Abstract: An external fixation system and method for realigning, compressing or distracting broken bones has a planar ring element with an adjustable device having a body releasably mounted on the ring element. The adjustable device includes a first member for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the ring element. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member for angular movement with respect to the ring. A third member is mounted on the second member for movement in a direction parallel to the second member and with respect to a circumference of the planar ring element. The method includes inserting k-wires into bone and affixing the k-wires to the ring element and affixing the k-wires to an adjustable device. The pieces of bone are realigned, compressed or distracted by adjusting at least one of a first and second members forming the device.

Abstract: A method for augmenting or replacing a spinal facet (24) includes the steps of providing a first plate (40) and a second plate (50). An elastomeric member (70) is secured between and to the first plate (40) and the second plate (50). The first plate (40) is secured to a first vertebra (20). The second plate (50) is secured to a second vertebra (30) adjacent the first vertebra (20) for mimicking natural articulation between the first and second vertebrae (20, 30).

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. One embodiment provides a transverse connector for vertebral fixation systems comprising a first connector body comprising a first engaging member for engaging a first elongate member and a first locking member, a second connector body comprising a second engaging member for engaging a second elongate member, and a transverse rod coupled to the first connector body and the second connector body, thereby forming an articulation between a first end of the transverse rod and the first connector body, wherein the first locking member is configured to secure both the articulation and the first elongate member to the first connector body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a customized intraoral jaw distractor, of the type that comprises two anchoring means (1, 2) fastened to the mandibular body at two fixed anchor points, located on either side of the osseous callus.

Abstract: An implant with an adjustable height for spacing apart skeletal structures. The implant includes a base with a hollow interior. Collars include threaded inner surfaces and are positioned within the hollow interior of the base and are rotatable relative to the base. Threaded posts extend outward from the base and are threaded into the collars. Rotation of the collars adjusts an amount that the threaded posts extend outward from the base. An overall height of the implant can be adjusted to accommodate the size of the space and for the posts to contact against and space apart the skeletal structures.

Abstract: A stabilization device for bone parts or vertebrae includes two bone anchoring devices for anchoring in the bone parts or vertebrae. At least one of the bone anchoring devices includes an anchoring element with an anchoring section for anchoring in a bone part or a vertebra and a head, and a receiving part for receiving a stabilization rod. The receiving part has a seat for receiving the head so that the head can pivot with respect to the receiving part. The stabilization device includes a first pressure element which is movable in the receiving part so that it can be pressed onto the head to lock the angular position of the head. The stabilization device includes at least two stabilization rod sections, and at least two guiding channels within the receiving part which have a distance from each other for guiding through the at least two stabilization rod sections so that the rod sections do not touch each other.

Abstract: An intramedullary rod for repairing a femur includes an elongate nail extending along a longitudinal axis and having a stem and a head. The head has a first aperture extending along a first axis at an angle to the longitudinal axis for receiving a first fastener and a second aperture extending along a second axis at an angle to the longitudinal axis for receiving a second fastener. A mechanism is carried by the head for pivoting the first axis from a first angled position relative to the head to a second angled position relative to the head. The second axis is nonpivotable relative to the head. An apparatus and method are provided.

Abstract: A method of retracting and/or manipulating tissue is provided. The method includes providing access to a body cavity, providing a retractor including a elongated body portion, a needle formed on a proximal end of the elongated body portion and an anchor means formed on a distal end of the elongated body portion, directing the needle of the retractor through a section of tissue to be retracted, drawing the retractor though the tissue until the anchor means engages the tissue, and pulling the body portion of the retractor to manipulate the tissue.

Abstract: A support insert located between succeeding vertebrae and which includes a body having a specified shape and size and which is located in a space existing between succeeding process portions associated with the vertebrae. The body includes a generally boomerang shape in cross section with inner and outer ramped and displaceable pieces in order to seat against a surface of each vertebrae process. A collection of clips, anchors and/or frictional surface teeth are provided to assisting in locating and gripping opposing vertebral locations between which the body is applied.

Abstract: An implant with an adjustable height for spacing apart skeletal structures. The implant includes a base with a hollow interior. Collars include threaded inner surfaces and are positioned within the hollow interior of the base and are rotatable relative to the base. Threaded posts extend outward from the base and are threaded into the collars. Rotation of the collars adjusts an amount that the threaded posts extend outward from the base. An overall height of the implant can be adjusted to accommodate the size of the space and for the posts to contact against and space apart the skeletal structures.

