Abstract: The present invention discloses an assembly method for a microsurgical instrument, which has a proximal handle mechanically connected to a hollow shaft. The shaft is coupled releasably to a tool head via a bayonet connection. The handle has at least one actuation device, which is operatively coupled to an actuation rod that is guided in the shaft. The bayonet connection has two bayonet elements with respective longitudinal slits which are aligned in a locked state of the bayonet connection, wherein at least one longitudinally movable cam is guided axially in the longitudinal slits. The actuation rod is inserted with its proximal end portion into the handle and has a flattened part, which is engaged by a clamping block arranged on the handle in a fixed position with respect to the longitudinal axis. Moreover, a pivotable retractor is disclosed.

Abstract: A telescopic strut for use with an external fixator comprising an axially extending rod; an axially extending tube moveably recurring the rod for varying the length of the rod and tube combination along a longitudinal axis; the tube having first and second ends, the second end having a pin extending therethrough; a locking system mounted on the tube first end for adjusting the position of the rod in the tube and fixing the length of the rod and tube combination; a coupling element having a tubular sleeve with a threaded outer surface mounted on an outer surface of the second end of the tube, the sleeve having two diametrically opposed slots receiving the pin and an adjustment element threadably mounted on the sleeve outer surface for axial movement along the axis, the adjustment element having a surface contacting the pin to limit the movement of the pin in the slots.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A bone anchor is provided. The anchor can include a bone fastener. The bone fastener can include a head and a second end adapted to engage an anatomy. The bone fastener can extend along a longitudinal axis. The anchor can also include a coupling arrangement coupled to the head of the bone fastener so that the bone fastener is rotatable about the longitudinal axis to define a first plane of motion. The anchor can further include a saddle, which can be coupled to the coupling arrangement. The saddle can be movable relative to at least one of the bone fastener and the coupling arrangement to define a second plane of motion.

Abstract: Clamping devices and methods for external fixation systems include a post component having a yaw axis and a clamping system secured to the post component and rotatable about the yaw axis. The clamping system includes a outer jaw and a inner jaw having an inner surface facing the outer jaw. The outer and inner jaws together form an opening for receiving a fixation element of the external fixation system. The inner jaw and outer jaw have a roll axis alignable with a longitudinal axis of the fixation element. The clamping system and post component are rotatable about the roll axis. The inner jaw also includes a cylindrical outer-facing surface. The devices also include a base component having a cylindrical concave surface having a pitch axis. The concave surface of the base component interfaces with the cylindrical outer facing component on the inner jaw. The outer and inner jaws being rotatable relative to the base and the post component about the pitch axis.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for inserting a vertebral stabilization member, such as a rod. The insertion device includes an outer guide tube, a pin assembly including a pin and a pusher member extending therethrough. The insertion device is configured to actuate a rod between a first orientation and a second orientation angled with respect to the first orientation in order to position the rod in an appropriate location for attachment to bone.

Abstract: An anchoring member for a polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring section having a first end, a second end, a core having a first portion with a constant cross-sectional area, and a bone engagement structure on at least a portion of the core, a head, wherein a central axis extends through respective centers of the head and the first and second ends of the bone anchoring section, and a neck, the neck having an outer surface that is asymmetric with respect to the central axis, wherein a first cross-section of the neck perpendicular to the central axis includes a portion of the neck where the outer surface of the neck is at a minimum distance from the central axis, wherein a cross-sectional area of the first cross-section of the neck is at least the cross-sectional area of the first portion of the core of the bone anchoring section.

Abstract: A system includes tubular members removably positionable over a passageway device connected to a connecting element attached to a vertebra. The tubular members may each include a sidewall having an opening positionable adjacent a proximal end of the passageway device when the tubular member is positioned over the passageway device. The tubular members include channels therein to receive respective blades of the passageway devices. One of the tubular members may be a counter torque tube, and another two of the tubular members may be a hinge shaft and a ball shaft, respectively, of a compression and distraction system. The blades of each passageway device may be integrally formed with a cage of the connecting element to form a monolithic blade-screw. The blades of the monolithic blade-screw may be constructed by affixing distal ends of non-threaded blade extensions to proximal ends of threaded reduction portions integrally connected to the cage.

