Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for joining adjacent longitudinal spinal rods. The transconnector preferably includes a bridge member and a pair of bone fixation coupling elements, the bridge member is preferably sized and configured to span a distance between the pair of bone fixation coupling elements. The bone fixation coupling elements are preferably sized and configured to engage the bridge member and sized and configured to receive one of the bone fixation elements. The bone fixation coupling elements are preferably sized and configured to engage the body portion of the bone fixation element. The bone fixation coupling elements may include a locking cap having a first set of threads for threadably engaging the bone fixation element.

Abstract: A bone screw is provided having first and second threaded portions of different diameter separated by a middle portion that is unthreaded so that the bone screw may be inserted into a pair of adjacent bone fragments and used to compress the fragments together by driving the screw into a hole drilled in the fragments. An installation tool is also disclosed for threadably engaging one end of the bone screw and is used to initially drive the screw into the bone hole. Thereafter, a screwdriver may be inserted through the tool and into engagement with a recess in the bone screw and may be used to drive the screw fully into the bone and to separate the bone screw from the installation tool. A method of installation is further provided.

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: Disclosed is an axial and rotational stopping device for use when creating threads in a predrilled pilot hole or inserting an allograft bony void filler or synthetic implant into a threaded hole. The device can also provide consistent depth control for drilling a pilot hole, tapping the hole to create threads, and implanting an allograft bony void filler or synthetic implant while preventing damage to the threads in the tapped hole that would be caused by continuing to rotate a tap once the depth stop has been reached and the tap can no longer advance in the axial direction, as well as preventing damage to the threads in the tapped hole, the threads on the mating allograft bony void filler or synthetic implant, and the drive features on either the driver instrument or the allograft bony void filler or synthetic implant.

Abstract: Implants and methods for osteopathic augmentation and repositioning of vertebrae may comprise a chain having one or more beads or bodies configured for insertion into a vertebral body. The one or more bodies may be expandable. As the chain is inserted into the vertebral body, it may fill a central portion thereof and can push against the inner sides of the endplates of the vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the vertebral body to its original height. The one or more bodies may have a first configuration dimensioned to pass through a catheter or other introducer, and may expand to a second, larger configuration after insertion into the bone in order to secure the chain within the bone.

Abstract: A device for clamping a fixation element which may allow for repositioning of the fixation element. The device may include a body comprising a front end, a rear end, an outer surface, a through bore extending between the front end and the rear end, a structure enabling deformation of at least a portion of the body, and a thread along at least a portion of the outer surface. The body may be tapered and the through bore may be sized and configured to receive a fixation element. The clamping device may also comprise a receiving member having a tapered bore with an inner thread sized and configured to receive the thread of the body. Insertion of the body into the tapered bore of the receiving member may result in at least a portion of the body being deformed. As the body is inserted into the tapered bore, the dimension of the through bore may decrease so that the body firmly engages the fixation element.

Abstract: Disclosed are several embodiments directed to a flexible fixation device and method to provide adequate purchase into bone at angles that are awkward for properly engaging inflexible and rigid screws. In one instance, the fixation device is comprised of a head to effect engagement of the device and to acts as an insertion-stop for the device, as well as a helical portion of a suitable cross-sectional geometry to allow for adequate purchase into bone. The helical portion provides fixation as the helical form engages the bone over a relatively large surface area relative to the size of the entry point. The helical portion may be variously configured to resemble, for example, a cork screw, a coiled spring, and so forth. Most variations offer both flexibility (to make angled insertion achievable) while still retaining enough helical-directional rigidity to achieve the desired implantation and fixation.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail, particular for use with a tibia, may have a proximal end part, a distal end part adapted to be introduced into a medullary space, and a central section. The central section includes a first curved section having a first length with a first radius of curvature, and a second curved section having a second length shorter than the first length and a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature. The second radius of curvature may be less than the first radius of curvature. The intramedullary nail also includes a central axis. Tangents at two end points of the central section, including the first and second curved sections, enclose an angle gamma between about 9° and about 12°. The intramedullary nail may have a total length ranging from 200 to 500 mm.

Abstract: A transconnector for use in interconnecting a pair of longitudinal spinal rods in a spinal fixation procedure. The transconnector includes a bridge member and first and second spinal rod engaging members. The bridge member may include first and second members, wherein the first and second members are moveably associated with one another so that the distance between the first and second spinal rod engaging members can be adjusted. The first and second spinal rod engaging members include a rod receiving channel for receiving one of the spinal rods therein. The spinal rod engaging members may be articulating in, for example, the yaw and roll positions or non articulating with respect to the bridge members. The spinal rod engaging members preferably include a spring, for example, a spring washer, to provide an opposing force so that the spinal rod engaging members can provisionally snap onto the spinal rods.

Abstract: Translational bone fixation assemblies, kits containing such assemblies, and methods of use are described herein. The described assemblies may be used in spinal fusion procedures in which a damaged or diseased disc (or part of a disc) is removed from between a pair of vertebrae and a spinal fusion spacer is placed between the vertebrae. The assemblies may be applied to an anterior portion of the affected vertebrae to span the affected disc space, and may be fixed to the vertebrae using bone screws. The assemblies may function to maintain the vertebrae aligned during the initial period following fixation in which fusion of the spacer to the adjacent vertebrae occurs. The assemblies may also function to share some of the axial spinal load applied to the fusion spacer to prevent extreme subsidence of the spacer into the vertebral body, such as where the patient has poor bone quality.

