Abstract: An expandable screw for orthopedic insertion and expansion between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The screw has an upper externally-threaded body segment, a lower externally-threaded body segment opposite the upper external thread segments, and an expansion member extending along a longitudinal axis thereof. The expansion member connecting the upper externally-threaded body segment to the lower externally-threaded body segment, and configured during the expansion between the collapsed state and the expanded state to separate the upper externally-threaded body segment from the lower externally-threaded body segment.

Abstract: A surgical implant and a surgical kit. The surgical implant has a body having at least one interior surface, the body forming a peripheral support for the implant. The surgical implant has a porous insert comprised of a porous material, having at least one axially-extending hole, and attached to the body along the at least one interior surface such that the porous material extends across a height of the body. The porous insert has a locking mechanism formed in the porous insert or extending from the porous insert, the locking mechanism minimizing movement of the porous insert from within the body. The surgical kit includes the surgical implant and an intervertebral insertion device.

Abstract: A surgical implant and a surgical kit. The surgical implant has a body portion comprising a first hole formed in an exterior surface of the body portion, a second hole adjacent the first hole, and at least one through-hole within the body portion and extending entirely thought a depth of the body portion extending entirely thought a depth of the body portion. The implant has a central opening abutting the body portion and extending through the body portion. The first hole has a first sidewall and a first cavity in the body portion, the second hole has a second sidewall and a second cavity in the body portion, and the first cavity and the second cavity have an interconnected opening there between. The surgical kit includes the surgical implant and an intervertebral insertion device.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and dispensing system and method for mixing and delivering bone cement therefrom. The system has a mixing container for holding a bone cement mixture, the mixing container extending along an axial length and having opposed first and second ends, the first end comprising a downstream opening for dispensing the bone cement downstream from the mixing container; a mixing element movably disposed within the mixing container; and a plunger comprising a piston movably disposed within the mixing container. In this system. with a first coupling, the mixing element moves by assistance of a motor along the axial length of the mixing container without translation of the plunger to mix the bone cement. In this system. with a second coupling, the mixing element and plunger are driven together along the axial length of the mixing container.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant having an upper body portion, a lower body portion opposite the upper body portion, a wedge member connecting the upper body portion to the lower body portion, a nose member having a tapered distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, and an actuator disposed between the nose member and the wedge member, for translation of the wedge member along a longitudinal axis of the implant. A pin connects to the actuator for positioning the nose member relative to the actuator. Translation of the wedge member along the longitudinal axis of the implant displaces the upper body portion and the lower body portion away from each other, thereby expanding the intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A modular screw assembly for use in stabilizing a spinal column. The assembly has a fastener which couples to a screw head of a bone anchor, a screw head coupler, a retaining ring, and a friction ring. The fastener houses the screw head coupler, the retaining ring, and the friction ring. Translation of the fastener by the screw head results in the retaining ring elastically deforming and then snapping around the screw head.

Abstract: A plate and cage assembly for stabilization of vertebral bodies. The assembly includes at least one fixation member, a cage having a proximal wall, a superior surface and an inferior surface (the superior surface and the inferior surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae), and a plate coupled to the cage and having at least one hole traversing the plate at an angle for insertion of the at least one fixation member into one of the vertebral bodies. The proximal wall of the cage has a blind hole, and the plate has a threaded screw hole aligned with the blind hole in the proximal wall of the cage.

Abstract: An expandable screw for orthopedic insertion and expansion between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The screw has an upper externally-threaded body segment, a lower externally-threaded body segment opposite the upper external thread segments, and an expansion member extending along a longitudinal axis thereof. The expansion member connecting the upper externally-threaded body segment to the lower externally-threaded body segment, and configured during the expansion between the collapsed state and the expanded state to separate the upper externally-threaded body segment from the lower externally-threaded body segment.

