Abstract: An intervertebral joint prosthesis having a ball component (22) for engagement with a first vertebra (26) and a trough component (24) for engagement with a second vertebra (27) adjacent to the first vertebra is disclosed. The trough component (24) includes a generally concave surface (50) having a substantially flat portion (52). When the ball component (22) and the trough component (24) are engaged to their respective vertebrae, the ball component (72) and the trough component (24) engage each other, permitting rotation and translation of the vertebrae with respect to each other. Both components include a flange (34, 56) for engaging a vertebra. The invention also contemplates a method for and a tool for use in implanting a two-piece intervertebral joint prosthesis.

Abstract: A multi-stage minimally invasive surgical procedure and associated instruments are disclosed. First, the surgical site is prepared. After preparation, the bone screws or anchors are attached to the bone. Subsequent to insertion of the screws, a rod or connecting member is positioned within the yoke portion of the bone screw. Caps are then placed in a pre-lock position within the yokes. The bone screws may be compressed together or distracted along the rod or connecting member, thereby setting the final spacing of the bones or bone segments. Finally the caps are moved to a final lock position to fix the screws to the rod or connecting member to maintain the bones in position relative to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for performing a procedure relative to a selected portion of the anatomy, for example, preparing a portion of a joint, such as a knee, for implantation of a prosthesis. The manner of preparing the selected portion of the anatomy can be assisted with the various apparatuses disclosed.

Abstract: A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw includes a body having a head at one end and a cutting end at an opposite end, the cutting end having a generally flat cutting surface supporting two symmetrical cutting edges which extend from the longitudinal centerline to diametrically opposed thread start points. A recess is formed in the head for receiving an end of an insertion tool. A dual lead thread extends outwardly from the body in a spiral path from the cutting end towards the head. The dual lead thread pitch is tapered towards the cutting end, and transitions to a straight or slightly tapered thread towards the head.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy, the apparatus comprising: a wedge-shaped implant for disposition in a wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia, wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises a hole extending therethrough; a fixation screw for extending through the hole and securing the wedge-shaped implant to the tibia; and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the fixation screw to the wedge-shaped implant. The fixation screw comprises: a shaft having a distal threaded portion and a proximal threaded portion, wherein the distal threaded portion and the proximal threaded portion are characterized by different thread pitches.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inserting an implant into an intervertebral cavity between adjacent vertebral bodies provide for: adjust an initial height between inner surfaces of respective first and second ramps of an inserter; simultaneously sliding first and second ramps of the inserter, and the implant, proximally, toward distal ends of the first and second ramps, such that the vertebral contact surfaces of the respective first and second ramps separate and distract the vertebral bodies and receive the implant into the intervertebral space with no compressive loading, while holding an initial angle between the ramps substantially constant; reversing the sliding of the first and second ramps to permit the vertebral bodies to compressively load the implant, again while holding the initial angle therebetween substantially constant; and withdrawing the distal ends of the first and second ramps from the intervertebral space.

Abstract: In an insertion instrument for a three-piece intervertebral implant that includes an upper part that can be placed against a vertebra, a lower part that can be placed against the adjacent vertebra, and a pivot element that can be inserted between these two parts, the instrument having two arms, disposed side by side and supported pivotably relative to one another on one end, which at their free ends each have one retention device for the upper part and lower part, respectively, of the intervertebral implant, it is proposed that a longitudinal guide for the pivot element is disposed in one of the arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for interbody fusion including distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a shoulder prosthesis. These embodiments may relate to a shoulder prosthesis including, for example, a humeral stem for fracture indication. Of note, certain embodiments of the present invention provide a humeral prosthesis with improved integration of the tuberosities around the humeral stem. Various methods relating to uses and applications of the prosthesis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A trial (100) for use in performing joint arthroplasty is provided. The trial (100) fits to a cavity (103) in the canal (105) of a long bone (107) and assists in the performing of a trial reduction in performing joint arthroplasty. The trial (100) includes a stem portion (102) and a neck portion (104) fixedly connected to the stem portion (102) in a plurality of selectable positions with respect to the stem portion (102).

