Abstract: A monitoring system including a reading device electrically connected to a probe via a wired interface. The probe has a physiological sensor/transducer configured as a Wheatstone resistive bridge balancing circuit. Integrated within the housing of the probe to prohibit separation during use by a user is a memory device arranged in parallel with the sensor. Communication between the reading device and the probe occurs via a wired interface utilizing a same number of electrical wires between the reading device and the Wheatstone as would be required without the memory device. Control circuitry selects between one of two modes for accessing either data detected by the sensor or the memory device.

Abstract: A medical implant comprises a biodegradable magnesium-based alloy of which at least a part of its surface layer comprises a magnesium carbonate. A method for the manufacture of a biocompatible, corrosion-inhibiting protective surface layer on a medical implant comprising a magnesium-based alloy, comprises: providing an implant comprising a magnesium-based alloy to be coated; placing the implant into a reactor chamber; exposing at least part of the surface of said implant to an atmosphere comprising humid carbon dioxide to produce a coating on the surface of the implant comprising a magnesium carbonate of the formula x MgCO3.y Mg (OH)2, whereby x+y=1; removing the implant from the reactor chamber; and drying the surface of the implant.

Abstract: Spinal implants and methods for spinal stabilization and/or fusion are provided. Exemplary implants described herein can be configured for delivery to a facet joint to stabilize and/or fuse the facet joint, and can optionally be anchored within the pedicle for added fixation. The implant can optionally include a fusion-promoting bioactive material thereby providing a single device capable of spinal stabilization and/or fusion. Furthermore, a method of placing such an implant within a facet joint is provided.

Abstract: A method of implanting a shoulder prosthesis in a scapula of a patient includes the step of placing a guide over a primary glenoid component previously implanted within the scapula of the patient. The method further includes the steps of removing the primary glenoid component from the scapula and preparing the scapula for implantation of a secondary glenoid component, wherein the removing and preparing steps occur simultaneously.

Abstract: Spinal fixation plates for maintaining adjacent vertebrae in and fixed position are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the plate includes opposed superior and inferior portions that are angled in a direction anterior to an anterior face of a mid-portion of the plate. The plate also includes a curvature formed therein about a longitudinal axis in a sagittal plane thereof. In use, when the plate is attached to adjacent vertebrae, the angle of the superior and inferior portions and the curvature in the plate are effective to position one or more thru-bores formed in the superior and inferior portions at the anterior rims of the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a spinal fixation plate is provided that is adapted to engage and mate to a fusion cage or other vertebral implant disposed between adjacent vertebra. The present invention also provides spinal fixation kits or assemblies, and methods for implanting the same.

Abstract: An intramedullary pin for insertion into the medullary space of the femur through the lateral compacta of the trochanter major. The pin has a proximal pin section and an adjoining distal pin section. Each pin section includes one or more bores for one or more bone screws. The proximal pin section has at least one bore running obliquely to the longitudinal axis, so that bone screws can be inserted through the bore into the head of the femur, or a screw can be inserted in the antegrade direction through the bore. The distal pin section is at least partly straight and the proximal pin section has a curvature in the lateral-posterior direction.

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: 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: The present application discloses embodiments related to an external bone fixation device configured to correct bone deformities or repair bone injuries. The device can include a plurality of bases configured to be attached to portions of a bone and a plurality of struts configured to be adjustable in length to change the position and orientation of the plurality of bases and the attached bone portions.

Abstract: An expansion ring for a braided stent includes a plurality of elongated forked frame elements forming the expansion ring. Each of the frame elements includes first and second legs extending in one direction and connected together at a junction portion forming a fulcrum allowing compression of the frame elements, and each of the frame elements are threaded through interstices in a tubular body of the braided stent so that the junction portions engage the tubular body of the braided stent. Each of the frame elements is connected sequentially to adjacent frame elements at the ends of the first and second legs, and the expansion ring has a compressed configuration with a first diameter and an expanded configuration with a second diameter larger than the first diameter.

Abstract: A bone fixation nail having an elongated body configured and dimensioned for insertion into a bone. The elongated body has a first slot extending from the leading end to a first end and defining first and second wings, the first and second wings configured to splay radially outward upon application of an internal stress thereto.

