Abstract: A locking and lagging bone screw. The screw includes a head having an outer surface which is at least partially threaded and a shaft which is at least partially threaded having a first end coupled to the head and a second end adapted to be fastened to bone. The head of the screw is able to rotate independently of the shaft. Thus, the head of the screw can be locked to a bone plate by using a first driver (e.g., a torx driver) and the plate can be lagged to the bone by using a second driver (e.g., a hex driver).

Abstract: Various bone fixation devices and methods of using the same are provided. In one embodiment, a spinal implant assembly is provided having a generally U-shaped rod-receiving head or receiver member, and a bone-engaging member extending distally from the receiver member. The receiver member can have two side arms extending proximally from a distal end, and the arms can define a U-shaped channel therebetween for receiving a spinal fixation element. The side arms of the receiver can have various configurations and can include a number of features to facilitate mating with a spinal tool.

Abstract: The biocompatible, biodegradable materials in the solid and/or liquid form are based on segmented linear polyurethanes and/or segmented crosslinked polyurethanes based on A) one or more biocompatible polyols susceptible to hydrolytic and/or enzymatic degradation having a molecular weight of 100 to 20,000 dalton and a number of active hydroxyl groups per molecule (functionality) of at least two or higher; B) one or more diisocyanates and/or triisocyanates; and C) one or more low molecular weight chain extenders having a molecular weight of 18 to 1000 dalton and the functionality of at least two or higher.

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: Systems and methods for registering objects with a surgical navigation system are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for registering objects with a surgical navigation system can include detecting identification information associated with an object using a sensing device coupled to a digital data processor and detecting a position-tracking array using the sensing device. The method can also include searching a digital data store coupled to the digital data processor that contains a listing of objects and associated identification information to identify an object having identification information that matches the identification information detected by the sensing device, and registering with the surgical navigation system an association between the position-tracking array and the identified object.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument and method for positioning an acetabular prosthetic component in a patient's surgically-prepared acetabulum is disclosed. The orthopaedic surgical instrument has a base configured to engage the patient's pelvis, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the base, a locking mechanism operable to lock the first linkage in position relative to the base, and a second linkage removably coupled to the first linkage. The second linkage has an alignment axis corresponding to a desired abduction angle and a desired anteversion angle of the acetabular axis of the acetabular prosthetic component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for elongating a tendon including a cutting blade and a cutting guide supporting the cutting blade in such a way that the cutting blade is movable through at least a portion of a tendon in a helical path so as to make a helical cut in the tendon which allows elongation of the tendon.

Abstract: A method of using a guide system for resecting a bone through incisions of the type utilized for arthroscopic procedures is provided. The guide system comprises a first alignment pin, a second alignment pin and a wire saw. The first alignment pin is configured to be inserted through a first incision into a bone in a first orientation. The second alignment pin is configured to inserted through a second incision into the bone in a second orientation. The first alignment pin and the second alignment pin are configured and oriented to define a resection plane of reference through which the bone is to be resected and the wire saw is configured to be inserted through the first and second incisions to be guided by the first and second alignment pins while being moved to resect the bone.

Abstract: A sternal reconstruction system for securing parts of a sternum includes at least one flexible cable with a fused end fitting, at least one parallel fitting piece and at least one ferrule. Optionally, the system includes at least one cannulated screw. Circumferential or parasternal fixation may be brought about by use of the sternal reconstruction system. Also provided is a method for sternal reconstruction utilizing the sternal reconstruction system. Also provided is a kit for sternal reconstruction.

Abstract: A method of determining patient follow-up subsequent to an orthopaedic procedure includes determining the number of cycles of use of an orthopaedic joint of the patient. If a predetermined threshold is exceeded, communication with an orthopaedic care provider is initiated. A patient monitoring system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for implanting heat deformable fixation elements of different sizes in a bone, comprises a hand piece extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including an internal optical waveguide connected to a laser source and open to the distal end of the hand piece and a light guiding tip extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end of the light guiding tip being removably mechanically and optically connectable to the distal end of the hand piece and the distal end of the light guiding tip being configured to permit removable attachment of a bone fixation element, the light guiding tip including an optical waveguide, wherein the light guiding tip is configured to control a total radiant energy Q transmitted from the laser source to the bone fixation element.

