Abstract: The present disclosure provides an external fixation strut for an external fixation device having a ball joints that can be attached to the outer or inner surface of the ring and locked to increase overall stability of the external fixation device. Some embodiments of the fixation strut include a first ball joint coupled to a first end portion of a strut housing, the strut housing having an axial bore defined therethrough. A second ball joint is coupled to a second end portion of a threaded elongated member. The threaded elongated member is threadably coupled to an adjustment mechanism, which is rotatably coupled to an upper end portion of an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve is slidably disposed in the axial bore of the strut housing, and is used to effect coarse strut length adjustments. Gradual strut adjustments are effected by translating the elongated member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pedicle screw for spinal fixation having a bone fastener portion a permanent rod coupling, a breakaway portion connected to the permanent rod coupling and a temporary rod coupling. A permanent rod can be positioned in the permanent rod coupling and a temporary rod can be positioned in the temporary rod coupling and when the temporary rod is not needed the temporary rod coupling can be removed by separation at a breakaway portion.

Abstract: The present invention includes a rod link reducer of a spinal fixation system that includes a first and a second spinal rod manipulator; a first spinal rod manipulator joint connected to the first spinal rod manipulator and a second spinal rod manipulator joint connected to the second spinal rod manipulator; a first and a second translatable transverse shaft connected to the first and second joints, respectively; and a universal reducer connected to both the first and second translatable transverse shafts, wherein the universal reducer, the shafts and the linkers provide movement and temporary fixation of a spine that has been manipulated into a final position during spinal surgery.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for adjusting the orientation of a first external fixator support member relative to a second external fixator support member, wherein a plurality of adjustable struts connect the first and second external fixator support members. The method include providing a programmable tool, and storing, in a memory unit of the tool, instructions for adjusting the length of each of the plurality of adjustable struts to a desired length. The method further includes receiving identification information corresponding to a first adjustable strut and retrieving, from the memory unit, the instructions for adjusting the length of the first adjustable strut. The method also includes activating an actuator of the tool to adjust the length of the first adjustable strut according to the retrieved instructions. Various embodiments of the programmable tools are also included in the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an external fixation connection rod having articulatable joints that can be attached to external supports, such as rings. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes a telescopic rod and connecting mechanisms for coupling the joints of the connection rod to the external supports, and the connecting mechanisms are operable to substantially lock the orientation of the joints. In some other embodiments, the connection rod includes a housing having parallel axial bores defined therethrough and sleeves slidably disposed in the axial bores. Also included in the present disclosure are methods of maintaining the orientation of first and second fixator rings for immobilizing bone segments.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an external fixation strut for an external fixation device having a ball joints that can be attached to the outer or inner surface of the ring and locked to increase overall stability of the external fixation device. Some embodiments of the fixation strut include a first ball joint coupled to a first end portion of a strut housing, the strut housing having an axial bore defined therethrough. A second ball joint is coupled to a second end portion of a threaded elongated member. The threaded elongated member is threadably coupled to an adjustment mechanism, which is rotatably coupled to an upper end portion of an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve is slidably disposed in the axial bore of the strut housing, and is used to effect coarse strut length adjustments. Gradual strut adjustments are effected by translating the elongated member.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an external fixator ring that includes a central opening, inner and outer ring surfaces and upper and lower ring surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more apertures are defined in the inner or outer surface for receiving securing devices. The apertures in the inner or outer surface are adapted to provide rigid attachment for connection struts while allowing for a range of motion between the interconnected rings. In some other embodiments, the external fixator ring further comprises angled flanges extending radially from the inner or outer surface. The angle flanges each include a mounting surface, apertures are defined in the mounting surface of the angle flanges for receiving securing devices.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for diagnosis of polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to idiopathic scoliosis in a patient by determining the presence of a mutation in a nucleic acid sample provided from the patient for a mutation in a transcription factor binding site in one or more non-coding regions of the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 gene.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for diagnosis of polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to idiopathic scoliosis in a patient by determining the presence of a mutation in a nucleic acid sample provided from the patient for a mutation in a transcription factor binding site in one or more non-coding regions of the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 gene.

Abstract: The present invention includes a rod link reducer of a spinal fixation system that includes a first and a second spinal rod manipulator; a first spinal rod manipulator joint connected to the first spinal rod manipulator and a second spinal rod manipulator joint connected to the second spinal rod manipulator; a first and a second translatable transverse shaft connected to the first and second joints, respectively; and a universal reducer connected to both the first and second translatable transverse shafts, wherein the universal reducer, the shafts and the linkers provide movement and temporary fixation of a spine that has been manipulated into a final position during spinal surgery.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pedicle screw made with a bone fastener and a rod coupling head, the rod coupling head comprising an upper rod coupling: the lower rod coupling having a lateral rod opening adapted to receive a permanent rod; an angled bore extends into the lateral rod opening; and a permanent rod fastener in the angled bore to engage a permanent rod in the lateral rod opening; and a upper rod coupling having an upper rod opening adapted to receive a temporary rod, wherein the upper rod opening is formed to receive a temporary rod fastener; wherein the upper rod coupling is detachable from the lower rod coupling at a transition and a temporary rod is temporarily affixed into the upper rod opening during a bone realignment and a permanent rod is positioned in the lateral rod opening and engaged by the permanent rod fastener upon final bone alignment.

