Abstract: Expandable dilators, dilation assemblies, and kits are disclosed, along with methods for using same.

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: A trocar assembly includes a trocar including an elongated tubular member extending between a distal end configured to be inserted into a surgical site and a proximal end including a housing configured for introduction of surgical instruments into the tubular member. The housing includes a pair of opposed latch receptacles. An obturator is assembled into the tubular member of the trocar. The obturator includes an elongated obturator body extending from a trocar cover to an opposed obturator tip. The trocar cover includes a rim for engaging the housing of the trocar. The trocar cover includes a pair of opposed latches extending radially inward from the rim, wherein the latches are releasably latched to the latch receptacles of the trocar. The trocar cover includes a compliant mechanism operatively connected to release the latches from the latch receptacles.

Abstract: A multi-axis adjustable splint for treating the fracture of bones includes a rail body that has a longitudinal axis. The splint further includes a fixed clamp assembly coupled to the rail body for securing at least one first bone screw in a first desired orientation. The fixed clamp assembly is translationally fixed relative to the rail body. The adjustable splint further includes a movable clamp assembly movably coupled to the rail body for securing at least one second bone screw in a second desired orientation. The movable clamp assembly is translatable along the longitudinal axis of the rail body. Both the fixed clamp assembly and the movable clamp assembly are each independently adjustable about three axes of rotation relative to the rail body.

Abstract: An instrument for assembling a polyaxial bone anchor is provided, the polyaxial bone anchor including a bone anchoring element and a receiving part that is configured to pivotably receive the bone anchoring element wherein the instrument includes a first member that is configured to engage the receiving part, a second member that is configured to contact the anchoring element when it is received in the receiving part, and a position indicator that is configured to indicate the position of the anchoring element relative to the receiving part based on the position of the second member relative to the first member.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes an inner surface defining a tapered passageway. A tapered collet is configured for disposal in the tapered passageway. The tapered collet has an inner surface defining a passageway configured for disposal of a longitudinal member. The tapered collet is configured to translate within the tapered passageway between a non-locking orientation in which the longitudinal member is moveable relative to the tapered collet and a locking orientation in which the longitudinal member is fixed relative to the tapered collet.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has a configuration that employs a scalloped profile that defines internal scalloped edges having troughs and crests that extend substantially along the outer edge of a head of the device. The troughs and crests interface with a series of troughs and crests around the openings in the device. Each of the openings includes an outwardly extending slot that permits the opening to expand and contract outward as the head of the anchor is rotated. This enables an anti-backout feature that prevents or substantially inhibits undesired rotation and backout.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the wound protector has an annularly collapsible proximal ring and a flexible sleeve extends between the proximal ring and distal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, the proximal ring is expanded to draw the sleeve taut between the rings 11, 12 and is drawn tight against the wound. In a second embodiment, the wound protector has a flexible sleeve secured between a distal ring and proximal ring of fixed diameters. In addition, an expansion member is disposed within a loop of the flexible sleeve about the proximal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, movement of the expansion member into an extended diametric state expands the loop in the sleeve diametrically while drawing the rings towards each other.

Abstract: A device for detachably clamping fastening elements in a surgical fixing or repositioning device. The device may a rod with a longitudinal axis. A first and second pair of clamping jaws may be operably associated with the rod. Each pair of clamping jaws may have a side surface as well as an inner clamping jaw and an outer clamping jaw, which may have indentations forming a channel. The channels may be opened towards the side surface of the clamping jaws. A fastening means may be positioned in the channels by pushing the fastening means into the openings in the side surface in a direction which may be at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod. An elastic element may be positioned between the inner and outer clamping jaws of at least one pair of clamping jaws so as to resist movement of the inner and outer clamping jaws with respect to each other as a fastening means is inserted therebetween.

