Abstract: A prosthesis comprising a component for engaging a surface of a vertebral body is disclosed. The component comprises a bone-engaging surface and an outer surface that is not bone-engaging, wherein the bone-engaging surface is configured to engage a portion of the surface of the vertebral body, wherein the vertebral body has been configured to engage with the bone-engaging surface, and wherein after the component is engaged with the vertebral body, at least at a location of an area of a junction between a vertical surface and an endplate surface of the vertebral body, the outer surface of the component has a shape that is substantially similar to an anatomical shape of the vertebral body.

Abstract: The device for protecting adjacent stages Vc of a spinal segment Sr of a vertebral column previously instrumented by an osteosynthesis device (1) is constituted of fixation elements (110) formed of connectors (111) immobilized in translation and in rotation on the corresponding connection rod (4) of osteosynthesis device (1), a support block (130; 180) in which is housed the spinous process Ve of superjacent vertebra Vc found just above the instrumented spinal segment Sr and at least one ligament (150, 170, 190) allowing spinous process Ve of superjacent vertebra Vc to be joined to support block (130; 180) and the support block (130; 180) to be joined to connectors (111).

Abstract: Kits and methods for submucosal endoscopic access into body cavities such as the peritoneal cavity and the posterior mediastinum through a submucosal endoscopic procedure in which an opening is formed through the muscularis propria within a bleb. The procedure may result in a mucosal flap formed by separated mucosal tissue within the bleb and the mucosal flap may be advantageously used to assist in closure of the opening.

Abstract: A sacro-iliac implant delivery instrument includes a first arm connected to a first cannula. The first cannula is rotatable relative to the first arm and is configured for support of a fastening element. A second arm is connected to the first arm. The second arm is rotatable relative to the first arm and is configured for detachable connection to a sacro-iliac implant. The second arm and the first cannula are configured for rotation relative to the first arm to a preset orientation such that the second arm is disposed along a first predetermined trajectory for delivering the sacro-iliac implant and the first cannula is disposed along a second predetermined trajectory for delivering the fastening element in alignment with the sacro-iliac implant for transarticular fixation. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intervertebral implant comprising: a spacer (12); a braid (14) for fixing said spacer between the spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae; and a clamping device for clamping said braid. The clamping device comprises: a fixed part (28) constituted by a portion of said spacer (12) and defining at least one first clamping surface for clamping said braid; a mobile assembly (28) movable relative to said spacer (12) and defining at least one second clamping surface for clamping said braid; and displacement means for moving said moving assembly (30) relative to said fixed part (28) to displace said mobile assembly between a first position in which said first and second clamping surfaces face each other but are apart to define a free passage for a portion of the braid (14), and a second position in which said first and second clamping surfaces are moved towards each other to clamp said portion of braid (14).

Abstract: A longitudinal member for use in spinal or trauma surgery is provided which is sized to span a distance between at least two vertebrae or two bone parts, wherein the longitudinal member is made at least partially of a polymer material, such as an elastomer, which is extruded. The polymer chains of the longitudinal member are substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the member. The longitudinal member is included in a dynamic stabilization device having at least two bone anchoring elements and such a longitudinal member connecting the bone anchoring elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide spinal implant systems and methods. According to one embodiment, a plate attached to one or more vertebrae can prevent expulsion of an interbody device from a disc space. The plate and interbody device can be coupled by an attachment member. According to one embodiment, the attachment member is coupled to the plate and includes a portion inserted in a threaded or non-threaded cavity. Preferably, the coupling between the plate and attachment member allows rotation in three dimensions thereby allowing the plate to rotate relative to the interbody device. This allows the plate to be better positioned for attachment to the spine during an operation.

Abstract: A method of inserting and positioning an intervertebral spacer is provided. The spacer includes a longitudinal axis, an on-axis interface coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis, and an off-axis interface angled to the longitudinal axis. The spacer's front end may be curved. The method may include inserting the spacer into the disc space utilizing a tool to engage an on-axis interface and then to engage one or more of the off-axis interfaces, which may be used for further modification of the spacer. The tool is moved substantially along a single insertion direction, which may be substantially parallel to a posterior-anterior axis of the disc space. The method may result in the longitudinal axis of the spacer being perpendicular to the insertion direction, or substantially parallel to a medial-lateral axis of the disc space. The spacer may also be positioned in an anterior aspect of the disc space.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for the distraction or compression of bones or bone portions comprises a pair of elongate cross members pivotally coupled for relative movement having at one end a respective pair of handles and at the other end a respective pair of jaws. The jaws are generally parallel to each other and define a first plane within which the jaws are relatively movable, the space on both sides of the plane defining a work space between the jaws. The instrument further comprises a fulcrum supported by at least one of the cross members projecting into the work space and having an axis spaced from the jaws.