Abstract: A biomimetic biosynthetic nerve implant (BNI) casting device includes a matrix casting tube; a matrix casting tube protective shield comprising a male coupling portion joinable to a female coupling portion, wherein the joined portions encase the matrix casting tube; microchannel forming fibers; a fixing point for holding one end of the microchannel forming fibers; loading fiber guideholes for placement of the microchannel forming fibers; one or more ports for injection of matrix material into the casting tube; and a cell suspension loading well in fluid communication with the matrix casting tube when the device is fully assembled such that removing the fibers from the formed implant can draw fluid containing cells and/or other agents into the microchannels.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, kit and method for providing a bone fixation assembly for attachment to a bone to provide augmented support. The bone fixation assembly includes a screw having a screw head and a threaded shank. A first aperture is positioned about the screw head to receive a first longitudinal member and a first compression member that engages the first aperture to secure the first longitudinal member. The screw head has a second aperture positioned to receive a second longitudinal member and a second compression member that engages the second longitudinal member aperture to secure the second longitudinal member and provide augmented support.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for diagnosis of polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to idiopathic scoliosis in a patient by determining the presence of a mutation in a nucleic acid sample provided from the patient for a mutation in a transcription factor binding site in one or more non-coding regions of the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 gene.

Abstract: A biomimetic biosynthetic nerve implant (BNI) that uses a hydrogel-based, transparent, multi-channel matrix as a 3-D substrate for nerve repair is disclosed. Novel scaffold-casting devices were designed for reproducible fabrication of grafts containing several micro-conduits, and further tested in vivo using a sciatic nerve animal model and repair of the adult hemitransected spinal cord. At 16 weeks post-injury of the sciatic nerve, empty tubes formed a single nerve cable. In sharp contrast, animals that received the multi-luminal BNI showed multiple nerve cables within the available microchannels, better resembling the multi-fascicular anatomy and ultra structure of the normal nerve. In the injured spinal cord, the BNI loaded with genetically engineered Schwann cells were able to demonstrate survival of the grafted cells inside the BNI, and robust axonal regeneration through the implant up to 45 days after repair.

Abstract: A mutation in an allele of the gene encoding the CD2BP1 protein is identified as a causative factor in familial recurrent arthritis. Methods of diagnosis and methods of screening for effectors of the mutated protein binding and function are disclosed.

Abstract: A golf prosthesis assisting an upper extremity amputee to swing a golf club. In one embodiment, the prosthesis comprises first and second prosthetic sockets in which the amputee's limbs are received. An extension pylon extends from the first prosthetic socket towards the golf club. The second prosthetic socket is attached to the extension pylon, thereby assisting the amputee in keeping shoulders, back and hips in proper alignment during back swing and return swing. There is also a more complete transfer of energy into the swing from the shoulders, back and legs. A wrist terminal device connects the extension pylon to the golf club. The wrist terminal device emulates cocking and release of the wrists during a conventional golf swing. The wrist terminal device provides a club holder firmly holding the golf club, and a rotary joint advantageously restrained from rotation in all but a preselected plane.

Abstract: A golf prosthesis assisting an upper extremity amputee to swing a golf club. In one embodiment, the prosthesis comprises first and second prosthetic sockets in which the amputee's limbs are received. An extension pylon extends from the first prosthetic socket towards the golf club. The second prosthetic socket is attached to the extension pylon, thereby assisting the amputee in keeping shoulders, back and hips in proper alignment during back swing and return swing. There is also a more complete transfer of energy into the swing from the shoulders, back and legs. A wrist terminal device connects the extension pylon to the golf club. The wrist terminal device emulates cocking and release of the wrists during a conventional golf swing. The wrist terminal device provides a club holder firmly holding the golf club, and a rotary joint advantageously restrained from rotation in all but a preselected plane.

Abstract: A distraction apparatus for an external fixation device used to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during bone lengthening and angular deformity correction includes distractor mechanisms and pivotable spacers for connecting frame members of an external fixator, and wire and half pin fasteners. The interconnected distractor mechanisms, pivotable spacers and frame members form a rigid structure with rigidity which is maintained during adjustment of the distraction. For linear distraction, the distraction mechanism is a single screw assembly with a single-threaded rod and dual plastic nuts disposed either side of a metallic adjustment surface. After tightening down, the nuts may be synchronously co-rotated, advantageously using a tool such as a double wrench engaging on aligned faces of the nuts. This synchronous co-rotation causes linear displacement along the threaded rod, thereby enabling distraction.

Abstract: A distraction apparatus for an external fixation device used to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during bone lengthening and angular deformity correction includes distractor mechanisms and pivotable spacers for connecting frame members of an external fixator, and wire and half pin fasteners. The interconnected distractor mechanisms, pivotable spacers and frame members form a rigid structure with rigidity which is maintained during adjustment of the distraction. For linear distraction, the distraction mechanism is a single screw assembly with a single-threaded rod and dual plastic nuts, or one of three various types of telescoping screw assemblies having a single-threaded rod, a coaxial sleeve for receiving the rod and one of three types of plastic connector assemblies. For angular distraction, the distraction mechanism includes an angular distractor with a rotatable knob and pivotable spacers which are connected to the frame members.