Abstract: In some embodiments, system and/or method may include an intervertebral implant for a human spine including an upper body, a lower body, first and second expansion members, and an expansion mechanism. A superior surface of the upper body may function to engage a first vertebra of the human spine. An inferior surface of the lower body may function to engage a second vertebra of the human spine. The first expansion member may include at least a first angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. The second expansion member may include at least a second angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. An expansion mechanism may convey, during use, the first and second angled portions in opposing directions increasing a separation distance between the upper body and the lower body.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a first surface configured to engage a first vertebral body, a second surface configured to engage a second vertebral body, a side wall connecting the first surface and the second surface to define a hollow space of the implant, and a rotatable insert configured to be positioned in the space, wherein an elongate opening extends through the side wall into the space, and wherein the insert comprises a spring portion configured to hold the insert in the space by frictional engagement with the side wall and an engagement portion configured to engage with a tool through the opening when the insert is positioned in the space.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to orthopedic implantable device technology, and more specifically to implantable devices for use in stabilizing the occipitocervical junction and the cervical spine. For example, the disclosure relates to embodiments of an implantable orthopedic assembly generally comprising an occipital plate and one or more repositionable clamping assemblies for securing a stabilizing rod at a nonzero distance from a plate surface. One or more rails may extend laterally from a plate to support a clamping assemblies.

Abstract: An implantable device may comprise a barrel, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The barrel may be configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height and wherein the second height is greater than the first height. The implantable device may further include an actuator assembly disposed in the barrel, the actuator assembly comprising a front ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, a rear ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, and a central screw that extends from the rear ramped actuator through the front ramped actuator. The implantable device may further comprise a first plate and a second plate.

Abstract: Methods, surgical tools and a surgical system for performing spinal fixation using a lateral trans-psoas approach through a vertebral body into the disc space between that vertebral body and an adjacent vertebral body are provided. The approach, tools and system are adapted for use in fixing the L-5 and S-1 vertebral bodies. It should be understood that the methods and tools described can also be used for disc fusion where insertion proceeds from an inferior vertebral body to a superior vertebral body, and also cases where the fusion occurs across multiple disc spaces fusing more than two vertebrae.

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 expandable intervertebral cage device includes a first base plate and a second base plate, a proximal block with internal threading that mechanically couples the first base plate and the second base plate, and a distal block comprising an internal passage. The device has exactly two arm assemblies, one on each side. Each arm assembly includes a first arm mechanically coupled to the first base plate and the distal block, and a second arm is mechanically coupled to the second base plate and the distal block. A screw is arranged partially within the internal threading of the proximal block and passes through the internal passage of the distal block, such that rotation of the screw relative to the proximal block causes a change in distance between the proximal block and the distal block, and a corresponding change in the spacing and lordosis of the device.

Abstract: A device and method for performing interspinous fixation or spinal fusion is provided. The device may generally include a first plate and a second plate, each having an adjustable length, and a mechanical actuator for increasing or reducing the length of the plates and, correspondingly, the device. Operation of the mechanical actuator causes first and second inner expansion portions of each plate to simultaneously slide on an outer fixed portion of the plate, to increase or decrease (depending on the direction of operation of the mechanical actuator) the separation between the first and second inner expansion portions, and thus, lengthen or shorten the plates and device.

Abstract: Expandable implants for engagement between vertebrae generally include 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 embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a spinal implant assembly having features to prevent or minimize fixation elements, such as screws, from being dislodged, or from backing out over time and with use. The spinal implant assembly may comprise an implantable body having first apertures for receiving fixation elements. A plate configured to nest against the posterior portion of the implantable body and comprising one or more second apertures can be provided. These second apertures permit access to the head portions of the fixation elements. One or more locking elements are then passed through the second apertures and engage the head portions of the fixation elements. In addition, the plate may comprise an adjustable arm to allow the plate to be used with implantable bodies of different size.

Abstract: An instrument for correction of spinal deformities includes an inner member with a proximal portion configured to receive a corrective force and a distal coupling portion configured to transfer the corrective force to a spinal implant in a vertebra. A slot extends transversely through the coupling portion and is configured to guide a fixation rod into the spinal implant. A threaded sleeve includes an external thread and a thru-bore that slides relative to the proximal portion. An outer member couples with the proximal portion and threadably engages the external thread to apply a reduction force as the outer member rotates relative to the inner member. A reduction blade includes a proximal interlocking portion that removably couples with the threaded sleeve and a distal rod engagement feature configured to engage the fixation rod and transfer the reduction force to reduce the fixation rod into the spinal implant.