjacent bony elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inflated interspinous spacer. The interspinous spacer is inserted into the interspinous space between adjacent spinous process in a deflated or unexpanded state, and is inflated or expanded with an injectable filler material. Upon inflation, the spacer preferably distracts the spinous processes and assumes a shape that retains the spacer in position and preferably mechanically locks with the spinous processes. The spacer includes two separate balloons configured to have different compressive modulus so that one balloon is softer and more deformable than the other balloon.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a proximal head and a distal shaft configured to engage bone, a receiver member for receiving a spinal fixation element to be coupled to the bone anchor, an insert positioned in the proximal end of the receiver member having a pair of spaced apart insert arms defining a recess therebetween, and a closure mechanism positionable between and engaging the insert arms to capture a spinal fixation element within the recess of the insert and fix the spinal fixation element with respect to the receiver member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for coupling an elongate guide substantially at a first end to at least one vertebral body of a spinal column of a patient; and extending a second end of the guide to a structure of the patient spaced in an anterior direction away from the at least one vertebral body towards an entry incision.