Abstract: The nuclear implant according to this invention constitutes, between two overlying and underlying vertebrae Va, Vb of a spine segment Sr, an intervertebral support device that damps shock and ensures the mobility of the functional unit that is formed by the vertebrae of a vertebral column, whereby the nuclear implant includes a filling element (2) that includes at least one continuous wire (50, 51) that is arranged—inside a nuclear space Es that is obtained after nucleotomy of the intervertebral disk Di—along a profile in the shape of a ring whose stack of coils (55) makes it possible to delimit a central internal space (52).

Abstract: An external orthopaedic fixator for elbow joints comprising: proximal anchoring means intended to be integrally associated to a proximal bone of a patient's upper limb; distal anchoring means intended to be integrally associated to a distal bone of a patient's upper limb; an articulator hinging together said proximal and distal anchoring means along a hinging axis, intended to be positioned in correspondence with an elbow joint connecting said proximal and distal bones; said articulator comprising a radiotransparent centering window intended to frame the elbow joint when positioning the external orthopaedic fixator, said hinging axis passing through said centering window.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a first leg configured to abut a surface of an inferior articular process of a first vertebra that forms one portion of a spinal facet joint between the first vertebra and an adjacent second vertebra, a second leg configured to abut a surface of a superior articular process of the adjacent second vertebrae that forms another portion of the spinal facet joint between the first vertebra and the adjacent second vertebra, and a cross-member connected between the first and second legs and maintaining the first and second legs in a spaced-apart relationship. The spinal implant may restrict flexion and/or extension of the spinal facet joint when received about the spinal facet joint.

Abstract: A device may be used to limit flexion of the spine without substantially limiting extension of the spine. Various accessories, instruments, and methods may be used to help deploy the flexion limiting device, manipulate, and adjust it.

Abstract: A retractor system and method for locating and placing a polyaxial screw while substantially simultaneously retracting tissue is shown and described. The retractor has a channel that facilitates introducing a rod into the polyaxial screw. Various embodiments are shown, including one which utilized a reducer for moving the rod in the retractor.

Abstract: A lumbar fusion implant device has a pair of first and second body structures. The first body structure has a pair of appendages with enlarged rounded ends, the appendages projecting from the opposite sides of the first body structure. Similarly, the second body structure has a pair of appendages with enlarged rounded ends with the appendages projecting from opposite sides of the second body structure. Each of the enlarged ends of the appendages fit into sockets on an opposite first or second body structure and when the first and second body structures are longitudinally connected by a threaded fastener, tightening of the fastener moves the first and second body structures closer together expanding radially outwardly each appendage.

Abstract: The total disc replacement device (1) comprising a central axis (2), a first and a second apposition plate (3; 5), a first and a second joint component (4; 6) being mutually arranged in a ball joint like manner and being located between said first and second apposition plates (3; 5) and intermediate means (7) being disposed at least between the first apposition plate (3) and the first joint component (4) in such manner that, the first joint component (4) is not freely moveable transversely to the central axis (2) with respect to the first apposition plate (3) under load-free conditions, but a limited movement of the first joint component (4) relative to the first apposition plate (3) transversal to the central axis (2) is allowed under load.

Abstract: Apparatus and instruments for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. The additional spinal construct comprises a rod connector that includes an elongate additional rod integrally attached thereto. The additional rod is placed through an access port in a first orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access port and rotated to a different second orientation generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the access port. During such rotation the additional rod is moved subcutaneously beneath the skin of the patient from the existing spinal rod to an additional bone engaging implant. In another arrangement, the extension of an existing spinal construct in a minimally invasive procedure comprises a rod connector having an offset support for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed laterally interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.

Abstract: An expandable cage supports adjacent vertebra in spine surgery. The expandable cage includes a first supporting member configured to engage tissue and a second supporting member operatively associated with the first supporting member. The first and second supporting members are movable relative to each other. The expandable cage further includes a cam lock mechanism configured to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position. In another embodiment, the expandable cage includes a ring plate lock mechanism in lieu of the cam lock mechanism. The ring plate lock mechanism is adapted to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position.

Abstract: Apparatus and devices for adding an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. In one arrangement the additional spinal construct extends an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an inline rod connector in a minimally invasive or preferably, percutaneous procedure. In another arrangement, the ipsilateral extension of an existing spinal construct uses an offset rod connector for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.