Abstract: A surgical tool for removing a portion of an implant is provided that includes a housing, a motor contained within the housing and coupled to the housing, and an output shaft having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled to the motor and the distal end has an opening configured to rotateably engage an implant. The surgical tool further includes a counter-torque sleeve extending around the output shaft having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled to the housing and the distal end is configured to couple to the implant relative to the counter-torque sleeve. Upon a rotational force to the implant, the forces transmitted by the output shaft and the counter-torque sleeve are balanced by the coupling of the output shaft and counter-torque sleeve through the housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member having an inner surface and an outer surface. A second member has an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one of the inner surfaces defines at least one mating element and the outer surfaces are engageable with tissue. The members are relatively movable between a first configuration and a second configuration to space the tissue and define an opening between the members. At least one third member defines at least one mating element engageable with the at least one mating element of the inner surface such that the at least one third member is disposed within the opening. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a cannula, a surgical instrument for use through the cannula, and a remote positioning system to adjust the relative position between the surgical instrument and the cannula. By allowing a physician to perform the minimally invasive surgical procedure at a distance from the patient, the remote positioning system minimizes the radiation exposure of the physician while still providing accurate control over the procedure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel architecture of a passive RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tag which is highly miniature in size, capable of metal mounting and suitable for global operation in the entire UHF band (860 MHz to 960 MHz) without necessity of territory specific optimization of the antenna design layout. This invention envisages a novel antenna design that consists of a circular or rectangular microstrip antenna of ultra-small size (??/50), which is suitably loaded in shunt by lumped components resistor (R), inductor (L) and capacitor (C). The feed point, feed layout and the loading values are so optimized that a single tag will display optimum performance in all the territories. This invention relates to a method of encapsulating the passive tag with radio transparent materials like Radel® R, as well as a metal backplane so that the encapsulated tag can withstand autoclaving while maintaining the required performance.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for engaging vertebral elements has a connecting body that includes a receptacle extending between a first opening and a second opening and a fastener with a head movably supported in the receptacle. The fastener includes a vertebral engaging portion extending distally through the second opening. The fastener assembly further includes a post that has an elongated body with a proximal portion extending proximally from the first opening of the connecting body, a distal engagement end in the receptacle, and an adjusting portion extending between the proximal portion and the engagement end. The adjusting portion is movably engaged to the connecting body to position the engagement end relative to the head of the fastener to substantially fix the head in the receptacle and resist movement of the fastener with respect to the post and the connecting body.

Abstract: A method of securing vertebrae includes inserting a first pedicle screw into a first pedicle of a first vertebra. The first pedicle screw includes a first channel running perpendicular to a first central axis of the first pedicle screw. The first pedicle screw has a first engagement structure. The method further includes inserting a second pedicle screw into a second pedicle of a second vertebra. The second pedicle screw includes a second channel running perpendicular to a second central axis of the second pedicle screw. The second pedicle screw has a second engagement structure. The method also includes inserting a guidewire through the first and second channels, threading a tether attached to an end of the guidewire through the first and second channels, securing the tether to the first pedicle screw, applying tension to the tether, and securing the tether to the second pedicle screw.

Abstract: An apparatus for implementing a spinal fixation system with supplemental fixation includes a spinal fixation rod assembly and at least one supplemental fixation device. The spinal fixation rod assembly is adapted to provide primary fixation at a plurality of first fixation points by being secured to a plurality of first vertebral components except not into one of the first vertebral components of the plurality that is in a weakened structural condition and located between other of the first vertebral components of the plurality. The supplemental fixation device is adapted to provide supplemental fixation for the assembly at a second fixation point by being secured to a second vertebral component located adjacent to and offset from the one first vertebral component in the weakened structural condition and also to interconnect with the assembly to provide anchorage and thus additional fixation supplemental to the primary fixation.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for stabilizing a portion of the spinal column using one or more elongate members anchored to a number of vertebrae. The elongate member includes a portion configured to prevent, or at least substantially resist, lateral bending motion of one or more vertebral levels while allowing flexion and extension motion of the one or more vertebral levels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. For stabilizing the L5-S1 junction, the system includes a plate that has a generally triangular shape with an upper node and a pair of lower nodes. The upper node has a hole through the plate to receive a screw for passage into the L5 vertebra. The lower nodes each include a hole through the plate to receive screws for passage into the S1 vertebra. The system further includes a plate having a retaining element for preventing backout of screws inserted through the plate. Instruments and methods for attaching the plate to the spinal column are also provided.