Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant comprising providing an expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise providing an angling inserter tool. The angling inserter tool comprises a handle portion, a base portion, and a tip assembly, the base portion being disposed between the handle portion and the tip assembly. The method further may comprise distally advancing a central shaft of the tip assembly with rotation into an opening in the expandable vertebral implant to secure the angling inserter tool to the expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise positioning the expandable vertebral implant in a patient's spine. The method further may comprise for causing the tip assembly to angulate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the angling inserter tool, wherein the internal shaft is coaxial with an outer cylinder of the base portion.

Abstract: A clamp for a linkage for linking first and second bone fasteners of a prosthesis assembly, the clamp comprising a clamp body having a first receiving portion for receiving a first component of a prosthesis assembly and a second receiving portion for receiving a second component of the prosthesis assembly, the clamp having a deflectable member which deflects from a first position to a second position when one of the first and second components is introduced to its corresponding receiving portion, wherein when the deflectable member is in the second position and the other one of the first and second components is received by the clamp, the deflectable member is engageable with said other one of the first and second components.

Abstract: A reduced shock breakaway set screw for use with medical implants and constructs for the spine having improved geometry of the groove area between the upper head portion and lower threaded portion of the set screw. The groove area of the set screw has circular and noncircular portions which in at least one embodiment comprise upper and lower radii separated by a flattened groove bottom. Other embodiments have apertures running between the groove area and an internal cylindrical bore and/or ridges or ribs running across the groove area. The improved geometry serves to slow down the fracturing process during shearing thereby increasing the proportion of energy dissipated as heat from plastic deformation of the material to the amount of energy released as kinetic energy from elastic deformation, thus reducing shock to the patient and physician without changing the preset break-off torque for the set screw.

Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column. More specifically, the application describes instruments and methods for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column in a minimally invasive fashion.

Abstract: A surgical access port and method for achieving articulation is disclosed, the surgical access port including a housing, at least one lumen extending through the housing, and an articulation structure. The housing comprises an access member having a proximal end and a distal end, and defines a longitudinal axis. The lumen in the housing extends from the proximal to the distal end of the access member along the longitudinal axis. The articulation structure comprises a first tubular member and a second tubular member, the second tubular member hingably attached to the first tubular member, and an articulation element slidably attached to the first tubular member.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser illuminator 10 includes multiple laser devices 12-16. There are at least three different wavelengths of light emitted by the multiple laser devices 12-16 and each wavelength of light emitted by each laser device is outside of wavelengths blocked by a safety filter used for surgical treatment lasers 52. A controller 18 controls the multiple laser devices 12-16. A graphical user interface 32 is operably attached to the controller 18 for allowing a user to select a plurality of light parameters for a light beam exiting the illuminator 10.

Abstract: A spinal correction system for implantation in a patient, the system including a reciprocating adjuster and/or a resistance adjuster coupled to a stabilizing member, for example. The resistance adjuster includes a potential energy drive, a slide unit, and a resistance unit. The reciprocating adjuster includes a piston unit, a transfer unit coupled to the piston unit, and a return mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion rigidly coupled to the spacer portion, wherein the plate portion contains holes for receiving screws. A fastener back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate to prevent the back out of the fasteners from the holes and to secure the spacer to the plate of the intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A device for treating fractures, comprises an intramedullary member sized and shaped for insertion along a longitudinal axis of a bone within a medullary canal thereof, the intramedullary member including an opening extending obliquely therethrough, the opening, when the intramedullary member is in a desired position within a bone, aligning with a desired axis along which an implant is to be inserted into a bone, the intramedullary member including a channel formed therewithin and opening to the opening and a locking mechanism mounted in the channel, the locking mechanism including a locking abutting structure extending into the opening in combination with an implant sized to be slidably received through the opening and inserted along the desired axis, the implant including a plurality of implant abutting structures aligned to engage the locking abutting structure preventing medial movement of the implant relative to the intramedullary member.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor includes a blade, a handle, a curved section and an illumination assembly. The blade has a top surface and a bottom surface. The handle extends at an angle from a proximal end of the blade. The curved section connects the handle to the blade. The illumination assembly includes at least one light source, at least one battery and an activation device for energizing the light source. The illumination assembly is attachable to the curved section.

