Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly is provided having a frame that releasably couples two retractor blades. The retractor blades are coupled to the frame via a pair of mobile carriages that engage a track on the frame. A third retractor blade is configured to be independent of the frame with the first two retractor blades. The independent blade may be fixably positionable in the patient by a direct coupling to a rigid table mount. The retractor assembly may be utilized for creating anterior access to spinal target site while the patient is oriented in the lateral decubitus position.

Abstract: A system to stabilize and guide the growth of the spinal column includes an elongated support member having a width and a length and a guiding connector having a bone connecting portion and a guiding portion. The bone connecting portion secures the guiding connector to a vertebrae and the guiding portion has a bearing element with a passageway adapted to receive the elongated support member. The bearing element permits relative sliding movement of the elongated support element in the passageway of the bearing element. The system may further include a bone fixation element has an elongated support member receiving channel, a locking mechanism and a bone anchoring portion. The bone anchoring portion secures the bone fixation element to bone. The locking mechanism secures the elongated support member in the channel. The guiding connector is moveable along the elongated support member to permit and control the growth of the spinal column along a predetermined path.

Abstract: A method for treating a spine comprises the steps of: inserting a surgical instrument into a tissue cavity, the surgical instrument including an image guide oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the surgical instrument relative to the tissue cavity; displaying a selected configuration with a distal end of the surgical instrument in the tissue cavity; tracking movement of the selected configuration in the tissue cavity with a tracking device that communicates with a processor to generate data for display of the movement; and determining a volume of the tissue cavity based on the data. Systems, spinal constructs, implants and surgical instruments are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a receiver having a first arm connected to a first extension and a second arm connected to a second extension. The arms are connected to the extensions via a break away surface. The arms include a proximal most end surface and the receiver includes an implant receiving surface. The proximal most end surface and the implant receiving surface defining an implant cavity. The break away surface is disposed within the implant cavity. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device for securing between first and second regions of bone separated by a growth plate, the orthopaedic device comprising: a first portion to secure to a first fixing location on the first bone region; a second portion to secure to a second fixing location on the second bone region, the first fixing location and the second fixing location being laterally offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the bone; wherein the first and second portions are pivotally coupled between a first coupling location on the first portion and a second coupling location on the second portion such that movement of the first and second portions away from each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bone causes relative rotation of the first bone region and the second bone region thereby reducing the lateral offset of the first location and the second location.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member including a drive engageable with a first mating surface of a bone fastener. A second member is rotatable relative to the first member and includes an engagement element connectable with a second mating surface of the bone fastener. A part is disposed with the first member and being alternately connectable with an actuator and an adaptor attachable with an image guide. Systems, surgical adaptors, spinal implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting bones includes an implantable member configured to be mechanically coupled to a first bone, configured to be mechanically coupled to a second bone, configured to provide substantially no resistance to compression of the implantable member, configured to support a tensile load within a predetermined range of tensile loads extending from a first load to a second load, configured to have a predetermined elasticity within the range of tensile loads, configured to have a first characteristic at the first load, and configured to have a second characteristic at the second load. The system also includes a means for measuring the first characteristic and the second characteristic. And the system includes a means for calculating a tension between the first bone and the second bone based on the first characteristic and the second characteristic.

Abstract: A correction clamp assembly that permits a physician to surgically correct a bunion or similar deformity is provided. The assembly includes an elongate bridge, as well as first and second blocks slidably or rotatably connected to the elongate bridge. More specifically, first block is configured to slide along a slot formed in the elongate bridge, as well as rotate relative thereto. Additionally, the second block is configured to rotate relative to the elongate bridge. First and second pins may be configured to extend through the first and second block, and then into various pieces of bone. Once a cut is made in a portion of joint or bone, the pins can thereafter be moved towards and away from one another to position the respective pieces of bone in a desired location. Locking screws may also be provided to releasably secure the blocks relative to the bridge.

Abstract: Implants, systems, and methods of reverse dynamization. The implants, such as expandable spinal implants, bone plates, and intramedullary nails, are securable to bone. The implant may have a moveable component creating a semi-rigid configuration to allow for micro-motion of the bone for a period of time. The moveable component is changeable, for example, based on material properties, change of state, or mechanical or electrical operation, to a static condition creating a rigid configuration to prevent subsequent movement of the bone. The reverse dynamization implants may be used to accelerate bone healing and obtain superior bone fracture healing.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device includes a structural ceramic body. The structural ceramic body has a bottom surface, a top surface, a peripheral surface connected between the bottom surface and the top surface, and at least one pore channel penetrating the bottom surface and the top surface. The inner surface of the pore channel is either a convex curved surface or a funnel-shaped surface. For the pore channel having the convex curved surface, the pore diameter of the pore channel gradually expands from the center of the pore channel to the top surface and the bottom surface. The pore diameter can also gradually expand from the bottom surface to the top surface. The peripheral surface of the structural ceramic body is wavy or zigzag.

