Abstract: A method for augmenting a tissue including introducing into the tissue a first thermoplastic material at a first condition; treating the first thermoplastic material to achieve a second condition that includes an at least partially crystalline skin; and introducing a second material into the tissue whereby the first thermoplastic material and the second material are contained by the at least partially crystalline skin. Also a method of fracture reduction in a tissue including exposing to gamma radiation a mass of polycaprolactone characterized by a first shape; heating the mass of irradiated polycaprolactone above its melting temperature; introducing the heated mass of polycaprolactone into the tissue annulus to deform it from the first shape; allowing the material to return to the first shape.

Abstract: An anchoring device includes (a) a flexible member extending from a proximal end to a distal end and (b) an elongated anchor member extending from a first end to a second end and attached to the distal end of the flexible member such that the anchor member is movable between an insertion configuration in which the anchor member is substantially parallel to the flexible member and a locked configuration in which the anchor member is substantially perpendicular to the flexible member in combination with (c) a flexible removal element extending from a proximal end to a distal end attached to the first end of the anchor member.

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 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: 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 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 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: The use of red or near infrared light upon neurons of the lumbar plexus that are in distress due to retraction-induced ischemia. The surgeon may protect nerves made ischemic in the surgery by: a) making an incision in a patient, b) inserting an access device into the patient through the incision to at least partially create a path to a spine of the patient, and c) irradiating nervous tissue adjacent the path with an amount of NIR or red light effective to provide neuroprotection.

Abstract: A disassembly tool for disassembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty. The tool includes a first member having a radial portion operably associated with the first component and adapted to exert a radial force on the first component. A second member operably associated with the second component is also included and the second member has a second member longitudinal axis. A drive mechanism is coupled to the second member, such that as the drive mechanism is activated, the second member exerts a force against the second component in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Such exertion of force against the second member further causes the second member to move relative to the first member along the second member longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of surgically implanting a glenoid component into the glenoid of a patient is disclosed. The method includes securing a rasp guide into the glenoid of the patient. The method also includes oscillating a surgical rasp over the rasp guide to form a cavity that is shaped to receive the glenoid component. The method also includes implanting the glenoid component in the cavity.

Abstract: A medical device communications network comprises a plurality of medical devices including either or both of a first number of surgical instruments and a second number of implants configured for subcutaneous implantation in a biological body. A corresponding plurality of wireless communication circuits are each mounted to a different one of the plurality of medical devices. Each of the plurality of wireless communication circuits is configured to broadcast medical device information relating to the medical device to which it is mounted and to receive information relating to any other of the plurality of medical devices. The network may or may not include a master wireless communications circuit configured to receive the medical device information broadcast by any of the plurality of slave wireless communication circuits and to broadcast the information relating to any other of the plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: A bone plate comprises a locking hole extending through the bone plate from a top surface to a bottom surface thereof. The locking hole is threaded and sized and shaped to lockingly receive a correspondingly threaded head of a bone fixation element therethrough. The bone plate further comprises a first plate relief extending at least partially through a thickness of the plate and separated from the locking hole to define a first weakened portion of the bone plate. The first plate relief extends around a portion of a circumference of the locking hole.

Abstract: A vasculature occlusion device detachment system including a heating fuse element made of a material that melts when a current is applied that exceeds a predetermined maximum current threshold. An electrically conductive corewire connected proximate its distal end directly to the heating fuse element at a first electrical connection joint, while a separate insulated electrically conductive wire is electrically connected directly to the heating fuse element at a second electrical connection joint. An inner insulation sleeve placed over a distal section of the corewire covers the first electrical connection joint and is disposed between the insulated electrically conductive wire and the electrically conductive corewire. An outer insulation sleeve is disposed over a distal section of an assembly including the insulated electrically conductive wire, the inner insulation sleeve and the electrically conductive corewire. The outer insulation sleeve covers the second electrical connection joint.

Abstract: A spinal implant with at least one flexible elongated extension element is provided. The spinal implant has a profile that is lower than standard spinal implants. The spinal implant includes a bone anchor with a head portion and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. A head plate is coupled to the bone anchor. The head plate includes a first elongated extension element and a second elongated extension element. The first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element may be formed as a single monolithic element that is attached to the head plate by passing through a pair of openings provided on the head plate. At least one of the first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element is flexible.

Abstract: A locking tack for attaching a bone fixation device to a bone includes (a) an elongated body including a distal portion formed of a weldable material and sized to be received within a bore through a portion of a target bone and a proximal portion which, when the distal portion is in a desired position within a target bone, extends out of the bone; (b) a channel extending longitudinally through the elongated body from a proximal end thereof to a channel distal end within the distal portion of the elongated body; and (c) an engaging feature at a distal end of the channel configured to engage an extraction mechanism so that forces applied to the extraction mechanism are transmitted to the distal end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A bone plate includes a first surface which, when the bone plate is positioned over a bone, faces the bone, and a second surface opposing the first surface, the bone plate comprising an elongate shaft portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone plate and including a plurality of through holes extending therethrough from the first surface to the second surface to receive a bone anchor therethrough and a head portion extending from an end of the elongate shaft portion along a length smaller than a length of the elongate shaft portion, a width of the head between lateral walls connecting edges of the first and second surface being greater than a width of the shaft distance between the lateral walls, wherein the second surface includes a cavity extending between a first one of the plurality of through holes situated closest to the head portion and the head portion.

Abstract: A bone fixation device includes (a) a threaded shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end; (b) a head located at the proximal end of the shaft; (c) a connector threadably engaging the threaded shaft and movable therealong; and (d) an extension member movable between an insertion configuration for insertion through an opening in a cortex of a bone to a locked configuration when pressed against an inner surface of the cortex. The profile of the wing in the locked configuration in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft is increased relative to the insertion configuration to distribute forces transmitted between the bone fixation apparatus and the bone over an increased area of the cortex.

Abstract: A bone plate having a first, bone-facing surface and an opposing second surface has an elongate shaft portion and a head portion that is shorter and wider in comparison thereto, with at least one through hole extending through the bone plate from the first surface to the second surface in the shaft portion. The through hole comprises a variable-angle portion with a hole axis configured to receive a threaded head of a locking screw therein at a desired angle within a permitted range of angulation relative to the hole axis. The second surface has at least one depression which extends therein along a portion of the second surface between the side wall and the through hole, the depression extending about a periphery of the through hole.