Abstract: This invention relates to an intervertebral motion disc having two motion surfaces and. wherein the radius of the upper articulation surface of the core member is greater than the radius of the lower articulation surface of the core member, and wherein the first articulation surface of the core member is spherical and the second articulation surface of the core member is curved and non-spherical.

Abstract: A device for straightening and stabilizing the vertebral column, particularly for stabilizing broken vertebrae, includes a supporting implant which is plastically expandable by internal pressure. The supporting implant can be placed into the interior of a vertebral body which has been fractured under compression or between adjacent vertebral bodies. A pressure balloon to which pressure fluid can be admitted may be arranged in the interior of the supporting implant for producing the internal pressure.

Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

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: An endoscopic device having embodiments of a hybrid imaging sensor that optimizes a pixel array area on a substrate using a stacking scheme for placement of related circuitry with minimal vertical interconnects between stacked substrates and associated features are disclosed. Embodiments of maximized pixel array size/die size (area optimization) are disclosed, and an optimized imaging sensor providing improved image quality, improved functionality, and improved form factors for specific applications common to the industry of digital imaging are also disclosed. Embodiments of the above may include systems, methods and processes for staggering ADC or column circuit bumps in a column or sub-column hybrid image sensor using vertical interconnects are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are a system and method for detaching a therapeutic device, e.g. an embolic coil, from a delivery tube at a target site in a patient's body. The system includes a bead disposed against a distal end of the therapeutic device that retains the therapeutic device to the delivery tube in a first compressed configuration through a coupling union comprising a series of connectors. The series of connectors may include a stretch resistant member through which the bead is attached to an anchor inside the therapeutic device. The anchor, in turn, may be disposed against a thermally responsive element comprised of a polymeric material configured to melt or otherwise change configuration to release the anchor, and with it, to also release the therapeutic device. Energy may be supplied to the thermally responsive element through electrical conductors and a resistive heating element disposed within the delivery tube.

Abstract: A multi packaging system for packaging of sterile implants includes a carrier plate and a plurality of packings removably attached to the carrier plate. Each of the plurality of packings contains an implant and is individually removable from the carrier plate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a connector has a bone connecting portion that is elongate along a central axis and secures the connector to a vertebra, and has a guiding portion that is located proximal to the bone connecting portion. The guiding portion has a flexible wing that extends from a platform member of the guiding portion, and a connecting portion that attaches the platform member to the bone connecting portion. The wing is bendable with respect to the platform member between an extended configuration where the wing extends outwardly away from the platform member, and a curved configuration where the wing is bent so as to define at least a portion of a passageway between the inner surface of the wing and a protrusion of the platform. The passageway receives and slides along an elongated support member such as a spine rod.

Abstract: A method of forming an access opening through a psoas muscle to a patient's spine includes laterally inserting a stimulating dilator into the psoas muscle. The stimulating dilator has a stimulation channel formed in an outer surface thereof. An electrical pulse is transmitted via an EMG into the stimulating dilator to locate a position of a nerve in the patient's psoas muscle. The stimulating dilator is laterally inserted through the psoas muscle and toward the patient's spine in a way that avoids the nerve. A stimulating probe is inserted into the stimulation channel along the outer surface of the stimulating dilator while transmitting an electrical pulse via the EMG into the stimulating probe to verify the position of the nerve.

Abstract: A bone plate for fixation to a phalanx includes a head extending from a first end to a second end and having first and second fixation element holes extending therethrough, a connection portion extending from the second end of the head to a third end along the central longitudinal axis, the connection portion including an oblong hole elongated in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis, and a shaft extending from the third end of the connection portion to a fourth end along the central longitudinal axis. The shaft includes third and fourth fixation element holes extending along the central longitudinal axis. The shaft includes a plurality of first projections and a plurality of second projections. The first and second projections include corresponding projection fixation element holes extending therethrough and being connected to the shaft. The first and second projections are alternatingly provided on the shaft.

Abstract: A bone plate includes a first through hole extending through the plate along a first longitudinal axis from a proximal surface of the plate to a bone-facing distal surface thereof which, when the plate is placed on a target portion of bone in a desired orientation, faces the bone. An outer wall of the first through hole includes three wall sections provided with projections for receiving a screw head of a bone screw. The three wall sections are straight or convex.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure provide an access tube including a wall structure and an optional handle extending from the wall structure. Selectively weakened areas facilitate selective resection of the wall structure to reveal windows that accommodate lateral intrusions by surrounding anatomical structures and/or provide increased access to an intervertebral disc. For example, a first distal weakened portion is configured to form a first window to afford lateral intrusion of a spinous process. A second distal weakened portion is configured to form a second window to afford lateral intrusion of facet. A proximal weakened portion is configured to afford additional angular access on a proximal end of the tube.

Abstract: A system for bending an implant includes a drill guide extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, the drill guide including a distal portion having a first threading extending therealong to engage a threading along an interior of a bone fixation element receiving hole of an implant and a proximal portion having a second threading extending therealong and a bending pin extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end including a recess extending proximally therefrom, the recess sized and shaped to receive the proximal portion of the drill guide and including a corresponding threading therealong for engaging the second threading.

Abstract: A method for implantation of an intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant may comprise a body constructed of a radiolucent material and having a thickness between a superior and an inferior face greatest at a middle portion of the body and tapered toward each end, and two vertical through-channels extending through the body from the superior to the inferior face, the channels being spaced from one another in a way to define a wall extending between the channels from the superior to the inferior face; and at least three radiopaque markers extending substantially through the body from the superior to the inferior face and disposed in the body so as to be enclosed in the radiolucent material of the body from the superior to the inferior face to indicate implant location and size in postoperative spinal scans.

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 orthopedic 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.

Abstract: Spinal rod reduction apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided. In various examples, a rod reduction apparatus includes a first threaded member including an engagement feature configured to selectively anchor the first threaded member to the implantable screw assembly. A second threaded member is configured to threadably engage with the first threaded member. The second threaded member is axially movable with respect to the first threaded member with rotation of the second threaded member. A spinal rod urging member is axially movable with the second threaded member. The urging member includes a bearing surface that is configured to selectively abut the spinal rod and selectively urge the spinal rod toward the implantable screw assembly with rotation of the second threaded member in a first rotational direction.

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.