Abstract: A multi-part intervertebral endoprosthesis includes a top closure plate, a bottom closure plate, a sliding core between the closure plates, each closure plate having a pair of receiving openings or projections, and an insertion instrument which has a handgrip area and a gripping area with retention projections or openings which, in order to hold the intervertebral endoprosthesis on the insertion instrument, can be engaged in the receiving openings or projections. The receiving openings are arranged in lateral side faces of the intervertebral endoprosthesis, and at least the pair of receiving openings on one of the closure plates has an extended shape extending in the direction toward the other closure plate. In this way, without making changes to the insertion instrument, intervertebral endoprostheses with sliding cores of different thicknesses can be held securely and with the guarantee that they are correct positioned within the insertion instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for distracting two vertebral bodies and delivering a flowable material into the disc space, comprising a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion having a shape adapted to distract, the body also having a longitudinal bore defining a first outlet port in the distal portion, and a first injection port in the proximal portion.

Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface for engaging a first surgical rod and an attachment end. A second clamping member is mounted with respect to the first clamping member wherein the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for engaging a second surgical rod. A shaft is disposed through and positioned within the attachment end of the first clamping member and wherein the shaft is in communication with the second clamping member. A force providing mechanism is disposed between the first and second clamping members and disposed about the shaft wherein when the force providing mechanism and the shaft are movable with respect to each other and place the first and second clamping members in either a non-clamping position or a clamping position.

Abstract: A low crystallinity calcium phosphate powder is prepared by mechanically grinding a calcium phosphate solid under grinding forces local heating sufficient to mechanically alloy the calcium phosphate solid and reduce the crystalline domains of the calcium phosphate solid to less than about 100 nm. The method is useful for making any calcium phosphate material by solid-solid mixing and high energy grinding.

Abstract: An osteotomy resection procedure for removing a wedge from a bone utilizing a localization device. The localization device being used to track reference points associated with the bone, track surgical instruments, perform calculations to determine a resection angle for the wedge, and assist a surgeon in performing the procedure.

Abstract: System of intervertebral prostheses which comprise a prosthesis core (5) and two cover plates (4, 6) which enclose the prosthesis core (5) by way of internal engaging surfaces (7). The system includes corrective cover plates (6) whose vertebral contact surface (12) is lengthened in the AP direction dorsally beyond the extent of standard prostheses (4). In sagittal section, the corrective cover plates are dorsally thickened, in particular wedge-shaped. The inner face (11) of the part (10) constituting the dorsal lengthening is beveled or recessed.

Abstract: The use of biologic and/or biologically reabsorbable materials to provide temporary stability after a surgical joint procedure is provided. Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide biologic and/or biologically reabsorbable cam and/or post linings mounted to respective knee prosthesis components. Such linings are reabsorbed after a time sufficient for patient tissue formation to provide permanent stability. Likewise, the invention has application in any joint reconstruction where the integrity of the stabilizing tissue has been compromised by injury or as a result of the surgical procedure itself. Further aspects of the present invention include using biologic and/or biologically reabsorbable materials loaded with agents that may promote tissue formation, fight infection, and promote clotting. Still further aspects of the present invention are directed to the use of biologically reabsorbable snaps or other fasteners to attach a lining to the femoral component and/or the tibial component.

Abstract: A bone plating system invention is shown comprising a bone plate and bone fasteners. The bone plate has a top portion, a bottom portion, and an interior middle portion. The fastener-retaining passageway extends through the plate. The fastener-retaining passageway comprises an upper portion having an inwardly projecting capture lip. The capture lip has a first diameter. The fastener-retaining passageway also has a middle undercut portion that has a second diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter. The plate also has at least one access channel extending through the capture lip so as to communicate with the interior middle portion of the plate. The fastener comprises a shaft, a fastener engager means extending from, disposed on or coupled with the shaft for engaging bone and a head mounted on the shaft having a radially elastic member.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae to be fused is accomplished with a device configured to interlink the pedicles of the adjacent vertebrae and including multiple pedicle screws. Each of the pedicle screws has a screw head configured to receive a connecting rod in a position, in which the rod and the receiving pedicle screw are vertically aligned.

Abstract: Illuminated surgical retractors include at least one retractor blade and a light delivery system. In some embodiments of the invention, the light delivery system includes a light emitter in the form of an elongated light emitting blade portion extending along the length of the retractor blade. The light emitter may be coupled to a light source integral with the retractor for illuminating all or a portion of the length of the light emitter or retractor blade. In other embodiments of the invention, the light delivery system may include an array of lights which may be attached directly to the retractor blade or to a support in the shape of an elongated blade that extends along the length of the retractor blade for illuminating all or a portion of the length of the retractor blade.

