Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to an intervertebral disc prosthesis used to strengthen and stabilize the spine. Implementations of the technology described herein comprise a surgical device that is implanted through a small surgical incision into a portion of a human intervertebral disc, various support tools used to insert such a surgical device, and a method by which the device is used to strengthen and stabilize the spine.

Abstract: An improved method and device are provided for forming and/or maintaining a percutaneous access pathway. The device generally comprises an access pathway and attachment device. The provided assembly substantially reduces the possibility of iatrogenic infection while accessing and/or re-accessing a body space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, gear member and a locking assembly positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.

Abstract: Embodiments of claimed subject matter are directed to an illuminating surgical device comprising an array of illuminating elements and an array of louvers to direct light from the individual illuminating elements toward a surgical field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractor. The retractor comprises an elongate support member having a screw thread along at least part of its length and a first arm having a first anatomy engaging member depending therefrom. The retractor also comprises a second arm having a second anatomy engaging member depending therefrom and a threaded portion which cooperates with the screw thread to move the second arm along the support member. The retractor also comprises a driver operable to move the second arm along the support member by cooperation of the threaded portion and the screw thread whereby separation between the first and second arms changes. The retractor further comprises a bridging part attached towards a first end thereof to the first arm and attached towards a second, opposite end thereof to the second arm, the bridging part having a third anatomy engaging member depending therefrom.

Abstract: An expandable implant having superior and inferior endplates is disclosed. The superior endplate includes a first inside surface having a crossbar extending in the widthwise direction. The inferior endplate includes a second inside surface having a medial support structure, a threaded core, and a receiving cavity. A threaded locking screw may be disposed in the threaded core, and a proximal saddle may be disposed in the receiving cavity. In various embodiments, in a locked position, a relative position of the inferior endplate with respect to the superior endplate is fixed, and the threaded locking screw directly contacts, pushes, applies a force against, and/or compresses, the proximal saddle, the proximal saddle directly contacts, pushes, applies a force against, and/or compresses the crossbar, the crossbar directly contacts, pushes, applies a force against, and/or compresses the distal saddle, and the distal saddle directly contacts and is engaged against the second interior distal wall.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the subject invention, an iris expander is provided which includes a non-metallic, unitary, multi-segmented body which is expandable from a first state to a second state. The second state defines a larger footprint than the first state with the body being defined by a plurality of segments connected by living hinges. In a further aspect, an iris expander is provided which includes a multi-segmented body that is expandable from a first state to a larger-footprint second state. At least one aperture is formed in the body with a channel extending therefrom embedded in the body such that no portion thereof is exposed externally of the body. The channel is formed to accommodate a portion of an instrument for causing adjustment of the body with avoidance of direct contact of the instrument with the tissue of the iris.

Abstract: Methods of applying a locking cap to a bone anchor assembly. The bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor and an elongate rod. The bone anchor includes a body that defines a channel and has a tissue retractor coupled thereto that defines a partial pathway to the channel.

Abstract: A pedicle screw includes a tulip head, a rod seat, a screw shank, and a retainer collar. The tulip head has an upper opening disposed in a top end of the tulip head and a lower opening disposed in a bottom end of the tulip head opposite the upper opening. The upper and lower openings form a single cavity extending through the tulip head from a top end to the bottom end. The rod seat is disposed within the cavity of the tulip head and engages a stop extending inwardly from an interior wall of the cavity. The screw shank has a thread disposed along a length of the screw shank and a connector positioned at an upper end. The retainer collar has a pass through aperture, an expansion slit, and is disposed about the connector of the screw shank. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A spinal screw assembly includes a bone screw having a head with a rounded outer surface and an anchor portion for fixation to the bone. The assembly also includes a body member defining an internal cavity communicating with a bottom surface of the body member through a lower opening, with an interior surface adjacent the lower opening configured to engage the rounded outer surface of the head of the screw, and an upper portion defining a channel for receiving a fixation rod. The screw head is configured for uploading into the cavity of the body member through the bottom opening until the rounded outer surface enters into pivotal engagement with the interior surface of the internal cavity, with the screw extending downwardly through the lower opening, so as to allow for variable angular movement of the bone screw relative to the body member prior to locking the spinal screw assembly with a closure.

