Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable artificial intervertebral disc joint replacement device for implantation between adjacent vertebral bodies. The device allows selective positioning of a disc implant element and comprises translatable surfaces, a mechanism for translation, a means for bone attachment, and an integrated disc implant. The device can be used in the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical regions of the spine in single or multi-level configurations. When implanted in a patient, the device includes an upper (cranial) component and a lower (caudal) component attached to the vertebral body above and below the replaced intervertebral disc respectively, with the joint implant integrated into the translatable surfaces. Following implantation, precise positioning of the joint implant within the intervertebral space with respect to the spinal axis is then adjusted based upon the particular anatomical and functional needs of the individual patient to satisfy spinal range of motion and stability requirements.

Abstract: A system and method for osseous fixation is a surgical hardware device that allows bone fixation for purposes of fracture repair, arthrodesis, or other types of orthopedic applications. A partially threaded wire or pin is inserted into the bone and external compression and rotational stability are achieved with a locking cap. The locking cap may include serrations or other anti-rotation features which engage bone to provide rotational stability. Upon adequate bone healing, the external cap may be used to facilitate removal of the wire/pin from the bone.

Abstract: An anchoring member for a polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring section having a first end, a second end, and a bone engagement structure, a head having an outer surface portion that defines a segment of a sphere, wherein a central axis extends through the head and the first and second ends of the bone anchoring section, and a neck extending between the first end of the bone anchoring section and the head. The neck has a first portion and a second portion between the first portion and the bone anchoring section. In at least a first cross-sectional plane including the central axis, the first portion of the neck is concave with a first curvature, and the second portion of the neck is concave with a second curvature that is less curved than the first curvature.

Abstract: Adjustable rail apparatuses and external bone and/or tissue fixation system including an adjustable rail apparatus is disclosed. The rail apparatuses comprise first and second external fixation beam elements with alignment grooves, and a joint coupling the first and second beam elements and configured to selectively adjust the relative angular and rotational arrangement of the first and second beam elements. The joint also comprises a first and second beam end housings rotationally fixed to the first and second external fixation beam elements, respectively. The joint also comprises first and second clamp members axially and rotationally fixed to the first and beam end housings, respectively. The joint also comprises first and second rotation end housings coupled with the first and second clamp members, respectively, the first and second rotation end housings being selectively rotatably adjusted with respect to the first and second clamp members, respectively, within fixed ranges of rotation.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly for anchoring a rod to a bone or vertebra includes a shank and a receiving part pivotably connected to one another, the receiving part defining a channel for the rod, a pressure element for locking the shank with the receiving part, first and second rods with different diameters configured to be interchangeably received in the channel, and first and second closure elements configured to interchangeably cooperate with the receiving part. The first closure element acts on the selected rod in the receiving part such that the rod exerts pressure on the pressure element to simultaneously lock the shank with the receiving part and fix the rod in the channel. The second closure element cooperates with the receiving part to act on the pressure element to lock the shank with the receiving part, and to act separately on the selected rod to fix the rod in the channel.

Abstract: A retractor for use in surgical operations comprises a pair of blade assemblies. In operation, the blade assemblies are initially in a closed position to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The retractor is adapted to rotate a first blade about a first axis and a second blade about a second axis. The retractor is adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart along a third axis. The retractor is adapted to pivot the first blade about a fourth axis and the second blade about a fifth axis. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed retractor is provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for securing a spinal rod are provided. A clamp assembly may include a tulip comprising a first opening and a second opening, wherein an inner surface of the first opening comprises threads; a saddle movably disposed within the tulip between the first and second openings, the saddle comprising a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a portion configured to receive a spinal rod, the second end comprising a cavity configured to receive a pedicle screw, the saddle comprising slots configured to receive a rotating tool; and a threaded locking cap disposed in the first opening.

Abstract: Retractor holding frames and related methods are provided. The frame includes a support body including a first bore extending transversely from a first side of the support body to a second side of the support body opposite the first side, and a second bore extending transversely from the second side to the first side. The frame includes a left support frame arm including a first annular hub configured to be disposed within the first bore and a first plurality of posts disposed along an outer edge of the left support frame arm configured to retain a first retractor in a first orientation. The frame includes a right support frame arm including a second annular hub configured to be disposed within the second bore and a second plurality of posts disposed along an outer edge of the right support frame arm configured to retain a second retractor in a second orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating dermatological tissue including a user holdable device having an end defining a surface configured to receive and capable of being releasably coupled to a needle module that includes a movable needle assembly having a plurality of needles that is located past the end of the device when the module is releasably coupled to the device. The device includes a motor capable of moving the assembly to deploy the needles to penetrate dermatological tissue to a selectable desired depth. The apparatus includes a signal generator capable of being coupled to the needles to provide a radio frequency signal having a selectable intensity; at least one processor configured to provide a signal to cause the motor to deploy the needles to the desired depth and a signal to cause the signal generator to provide the intensity of the radio frequency signal to the needles; and at least one display.

