Abstract: An implant for insertion into a disc space between vertebrae, wherein the implant includes a spacer portion, a plate portion coupled to the spacer portion, two bone fixation elements for engaging the vertebrae and a retention mechanism for preventing the bone fixation elements from postoperatively backing-out of the plate portion. The retention mechanism may be in the form of a spring biased snapper element that is biased into communication with the bone fixation elements so that once the bone fixation element advances past the snapper element, the snapper element is biased back to its initial position in which the snapper element interfaces with the bone fixation elements. Alternatively, the retention mechanism may be in the form of a propeller rotatable between a first position in which the bone fixation elements are insertable to a second position where the bone fixation elements are prevented from backing-out.

Abstract: Instrumentation and methods are provided for upper jaw correction surgery. The application discloses an orthopedic system and method that can be used to perform both a first distraction (for example a maxillary distraction) and a second distraction (for example a maxillary expansion) within the same surgical procedure. The instrumentation for separating first and second bone segments can include a first footplate; a second footplate; an actuator arranged to vary a distance between the first and second footplates; and a hinge that rotatably attaches the first and second footplates such that the first and second footplates can be angularly adjusted relative to each other about a pivot axis. Additionally, instrumentation and methods are provided for a hinged fixation device capable of securing and adjusting both the linear separation and angular orientation of bone structures.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for repairing a tear in a meniscus. A pair of fixation member each entailing a preformed knot configuration coupled together by a suture length. The fixation members are placed on the meniscal tissue with the suture length spanning the tear, the knot configurations are expanded to form anchoring knots and the suture length is shortened to close the tear.

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: An interspinous process having a narrowed distal portion.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant (10) includes superior (20) and inferior (30) bone contacting members and at least one vertical wire netting (50) interconnecting the superior and inferior bone contacting members. The superior and inferior bone contacting members include at least two bone contacting components interconnected via one or more lateral wire nettings such that the implant is vertically and laterally expandable in situ from a first insertion configuration to a second expanded configuration. The vertical and lateral wire netting are preferably constructed of a plurality of individual link members. The present invention also preferably relates to an associated method of manufacturing the intervertebral implant such that the intervertebral implant can be manufactured as an integral component or part.

Abstract: The invention is generally related to an intervertebral implant for replacing an intervertebral disc of the human spine. The intervertebral implant includes a first conformable endplate, the first conformable endplate being conformable to a boney vertebral endplate under an anatomical load, a second endplate and a core between the endplates, wherein the first conformable endplate partitions the core from the boney vertebral endplate, whereby the core does not contact the boney vertebral endplate. The invention is also directed to a method of replacing an intervertebral disc.

Abstract: The helical balloon assist device includes a tubular balloon formed at least partially into an independent helical shape in an uninflated state and an inflation tube in sealed communication with the balloon and extending from the helical balloon assist device in a proximal direction. The helical balloon assist device may include an inner core member formed at least partially into an independent helical shape and supporting the helical shape of the tubular balloon.

Abstract: A balloon assist device is disclosed which includes an inner body and a balloon bonded to the inner body. The inner body extends along an axis from a proximal end to a distal end and the cross-section of the inner body partially encloses the axis. The balloon assist device also includes an inflation tube in sealed communication with the volume enclosed by the inner body and the sheath. The balloon assist device may also include a pusher for sliding the balloon assist device along the catheter. The pusher may extend parallel to the axis from the proximal end of the balloon assist device in a proximal direction. The inflation tube may also be used as a pusher. The inner body of the balloon assist device may be a split cylinder extending along the axis from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A balloon assist device is disclosed which includes an inner body, a balloon joined to the inner body, and a positioner. The inner body includes an open-ended closed tube extending along an axis from a proximal end to a distal end. The balloon assist device also includes an inflation tube in sealed communication with the balloon. The positioner allows a clinician to slide the balloon assist device along the catheter. The positioner may also include the inflation tube.

