Abstract: An expandable interspinous process spacer implant for insertion and/or implantation between a spinous process of a superior vertebral body and a spinous process of an inferior vertebral body, the implant comprising multiple pairs of legs joined in a scissor-like fashion and pivotally coupled to each other by one or more pins, where each leg has multiple slots along its longitudinal axis. The implant further may include a pair of bearing surfaces coupled between the legs via cross pins and a first plate and second plate each of which is coupled to a pair of roller pins disposed between a pair of slots on the legs where rotation of a fastener in the fastener holes of the first and second plate results in the first plate and the second plate being drawn toward each other causing the expansion of the height of the implant.

Abstract: A bone plate for the stabilization of bones includes upper and lower surfaces extending along a central longitudinal axis. The lower surface is configured to contact a target portion of bone when in an operative configuration a through opening extending through the plate from the upper surface to the lower surface. The through opening is sized and shaped to receive a stabilization plate. The through opening has an elongated curved shape selected to conform to a cross-sectional shape of a proximal portion of the stabilization plate.

Abstract: Cells derived from human umbilical cords are disclosed along with methods for their therapeutic use. Isolation techniques, culture methods and detailed characterization of the cells with respect to their cell surface markers, gene expression, and their secretion of trophic factors are described.

Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation element relative to a bone anchor includes a bone anchor grasping mechanism, a first adjustment mechanism, and a second adjustment mechanism. The bone anchor grasping mechanism includes a first arm having a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor. The first adjustment mechanism includes a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm. The second arm has a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor and is operable to adjust a spinal fixation element in a first direction upon pivoting relative to the first arm. The second adjustment mechanism is removably and replaceably coupled to the bone anchor grasping mechanism and is movable relative to the bone anchor grasping mechanism to adjust the spinal fixation element in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, relative to the bone anchor.

Abstract: Reciprocating rasps for the surgical preparation of the bone prior to the implantation of a glenoid or acetabular component with complex geometry are disclosed. Surgical methods for the use of such reciprocating rasps are also disclosed. Some of the methods include inserting a guide pin into the glenoid of the patient, advancing a reciprocating surgical rasp over the guide pin, reciprocating the surgical rasp so as to abrade bone tissue to form a cavity shaped to receive the glenoid component, and implanting the glenoid component in the cavity.

Abstract: A prosthesis system includes at least one stem including a cavity, a plurality of heads having a head coupling portion, at least one first coupler including a first upper coupling portion and a first lower coupling portion, the first upper coupling portion configured to couple with the head coupling portion of each of the plurality of heads and the first lower coupling portion configured to couple with the stem with a predetermined version angle and a predetermined inclination angle, and at least one second coupler including a second upper coupling portion and a second lower coupling portion, the second upper coupling portion configured to couple with the head coupling portion of each of the plurality of heads and the second lower coupling portion configured to couple with the stem with any of a plurality of version angles and any of a plurality of inclination angles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an allograft intervertebral implant sized and configured for insertion between adjacent vertebral bodies in a spinal fusion surgery. The implant is preferably manufactured from two or more pieces of allograft bone joined together by a joint, more preferably a dovetail joint. The dovetail joint being sized and configured to substantially follow the exterior shape or surface of the intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A dilation system for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a wedge assembly and an actuating mechanism. The wedge assembly comprises includes a base and a plurality of blades extending from the base so that the distal end of the blades extend away from the base. The mechanism is operably associated with the blades so as to cause the distal end of the blades to move from a closed condition to an expanded condition.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for the internal fixation of bone fractures, and particularly, to intramedullary fracture fixation devices such as those used in, for example, the treatment of long bone fractures. An IM rod preferably is provided with multiple curved sections in different planes preferably designed to conform with the long bones of a patient, both during insertion and in the rod's final position in the long bone. In addition, the overlap of portions of the curved sections results in a co-planar curvature of portions of the IM rod which assist in the insertion process by guiding the proper rotation of the IM rod as it is inserted into the bone. Spiraling flutes extending down the distal portion of the rod also assist in properly guiding and orienting the rod about its longitudinal axis during insertion such that the appropriate segment of the curved rod conforms with the appropriate portion of the long bone at the appropriate place.

Abstract: An instrument for recording or replicating the orientation of an adjustable component of an implant with respect to a stem portion of the implant includes a base assembly configured to clamp the stem portion of the implant in a predetermined orientation, and a fixture supported on the base assembly in a predetermined orientation with respect to the base assembly, the fixture including a locking assembly configured to be adjusted in three dimensions and locked in a configuration which angularly locks an alignment tool relative to the fixture in the three dimensions when the alignment tool is engaged with the adjustable component and the adjustable component is operably assembled with the stem portion and the stem portion is clamped by the base assembly.

