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: A soft tissue fixation assembly includes a plurality of deformable bone anchors and a suture that is configured to fixedly attach to each of the bone anchors. One or more of the bone anchors can be inserted into a bone, and one or more of the bone anchors can be inserted through soft tissue and into the bone. The suture can be inserted through the bone anchors, and energy can be applied to the anchors, thereby causing a deformable material of the bone anchors to deform, thereby capturing the strand of suture in the bone anchor. The strand of suture can be placed in tension, and can extend over the soft tissue so as to retain the soft tissue in contact with the bone.

Abstract: Implants and methods for augmentation, preferably by minimally invasive procedures and means, of body tissue, including in some embodiments repositioning of body tissue, for example, bone and, preferably vertebrae are described. The implant may comprise one or more chain linked bodies inserted into the interior of body tissue. As linked bodies are inserted into body tissue, they may fill a central portion thereof and for example in bone can push against the inner sides of the cortical exterior surface layer, for example the end plates of a vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the body tissue to its original or desired treatment height. A bone cement or other filler can be added to further augment and stabilize the body tissue. The preferred implant comprises a single flexible monolithic chain formed of allograft cortical bone having a plurality of substantially non-flexible bodies connected by substantially flexible links.

Abstract: A method and instrumentation for performing a patellofemoral arthroplasty orthopedic procedure includes coupling an anterior cutting block to a femur of a patient such that the cutting block references local anatomy of the femur. The anterior cutting block is used to perform a number of bone cuts to establish a trochlear cavity in the femur. The trochlear cavity is formed such that a trochlear prosthesis may be inset into the cavity and substantially flush with the surrounding cartilage. A finishing burring guide and burr bit may be used to detail the shape and/or size of the trochlear cavity. Additionally, a trochlear drill guide may be used to facilitate establishing peg holes in the patient's femur to receive corresponding pegs of the trochlear prosthesis.

Abstract: A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery.

Abstract: A syringe having an energy source disposed therein is disclosed. The syringe is capable of both the delivery and/or aspiration of materials as well as the delivery of an effective amount of various types of energy to a target to produce a desired result. A method utilizing the syringe to administer materials and to deliver energy to the material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone plate sized and shaped for fixation to one of a phalangeal and metacarpal bone includes a head extending from a first end to a second end and having an elongated curved plate hole extending therethrough along a curved path from a first end to a second end, a plate hole axis of the elongated curved plate hole extending orthogonally from a top surface to a bone contacting surface of the bone plate and a shaft extending from the head, the shaft including an elongated shaft plate hole extending therethrough and elongated in a direction extending orthogonal to a central longitudinal axis of the bone plate, a plate hole axis of the elongated shaft plate hole extending orthogonally from the top surface to the bone contacting surface.

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: Coiled spinal implants for disc, vertebral body, and spinal motion segment replacement or reconstruction comprise a plurality of loops and spaces between the loops, with the loops formed of a hollow material and having a plurality of apertures or a longitudinal gap that extend(s) through the sidewalls of the loops and into the hollow center. The coiled implants include one or more balloons within the hollow center, the spaces between the coil loops, and/or within the central void that the coil surrounds. Filling the balloon expands the loops and thereby increases the height of the coil. Bone graft material or bone cement may be deployed from the apertures or gap.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a graft with respect to bone are provided. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical implant includes a flexible filament body and a suture filament or repair construct that extends through the filament body at multiple locations. The repair construct is formed into one or more coils, which can receive a graft. The flexible filament body can be configured to be actuated between unstressed and anchoring configurations, the latter of which sets a location of the suture filament, and associated graft, in a bone tunnel. More particularly, the flexible filament body can ball up, or become denser, to a size that cannot pass into the bone tunnel in which the suture filament holding the graft is disposed. The present disclosure also provides for feedback units to assist a surgeon in knowing a location of the implant. Further, other exemplary devices and methods are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aiming device (15) for the placement of Kirschner-wires in orthopedics/traumatology. The aiming device (15) comprises an adjustable aiming block (10) which is displaceably attached to a forceps (20). The fixation of the aiming device at the bone (30) can be varied by clamping the forceps (20) more or less strongly. The aiming block (10) can be displaced to the periost (31) and be fixed. The aiming device (15) according to the invention allows the alignment of the guidance (2) of the Kirschner-wire (1) about an axis of rotation (12). Before the Kirschner-wire (1) is inserted in the bone (30) its position and direction can be intraoperatively represented and aligned in at least two non-parallel planes of projection (P1, P2) by means of fluoroscopy and/or navigation. Repeated drilling and mistaken positioning of the Kirschner-wire (1) can so be avoided. Thus, allowing to reduce the time of operation and the exposure of the patient to radiation.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: An interspinous process having a narrowed distal portion.

Abstract: An orthopaedic assembly. The orthopaedic assembly includes a first member adapted to be coupled to a bone and an adjustable connector assembly including an adjuster having a threaded end and a tapered end. The assembly also includes an articulation component including a bearing surface and adapted to be coupled to the tapered end of the adjustable connector assembly. The threaded end is adapted to engage the fixation plate.

Abstract: A suture anchor kit includes an anchor body having a central bore extending from an opening at a proximal end of the anchor body through a portion of the length thereof. A transverse member is disposed in the central bore such that the ends of the transverse member extend across the bore to the anchor body. A suture anchor threading apparatus may have a handle and a suture threader extending from the handle. The suture threader has a wire loop open sufficiently to accept at least one suture and is made of an elastic material having a resiliency sufficient to bend 120° to 180° about a 1 mm to 4 mm radius without permanent deformation.

Abstract: A device for treating fractures, comprises an intramedullary member sized and shaped for insertion along a longitudinal axis of a bone within a medullary canal thereof, the intramedullary member including an opening extending obliquely therethrough, the opening, when the intramedullary member is in a desired position within a bone, aligning with a desired axis along which an implant is to be inserted into a bone, the intramedullary member including a channel formed therewithin and opening to the opening and a locking mechanism mounted in the channel, the locking mechanism including a locking abutting structure extending into the opening in combination with an implant sized to be slidably received through the opening and inserted along the desired axis, the implant including a plurality of implant abutting structures aligned to engage the locking abutting structure preventing medial movement of the implant relative to the intramedullary member.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: A spinal implant. The spinal implant includes a spacer having an upper surface for contacting a superior vertebral body, a lower surface for contacting an inferior vertebral body, a first insertion end portion, and a second end portion opposite the first insertion end portion; a fixation frame coupled to the second end portion of the spacer and including a bridge portion oriented substantially coplanar with the spacer and at least one arm extending from the bridge portion; and at least one fixation element having a first insertion end for penetrating the superior or inferior vertebral bodies and a second end coupled to the at least one arm of the fixation frame.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.