Abstract: A damping element (1) includes: (a) two spring elements (2, 4) which are coaxial with or parallel to a longitudinal axis (3) and two axially end-side connectors (5, 6), where (b) the first spring element (2) exhibits a spring rate F, (c) the second spring element (4) exhibits a spring rate f, and (d) the spring rates F and f are different. A device stabilizing adjacent vertebras, comprising (a) N pedicle screws of hooks (12), where N?3 and where (b) each pedicle screw or pedicle hook (12) includes a receiving device (13) receiving a longitudinal affixation device (7) and where (c) an element (14) acting as a spring is inserted between two adjacent pedicle screws (12) or pedicle hooks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for percutaneous delivery of bone cement during a surgical procedure. The system of the present invention has a plunger assembly 100, comprising: a shaft having a first end, a middle section, and a second end, wherein the middle section is threaded; and a handle attached to the first end of the shaft. The system further comprises a dispenser hub assembly 200 around the shaft having a collar and a hand-grip attached to the collar, and a threaded portion formed on an interior surface of the collar. The system may further comprise a hollow tube 300 for containing the bone cement during the surgical procedure having a first end and a second end, the first end of the hollow tube adapted to be removably engaged with the threaded portion of the dispenser hub assembly. The shaft is axially displaceable through the hollow tube for controlled displacement of the bone cement through the second end of the hollow tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spinal facet cap for treating scoliosis, the facet cap comprising a shim portion for inserting into a facet joint of a spine, and an alignment portion for maintaining alignment of the shim portion within the facet joint. The invention also provides a method for treating scoliosis, comprising implanting at least one spinal facet cap into at least one facet joint of a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The disclosed cranial flap clamp includes first and second clamping members and an extension member. A portion of the first member is positionable against inferior surfaces of a bone flap and skull and a portion of the second member is positionable against superior surfaces of the flap and skull. The extension member extends from the first member and fits between the flap and skull. The second member has a through opening for receiving the extension member. Movement of either of the clamping members urges the inner surface of the first member against the inferior surfaces of the flap and skull and urges the inner surface of the second member against the superior surfaces of the flap and skull. A stop provided by mechanical deformation of the extension member at any location along its length secures the clamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic implants made from a mesh material. The mesh material can be treated in order to promote bone growth, to provide antibiotics, or to provide other beneficial treatment. Specific applications for the implants include, for example, a prosthetic ligament, a tension band, an interbody device, or a fixation device that extends across one or more joints or fractures.

Abstract: An anterior buttress staple and screw system is provided that can be used to hold an implant such as a disc prosthesis in place and thereby prevent its migration out of the spinal column. The buttress staple comprises a screw locking plate having a screw locking design that prevents the screw from backing up and away from the plate. The screw is configured to provide an interference fit with the screw locking plate, and can be used as a staple removal tool during revision surgery when the screw locking plate needs to be lifted from the bone surface on which it is attached.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a surgery, especially an ACL replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod co-operates with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion and to guide a pair of drill points to form a pair of tunnels transversely to the tunnel of the insertion rod. The drill points are guided through the insertion rod and the flexible strand is held over the drill points as the transverse tunnels are formed. The insertion rod is then removed from the tunnels formed in the bone and the flexible strand is held looped over the second drill point. Subsequently, a soft tissue replacement is affixed to one end of the flexible strand and pulled over up to the first drill point with the other end of the flexible strand. The first drill point is then used to pull a cross pin through the transverse tunnel to hold the looped end of the soft tissue replacement in place.

Abstract: A surgical instrument extendable through a cannula for moving a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis engageable with a first member connected with to the first bone portion. A second portion is engageable with a second member connected with the second bone portion. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion from a first position toward a second position to move the first and second bone portions away from each other. An actuator connected with the second portion moves the second portion relative to the first portion in a direction extending transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is used for temporary use in a medical procedure in a mammalian body. The surgical instrument is configured to be changed between two shapes upon application of one or both of heating and cooling. The instrument includes a first member, a second member having a surface configured to contact tissue, and a means to apply heating or cooling to one or both of the first member and the second member to change the shape between a first shape and a second shape. A surgical instrument also may be configured to be changed between two shapes upon removal of a constraining force. The surgical instrument includes a first member, a second member having a surface configured to contact tissue, and a constraining means to apply a constraining force to one or both of the first member and the second member to cause one or both of the first member and the second member to be in a first constrained shape. The surgical instruments may be used in minimally invasive valve surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit having a set of humeral components used in partial and total joint replacement surgeries. The set of humeral components has a plurality of stems having varying stem diameters and a set of humeral heads having hemispheric surfaces with varying radiuses. Each stem defines a platform having a hole which is a fixed distance from the proximal end of the stem. The distance of the hole from the proximal end of the stem is a function of the stem diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for adapting a non-cylindrical serrated surgical retractor blade handle to the cylindrical bore of a universal joint. The apparatus includes an adaptor housing having a retractor handle passageway, at least a portion of the retractor handle passageway being configured to receive the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. The adaptor housing is configured for rotational insertion into the cylindrical bore of a clamping member, thereby allowing the adaptor housing, the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, and an attached retractor blade, to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.