Abstract: A bone plate includes a first surface which, when the bone plate is positioned over a bone, faces the bone, and a second surface opposing the first surface, the bone plate comprising an elongate shaft portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone plate and including a plurality of through holes extending therethrough from the first surface to the second surface to receive a bone anchor therethrough and a head portion extending from an end of the elongate shaft portion along a length smaller than a length of the elongate shaft portion, a width of the head between lateral walls connecting edges of the first and second surface being greater than a width of the shaft distance between the lateral walls, wherein the second surface includes a cavity extending between a first one of the plurality of through holes situated closest to the head portion and the head portion.

Abstract: A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery.

Abstract: A method of replacing a nucleus pulposus material wherein curable nucleus pulposus material is injected into a balloon in an intervertebral space

Abstract: An aiming device for targeted drilling of a hole into bone includes a slot hole extending through the aiming device, the slot hole being configured to receive a guide sleeve therein at different locations therein and at different angles each of which corresponds with one of the locations along a longitudinal extension of the slot hole. The aiming device can be positioned relative to a bone plate using a positioning device including a base having a guide hole extending therethrough from a first side of the base to a second side of the base. The guide hole is formed as an elongated hole and is configured to receive the guide sleeve therein at different angles relative to the positioning device.

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 kneadable and moldable bone-replacement material includes a mixture of calcium-containing ceramic particles and a hydrogel or a substance which can be swelled into a hydrogel. The ceramic particles are of fully synthetic origin and the individual ceramic particles have a structure which is at least partially cohesive and porous. In addition, the majority of the ceramic particles have a non-spheric shape.

Abstract: Methods and instruments are provided to allow access to a surgical site through a small incision while optimizing visualization of the patient anatomy. The instrumentation provide for the retraction of soft tissue, creation of a working envelope below the skin, and access to intervertebral discs and/or the surrounding bony structures for the purpose of performing various operative procedures including discectomy, laminectomy, and other spinal fixations. One set of disclosed instrumentation provides for the targeting of placement and trajectory of spinal fixation devices while reducing the number of instruments necessary needed to pass through the surgical incision. Another instrument disclosed herein allows for the compression of the intervertebral space through a very small incision. The instrument profile is minimized by using the same instrument that is used for tightening of the pedicle screws as one of the active components of the compression instrument.

Abstract: A device (1) for mutually fixing a longitudinal carrier (3) to a bone fixation element (4), wherein the device consists of a three-dimensional body (5) which has a channel (6) that is open on one side, wherein the axis of the channel (7) receives the longitudinal carrier (3), and a bore hole (8) that extends crosswise in relation to the axis of the channel (7) through the body (5) and that is provided with a wall (10). At least one part of the bore wall (10) disposed between the channel (6) and the bore hole (8) is embodied as an elastic element (11) which can be pressed into the region of the channel (6) by introducing the bone fixation element (4) into the bore hole (8), such that a longitudinal carrier (3) arranged in the channel can be firmly clamped in a rotational and longitudinal manner by said elastic element (11).

Abstract: An anti-siphon drainage device having a housing forming an internal chamber, an inlet and outlet ports part of the internal chamber and fluidly connected by a primary flow path. A valve seat is associated with the primary flow path, a sloped section extends from the valve seat, and a valve element disposed in the sloped section and can seat in the valve seat to restrict a fluid flow into the primary flow path from the inlet port. A secondary flow path can have an opening near the inlet port and an orifice near the outlet port. A regulator has an aperture to selectively open and close the opening of the secondary flow path. When the valve element is seated in the valve seat and restricting the fluid flow into the primary flow path, the fluid flows into the secondary flow path.