Abstract: A multiaxial receiver may include a body having a U-shaped cavity configured to receive a longitudinal rod therein and a lower cavity configured to couple to a pedicle screw. The multiaxial receiver may include a first passageway configured to permit a tether to pass therethrough in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the multiaxial receiver may also include a second passageway configured to permit a tether to pass therethrough in the horizontal direction. An immobilization assembly including a set screw and a wedge may immobilize the tether. The immobilization assembly may be configured to be rotated from an open position in which the tether is permitted to pass through the first passageway to a closed position in which the tether is immobilized within the first passageway or second passageway by pining the tether against a bearing surface of the first passageway.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and component parts of a system for the external fixation of bones. The component parts include fixation plates such as a C-shaped Plate, an N-shaped Plate, a J-shaped Plate, a K-shaped Plate, an I-shaped Plate, a Foot Plate, a Z-shaped Plate, a T-shaped Plate and an oval shaped Plate. Two or more fixation plates are configured along an axis, the two or more fixation plates; a plurality of telescoping adjustable struts that connect a first fixation plate along the axis with a second fixation plate of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis, wherein the first and second fixation plates are adjacent plates along the axis; and a plurality of posts, each post connecting two adjacent fixation plates of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis.

Abstract: A camera and expandable bladed retractor system. The system includes a camera, with a distal-most optical element disposed over the proximal end of the lumen or surgical channel established by the retractor blades. The camera may be fixed to the retractor, either to the proximal end of a blade or to a frame member.

Abstract: Pedicle-based intradiscal fixation devices, systems, instruments, and methods thereof. A pedicle-based intradiscal implant for stabilizing an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra may include a bendable rod configured to engage bone, a bone fastener defining a channel for receiving the bendable rod, and a locking cap for securing the bone fastener and the bendable rod. The implant may be positioned through a pedicle of an inferior vertebra and the bendable rod may be deployable into the vertebral body of the inferior vertebra, through the disc space, and into the vertebral body of the superior vertebra to stabilize the spine.

Abstract: A system and process is provided for dynamically positioning or repositioning a robot in a surgical context based on workspace and task requirements, manipulator requirements, or user preferences to execute a surgical plan. The system and method accurately determines and indicates an optimal position for a robot with respect to a patient's anatomy before or during a surgical procedure. Optimal positions for a robot are intuitively indicated to a user. surgical procedures can illustratively include surgery to the knee joint, hip joint, spine, shoulder joint, elbow joint, ankle joint, jaw, a tumor site, joints of the hand or foot, and other appropriate surgical sites.

Abstract: A disposable speculum for an otoscope provides a sheath adapted to cover an elongate otoscope probe and providing inwardly extending tabs that are adapted to flex outward when the speculum is inserted over the otoscope to engage corresponding grooves of the otoscope. The inwardly extending tabs provide precise alignment of the speculum with the elongate otoscope probe along an insertion axis to protect a length of the probe.

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: A spinal fixation access and delivery system is disclosed. In some aspects, the system is used to access the cervical facet joint via a posterior access approach. The system may include an access device including a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a chamfered or beveled end feature positioned at the distal portion of the body and configured for insertion at the cervical facet joint. The system may further include a guide device having access device engagement features and a spinal fixation member. The access device includes at least one guide device receiving feature complementary to or keyed to the engagement feature of the guide device.

Abstract: Pedicle-based intradiscal fixation devices, systems, instruments, and methods thereof. A pedicle-based intradiscal implant for stabilizing an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra may include a bendable rod configured to engage bone, a bone fastener defining a channel for receiving the bendable rod, and a locking cap for securing the bone fastener and the bendable rod. The implant may be positioned through a pedicle of an inferior vertebra and the bendable rod may be deployable into the vertebral body of the inferior vertebra, through the disc space, and into the vertebral body of the superior vertebra to stabilize the spine.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus to an arthroscopic tool, comprising at one axial distal end of the attachment, a pushrod end collar of tubular cross section with a hook or fastening provision at one axial distal end of said pushrod end collar to connect to a force applicator and, rigidly attached at the other axial distal end of the pushrod end collar, are at least two pairs of pushrods, wherein each pair of said pushrods are tangentially situated at opposite ends of the pushrod end collar and extends away from the pushrod end collar into channels or grooves of a pushrod guide sleeve with tubular cross section, wherein one distal end of the pushrod guide sleeve is at least a pair of cutouts for a plurality of lifting tabs placed at opposite radial distal ends along the circumference of the pushrod guide sleeve.