Abstract: The winding mandrel includes a pair of generally rounded-cube shaped or orthogonally flat-sided spherical main bodies connected together and having a plurality of cylindrical posts for forming vasoocclusive coils. The main bodies are connected together by a transition post, and the posts of the two main bodies are typically offset. A front end post and back end post are disposed on the front and rear ends of the mandrel. A short winding post member may be added between the connections of the two main bodies to provide additional winding posts.

Abstract: Methods and devices are shown for forming polymer fasteners into bone by expelling the polymer from a cannula. Devices and methods shown allow a user to form multiple fasteners of various sizes without re-loading a device. Devices and methods shown further provide temperature profiles during fastener formation that reduce or eliminate thermal necrosis. Devices and methods shown further provide fasteners with increased strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone plating system and method for fracture fixation of bone. The bone plating system includes a bone plate, at least one locking screw, and at least one non-locking screw. The bone plate has locking holes with threads and non-locking holes. The locking screws have a shaft with a thread for engaging bone and a head with a thread configured and dimensioned to mate with the thread of the locking holes. The non-locking screws have a thread for engaging bone and a non-threaded head. Both the locking and non-locking screws remain seated in their respective holes for substantially as long as the bone plate is implanted. The non-locking screws compress the bone plate against the bone and hold fracture reduction while the locking screws are secured to the plate at a fixed angular relationship. The mixed fixation achieved by this bone plating system and method is particularly useful for treatment of per-articular fractures.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for inserting a guidewire into the body are provided. In one embodiment, a guidewire insertion device is provided and includes and outer sheath having an outer surface and an inner lumen extending therethrough, and a dilator having an inner lumen extending therethrough and having a length greater than a length of the outer sheath. A guidewire can be configured to extend through the inner lumen of the dilator such that the guidewire is removably and replaceably disposable within the dilator and coupled thereto. A locking mechanism can be effective to selectively configure the guidewire between a locked position in which the guidewire is stationary relative to the dilator and an unlocked position in which the guidewire is movable relative to the dilator.

Abstract: A Posterior Dynamic Stabilization (PDS) device that regulates physiologic spinal elongation and compression. Regulation of elongation and compression are critical requirements of Posterior Dynamic Stabilization devices. Elongation and compression of the device allow the pedicles to travel naturally as the spine flexes and extends. This interpedicular travel preserves a more natural center of rotation unlike some conventional PDS devices that simply allow bending. The device incorporates two components: 1) a spring that allows elongation/compression, and 2) a polymer core component that serves to increase the stiffness of the device in shear, bending, and tension, and also prevents soft tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured to introduce a spinal fixation rod into a vertebral implant such that once the spinal fixation rod is engaged with the surgical instrument and the surgical instrument is put into a retention configuration, the spinal fixation rod cannot be removed from the surgical instrument until the spinal fixation rod is properly located and oriented with respect to the surgical construct and the surgical instrument is released from the retention configuration. The surgical instrument for introducing a spinal fixation rod includes a surgical instrument body with an actuator, and an engagement assembly at opposing ends and a transfer assembly extending between the actuator and the engagement assembly. The surgical instrument can also be used as part of a method for introducing a spinal fixation rod. Additionally, the surgical instrument can be part of a kit for introducing a spinal fixation rod, the kit including a plurality of spinal fixation rods of varying shapes and sizes.

Abstract: Customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instruments are disclosed. Methods for fabricating and using such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A perfusion device and method is provided in various examples. In an example, the device includes a container having a first internal chamber configured to hold the material; a port for introducing the liquid into the chamber; a vent for releasing gas and liquid from the chamber; and a flow control device for sealing the vent to allow a vacuum to be drawn on the first chamber. In an example, the container includes a syringe that defines the internal material chamber and includes an end cap and a plunger. The vent may be formed by a venting passageway in the plunger and/or the cap. In various examples, the vacuum may be created by a medical syringe coupled to the container. In some examples, the medical syringe may also be used to deliver the liquid into the container.

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: A orthopaedic implant comprises an acetabular cup and a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is coupled to a rim surface of the acetabular cup. In one embodiment, a recess is defined in the rim surface and the wireless communication device is positioned therein. In another embodiment, the wireless communication device is positioned in an annular ring formed of a biocompatible material. The annular ring is coupled to the rim surface of the acetabular cup. The wireless communication device may be, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or device.