Abstract: A tool is disclosed for use in distracting and compressing fractures of any of a variety of bones. In particular, the tool has a pair of engaging arms, one arm having a hook element to engage a bone plate connected to one side of a fracture, and the other arm having at least one recess for engaging a head of a bone screw or guide wire connected to the other side of the fracture. Actuation of the tool causes the opposing bone segments of the fracture to be pushed apart or drawn together, depending on whether the tool handles are squeezed together or pulled apart. The tool may have a scissors joint that allows the ends of the tool to maintain a parallel alignment during operation, thus reducing the chances for misalignment of the bone segments during operation.

Abstract: An instrument access device 1 comprises a proximal member 25 for location externally of an opening into a body cavity. A first connector 20 extends between the proximal member 25 and a first instrument receiver 2. A second connector 21 extends between the proximal member and a second instrument receiver 3. Instrument seals can be housed in relatively rigid housings for added strength.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for fusion, stabilization, or fixation of bones are provided.

Abstract: An orthopedic external fixation system may include a distal bar having a curvature that varies along its length, an uncurved proximal bar, a plurality of proximal embedding members, and a plurality of distal embedding members. The proximal and the distal embedding members, sized and shaped for embedding in bone, may attach directly or indirectly to the proximal bar and the distal bar, respectively.

Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The system is designed such that the second resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and the first resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions extend away from each other.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device is provided, comprising a bone anchoring element having a shank, a head, a receiving part for pivotably receiving the head, and a channel for receiving a rod; a pressure member configured to be arranged in the receiving part and to exert pressure onto and lock the head; a locking assembly insertable into the channel, the locking assembly comprising a first locking member having a bore; a second locking member to be provided in the bore, wherein, when the second locking member is rotated, in a first configuration, the first locking member and the second locking member are rotationally fixed relative to each other and the first locking element is advanced to contact the pressure member and in a second configuration, the second locking member is rotatable within the first locking member and the second locking member is advanced to contact the rod.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprising a plurality of contiguous segments that define a segment array, said plurality of contiguous segments extending from a first side of the segment array to a second side of the segment array in an overlapping configuration, said plurality of contiguous segments operable to apply a torque to a degenerate spinal segment in each of three orthogonal axes. At least one mounting connection is configured to connect said spinal implant to a mounting mechanism, said mounting mechanism being configured to attach said spinal implant to said degenerate spinal segment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intervertebral fusion implant for fusing two adjacent vertebrae, comprising an adjustable support body, the base surface and cover surface of which are configured to bear on end plates of the adjacent vertebrae, wherein provision is made for a side bracket, which can be pivoted laterally about a hinge and the base and cover of which have a planar design, and provision is made for an actuator for pivoting out the side bracket into a position (working position) spread from the support body. As a result, the implant has particularly small dimensions and can, after assembly at the envisaged implantation site, be actuated in such a way that it becomes larger and thereby affords a larger support surface for support in the intervertebral space. Thus, even comparatively large-area defects can be treated by minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: Embodiments of dermalogical cell treatment are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: An orthopedic device can include an intramedullary nail with a longitudinal bore, first and second bone fasteners with sleeves and a cannulated movable member received within the longitudinal bore. The movable member defines first and second guiding bores for receiving respectively the first and second fasteners. Each of the first and second guiding bores includes a pair of opposing deformable elongated strips. Each pair of strips can engage the sleeve of a corresponding bone fastener.

Abstract: A device for implanting a bone fixation system comprises an insertion instrument extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end having an engagement portion for removably engaging a proximal end of a bone plate, the insertion instrument having an elongated channel extending therethrough to permit insertion of a first protection sleeve therethrough, wherein a longitudinal axis of the elongated channel is coaxial with a longitudinal axis of a first opening extending through the bone plate and a first protection sleeve insertable into the elongated channel and guiding insertion of an anti-rotation screw therethrough and through the bone plate, a longitudinal axis of the first protection sleeve being angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated channel.

Abstract: A minimally invasive tool to facilitate implanting a pedicle screw and housing is provided. The minimally invasive tool includes a first sleeve having flexible tabs that couple to a housing and a second sleeve slidably engaged in the first sleeve. The second sleeve provides reinforcing such that the first and second sleeve provide counter torque for driving the pedicle screw.

