Abstract: Derotation instrument assemblies and systems are provided to facilitate positioning one or more vertebrae of a spinal column into a desired alignment. The instrument assemblies and systems include implant holders engageable to respective implants engaged to vertebrae of the spinal column, transverse bridges to connect implant holders associated with a particular vertebra, and inter-level linking assemblies to connect instrument assemblies associated with different vertebrae. Derotation handles can be provided to facilitate application of the alignment forces, while the assemblies distribute the corrective forces to the connected implants and vertebrae.

Abstract: The invention relates to the repair of spinal annular defects. An appartatus comprises a scaffold comprised of a biodurable, resiliently compressible, elastomeric reticulated composition to obliterate spinal/vertabral connective tissue defects, to obliterate spinal-annular nuclear tissue defects, and for spinal annulo-nucleoplasty regeneration. The apparatus comprises an at least partially cylindrical member.

Abstract: A surgical procedure according to which a cutting blade is positioned over an area of the bone to be cut and indicia is projected onto the area. The blade is adjusted relative to the area until the indicia takes a predetermined configuration on the area corresponding to the desired position of the blade relative to the area. Then the blade can be driven to cut an opening in the bone.

Abstract: A spinal rod includes an elongated tubular member that is inflatable from a first insertion profile to a second enlarged profile. An expandable tubular reinforcement sleeve is concentrically positioned adjacent to the balloon. The balloon may be bonded to the sleeve. The spinal rod may also have longitudinal reinforcement members. A joining member may join two or more of the longitudinal reinforcing members at a discrete point along each. The spinal rod may further include end portions on either side of an inflatable portion.

Abstract: An anchor for fixing a ligament or tendon replacement in a bore formed in a bone has two parts. A first partially cylindrical part has a semi-circular bore therethrough extending along an axis. The bore tapers conically inwardly with respect to the axis from a larger radius at a first end to a smaller radius at second end. The outer surface of the partially cylindrical part is spaced at a constant radius from the axis between the first and second ends. The first and second parts have side walls formed between the bore and the outer surface which walls extend along a plane which forms an angle with respect to the central axis. When the two parts are engaged along their side wails and slide with respect to the axis the outer diameter of the two parts enlarges.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant impactor which includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A trigger is pivotably connected to the distal end, the trigger having a cam end. A push rod is within the shaft and is connected to the cam end of the trigger.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device for engagement between vertebrae includes a pair of lateral spacers for spacing the vertebrae, and a connecting member adapted to couple together the lateral spacers when inserted between the vertebrae. The connecting member, individual lateral spacers, or the entire spinal spacer can be made of bone in order to promote fusion of the vertebrae. The modular construction permits use of bone segments otherwise unsuitable due to size or strength in stable fusion devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.

Abstract: A humeral nail includes an elongated body, a plurality of interlocking devices and a locking device. The elongated body is at least partially insertable into a medullary canal of a humerus and has a proximal part with a plurality of orifices. The interlocking devices are insertable into the orifices to interlock initially split humeral fragments. The locking device is capable of locking the interlocking devices within the orifices. The locking device is free to move relative to the body between a free passage position in which the locking device enables free passage of the interlocking devices through the orifices, and a locking position in which the locking device locks the interlocking devices in position with respect to the orifices.

Abstract: A tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation device includes at least one inner member configured to fix the tulip assembly to the head of a bone fixation device, and an outer member including at least one engagement surface configured to selectively fix a rod in the tulip assembly via rotation of the outer member.

Abstract: A spinal prosthesis including a first spinal attachment member attachable to a first posterior portion of a spinal structure, a second spinal attachment member attachable to a second posterior portion of the spinal structure, the first and second posterior portions being adjacent superiorly-inferiorly to one another, and a connector element attached to the first spinal attachment member, wherein the second spinal attachment member includes an interface portion that passes through an elongate aperture formed in the connector element so as to permit rotational and translational movement of the second spinal attachment member with respect to the connector element.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus for cutting a tibia, a stylus, an apparatus for cutting a femur, an apparatus for aligning a femoral cutting guide, and an ankle clamp in support of a unicondylar knee surgery. The present invention further provides for a method of preparing a femoral condyle of a femur for the implantation of a unicondylar femoral knee implant. The apparatus for cutting a tibia includes a unicondylar tibial resection guide that is adjustably connectable to a unicondylar tibial alignment guide and configured to operate concurrently with the tibial alignment guide. The apparatus for cutting a femur includes a spacer block and a cutting guide configured to operate concurrently with the spacer block.

Abstract: A spinal fixation and fusion device that includes a housing with leading deep surface conforming to the posterior aspect of the intervertebral disk and trailing outer surface conforming to the anterior surface of the disk, weight bearing sides and the top and bottom surfaces with plurality of openings enabling ingrowths of bone. The device further includes a shaft running from the center of the deep surface and perpendicular to the deep surface of the housing to the center of the outer surface of the housing and affixed at least to the deep surface of the housing, and a flat metal member threaded onto the shaft with sharp leading edge which upon clockwise or counterclockwise rotation about the axis of the shaft will break the endplate, hook into the vertebra and rigidly secure the vertebra to the entire device preventing separation of the vertebra from the device during spinal motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic fixation device for securing a rod-like fixation element, with two clamping jaws which can be moved relative to one another and which, when brought together, clamp the fixation element between them. In order to permit space-saving configurations of a fixation device that can be introduced and operated through small orifices in the body, a cam body is provided which is mounted on the fixation device so as to be able to rotate next to the clamping jaws in the direction of tightening and which, when rotated, pushes one clamping jaw toward the other.

Abstract: Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.

Abstract: An interspinous spacer having opposed, pivotally connected s-shaped members that can enter the interspinous space in an initial state and then rotate to a final state to secure the implant to the adjacent interspinous processes.

Abstract: Connector assemblies are provided to couple an elongate member extending along the spinal column to a bone engaging implant engaged to the spinal column. The connector assembly includes a coupler and a clamping member in the coupler that is movable to secure the implant between the clamping member and the coupler when the elongate member is secured in the coupler with an engaging member engaged to the coupler.

Abstract: A surgical tool and method are provided for positioning an intervertebral device between vertebral members. The tool includes an elongate shaft, an anti-rotation sleeve, and an actuation mechanism. The shaft has proximal and distal ends, with the distal end of the shaft including an engagement member for releasably engaging an intervertebral device. The sleeve includes proximal and distal ends, and is movably mounted to the shaft for reciprocating relative thereto between retracted and extended positions. The distal end of the sleeve includes an anti-rotation member. The actuation mechanism controls positioning of the sleeve between the retracted and extended positions, and locks the sleeve relative to the shaft. When the intervertebral device is releasably engaged by the engagement member, and the sleeve is in the extended position, the anti-rotation member engages the intervertebral device and prevents rotation of the intervertebral device when releasing the engagement member from the intervertebral device.

Abstract: A stabilization element for implantation in a patient includes: a spring element including a plurality of helical coils terminating at first and second ends; and at least one sleeve including at least one bore sized and shaped to slide or thread onto the helical coils of the spring element, the at least one sleeve being operable to engage a tulip of a bone anchor.

Abstract: A bone fixation system. The bone fixation system includes a fixation plate including at least one fixation hole, and at least one fastener, the fastener including a coupler and a shank for engaging a bone. The coupler is threadably engaged with the fixation hole. The shank is angulatably retained by the coupler and orientable relative to the fixation plate at a selectable angle.