Abstract: Transport distraction apparatus for performing transport distraction osteogenesis is provided which includes a track capable of being formed into a curvilinear shape with a carriage movable longitudinally along the track. The carriage has a fixation plate secured or securable to it and at least one gear for moving the carriage along the track in order to adjust its position relative to the length of the track. The track has a series of formations extending along one edge of the track and engaged by the gear which is at least partially accommodated within a space between a plane including the front face of the track and a plane including the rear face of the track. Preferably, the apparatus creates a gap between a central region of the track and a patient's bone in use. A fixation plate is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal implant includes a lower body, an upper body, a locking pawl, and a locking key. The upper body and the lower body are pivotable relative to one another between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The upper body includes a locking flange that extends towards the lower body. The locking pawl is coupled to the lower body and is moveable between a locked position such that the upper and lower bodies are fixed relative to the one another and an unlocked position such that the upper and lower bodies are moveable relative to one another. The locking key is moveable between a locked state such that the locking pawl is fixed in the locked position and an unlocked state wherein the locking pawl is moveable between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Abstract: Spinal implants and methods of extending pre-existing spinal implant constructs. An extension clamp may be connected to an original spinal implant including an elongated rod attached to a portion of the spine without removal of the original spinal implant. The extension clamp may include a yoke and an extension rod extending from the yoke. The yoke may include a first end and a second end, the first end having first and second rod engaging portions and a channel between the first and second rod engaging portions for encompassing a fastener, and the second end being spaced apart from the first end. The first and second rod engaging portions may be configured and dimensioned to secure the extension clamp to the elongated rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable implant for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member 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: Disclosed herein are a hook with rotating saddle and a rotatable mono axial pedicle screw. In an embodiment, the disclosed hook may include at least one body comprising a hook member and a saddle member. The hook member and saddle member may be rotatably mounted to one another so as to rotate with respect to each other only about a common axis, and the saddle member may be configured for connection to an end of a connecting member. A surgical screw system may include receiver and screw members engagable with one another such that when engaged, only rotation of the receiving member about the longitudinal axis of the screw member and restrain against substantially all other translational or rotational movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling with a fixation rod to allow spinal compression, distraction, and fixation along an antero-lateral aspect of a spine includes an elongated plate, first and second fixation screws, and a first arm. The elongated plate includes a first aperture at a superior end and a second aperture at an inferior end. The first fixation screw is received by the first aperture and engages a first body portion of a first vertebra. The second fixation screw is received by the second aperture and engages a second body portion of a second vertebra. The first arm extends transversely from a first base portion on the elongated plate and includes a first hook to couple with a first portion of the fixation rod.

Abstract: Several methods to reduce surgical site infections include inserting a surgical access device into an incision, retracting tissue, and introducing fluid into the surgical access device such that the fluid exits the surgical access device and irrigates a surgical site. Other methods do not include introducing fluid into a surgical access device but include suctioning a fluid into the surgical access device and removing the fluid from the body.

Abstract: An implant system for use in orthopedic surgery for fixation of bone includes an intramedullary nail and a coupling unit. The intramedullary nail has a proximal portion defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse bore. The proximal portion includes a bore defining a first axis and a guiding structure defining a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the intramedullary nail and are spaced apart from each other. The coupling unit is movably arranged within the proximal portion and includes a substantially cylindrical pin and a drive member with a through hole. The guiding structure is configured to slidably receive the substantially cylindrical pin, such that the pin can engage within a groove of a bone fastener configured to penetrate the transverse bore of the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention, the implant includes a spacer that is connectable to two extensions. One of the two extensions is connectable to the spacer at a first end and coupled to the spacer by a rotational connection. The other of the two extensions is movably connectable to the second end of the spacer and translatable over the outer surface of the spacer from the second end.

Abstract: Open implant closure structures include a helically wound guide and advancement flange form having splay control surfaces. Multi-start closures and closures with inner set screws have splay control contours for interlocking with cooperating flange forms of bone anchor receivers. Flange form heights, thicknesses and other geometry, such as splay control ramp angle may be varied.