Abstract: The invention concerns a bone substitute with controlled anatomical shape and macroporous structure made from chemically consolidated cement phosphocalcic materials. Said substitute can be obtained by forming a liquid or plastic paste consisting of calcium phosphate and other hardly soluble calcium slats. The forming by molding used with a paste and its chemical consolidation ex-vivo enables an entity to obtain a substitute having a more or less large size whereof the controllable anatomical shape corresponds to that of the bone block to be replaced, and an adapted macroporous architecture promoting rehabitation and resproption of the substitute, while ensuring the best initial mechanical properties and their being preserved until the graft is definitely replaced by the newly formed bone.

Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw assembly incorporates a concave portion on a receiver which mates with a convex surface on a head of the screw to form a ball joint. The radius of at least a portion of the concave surface is less than a radius of the mating convex portion whereby to create an interference fit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental implant which is implanted into an edentulous site of the jawbone to function as a substitute for a lost tooth. The dental implant according to the present invention includes: a fixture having a screw coupling hole formed at the inside thereof along the central axis thereof by a predetermined depth, the fixture being opened at the upper end thereof, and a threaded screw part formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof; an abutment secured to the upper end of the fixture and having a locking slit formed at the upper portion of the outer circumferential surface thereof; a screw coupled to the screw coupling hole of the fixture through the abutment and having a sleeve inserting groove formed at the upper portion thereof to be connected to the locking slit of the abutment; and a locking sleeve fitted into both the locking slit of the abutment and the sleeve inserting groove of the screw.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a necrotic section of bone. At least one channel is drilled into a bone from a common point. Each channel has a distal end that terminates proximate the necrotic section of bone. A volume of bone growth inducing compound is introduced into each channel. The volume of bone growth inducing compound is biased toward the distal end of each channel with a screw. The screw provides immediate structural support while the bone growth inducing compound permeates the necrotic section of bone. Once the bone growth inducing compound has permeated the necrotic section of bone, it promotes rapid bone growth and thus healing of the necrotic section of bone.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for the determination of reduction parameters for the subsequent adjustment of a reduction device to reduce the fragments of a fractured bonee. The method comprises: measuring points on the surfaces of the corresponding bones of interest at the patient's left and right side of the body; establishing a plane of symmetry containing an anterior-posterior axis and a proximal-distal axis; generating a mirror image of the patient's non-fractured bone symmetrically to the plane of symmetry; and determining the reduction parameters by comparison of the coordinates of the points at the fractured bone with the coordinates of the points within the mirror image.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for performing less-invasive surgical procedures within a body cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a system and method for isolating a surgical site such as an anastomosis between an internal mammary artery and a coronary artery in a thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting procedure. The system comprises a foot (11) pivotally coupled to the distal end of a shaft (3) by a linkage (13). The foot has first and second engaging portions (15, 17) with contact surfaces for engaging a tissue surface. The engaging portions are movable between an open position, where the contact surfaces are separated by a gap, and a collapsed position, where the foot is configured for delivery through the percutaneous penetration.

Abstract: A novel dental prosthesis abutment and waxing core assembly, in which the abutment has an exterior axis which differs from its longitudinal axis, and the waxing sleeve has both interior and exterior axes which differ from one another and from the exterior axis of the abutment, is disclosed. In the present invention the abutment and waxing sleeve assembly cooperates with a conventional anchor having a socket for receiving the abutment, and also adjusts to correct for angular misalignment of the prosthesis. The divergent axes allow for alignment of the prosthesis within the mouth while requiring less modification of the waxing sleeve by removal of material and/or addition of material to the waxing sleeve and abutment, thereby reducing the labor required in producing the prosthesis using prior art waxing sleeves and abutments.

Abstract: An adjustable ratchet retractor support apparatus includes in one aspect a rotatable locking mount having first and second surfaces and an axis of rotation perpendicular to the surfaces. First and second rotatable pivot members are disposed respectively on the first and second surfaces for rotation around the axis of rotation. Each of the pivot members include ratchet teeth. First and second curved arm members are mounted respectively on and associated respectively with the first and second pivot members. Each of the arm members is rotatable about a respective axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the locking mount. Each arm member has mounted thereon a ratchet pawl for engagement with the ratchet teeth of the associated pivot member. First and second rotatable clamps are disposed respectively on the first and second pivot members for restraining rotation of the pivot members.

