Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone with a bone plate. In various embodiments, the systems and plates provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to an osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension can promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments where fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate can enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate. This relative motion can promote fracture healing by callus formation.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant for filling voids in bones, and methods of using the same. The orthopaedic implant comprises an open porous metal component, having pores for promoting bone regeneration, and a resorbable bone growth promoting component which is resorbed into new bone. The orthopaedic implant and methods of the present disclosure provide structural support for the bone as well as osteoconductive and/or osteoinductive matrix for promoting bone re-growth within bone void. Advantageously, the orthopaedic implants and methods disclosed herein are useful in filling critically sized bone voids.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a generally fixed member formed from a low friction material such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and an articulating titanium member, which includes an articular bearing surface. The articular surface is a zirconium oxide layer formed by applying a coating of zirconium onto the titanium member and heating this in an oxygen-containing environment. This causes the zirconium to oxidize and further causes the zirconium to migrate into the titanium member forming a titanium zirconium diffusion layer, which prevents delamination.

Abstract: A protective sleeve is provided that is useful during minimally invasive surgery to facilitate assembly of modular components. The sleeve prevents contamination of a second component as it is engaged with a previously inserted component. The sleeve may also serve to guide insertion of the second component to facilitate aligning it with the previously inserted component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions having at least one neocartilage particle, juvenile cartilage particle or a combination thereof and a matrix, and methods and devices that include the compositions.

Abstract: A nail cap cannula for directing a nail cap useable with an intramedullary nail system including an intramedullary nail and a targeting guide.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may include a pair of structural members coupled to at least a portion of a human vertebra with connectors. Connectors may couple structural members to spinous processes. Some embodiments of a spinal stabilization system may include fasteners that couple structural members to vertebrae. In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system, provides three points of fixation for a single vertebral level. A fastener may fixate a facet joint between adjacent vertebrae and couple a stabilization structural member to a vertebra. Connectors may couple the structural members to the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Use of a spinal stabilization system may improve the stability of a weakened or damaged portion of a spine. When used in conjunction with an implant or other device, the spinal stabilization system may immobilize vertebrae and allow for fusion of the implant or other device with vertebrae.

Abstract: An orthopedic plate comprising, a frame portion and a bearing rotatably coupled with the frame portion, wherein the bearing defines an opening configured to receive a fastener for fastening the orthopedic plate to a body, wherein the bearing includes an outer surface that is eccentric to the opening such that a position of the opening with respect to the frame portion is adjustable as the bearing rotates.

Abstract: A method of fixing vertebrae of a patient together at a surgical site includes the following steps: inserting a first cannula (10) into the body (130) of the patient; moving a first fastener (624) through the cannula (10) and securing the first fastener (624) to a first vertebrae (601); moving a second fastener (624) through the cannula (10) and securing the second fastener (624) to a second vertebrae (602); moving a first fixation element (650) through the cannula (10); and fixing the first fixation element (650) to the first and second fasteners (624).

Abstract: A system for reduction of vertebral bodies (or vertebrae) in various embodiments includes a reducer, and extender, and a hollow tube. The reducer couples to the extender, which in turn couples to an elongated member, such as a rod, and to a bone fastener assembly. The reducer allows reduction of the vertebral body incrementally, and by a desired amount. The reducer may include or may be used in conjunction with a holding device or holder in order to hold or keep the amount of reduction constant or steady once the desired amount of reduction has been obtained. The reducer may use one of several embodiments, including embodiments that use threaded assemblies or members, inclining members or wedges, offset cams, scissor jacks, and/or levers.

Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.

Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for preparing a distal end of a femur for receiving a knee prosthesis. A method can include installing a valgus guide onto an intermedullary rod, coupling a drill guide with said valgus guide, resting a boom tip of said drill guide on a high part of the femur, drilling a hole into a distal portion of a medial condyle using a first drill hole of said drill guide and drilling a hole into a distal portion of a lateral condyle using a second drill hole of said drill guide, and, subsequent to drilling the first and second drill holes, resecting the distal portion of the medial condyle of the femur and the distal portion of the lateral condyle of the femur. A system can include a valgus guide, a drill guide, and a resection tower, among other things.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers and, specifically, to surface modification of polymers. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention increases the bond strength of UHMWPE components to PMMA bone cement by creating a chemical bond between the UHMWPE components and the PMMA bone cement. Specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, a surface of the UHMWPE component that is to be bonded to PMMA bone cement is treated with an oxidizing agent, such as an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE component is treated with hydrogen peroxide by swabbing the surface of the UHMWPE component with the hydrogen peroxide solution. The surface of the UHMWPE component may then be dried and PMMA bone cement applied to the surface of the UHMWPE component.

Abstract: A drive tool for accepting and rotationally locking the head portion of an orthopedic screw, such as a dental implant, to impart driving torque to the screw. In one exemplary embodiment, the drive tool includes an elongate body having an opening at its proximal end which is sized to receive the head portions of at least two different dental implants, the head portions of the dental implants being oriented at different angles with respect to the implant body portions. When the head portion of an implant is received within the opening, the drive tool is rotationally locked with respect to the implant. In this position, the body of the drive tool remains oriented so that same is substantially colinear with the body portion of the implant. Although the invention is described in the context of a drive tool used with a dental implant having a body portion and a head portion or abutment portion, the invention is more broadly applicable to drive tools which may be used with other types of orthopedic screws.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a femoral cut guide for preparing a distal femur to receive a prosthetic femoral component of a knee implant. The prosthetic femoral component includes a central box. The femoral cut guide replicates the size and shape of the prosthetic femoral component, such that the femoral cut guide may serve as a trial or provisional component used to reduce and test the prepared knee joint before implanting the final prosthetic femoral component. The femoral cut guide includes a detachable box cut guide for preparing the distal femur to receive the central box of the prosthetic femoral component.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant including an articulation portion having a pyrolytic carbon bearing surface and a porous bone on- or in-growth structure, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A dental implant device has an implant portion for being placed in a bore in bone. The implant portion has a coronal end portion and a porous metal portion. A metal coupling has a coronal end configured for connection to a denture support piece. The coupling also has an apical end integrally formed with the coronal end and engaging the porous metal portion. In one form, the coupling is attached to the porous metal portion in a threaded connection so that the coupling is removable from the porous portion without significantly damaging the porous metal portion sufficiently to re-engage another metal coupling.

Abstract: A pedicle screw for intervertebral support elements consists of a shaft and a head comprising at least two parts. The head is formed as a securing means for at least one support element. Each support element consists of a piece of a cable-like band and a cylindrical support body with an axial lumen containing the band. The band is securable outside end surfaces of the support body in the head. The head is formed with a contact surface via which a pressure stress can be exerted on the support body in the band direction, and indeed using the band and in cooperation with a further pedicle screw. A part of the head, which is firmly connected to the shaft at the one end of the latter, contains a base groove which is oriented transversally to the shaft and into which the part of the band to be secured or a connecting piece which contains the band can be introduced during the securing of the support element by means of a translatory movement in the direction of the shaft and fixed there.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing component with articular features which operate to protect adjacent soft tissues of the natural knee, promote and/or accommodate desired articulation with an abutting femoral component, and facilitate expedient and effective implantation by a surgeon.