Abstract: The fusion systems include a first fastener, a second fastener, and an elongate member with a first end and a second end. The first end being secured to the first fastener and the second end being secure to the second fastener. The method of assembling a fusion system including obtaining towers, fasteners, and an elongate member; coupling the fasteners to the towers; inserting ends of the elongate member into the fasteners; coupling locking caps to a screwdriver; and screwing the locking caps into heads of the fasteners to secure the ends of the elongate member to the fasteners. The methods of using the fusion systems including exposing a patient's vertebrae and obtaining the fusion system, inserting first and second fasteners into first and second vertebra, and coupling the first fastener and second fastener.

Abstract: A method of designing an orthopedic implant comprising: (a) iteratively evaluating possible shapes of a dynamic orthopedic implant using actual anatomical shape considerations and kinematic shape considerations; and, (b) selecting a dynamic orthopedic implant shape from one of the possible shapes, where the dynamic orthopedic implant shape selected satisfies predetermined kinematic and anatomical constraints.

Abstract: A protective device (10, 10?) provides a protective cover for a part (12, 12?, 12?) of a medical device and includes a flexible part (14, 14?) and a rigid part (16, 16?). The rigid part (16, 16?) has at least one locking element (28, 28?). The locking element (28, 28?) is lockingly connectable to a counterpiece of the corresponding part (12, 12?, 12?) of the medical device.

Abstract: A retractor, distractor, and camera system with the camera system and/or distractor configured to provide releasable attachment of the camera system to the distractor, and also provide for rotation of the camera assembly relative to the distractor to allow for adjusting the aim of the camera viewing axis to obtain an image of the surgical workspace established by the retractor.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank and a head, a receiving part configured to pivotably receive the head, and a pressure member defining a head receiving recess for pivotably holding the head and having a portion configured to extend to a side opposite a free end of the head and to exert pressure on the side opposite the free end to clamp the head in the receiving part. The head has a first position indication structure configured to engage a second position indication structure of the pressure member when the shank assumes a first angular position, and to disengage from the second position indication structure when the shank is at an angular position different from the first angular position. The second position indication structure is engageable with the first position indication structure without protruding into a profile defined by the head receiving recess.

Abstract: Bottom-loading bone anchor assemblies and components thereof are disclosed that have a reduced profile and can be utilized with bone screws of various size. Bone anchor assemblies of the present disclosure can include a receiver member, a drag retaining ring, and a shank. The retaining ring and shank can be inserted proximally into a bore of the receiver member. The drag ring can have a base and a walled portion extending proximally therefrom. The drag retaining ring can be disposed in a groove of the receiver member with the base forming a seat for the shank head that can hold the shank within the receiver. The walled portion of the drag retaining ring can impart a drag force on the shank head seated in the base to prevent unintended movement between the shank and the receiver member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for spinal fusion procedures are described. The system in particular includes an intervertebral fixation system a positioning handle comprising a shaft. The distal end of the shaft includes a first locking mechanism that engages with a second locking mechanism of an implant. The system includes a holder including a handle channel. At least a portion of the shaft is insertable through the handle channel.

Abstract: A pedicle fixation system (10) may include a first fastener (12) and a second fastener (14). The first fastener (12) may include a first shank (40) extending along a first fastener axis (41) and a channel (52) extending along a skew axis (51). The skew axis (51) may be transverse to the first fastener axis (41) and the channel (52) may have a channel diameter perpendicular to the skew axis (51). The second fastener (14) may extend through the channel (52) and include a second shank (60) extending along a second fastener axis (63). At least a distal part of the second shank (60) may have a second fastener diameter perpendicular to the second fastener axis (63). The second fastener diameter may be smaller than the channel diameter.

Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies and related methods are disclosed herein that can provide for improved fixation of a primary bone anchor. A bone anchor assembly can include a base rotatably received within a rod-receiving member. The base can have a toroid body with a radially-extending portion including at least one auxiliary bone anchor opening that can receive an auxiliary bone anchor to augment fixation of a primary bone anchor of the bone anchor assembly. The base can be rotated relative to the rod-receiving member and the primary bone anchor such that the at least one auxiliary bone anchor opening can be placed in a desired position for supplemental fixation.

Abstract: Intramedullary nails, aiming guide assemblies, and methods. The aiming guide assembly can include an aiming guide having a collet and a connection bolt configured to engage a connection bolt driver. The connection bolt may be self-retaining and engage with the connection bolt driver in a manner to prevent unintentional disengagement.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first member defining a plurality of grooves. A coupling member is disposed with the first member. A first band and a second band are disposable within the grooves. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and includes a head engageable with the first band to provisionally connect the first member to the second member. The coupling member is engageable with a part to move the part relative to the first member into engagement with the second band to dispose the second band adjacent the first band to connect the first member to the second member. Systems, surgical instruments, implants and methods are disclosed.