Abstract: Locking mechanisms and methods of fixation, such as the fixation of a fixation device like a bone screw and of a rod to the spine. The locking mechanism includes a body, a rod seat and a set screw. The rod seat is configured to separate into two pieces when the rod exerts force on the top portion of the washer and the set screw limits movement of the washer toward the bottom of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A trochlear groove implant includes a body having a first side with an articular surface and an opposing second side with a bone apposition surface, the articular surface and the bone apposition surface each extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end of the body. An elongated channel is recessed on the articular surface and longitudinally extends between the opposing ends of the body. An elongated ridge outwardly projects from the bone apposition surface and longitudinally extends between the opposing ends of the body.

Abstract: The present invention expands a spinal canal by drilling a cylindrical passage in each pedicle of a vertebra, making a circumferential pedicle cut (osteotomy) through each pedicle from within the passage, separating each pedicle cut by inserting an implant into the passage which distracts the pedicle cut to expand the spinal canal, and securing each pedicle cut, allowing the vertebra to heal with the spinal canal expanded. The implant includes an outer sleeve, an inner bolt, and expandable flanges. The outer sleeve includes an upper portion and a lower portion, with the expandable flanges connected to the lower portion and housed within the upper portion. Rotation of the inner bolt causes the upper and lower portions of the outer sleeve to separate, causing the pedicle cut to widen and the expandable flanges to radially extend into and stabilize the widened pedicle cut to effectuate expansion of the spinal canal.

Abstract: A layer is arranged on an implant for bone or tissue structure. The layer constitutes a boundary or barrier between the actual or unoxidized body of the implant and the structure for the purpose of increasing retention and has, in this context, a substantial thickness. The layer is designed with a channel network which gives the layer a substantial porosity. The channel network is designed with mouths which face towards the structure and whose respective cross-sectional diameters, at the surface of the layer facing towards the structure, are substantially less than the respective extents of the channels in and down into the layer as seen from the said surface.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a spinal rod within an anchoring device, wherein the anchoring device has an open end and a locking cap for securing the spinal rod within the open end. The apparatus includes a handle, an elongated body connected to the handle, a pair of jaws attached to the elongated body, a rod persuader for advancing the rod toward the anchoring device, and a locking shaft for use in locking the locking cap against the anchoring device to secure the spinal rod relative to the anchoring device.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: An osteotomy plate for maintaining the spacing of a wedge-like opening in bone, the osteotomy plate comprising: a body having a front side and a back side; a protrusion extending out of the back side of the body for disposition in the wedge-like opening; and a plurality of mounting holes for receiving fixation screws therein, the mounting holes being formed in the body such that when the protrusion is disposed in the wedge-like opening, the mounting holes direct the fixation screws into bone on either side of the wedge-like opening.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw includes a head member and a shank member. The shank has a capture end and an opposite threaded end for threaded insertion into a vertebra. The head has a U-shaped cradle for receiving a spinal fixation rod and a central bore for receiving the capture end of the shank. An expandible retainer ring with a radial split is snapped onto the capture end of the shank to retain it within the head. The retainer ring has a spherical outer surface which forms a ball joint with a spherical socket cavity within the head to enable the head to be angled relative to the shank. A threaded closure plug is tightened within the cradle to clamp the rod into engagement with a knurled dome on the capture end of the shank to secure the rod relative to the vertebra.

Abstract: An anti-splay closure with a multi-surfaced aperture, such as a multi-lobular socket, includes a cylindrical body with an external, continuous, helically extending anti-splay guide and advancement flange and a breakaway installation head.

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: A nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc is supplemented or replaced by an elongated, physiologically fully hydrated hydrogel prosthesis inserted into the central region of an intervertebral disc, where it can fold upon itself to form a prosthesis body within the central region of the annulus fibrosus. The hydrogel prosthesis may have expanded portions that assist in preventing expulsion of the prosthesis through the insertion aperture. An instrument for inserting the prosthesis has a cutter for severing the elongated prosthesis within the central region of the intervertebral disc after a sufficient amount has been implanted.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A new reversibly gelling polyurethane (RGP) polymer composition is described, as well as novel processes for its preparation, and its medical uses for filling spaces in tissue, or bulking tissue, or for restoring organ function. The novel RGP polymer forms a gel on standing, liquefies during shear and reversibly reforms a macroscopic gel on standing after being sheared. Methods of use include delivering the improved gel to a site on the body to fill voids or to augment local tissue bulk.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device is provided having first and second elongate members that are angularly adjustable relative to one another. Each elongate member can include a connecting feature formed on a terminal end thereof, and each connecting feature can be coupled to one another to allow angular movement of the first and second elongate members. The device can also include a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the connecting feature on each of the first and second elongate members to lock the elongate members in a fixed position relative to one another.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A method fuses an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra together. The method includes the steps of: extending a screw obliquely, both anteriorly and superiorly, through the inferior vertebra; and further extending the screw across an interbody space and into the superior vertebra both anteriorly and superiorly.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for inserting one or more implants to a surgical site in a patient in a surgical procedure, including minimally invasive surgical procedures are provided. The implant is mountable to the instrument in a reduced profile orientation and after insertion is manipulated with the insertion instrument to the desired orientation.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.