Abstract: A tool assembly and a method for forming a less invasive resection of a selected bone portion. For example, a distal femur may be resected with substantially a single minor incision. Tools may be positioned through the single incision to resect a portion of the condyles of the femur. Generally, the medial condyle is resected followed by resecting a lateral condyles, but each condyle may be resected at a selected time through a single minor incision.

Abstract: A bone plate system is provided which maintains intervertebral spacing and stability of a spine. In an embodiment, a bone plate system may include a base plate with an opening through which the fastener may be positioned to allow the fastener to be inserted into a human bone at a desired angle relative to the plate. Some embodiments of a bone plate system may include a base plate and an extender plate. An extender plate may be coupled to a base plate while the base plate is coupled to the bone.

Abstract: This invention is a pedicle screw (1), comprising a threaded rod (2) having a longitudinal axis (XX) and a head (4) in which there is a channel (5) adapted to receive a spinal support rod, and a means for blocking the rod; the channel is formed such that its longitudinal axial plane (P) is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (XX) of the threaded rod. The head (4) of the screw being made up of two flanks (6, 7), a threaded hole (11) is formed in one of them; the inclination of the channel (5) relative to the axis of the treaded rod (2) makes it possible to place a tool for blocking the rod in the channel without this tool coming into contact with the muscle tissues delimiting the incision. Moreover, the threaded seat (11) permits the positioning of instruments without obstructing the channel for passage of the rod.

Abstract: A wound protector retractor comprises an inner O-ring for insertion through a wound opening and a connecting sleeve extending between the O-ring and outer mounting means. The outer means are provided by rings between which the sleeve is led. The rings are rotated relative to each other and the inner ring to form a centralised lumen of reduced cross section and to shorten the axial extent of the sleeve. A wound is both retracted and protected.

Abstract: Instrumentation and techniques for preparing vertebral members for insertion of an implant. Foundation instruments provide a reference relative to the vertebral members. The foundation devices guide the placement of one or more instruments that prepare the vertebral members. The instruments operatively align with the foundation instruments in a specific orientation to ensure proper placement relative to the vertebral members. Preparatory instruments may be used to further remove bone from the vertebral members. The preparatory instruments may be used prior to or after the other instruments. An insert is inserted and mounted to the vertebral members after the bone has been removed. A holder may be used for holding and placing the implant relative to the vertebral members.

Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface for engaging a first surgical rod and an attachment end. A second clamping member is mounted with respect to the first clamping member wherein the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for engaging a second surgical rod. A shaft is disposed through and positioned within the attachment end of the first clamping member and wherein the shaft is in communication with the second clamping member. A force providing mechanism is disposed between the first and second clamping members and disposed about the shaft wherein when the force providing mechanism and the shaft are movable with respect to each other and place the first and second clamping members in either a non-clamping position or a clamping position.

Abstract: A radially ported bone graft needle, particularly useful in minimally invasive procedures, is provided. The bone graft needle delivers bone graft material to a bone defect area by extruding the bone graft material both axially and radially simultaneously.

Abstract: A bone fixation apparatus adapted for use in spinal stabilization. The apparatus includes a threaded bone screw having a spherical head that is received in a receiver cup. The receiver cup also includes a slot or groove through which a support rod passes. A saddle is positioned in the receiver cup below the support rod and above the head of the threaded bone screw. Alignment flanges are positioned partially around an opening on the receiver cup opposite the bone screw. A cap having internal grooves corresponding to the alignment flanges mates with the receiver cup. The cap may be positioned onto the receiver cup in a first orientation and secured to the receiver cup by rotating approximately one quarter turn. A compression member is screwed into internal threads on an opening of the cup to provide pressure on the support rod, thereby fixing the rod to the receiver cup.

Abstract: An artificial hip joint is provided featuring a liner with a deforming seal which quickly and easily seals a top bore in an acetabular cup of the artificial hip joint, such as to prevent the passage of fluid, wear debris or other material through the top bore in the acetabular cup. The acetabular cup is adapted to be secured to a hip bone and is generally hemispherical and sized to receive the generally hemispherical liner therein. The liner is secured to the acetabular cup by a locking ring which nests within both an acetabular groove in the annular cup and an annular seat in the liner. The liner provides a hemispherical bearing surface for a head at an upper end of a femur.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising an implant (18) designed to be inserted at least partially between the vertebral bodies (4, 4?) of two neighbouring vertebrae, said implant (18) being adapted to provide to said neighbouring vertebral bodies (4, 4?) at least one degree of mutual freedom, said device further comprising at least an extra-discal member (20), arranged behind the intervertebral space (12), adapted to damp a movement between said vertebrae (2, 2?), at least in the intervertebral flexion direction.