Abstract: An osteosynthetic clamp is provided for use in attaching a bone anchor to a support rod. The clamp comprises a carrier with a first portion adapted for connection to the anchor and with a second portion for connection to the rod. A clamping hook defines a bight in which the rod can be located and a head that passes through an aperture defined by the second portion of the carrier. The head of the hook passes through a collar, which is attached to the second portion of the carrier by engaging, complementarily shaped parts. These parts are defined respectively by the second portion of the carrier and by the collar and together form a joint permitting sliding translational movement of the collar relative to the carrier. A fastener can be secured to the head of the clamping hook and tightened in order to clamp the rod within the bight.

Abstract: Described is a reference pin for use during a bone fracture treatment. The pin may include a longitudinal shaft and a spreading member. The longitudinal shaft with a longitudinal axis, a front end, a rear end and a through hole penetrating the shaft from the front end to the rear end. The shaft includes a rear portion adjoining the rear end and an expandable front portion adjoining the front end. The expandable front portion is insertable in a distal locking hole of an intramedullary nail and reversibly expandable transversely to the longitudinal axis. The spreading member is moveably located in the through hole and apt for reversibly expanding the expandable front end portion. The expandable front portion is reversibly expandable within a range between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A device for controlled operation of a surgical or dental drive unit driven by a compressed fluid source p available in the operating room and comprising A) a control valve attachable to the drive unit for controlling a flow rate of a compressed fluid flowing from a compressed fluid source p to a drive unit; B) a first control means by means of which the control valve is operable; and C) a second control means by means of which a flow rate of compressed fluid may be controlled. The device further comprises D) a control switch which is attached to the control valve and allowing to select between at least three positions (A;B;C): in position A the control valve is locked and closed; in position B the control valve is unlocked and a flow rate of the compressed fluid is controllable by means of the first control means; and in position C the control valve is unlocked and open permitting the control of a flow rate by means of the second control means.

Abstract: A flexible element that may be configured, among various uses, as an intervertebral implant for insertion into an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies or between two bone portions. The flexible element includes one or more struts extending from superior and inferior endplates and bending towards one another for connection with one or more internal beams.

Abstract: A bone plate (1) having an upper side (2), a bone-sided lower side (3), a first end (11), a second end (12) and several plate holes (4) arranged between the two ends (11, 12) and connecting the upper side (2) to the lower side (3), the plate holes being provided for receiving bone screws. Two of the plate holes (4) are formed by a combination of two partially overlapping boreholes (5, 6) of different type. The first (5) of the two boreholes is a circular cylindrical bore, having an internal thread (7) and a cylinder axis (9). The second borehole (6) has a cone axis (10) and tapers from the upper side (2) to the lower side (3) in the form of a frustum of a cone. The second borehole (6) is provided with an internal thread (8). The cylinder axis (9) is situated at a distance A from the cone axis (10), where A is different than zero.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a bone-regeneration material. According to the method, a bio-compatible, open-pored body is exposed to a vacuum and osteoinductive and/or osteogenic substances are absorbed into the pores of the body, for example by means of a vacuum generated therein. It is thus possible to produce a bone-regeneration material, which contains osteoinductive and/or osteogenic substances in the pores of the bio-compatible body, said substances acting as a network structure for new somatic cells that are to grow into the porous body.

Abstract: A system for securing a bone fixation device to a bone comprises a flexible longitudinal element configured to wrap about and stabilize one of a target portion of bone and a bone stabilizing element. The longitudinal element includes a plurality of projections extending distally from a first surface thereof. Each projection includes a proximal abutting surface in combination with a bone fixation element including a channel extending therethrough sized and shaped to slidably receive therein a portion of the longitudinal element distal of the head. The bone fixation element includes a recess shaped to receive the head and prevent the head from being drawn distally through the channel. The bone fixation element or the longitudinal element includes a tab configured to engage one of the proximal abutting surfaces to prevent the projections of the longitudinal element from moving proximally relative to the tab.

Abstract: A vertebral implant for fusing adjacent vertebrae or for replacing vertebral bodies is disclosed. The implant is a biocompatible metal, resorbable, or radiolucent implant conforming substantially in size and shape with an end plate of a vertebra. The implant preferably has a wedge-shaped profile to restore disc height and the natural curvature of the spine. The top and bottom surfaces of the implant have areas with a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability and areas devoid of any protrusions to receive implantation instrumentation. The implant also has a stackability feature. The implant provides initial stability needed for fusion without stress shielding.

Abstract: A device for osteosynthesis that includes a fixation element having at least one through hole designed to receive a pivotable bushing for a bone screw. The through hole having a central axis and a cross-section extending orthogonally to the central axis defined by two incomplete semicircles connected to each other by at least two non-circular cut outs forming grooves in the fixation element. The device also includes at least one bushing insertable in the through hole. The bushing has top and bottom surfaces, a longitudinal axis, a central bore designed to receive a bone screw, and a peripheral outside face having at least two outwardly extending protrusions defining an axis of rotation of the bushing extending through the protrusions. A cross section of the bushing orthogonal to the longitudinal axis is shaped such that the bushing is pivotable about the axis of rotation defined by the protrusions.

Abstract: The intramedullary nail has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal end, at least one hole that extends transversely to the longitudinal axis and is situated in a plane with a defined diameter to accommodate a locking element, as well as a longitudinal slot extending in the plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. In the unexpanded state of the intramedullary nail the longitudinal slot has a width b, measured perpendicularly to the plane in the region outside of the holes, said slot being maximum 0.6 times that of the smallest defined diameter of the holes.