Abstract: A bone anchoring nail is provided having a threadless shaft with a free end, a head opposite to the free end, the head having a substantially U-shaped recess for accommodation of a rod or a rod-shaped element, a longitudinal bore extending through the shaft and opening towards any one of the head and the free end and a plurality of openings extending through the wall of the shaft and being in communication with the bore. The bone anchoring nail allows quick insertion and reliable fixation enhanced by the in-growth of blood vessels.

Abstract: A joint between two bone segments is fused by passing an elongated, rectilinear bone fusion device over a guide pin across the joint and into tight engagement within bores formed in the bone segments, to thereby restrict movement of the elongated bone fusion device across the joint. The elongated, rectilinear bone fusion device also provides bony in-growth within the bores along the exterior surface of the bone fusion device.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a connecting rod during percutaneous spinal surgery comprises a tubular member and an elongate strip extending therethrough. The strip has a flag at the proximal end and an elastically flexible rod detection tip projecting outwardly from the distal end for contacting a connecting rod. The strip is supported in the tubular member for pivoting movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the member. A biasing member biases the strip to a first position in which the flag is adjacent a first side of the tubular member and the detection tip at the distal end is adjacent an opposite second side. Upon application of a force to elastically flex the detection tip, in which the force is sufficient to overcome the bias, the flag is shifted to a second position adjacent the second side of the tubular member.

Abstract: An assembly including a connector element including a receptacle from which extends a neck, a lug element sized to fit in the receptacle of the connector element, ears pivotally connected to the lug element, and a mechanical fastener that fastens the connector element together with the lug element, thereby causing the ears to pivot and grip a connector rod placed between the ears.

Abstract: A lateral fixation assembly engages vertebrae in a spinal column. The lateral fixation assembly includes a housing having a first rod and a second rod supported thereon. The first rod is adapted to be secured to a first vertebra in the spinal column and is fixed in position relative to the housing. The second rod is adapted to be secured to a second vertebra in the spinal column and is movable relative to the housing. Respective pluralities of such first and second rods may be provided. Staples having varying thicknesses may be provided to facilitate the installation of the lateral fixation assembly on the vertebrae in the spinal column. A temporary blocking device can be used to prevent relative movement of the movable rod during the installation of the lateral fixation assembly.

Abstract: A conical interspinous apparatus comprising: an insertion portion with a proximal end, a distal end, and conical screw-shaped grooves configured to distract two adjacent spinous processes; a shaft portion, coupled to the distal end of the insertion portion, and having a smaller cross-section than a cross-section at the distal end of the insertion portion, such that the two spinous processes rest on the shaft portion; and a clamp portion being movable and securable along the shaft, and being configured to secure the two spinous processes between the clamp portion and the distal end of the insertion portion.

Abstract: A method for effecting reduction, stabilization and enhancement of fusion of the human cranio-cervical junction, which may be performed in order to relieve mechanical stresses imparted to the spinal cord and brainstem as a result of an abnormal clivo-axial angle, includes steps of achieving the correct craniocervical relationship, of effecting a fusion of a first portion of a bone forming material based structural member to a human cranium, and effecting fusion of a second portion of the bone forming material based structural member to a least one portion of a human cervical spine. Fusion of the bone forming material based structural member to the human cranium may be promoted through the use an osteointegration apparatus that includes a porous ossomeric mesh and a frame member.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system that may be used to fix craniocervical junction. The system includes a cranial spinal attachment system that anchors one or more surgical instruments to a cranial surface using at least one cranial clamp and cranial fastener. The cranial spinal attachment system may be positioned along a perimeter of a cranial defect.

Abstract: A surgery assisting instrument for retinal surgery includes a cylinder and a strip connected with each other. The cylinder and the strip are made of a soft and biocompatible material. The cylinder is preferably connected with the strip at a side surface and close to an edge of the strip. The surgery assisting instrument is placed in a fornix around an eye at a position according to a retinal tear. The cylinder is pressed against the eye and the strip is pressed against the eyelid. Thus the retina is forced toward the back wall of the eye.

Abstract: “Implants, such as interbody spacers, fusion devices and bone grafts, are provided having improved mechanical properties and/or degradation profiles. Such implants include a three-dimensional scaffold formed from particles, such as microspheres, which may in some embodiments be resorbable or biodegradable and which may have at least two different degradation rates. In some embodiments, the scaffold may be elastomeric. The three-dimensional scaffold may be for example, porous or semi-porous. Also provided are kits including such implants, and methods of producing and using the same.

Abstract: A bone fusion device, system, kit, and/or method can include an elongated structure including at least two anchor portions and at least one deformable segment connected on each end to one of the at least two anchor portions. Each deformable segment can include a plurality of spaced apart deformable members deformable from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. The bone fusion device may be implanted between two bone structures in the unexpanded configuration utilizing a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The deformable members can be compressed along a longitudinal axis of the device to deform the deformable members to the expanded configuration into contact with the two bone structures. A bone growth promoting material can be placed in the anchor portion lumen and in the interior of each deformable segment to promote bone in-growth between the bone structures.