Abstract: A surgical retractor has a shaft with an integral blade. The shaft and the blade are joined at an angle. The blade has an upper surface. A plurality of LED lights are embedded within the blade and are exposed at the upper surface. The blade surrounding the LED lights is opaque. The retractor may further include a camera mounted on the blade. Also disclosed is a surgical retractor kit including a mounting ring, at least one of the aforementioned surgical retractors, and a coupler for releasably mounting the retractor to the ring.

Abstract: A method facilitates the treatment of the spine of a patient by providing simultaneous access through at least a first opening and a second opening formed in the patient. For example, the method can include the acts of positioning the patient on a surgical table, providing the first opening into a posterior portion of the patient, providing the second opening into a lateral portion of the patient, inserting a first device through the first opening into the patient to contact the spine in a first direction that is transverse to the coronal plane of the patient, and inserting a second device through the second opening into the patient to contact the spine in a second direction that is transverse to the sagittal plane of the patient, where the first and second openings are accessible simultaneously, and, when the first and second devises are inserted into the patient, the position of the patient is stationary with respect to a portion of the table.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a connector can be configured to couple a first fixation element (e.g., a first rod) to a second fixation element (e.g., a second rod). One or both of the first and second fixation elements can be included with the connector, or one or both can be separately provided. In some instances, at least one of the fixation elements is previously implanted in a patient. The connector can provide one or more degrees of freedom between the first and second fixation elements. The connector can also include a locking element configured to (1) lock one or more of the fixation elements to the connector, and (2) lock one or more of the degrees of freedom between the fixation elements. The connector can be configured to snap onto or otherwise engage a fixation element in a manner that provides tactile and/or audible feedback to the surgeon.

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: The instruments and methods of the present disclosure include an outer shaft, an inner shaft, a roller, and an actuator. In some examples, the outer shaft includes a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The inner shaft is disposed within the lumen. The roller rotatably is coupled with the distal end at an axis and configured to engage the fixation rod. The actuator operably couples with the inner shaft to translate the inner shaft within the lumen and cause rotation of the roller to impart linear movement on the fixation rod.

Abstract: A method of treating a facet joint of a patient. The facet joint has a superior facet with a superior articular face and an inferior facet with an inferior articular face. An implant delivery cannula is used to position a superior resurfacing implant and an inferior resurfacing implant between the superior articular face and the inferior articular face.

Abstract: A facet screw system and method includes an implant assembly having a screw with a removable head, a locking nut, and a collet. An insertion instrument is used to insert the screw, compress the facet joint, locks the implant, and breaks off the head of the screw providing a lower profile implant.

Abstract: A surgical implant device comprising: a nail, a first locking screw and a second locking screw, each of the first locking screw and the second locking screw are secured near one end of the nail to form an architecture having a substantial triangular shape, a first reinforcing screws being releasably mounted along the length of the nail.

Abstract: Anchor towers useful in the alteration of a position of an item connected to an anchor are described. An anchor tower includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed over and operably connected to the inner sleeve such that movement of the outer sleeve results in movement of the inner sleeve. A groove is disposed on the inner sleeve and an inwardly-extending projection is disposed on the outer sleeve. Relative movement between the inner and outer sleeves results in movement of the projection within the groove. This movement can produce desired movement of a portion of the inner sleeve, such as a distal arm, based on a structural configuration of the groove.

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: The present application is generally directed to vertebral implants and implant trials for use with vertebral implant assemblies. The vertebral implants and implant trials may be used in conjunction with corpectomy procedures. One type of vertebral implant is a corpectomy device having a polyaxial endplate assembly. The polyaxial endplate assembly includes an articulatable plate member that is capable of angulation. The articulatable plate member can be fixed in place by, for example, using a clamping assembly to fix the articulatable plate member.

Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine, and fixing one or more segments of the spine.

Abstract: A bone fixation device comprises an elongated body. The elongated body includes a first end portion with a coil and an opposite second end portion with an elongated tail. The second end portion also includes an attachment portion configured for engagement with a fastener.