Abstract: A jig for positioning an implant at an implantation site in a bone. The jig comprises a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an exterior surface, an interior surface operable to receive at least a portion of the implant, and an engagement surface located at the second end to permit positioning of the jig in the bone. The jig is anchored to the bone to secure the implant in proper position at the implantation site.

Abstract: An adjustable resection guide is provided for guiding cutting of the tibia and/or femur during knee replacement surgery.

Abstract: An osteosynthesis plate designed for osteosynthesis of displaced fracture of the upper end of the arm bone includes a T-shaped main body (2) whereof the longitudinal branch (3) and the transverse branch (4) are respectively perforated with holes (5, 6, 8) for passing through screws for anchoring and fixing the plate against the outer profile of a bone, and fixing lugs (9) which extend from each side of the transverse branch (4) of the main body (2), the lugs being less thick than the main body and perforated with holes (10) which co-operate with other anchoring screws for completely fixing bone fragments when urged in contact with the bone external profile.

Abstract: A damping element (1) comprising (a) two spring elements (2, 4) which are coaxial with or parallel to a longitudinal axis (3) and two axially end-wise connectors (5, 6) which can be linked to the spring elements (2, 4), where (b) the first spring element (2) exhibits a spring rate F, (c) the second spring element (4) exhibits a spring rate f, and (d) the spring rates F and f are different. A system stabilizing adjacent vertebras includes: (a) N pedicle screws or pedicle hooks (12), with N?3, and (b) at least one pedicle screw or one pedicle hook having a receiving device (13) which simultaneously allow receiving two parallel affixation devices (7), and where (c) an element (14) acting as a spring is used for affixation between the minimum of one pedicle screw or pedicle hook (12) including a receiving device (13) and a further adjacent pedicle screw or pedicle hook (12).

Abstract: A prosthetic component assembly, such as an acetabular cup, includes a shell and a bearing insert or liner. The shell and bearing insert are configured to provide an increased congruency between the shell and the bearing insert thereby decreasing the amount of motion (i.e. micromotion) between the shell and the bearing insert. In one form, increased congruency is achieved through first and second (inner and outer) tapers that are respectively provided on the shell and the bearing insert. The outer taper has first and second outer taper portions. A relationship between the first outer taper portion and the inner provides an essentially congruent fit, while a relationship between the second taper portion and the inner taper provides an interference fit. The relationships between the inner and outer tapers allow the bearing insert to achieve load sharing at a dome of the outer shell as well as at a rim of the shell.

Abstract: Bone plates having reference marks, and methods of using the bone plates to fix bones.

Abstract: A modular ankle implant. The implant includes a tibial component coupled to a talar component with a bearing. The bearing is adapted for hinged articulation relative to the talar component and limited rotation relative to the tibial component.

Abstract: A position-adjustment device having particular applicability for surgical instrumentation. The system comprises a body connected to an elongate member in such an arrangement as to have interchangeable locked and unlocked states. In the unlocked state, the body is free to move along the elongate member, and in the locked state the body is prevented from moving along the elongate member.

Abstract: A sterile composite bone graft for use in implants comprising a T shaped cortical bone load bearing member mated to a cancellous member. The crosspiece of the T defines an inner planar surface and dove tail shaped mating member extends outward from the inner planar surface. The allograft cancellous bone member defines tapered side walls on the exterior surface of the body, a flat proximal end surface and a flat distal end surface. A dove tail shaped recess with the narrowest portion exiting the flat proximal end surface is cut into the interior of the cancellous member body. The dove tail shaped member and dove tail shaped recess are mated together to hold both component members together. Pins are mounted in both members to provide additional stability.