Abstract: The equipment includes at least one connecting bar, at least one flexible ligament, and at least one connector making it possible to connect the ligament to the connecting bar. The connector having a first conduit for engaging the connecting bar, equipped with a device for immobilizing the connector relative to the connecting bar, and a second conduit for receiving at least one strand of the ligament, having an insertion opening for this or these strands and an outlet opening for this or these strands, and equipped with devices for mobilizing the ligament relative to the connector. The second conduit is rectilinear between the insertion opening of the strand(s) of the ligament and the outlet opening. The second conduit has a transverse section adjusted to the transverse section of the strand(s) of the ligament that it is intended to receive, i.e.

Abstract: A bone clamping system includes a shaft (3), a first plate (1) integrally attached to the shaft and a second, movable plate (20), wherein a locking leaf (22, 23), penetrating into the shaft (3) or not, locks the second plate (20) on the shaft (3).

Abstract: An orthopedic device is provided. The orthopedic device can include an intramedullary implant defining a longitudinal bore along a longitudinal axis. The intramedullary implant can define at least one bore formed along an axis for receipt of a fastener. The orthopedic device can include a fixation device receivable within the longitudinal bore. The fixation device can have at least one guiding bore formed along a guiding axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The orthopedic device can include at least one collet received within the at least one guiding bore for positioning and locking the fastener at a variable angle relative to the guiding axis of the fixation device and the axis of the intramedullary implant.

Abstract: Devices for the fixation of a bone fracture and methods of using the devices are provided. The devices comprise at least one distal pin assembly configured to engage a first bone fragment, at least one proximal pin assembly configured to engage a second bone fragment, and a rail bar system configured to connect the distal and proximal pin assemblies together across the bone fracture. Each pin assembly includes a screw portion having a distal end configured to engage first bone fragment and a proximal end, a support sheath portion having a distal end configured to engage the first bone fragment, wherein the support sheath portion defines an elongated channel in which the proximal end of the screw portion is disposed, and a cap portion configured to attach the proximal end of the screw portion to the support sheath portion.

Abstract: Bone anchors and surgical instruments (e.g., bone taps, drivers, etc.) are disclosed herein that include integrated guide tips. Use of these anchors or instruments can eliminate one or more of the steps in a conventional bone anchor installation procedure, improving surgical efficiency and safety. For example, a surgical instrument can include a guide projection configured for insertion through a cannulation formed in a bone anchor when the surgical instrument is coupled to the bone anchor. The surgical instrument can also include various mechanisms for adjusting the position of the guide projection relative to the bone anchor. The guide projection can replace the needle, stylet, and guidewire used in typical insertion procedures. The bone anchor can also include integrated tapping features to eliminate the need for a separate bone tap instrument. Thus, in some embodiments, targeting, tapping, and driving the bone anchor can be performed in a single step.

Abstract: A surgical access device is disclosed which includes a housing, a collar, and a plurality of deformable members. The housing defines a proximal end and a distal end and has a plurality of lumens extending therethrough. The collar is repositionable between a first position and a second position with the second position being closer to the proximal end of the housing than the first position. Each of the plurality of deformable members defines a distal portion, is coupled to the collar and is transitionable through one of the plurality of lumens. The plurality of deformable members is in a retracted state when the collar is in the first position and a deployed state when the collar is in the second position. One or more of the plurality of deformable members may also include a barb attached to the distal portion.

Abstract: A hydrogel biomaterial that can be utilized as a nucleus pulposus replacement material is described. The hydrogel biomaterial can is an elastin-glycosaminoglycan-collagen composite hydrogel biomaterial that can mimic the biochemical and functional characteristics of the human nucleus pulposus. Methods for forming the hydrogel biomaterial are also described as are methods for use of the hydrogel biomaterial, one of which is as an in vivo nucleus pulposus replacement material, another of which is a scaffolding material for use in nucleus pulposus tissue engineering applications.

Abstract: Orthopaedic devices including a connecting element suited for receiving at least part of a first rod, and a lock screw. The connecting element includes an anchor for securing the connecting element to a bone, in particular a vertebra, a first lateral opening, and a top opening with a first inner screw thread. The lock screw is received within the top opening and includes a proximal face presenting a screw drive, accessible from outside the connecting element, a distal end for locking the first rod within the connecting element, and wherein the lock screw is adapted to fit through the first lateral opening to be subsequently introduced into the top opening with the proximal face leading.