Abstract: A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc is provided having an upper plate, a lower plate, and a core. The upper and lower plates include outer vertebral body contacting surfaces which are provided with attachment enhancing features to ensure bone integration. The attachment enhancing features shown include one or more fins, serrations and teeth. An opposite surface of the plates from the vertebral body contacting surfaces is formed with a recess which serves as a bearing surface for the core. In order to form an intervertebral disc with a lower disc height, at least one of the recesses is provided opposite a corresponding dome shaped portion on the vertebral body contacting surfaces. This allows the plates to be formed with a thinner profile for a smaller overall disc height. In addition to providing a lower overall height to the artificial disc, the dome shaped portion of the plates also provides a more anatomically shaped outer vertebral body contacting surface.

Abstract: A spinal construct comprises a connector defining a longitudinal axis and extending between a first end and a second end. The connector defines a cavity and includes a member that is selectively disposable in the cavity at one of a plurality of positions between the ends. A first longitudinal element is dynamically movable within the cavity and engageable with the member to limit movement in a first axial direction. The first longitudinal element is connectable with vertebral tissue. A second longitudinal element is disposable within the cavity and connectable with vertebral tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a screw head having a first diameter includes a housing, wherein the housing defines an inner diameter configured to engage the first diameter of the screw head. The exemplary inner diameter of the housing being smaller than the first diameter of the screw head.

Abstract: Spinal fixation systems including a member, a first attachment portion, a second attachment portion, and an intermediate portion. The first attachment portion is attached at a superior end of the member and includes a first opening. The second attachment portion is attached at an inferior end of the member and includes a second opening. The intermediate portion connects the first and second attachment portions. The spinal fixation systems may also include a relief in at least one of the first opening and the second opening. The systems may also include a third attachment portion with a third opening and an intermediate portion with a first and a second elastic mechanism. The first elastic mechanism connects the first and third attachment portions and the second elastic mechanism connects the third and second attachment portions. Surgical methods for inserting the spinal fixation systems in a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a method of placing a vertebral fixing system on a vertebra. The vertebral fixing system comprises a connecting part with members forming a space into which a rod may be inserted. The members are moveable relative to each other. A portion of a ligature may be passed through the connecting part to form a loop extending from the connecting part. When the rod is inserted in the space between the members, the ligature may be tensioned against the rod. The members of the connecting part may be driven together to hold the ligature in place. An adjustable locking means may be utilized to fix simultaneously in position the connecting part relative to the rod and at least one portion of the ligature relative to the connecting part, so as to prevent relative displacement of the rod and the vertebra in opposite directions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to locking mechanisms for a fastener (e.g., a bone screw) and associated devices, systems, and methods. According to some embodiments, a lockable bone plate assembly may comprise, for example, a bone plate and a bone screw assembly. A bone plate may comprise, in some embodiments, at least one through hole, the at least one through hole having at least one bone plate hole circumferential recess. According to some embodiments, a bone screw assembly may comprise (a) a bone screw, (b) at least one deployable protrusion, and/or (c) a protrusion driver. The present disclosure further relates, in some embodiments, to methods for bone (e.g., vertebral) fixation. For example, a method may comprise contacting at least a portion of a spine (e.g., cervical spine) of a subject with a lockable bone plate assembly.

Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

Abstract: Devices and methods of identifying and treating bodily passages, such as sinus cavities, are provided. More particularly, irrigation devices and methods useful in the identification and treatment of bodily passages, such as sinus cavities, are provided. The irrigation devices comprise an elongate tubular member and an optical fiber which assist with the transcutaneous identification and/or treatment of a bodily passage.

Abstract: A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: Spinal fixation systems including a member, a first attachment portion, a second attachment portion, and an intermediate portion. The first attachment portion is attached at a superior end of the member and includes a first opening. The second attachment portion is attached at an inferior end of the member and includes a second opening. The intermediate portion connects the first and second attachment portions. The spinal fixation systems may also include a relief in at least one of the first opening and the second opening. The systems may also include a third attachment portion with a third opening and an intermediate portion with a first and a second elastic mechanism. The first elastic mechanism connects the first and third attachment portions and the second elastic mechanism connects the third and second attachment portions. Surgical methods for inserting the spinal fixation systems in a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: Spinal fixation systems including a member, a first attachment portion, a second attachment portion, and an intermediate portion. The first attachment portion is attached at a superior end of the member and includes a first opening. The second attachment portion is attached at an inferior end of the member and includes a second opening. The intermediate portion connects the first and second attachment portions. The spinal fixation systems may also include a relief in at least one of the first opening and the second opening. The systems may also include a third attachment portion with a third opening and an intermediate portion with a first and a second elastic mechanism. The first elastic mechanism connects the first and third attachment portions and the second elastic mechanism connects the third and second attachment portions. Surgical methods for inserting the spinal fixation systems in a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for bone fracture repair. The apparatus may include a structural support for positioning a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment. The apparatus may include an anchoring substrate. The anchoring substrate may be configured to compress the first bone segment to the second bone segment. The anchoring substrate may transmit tension from a distal bone segment anchor in the first bone segment to a proximal bone segment anchor in the second bone segment. The apparatus may be configured to be deployed percutaneously in an inner cavity of a bone. The apparatus may be installed in an open fracture. The apparatus may be expanded, self-expanding or configured for mechanically actuation. Some embodiments of the apparatus may include a central axis member that may be used in conjunction with expansion of one or both of the structural support and the anchoring substrate to configure the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for treating vertebrae comprises the steps of: connecting at least one fastener with portions of vertebrae; providing a fastener comprising a first portion including a receiver defining an implant cavity and a member disposable with the implant cavity and movable relative to the receiver, and a second portion defining a longitudinal axis and being configured to penetrate vertebral tissue, wherein the receiver is non-pivotable relative to the longitudinal axis and connecting the fastener to the vertebrae; providing a longitudinal element; connecting a first portion of the longitudinal element with the at least one fastener; derotating the vertebrae to a selected orientation; and connecting a second portion of the longitudinal element with the fastener to substantially maintain the vertebrae in the selected orientation. Systems are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an intramedullary nail assembly comprising an intramedullary nail and an insert sleeve. The intramedullary nail has a nail longitudinal axis and comprises a cavity being accessible from a nail proximal end, the cavity being confined by a nail inner wall, the cavity having a cavity longitudinal axis. The nail inner wall is provided with a predominantly longitudinal groove and a predominantly transverse groove, the transverse groove and the longitudinal groove communicating with each other at a junction. The insert sleeve is configured to be received within the cavity and comprises a cam radially protruding from the insert sleeve and sized to mate with each of the longitudinal and transverse grooves such that the cam is displaceable within the longitudinal groove from a longitudinal groove proximal end to the junction and is further displaceable towards a terminal end of the transverse groove.