Abstract: An intervertebral stabilization system for at least three vertebrae comprising pedicle screws attachable to the vertebrae; at least one rod for the connection of at least two pedicle screws to form a rigid stiffening system; and at least one band which is capable of being pre-stressed in tension and which is surrounded in the implanted state of the stabilization system by at least one compressible pressure member arranged between two adjacent pedicle screws for the connection of the pedicle screws to form an elastic support system, wherein a common pedicle screw is associated both with the stiffening system and with the support system and the band can be connected or is connected to the rod by means of a band attachment.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices are provided for positioning a spinal fixation element in relation to adjacent spinal anchors. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a percutaneous access device that can be coupled to a spinal anchor, and the method includes the step of positioning a spinal fixation element through at least one sidewall opening of at least two percutaneous access devices such that the spinal fixation element extends in a lengthwise orientation that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of each percutaneous access device. The spinal fixation element can then be advanced in the lengthwise orientation to seat the spinal fixation element in or adjacent to the receiver heads of at least two adjacent spinal anchors. A fastening element or other closure mechanism can then be applied to each spinal anchor to engage the spinal fixation element within the receiver heads of the adjacent anchors.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device combines an open-headed anchor member, such as a bone screw or a hook with spaced apart arms forming a rod receiving channel. The arms have break-off arm extensions that are broken-off or separated after the rod is clamped. The closure and inner surfaces of the arms and tabs have mating helical anti-splay guide and advancement flanges formed thereon which radially interlock and mechanically cooperate to prevent splaying the arms and extensions as the closure is advanced into the rod receiving channel.

Abstract: Instruments and techniques separate or spread adjacent bony structures by inserting a distal spreader assembly into the space between the adjacent bony structures and actuating the spreading members with a proximal actuator assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect, an intervertebral prosthetic device for implantation within a disc space between adjacent first and second vertebral endplates includes a body including a main body with an outer surface bearing portion configured to interface with and articulate relative to one of the first and second vertebral endplates. It also comprises an orientation protrusion shaped in a manner to at least partially inhibit rotation of the body in the disc space. The body is sized in at least one direction to fit inside a boundary defined by a travel path of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra, the travel path forming an arc about a center of rotation of the first vertebra, the travel path being spaced from the center of rotation a distance substantially equivalent to the distance from the center of rotation to the second vertebral endplate.

Abstract: An external fixation device for the setting and corrective treatment of bone fractures is disclosed. The device comprises a splint member having a first and a second axially slidable and mutually fastenable base portions for adjusting the length of the splint member and a plurality of bone pins. Each of the base portions of the splint member includes mountings for the bone pins to traverse the site of the bone fracture in a multi-angle and multi-planar pin configuration, so as to permit direct fixation of the fracture and provide a significant degree of stability.

Abstract: Various method and apparatuses may be used to perform a procedure, such as a resection of a portion of the anatomy for preparation of the implants of a prosthetic. Various resecting member, including saw blades having selected geometries and shapes, can be used to assist in the resection of an anatomy to provide for implantation of a prosthetic. In addition, a cutting block assembly may be used to guide the resecting member. The cutting block assembly may be moveably mounted relative to the portion to be resected.

Abstract: An intervertebral stabilization system for at least three vertebrae comprising pedicle screws attachable to the vertebrae; at least one rod for the connection of at least two pedicle screws to form a rigid stiffening system; and at least one band which is capable of being pre-stressed in tension and which is surrounded in the implanted state of the stabilization system by at least one compressible pressure member arranged between two adjacent pedicle screws for the connection of the pedicle screws to form an elastic support system, wherein a common pedicle screw is associated both with the stiffening system and with the support system and the band is can be connected or is connected to the rod by means of a band attachment.

Abstract: An articulating implant system is provided for fixation to a bone. The articulating implant system includes a fixation component for fixation to the bone and an articulating member for articulating against bone or cartilage. Specifically, a modular ulnar implant is provided in accordance with the articulating implant system of the present invention wherein the fixation component is a stem for insertion into the intramedullary canal of the distal ulna and the articulating member is a head for articulating with the radial sigmoid notch.

Abstract: A flexible prosthetic cover shaped to form a replacement nucleus pulposis for an intervetebral disc with an aperture for the introduction of filling material therein, and an elongate introducer member configured to pass into the aperture is provided. The cover has a strengthened portion substantially opposite the aperture for engaging the distal end of the member, the strengthened portion and the distal end being arranged to interlock, for facilitating orientation of the cover, for example so as to prevent relative rotation there between.