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: 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: Disclosed are fixation devices for repairing spondylolysis. The fixation device can include a first anchor, a second anchor, and a bridge that couples the first and second anchors together. In use, the first anchor can be implanted on one side of a pars fracture, the second anchor can be implanted on the other side of the pars fracture, and the bridge can span across the pars fracture. In some embodiments, the fixation device can be compressible to promote healing of the fracture.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for enlarging a spinal canal of a vertebra. Using the methods and systems disclosed the spinal canal of the vertebra is enlarged by cutting the posterior arch portion of the vertebra to create one or two implant receiving spaces in the posterior arch portion. The cutting of the posterior arch portion is completed through a minimally invasive approach. Once cut, the detached portion of the posterior arch portion is repositioned and an implant is positioned in the implant receiving space of the posterior arch portion to thereby enlarge the spinal canal such that the spinal cord is no longer compressed. The insertion of the implant is also completed through a minimally invasive approach.

Abstract: Bone anchors and surgical instruments (e.g., bone taps, drivers, etc.) are disclosed herein that include integrated guide tips. Use of these anchors or instruments can eliminate one or more of the steps in a conventional bone anchor installation procedure, improving surgical efficiency and safety. For example, a surgical instrument can include a guide projection configured for insertion through a cannulation formed in a bone anchor when the surgical instrument is coupled to the bone anchor. The surgical instrument can also include various mechanisms for adjusting the position of the guide projection relative to the bone anchor. The guide projection can replace the needle, stylet, and guidewire used in typical insertion procedures. The bone anchor can also include integrated tapping features to eliminate the need for a separate bone tap instrument. Thus, in some embodiments, targeting, tapping, and driving the bone anchor can be performed in a single step.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal fusion intervertebral implant including upper and lower body portions each having proximal and distal surfaces at proximal and distal ends thereof. The implant can include a proximal wedge member disposed at the proximal ends of the respective ones of the upper and lower body portions, and a distal wedge member disposed at the distal ends of the respective ones of the upper and lower body portions. First and second linkages can connect the upper and lower body portions. Rotation of an actuator shaft can cause the distal and proximal wedge members to be drawn together such that longitudinal movement of the distal wedge member against the distal surfaces and the longitudinal movement of the proximal wedge member against the proximal surfaces causes separation of the upper and lower body portions.

Abstract: An expandable implant system is configured to increase the height of a target bone, for instance that has been subjected to a compression fracture. The expandable implant system includes an implant assembly that can be inserted into the target bone, and subsequently expanded so as to increase the height of the target bone. The expandable implant system further includes an and insertion assembly that is configured to create an insertion channel into the target bone, such that the implant assembly can be inserted in a collapsed configuration into the target bone along the insertion channel, and subsequently expanded.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices are provided for positioning a spinal fixation element in relation to adjacent spinal anchors. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a percutaneous access device that can be coupled to a spinal anchor, and the method includes the step of positioning a spinal fixation element through at least one sidewall opening of at least two percutaneous access devices such that the spinal fixation element extends in a lengthwise orientation that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of each percutaneous access device. The spinal fixation element can then be advanced in the lengthwise orientation to seat the spinal fixation element in or adjacent to the receiver heads of at least two adjacent spinal anchors. A fastening element or other closure mechanism can then be applied to each spinal anchor to engage the spinal fixation element within the receiver heads of the adjacent anchors.

Abstract: A system and methods for providing and reclaiming a single use imaging device for sterile environments is disclosed and described. The system may include a single use high definition camera used for general purpose surgical procedures including, but not limited to: arthroscopic, laparoscopic, gynecologic, and urologic procedures, may comprise an imaging device that is a sterile and designed to ensure single use. The imaging device may have a single imaging sensor, either CCD or CMOS, encased in a housing.

Abstract: Isolated or purified mammalian kidney-derived cell populations from mammalian kidney tissue are provided. Methods are provided for the isolation and purification of the mammalian kidney-derived cell population. Methods for treating kidney disease are provided by administration of the isolated or purified mammalian kidney-derived cell population to a mammalian subject.