Abstract: A self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatus is disclosed which includes at least first and second sliding boxes. A first screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body is disposed within the first sliding box, and a second screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body disposed within the second sliding box. An adjuster adjusts the height of the sliding boxes. The screw members are screwed into vertebral bodies in order to fuse the vertebral bodies together. A plurality of the self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatuses may be attached together and/or integrated via a plate or cage. Also disclosed is a cervical facet staple that includes a curved staple base and at least two prongs attached to the bottom surface of the curved staple base.

Abstract: An expandable implant movable between a contracted position and an expanded position, is disclosed. In various embodiments, the implant may be defined by a superior endplate and an inferior endplate having proximal ramps and distal ramps disposed on an interior surface thereof, respectively. The expandable body may include a beveled hook portion at a distal end thereof. In various embodiments, upon rotation of a proximal set screw, a proximal wedge may act against the proximal ramps of the superior and inferior endplates and cause the implant to expand at the proximal end. Upon rotation of a distal set screw, a distal wedge may act against the distal ramps of the superior and inferior endplates and cause the implant to expand at the distal end. In some embodiments, both the superior and distal set screws may be rotated simultaneously.

Abstract: An anchoring system for implanting in bone, the system comprising a first coupling assembly having a first clamp and a first coupling body that receives and holds a first stabilization element; a second coupling assembly that receives and holds a second stabilization element; and a plate that attaches to the first coupling assembly and the second coupling assembly, wherein the first coupling assembly attaches to a bone fastener, and wherein the first coupling body includes a cap retainer that receives a locking cap that applies a directional force to force the first coupling body toward the plate, and applies another directional force to force the first clamp toward the plate, thereby fixedly securing the first coupling body and the first clamp to the plate.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a body including an inner surface that defines a cavity configured for disposal of a member. A locking element is engageable with the member within the cavity to fix the member with the body. The body further includes a wall that defines a bay configured for disposal of a longitudinal element being engageable with the wall to fix the longitudinal element with the body independent of the member, Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer is disclosed having a main body and an articulating component that is pivotally mounted within an opening of the main body. The intervertebral spacer is designed to be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process without the use of any frangible support material between a main body of the intervertebral spacer and an articulating component of the intervertebral spacer. To this end, an article of manufacture is provided in which supports are formed prior to forming intervertebral spacer. The supports are configured to support the main body and the articulating component such that they can be separately, but simultaneously manufactured using an additive manufacturing process atop the supports, without the need for any frangible support material therebetween.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing orthopedic implant augments are provided which have fastener locking mechanisms. The augments include a surface for mating with an implant component and a surface for interfacing with a patient's bone. The fastener locking mechanisms are aligned such that the augment may be locked in a variety of orientations while maintaining close contact with both an implant and a patient's bone. The alignment of the locking mechanisms provides variability and adjustability to the augment to address a variety of bone anatomies and requirements.

Abstract: A retractor for surgery according to various implementations comprises a handle, an operating portion, and a curved body. In a side view, the handle, the curved body, and the operating portion each define a mean line, wherein: the mean line of the curved body extends along an arc, the mean line of the handle is tangent to the arc, the mean line of the operating portion defines a concavity opposed to the concavity of the arc; the operating portion comprises a retraction segment and one rest segment comprising a tip; and the extension of the circular arc intersects the rest segment. In a front view, the curved body defines an opening comprising a proximal portion having width l and a distal portion having width L, wherein l<L.

Abstract: An otoscope uses differential reflected response of optical energy at an absorption range and an adjacent wavelength range to determine the presence of water (where the wavelengths are water absorption wavelength and adjacent non-absorption excitation wavelengths). In another example of the invention, the otoscope utilizes OCT in combination with absorption and non-absorption range for bacteria and water.

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 with 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: The present invention discloses fusion systems and methods of assembly and use. 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 and methods of using the fusion systems are also disclosed.