Abstract: A dilator retractor and the dilators that are used for minimally invasive spinal surgery or other surgery are configured to accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient as by configuring the cross sectional area in an elliptical shape, or by forming a funnel configuration with the wider end at the proximate end. In some embodiments the distal end is contoured to also accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient so that a cylindrically shaped, funnel shaped, ovoid shaped dilator retractor can be sloped or tunneled to accommodate the bone structure of the patient or provide access for implants. The dilator retractor is made with different lengths to accommodate the depth of the cavity formed by the dilators.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes an insertion end, an opposing engagement end, and first and second opposed main surfaces configured to contact respective adjacent vertebral endplates. Each of the first and second main surfaces has an anterior edge, a posterior edge, and extends between the insertion and engagement ends. Anterior and posterior walls are formed between the first and second main surfaces and along the respective anterior and posterior edges and converge at the insertion and engagement ends. A slot is formed at the engagement end and extends continuously between and at least partially along the anterior and posterior walls. A post is positioned within the slot, spaced from at least one of the anterior and posterior walls and extending at least partially between the first and second main surfaces. The post includes a plurality of exposed facets and is configured for engagement with a pivotable insertion instrument.

Abstract: A bone plate includes a first three-part combination hole extending through a proximal portion of the plate, a first portion configured to engage a threaded head portion of a bone fixation element, a second portion configured to receive a bone fixation element along an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bone and a third portion defining a screw axis extending toward the distal end of the elongated body at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axis in combination with a first two-part combination hole extending through the proximal portion, a first threaded portion configured to engage a threaded head portion of a bone fixation element and a second portion defining an elongated slot extending along a longitudinal axis of the plate for receiving a bone fixation element so that the plate may slide along its longitudinal axis relative to the bone fixation element.

Abstract: An impacting device for inserting, positioning and/or removing an implant and/or performing other impacting applications. The impacting device may have a head having at least one recess. The recess may have a insertion channel and a locking chamber. In one embodiment, the insertion channel and the locking chamber may be connected by an axial channel. The recess may pass through a lateral surface of the head so that the base surface may remain cohesive or unobstructed. A guide means, such as a guide rod, may be positioned though the recess so that the head may be moveable on the guide means and not disengage the guide means. A shaft having a handle may be attached to the head to assist a surgeon in moving the head on the guide means.

Abstract: A fixation device comprises a biodegradable inner core extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal tip to a proximal end in combination with a sleeve surrounding the core along a portion of a length thereof and comprising a thermoplastic polymer formed of a material which softens and expands into surrounding bone tissue when activated by an energy source.

Abstract: A bi-directional suture passing instrument configured to approach soft tissues perpendicularly, enables safer and more efficient surgical repairs and minimally invasive techniques to be employed, useful in areas such as annulus repair, meniscal repair, shoulder arthroscopy, hernia repair, laparoscopic repair, and wound closure.

Abstract: A system and method are for bone fixation. A radially expandable sleeve is inserted over an elongated shaft of a bone screw. The bone screw and radially expandable sleeve are inserted into a transverse opening extending through a bone fixation device positioned in a bone until the radially expandable sleeve is fully housed within the transverse opening. The bone screw is further screwed into the bone relative to the radially expandable sleeve to cause expansion of the radially expandable sleeve within the bone fixation device, thereby locking the sleeve to the bone fixation device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for positioning a rod includes a rod holder, a sleeve, and a pusher rod. The rod holder is configured to releasably grip a first end of a rod therebetween. The sleeve is disposed about the rod holder and slideable between an extended position to hold the tines in a rod gripping position and a retracted position to permit release of the rod from the tines. The pusher rod is slidably disposed within the rod holder and has a plurality of rod receiving notches configured to engage the rod such that the rod is held at a selected angle with respect to the pusher rod.

Abstract: An aiming guide aligns a surgical tool with a hole in a bone plate. The aiming guide includes an arm portion having a longitudinal axis, top and bottom surfaces, and first and second ends. The aiming guide further includes a handle portion having upper and lower ends. The handle portion is, at its lower end, connected to the bone plate. The handle portion is, at its upper end, connected to the arm portion. Bores extend from the top surface to the lower surface of the arm portion. Each bore is configured and dimensioned to receive a tool guide in at least two different preset positions which locates the channel in at least two different hole positions. The bore includes two diametrically opposed slots extending along at least a portion of a length of the bore, the slots configured and dimensioned to mate with diametrically opposed knobs extending radially outward from a tool guide. The tool guide has a head and a sleeve portion, which has a centered channel.