Abstract: Spinal alignment apparatus includes bodies which connect to vertebra to be aligned, and elongated elements that connect to the bodies. The elements are adjustable relative to the bodies in multiple dimensions, with locking mechanisms that allow the alignment to proceed in an orderly fashion until a desired degree of correction is achieved. Each elongated element has a shaped end terminating in the first portion of the lockable coupling mechanism. The vertebral connector bodies each include a feature for attaching the body to a respective vertebrae, and the second portion of the lockable coupling mechanism. The feature for attaching the body to a respective vertebrae may include a pedicle screw or, alternatively, a shape such as a hook adapted for sublaminar engagement. The elongated element also preferably includes a length adjustment mechanism, such as a telescoping or threaded section to provide a desired length in conjunction with a desired degree of alignment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for moving a two bodies 1, 2 relative to each other. The device of the invention is essentially characterized by the fact that it comprises two parts 11, 12, a projecting portion 14 mounted to co-operate with one of the two parts, a cavity 13 formed in the other part and complementary in shape to the projecting portion 14, the two parts 11, 12 being mounted to move relative to each other in such a manner that the projecting portion 14 penetrates into the cavity 13, the projecting portion 14 forming a closed loop made of an electrically conductive material which completely surrounds a magnetic core 101 which is not completely surrounded by the mechanism 100 for interconnecting the projecting portion 14 and the first part 11. The invention is applicable in particular to a bone prosthesis, a medullary nail for lengthening bones, a rod for correcting and supporting the spinal column.

Abstract: An intramedullary rod kit for fixation of a distal radius fracture includes an intramedullary rod. The intramedullary rod includes a diaphyseal segment including at least one first mounting section configured to receive a tensioning device, a middle segment, and a joint segment including at least one second mounting section configured to receive a tine. The diaphyseal segment, the middle segment, and the joint segment define a curved configuration that is substantially similar to a curvature of the intramedullary canal of a human radius.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a syringe for delivery of a bone substitute material. The syringe includes a barrel for holding the material, a plunger receivable within the barrel and having a threaded portion, and an engagement member including a threaded throughbore positioned coaxial with the barrel. The threaded portion of the plunger is movable through the threaded throughbore barrel by pushing the plunger in the axial direction, and by rotating the plunger. The invention also relates to a method of expelling material from a syringe.

Abstract: An implant for osteosyntheses including a plate with a plurality of holes following in succession in the longitudinal direction whereby at least most of the holes intended to receive the screws are offset in alternation generally away from a center plane whereby a center axis of each of the holes forms an acute angle with the center plane of the plate.

Abstract: An intramedullary device used to stabilize a variety of fractured bones includes a plurality of resilient spine elements. A porous interconnection structure interconnects the spine elements, such as a mesh or a plurality of struts connected between the spine elements. The device expands at one or both ends, and optionally, the shaft of the device can also expand. The end of the device, in its expanded state, has a circumference greater than a circumference of the shaft. The spine elements and/or the interconnection structure are pre-shaped, e.g., composed of a resilient material and pre-shaped, such that the end of the device expands in the absence of an external restraining force. The spine elements and/or interconnection structure can be composed of a shape memory material, such that the expandable end of the device expands when heated to a temperature above a transitional temperature of the shape memory material.

Abstract: A water-spray tooth cleaner includes a faucet connector and a water inlet tube. The faucet connector is provided with a water canal, an assembly slot, and a locating piece slidably disposed in the assembly slot such that a through slot of the locating piece is aligned with the water canal. The through slot is provided in the inner wall with a retaining projection. The water inlet tube is provided at a connection end with an engagement end which is provided in the outer wall with a retaining groove. The connection end of the water inlet tube is detachably connected to the water canal of the faucet connector such that the retaining groove of the engagement end is detachably engaged with the retaining projection of the through slot of the locating piece.

Abstract: A surgical kit for inserting a biological material into a portion of the body by a minimally invasive technique has several components which are manually operated using a universal handle. The kit includes a docking needle used as a guide for placing a cannula in a body. The handle has a spring loaded hinged connection for temporarily attaching to the other components and which locks upon release of compression.

Abstract: A Novel surgical apparatus and method of use in osteoplasty and other methods of injecting materials into a subject for medical purposes. The present invention particularly relates to the surgical treatment of traumatic, pathogenic, or osteoporotic bone conditions of the human and other animal body systems and more particularly, to a novel apparatus and method for injection of a material into a lesion of a vertebral body or other bony structure.

Abstract: An epicardial cooled stabilizer system is useful for surgical or laparoscopic applications, especially beating heart surgery. The system comprises a stabilizer connected to a cooler/pump where coolant flows into tubing at the distal end of the stabilizer. The tubing is positioned at a surgical site to enhance traction and minimize trauma.

Abstract: An anterior thoracic/lumbar system comprising a thin plate and fasteners for securing the plate to vertebrae or other osseous material. The plate may be hinged along the central axis, with a pair of collinear holes on each portion of the plate. Each of the holes accommodates a bolt which is screwed into the vertebrae and secured to the plate using a nut.