Abstract: A bone pore or void filling composition is described. The composition includes a mixture of: a type I collagen and/or a type I collagen-glycosaminoglycan coprecipitate; a blend of polyethylene glycol polymers having different molecular weights; a bone growth stimulator; and bioactive glass. A kit for containing the bone pore or void filling composition, and methods for using the composition to fill a bone pore or void are also described.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant having an upper body portion, a lower body portion opposite the upper body portion, a wedge member connecting the upper body portion to the lower body portion, a nose member having a tapered distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, and an actuator disposed between the nose member and the wedge member, for translation of the wedge member along a longitudinal axis of the implant. A pin connects to the actuator for positioning the nose member relative to the actuator. Translation of the wedge member along the longitudinal axis of the implant displaces the upper body portion and the lower body portion away from each other, thereby expanding the intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A biocompatible material for bone repair is described. The bone repair composition includes a mixture of a type I collagen, a type I collagen-glycosaminoglycan coprecipitate, tricalcium phosphate; and bioactive glass. Methods of using the composition for bone repair, and a kit for the bone repair composition are also described.

Abstract: A surgical implant and a surgical kit. The surgical implant has a body portion comprising a first hole formed in an exterior surface of the body portion, a second hole adjacent the first hole, and at least one through-hole within the body portion and extending entirely thought a depth of the body portion extending entirely thought a depth of the body portion. The implant has a central opening abutting the body portion and extending through the body portion. The first hole has a first sidewall and a first cavity in the body portion, the second hole has a second sidewall and a second cavity in the body portion, and the first cavity and the second cavity have an interconnected opening there between.

Abstract: Internal fixation devices are provided that include a plate having a rotatable screw lock mounted in a recess of the plate. The screw lock has a lock head including a laterally extending flange that has an outer edge that is below the upper surface of the plate. In a locked position, a portion of the upper surface of the plate covers at least a part of the lock head to reduce the likelihood of the screw lock being pushed off the plate. Further, in a locked position, the laterally extending flange obstructs passage of a screw through a corresponding screw hole. Such obstruction hinders screw migration.

Abstract: A spinal implant for placement between first and second vertebrae includes a housing having first and second axial end surfaces and a bore extending along an axis through the housing and between the end surfaces. A first projection extends at least partially about the axis and including a channel. A lift is slidably received in the bore and includes threads along its length. A collar is threadably engaged with the lift and extends into the channel on the housing such that the projection prevents axial movement of the collar relative to the housing. Rotation of the collar about the axis causes the lift to move axially relative to the collar and the housing for adjusting the height of the implant.

Abstract: An expandable bone plate assembly is provided having a top plate portion and a bottom plate portion. A back side of the top plate portion has a longitudinally extending blind slot. A transversely extending counterbore extends through front back sides of the top plate portion. A transversely extending bore extends through the front and back sides of the bottom plate portion. The bone plate assembly also includes a pin with a pin head and a pin shaft depending from the pin head. The pin shaft is disposed within the transversely extending bore of the bottom plate portion and has an outer diameter greater than the minor diameter of the transversely extending bore. The pin head is disposed against the longitudinally extending blind slot of the top plate portion.

Abstract: Instruments, kits, and methods are disclosed for installing an implant spacer through an incision and down a surgical corridor. The instruments also serve to align a drill guide and align and insert a spacer stabilizer for stabilization of adjacent bone portions. An inserter instrument comprises an elongated guide bar body having a guide portion for aligning instruments with said spacer and for introducing a stabilizer to secure the spacer in a predetermined position between the bone portions. In preferred embodiments a stabilizer implant portion comprising a base wall separated by a retaining member by a web wall is introduced into a pre-bored hole in a bone and secured with a stabilizer anchor extending through a central bore. Included is a retractable graft block for securing graft material within an aperture of a spacer during insertion of the spacer.

Abstract: Self-drilling, self-tapping and self-advancing orthopedic screws are provided. An orthopedic screw includes a relief cut at the tip of the screw that is timed to the distal-most thread at the end of the screw tip to create a wide and sharp cutting edge for the screw.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for installing a spinal fusion cage. The spinal fusion cage includes an outer cage having a proximal outer cage endwall and a distal outer cage endwall. An inner cage has a proximal inner cage endwall and a distal inner cage endwall. The proximal and distal inner cage endwalls each are in slidable contact with a corresponding one of the proximal and distal outer cage endwalls. The inner and outer cages collectively define a fusion cage cavity space having a volume which varies responsive to relative sliding of the inner cage with respect to the outer cage. An actuation tool includes a shaft and an operative portion. The operative portion of the actuation tool has an asymmetrically tapered portion which includes a longitudinally aligned face extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and an angled face extending at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis.