Abstract: An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The device and method can be used to treat compression fractures. The compression fractures can be in the spine. The device can be deployed by compressing the device longitudinally resulting in radial expansion.

Abstract: A pelvic clamp has a rail-like straight guide for two arms which are displaceable relative to one another along this straight guide and project from the straight guide and on each of the free ends of which an approximately tubular carrier for a tip intended for bone contact is provided. A locking device releasable using at least one handle is provided between the two parts displaceable relative to one another, namely between at least one of the arms and the straight guide. Preferably at least one of the arms preferably both arms, is or are capable of being folded or dismantled and thus shortened via at least one joint which can be fixed in a desired position and/or a plug connection.

Abstract: A device for electromechanically and/or electro-pneumatically positioning a fractured bone having a first clamping unit adapted for attachment to the bone by at least one first bone fastener, a second clamping unit adapted for attachment to the bone by at least one second bone fastener, and at least one of: (i) a translation component operatively driven by a translational driver for relative translational movement of one clamping unit with respect to the other along a translational axis; (ii) an angulation component operatively driven by an angulational driver for relative angulational movement of one clamping unit with respect to the other along an articulation axis; and (iii) a rotational component operatively driven by a rotational driver for relative rotational movement of one clamping unit with respect to the other along a rotational axis.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element with a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra and a head. The anchoring device also includes a receiving portion with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a longitudinal axis passing through the two ends, a bore coaxial with the longitudinal axis, and a first region adjacent to the second end for receiving a section of said head. The anchoring device further includes an element which exerts pressure on said head to lock said head in the receiving portion. The receiving portion and the anchoring element are connected such that the longitudinal axis of the receiving portion and the shank axis have a fixed angle relative to each other. Additionally, the receiving portion and the shank are rotatable with respect to each other around the longitudinal axis and are locked in the rotational position when pressure is exerted on the head.

Abstract: An access assembly for insertion through an opening in tissue is provided. The access assembly includes a flexible outer sleeve having an upper rim formed on a proximal end, a lower rim formed on a distal end and defining a longitudinal opening extending therebetween. The lower rim may define an inflatable space that in a deflated state facilitates insertion of the lower rim through tissue and in an inflated state assists in retaining the access assembly in place relative to the tissue. The access assembly further includes an inflatable member secured within the longitudinal opening of the outer sleeve. The inflatable member includes a plurality of inflatable lobes configured to selectively receive at least one surgical device therebetween in a sealing manner.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for an interspinous fixation and/or distraction of vertebrae and a methodology for minimally invasive implantation of the apparatus in the spine of a patient. The apparatus corresponds to a pair of teardrop shaped lateral wing elements spaced apart by a central core element that may be selectively sized during the implantation process. The wings and central core are held together by a single threaded bolt and locking nut configuration resulting in a simple structure that may be easily implanted with minimal patient discomfort.

Abstract: A spinal device in which a plate is placed on both sides of the lamina spinous process. The plates include horizontal and diagonal slots through which anchoring screws may be placed and secured. The screws may pass through the base of the spinous process and lamina structure. The plates may have cut-out portions on the ventral side to accommodate the lamina when reduction is performed. The diagonal slots preferably have an apex proximate to the dorsal side and open at the ventral side. The two plates can be mirror images of each other, and, when secured together by the screws, forms a stable construct that can sandwich the spinous process.

Abstract: The artificial intervertebral disc of the present invention includes: a structured fabric having biomimetic structure and dynamic behavior, the structure comprising organic fibers, which are formed to be a cubic multi-axial three-dimensional fabric having tri-axial, to be interwoven tissues or to be a complex tissue of these; and tappets mounted on the upper surface and the lower surface of this structured fabric, wherein the tappets are connected and fitted with the connecting filaments vertically penetrating through the structured fabric. This structured fabric shows biomimetic dynamic behavior like a real intervertebral disc and achieves a clinically effective and reliable stand-alone type of biomimetic artificial intervertebral disc which can be inserted and fixed with minimally-invasive operation.

Abstract: A device (1) according to the invention for externally fixing broken bones (62, 62?) of a patient, particularly the extremities, comprises a support (11) composed of a plurality of joint elements (2, 2) that are stringed together, wherein said support can be disposed outside the body of the patient. The proximal ends (41) of at least two percutaneously disposed pins (4) are anchored in the bone tissue (61) of the patient, and the distal ends (42) are fixed to the support (11). The joint elements (2) are stringed on a central tensile force element (3), and in each case two adjoining joint socket (22). The individual ball joints, and thus the support (11), can be fixed in a reversible frictionally engaged manner by applying a tensile force of the central tensile force element (3). The joint elements (2, 2?) in turn are designed such that a pin (4) can be fastened to the support (11) in a clamping and/or frictionally engaged manner by applying the tensile force of the central tensile force element (3).

Abstract: Various embodiments of mouthpieces for use during endoscopic procedures are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a mouthpiece may include a shield, a primary instrument channel, a bite block, an oxygen administration channel and a tongue depressor. The shield, bite block, oxygen administration channel and tongue depressor may be integrally formed.

Abstract: An internal intramedullary fixation device for the stabilization of bone in arthrodesis and fractures of the foot and hand is disclosed. During implantation in the medullary canal of each bone, the device grasps the edges of the canal, stabilizing the bone (internally) during the natural healing process.

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: An external bone fixing member includes an external reconstruction plate to replace the conventional large external support frame to reduce the volume of the external fixing member and the external bone fixing member is cooperated with a screw which is angle adjustable so as to meet requirements of fixation of the fractured bones (limb bones) at different positions or comminuted fractures. The use of the screw is further cooperated with the reconstruction plate to reinforce the stability of the connection between the reconstruction plate and the screw to prevent the screw from withdrawing, moving, angle changing or movement of the reconstruction plate.

Abstract: A device for implantation in an intramedullary space of a bone via a curved insertion path, the device comprises a curved proximal portion extending along an arc substantially similar to an arc of the curved insertion path, the proximal portion including a coupling arrangement at a proximal end thereof adapted to couple to a tool for one of intramedullary implantation and explantation and a flexible distal portion extending from a distal end of the proximal portion, the distal portion extending substantially straight in an unstressed state and having flexibility sufficient to permit being along the arc of the insertion path substantially without permanent deformation.

Abstract: The present invention is a spinal implant that can be inserted into a surgically created cavity of one or more regions of the mammalian spine. Universal corner posts and one or more lateral universal posts are connected with a series of trapezoidal wedge-like braces. The series of braces includes a centralized brace, a first set of braces extending in a first direction away from the centralized brace and a second set of braces extending in a second direction away from the centralized brace. Embodiments of the current cage also include first and second lateral brakes and an end cap.

Abstract: Systems and methods for surgical spinal correction are disclosed. A system including a plurality of bone screws, spinal rods, manipulators, and/or transverse couplers is disclosed for the manipulation of the spinal column is disclosed. A method of achieving, in a single action, manipulation and/or rotation of the spinal column using the disclosed system is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of conducting spinal surgery to correct spinal deformities wherein spinal rods are pre-bent in a physiological sagittal plane prior to attachment of the vertebrae using bone screws.

Abstract: A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites, in particular into the thoracic region of the spine.

Abstract: An orthopedic medical apparatus and methods are disclosed, among which are a cylindrical orthopedic plate and clamps and fixation members for attaching the plate to tissue such as bone tissue. In one embodiment, the plate includes sides and ends that are cylindrical, and the clamps are adapted to fit thereto. Additional apparatus in the form of a lateral connecting member and a connecting plate usable with the orthopedic plate are also disclosed. Methods for using the disclosed apparatus are also described.

Abstract: Spine fixation constructs are configured to receive and retain a spinal rod onto a vertebral bone screw. The spine fixation constructs provide for 360° rotation about a bone screw and variable axial placement about the bone screw. In one form, a rod holder of the spine fixation construct is configured to be axially received onto the bone screw. Axial positioning of the rod holder on the bone screw is fixed through cooperation of the rod holder with a fixation component. The fixation component is axially received onto the bone screw. Retention of the spinal rod by the spinal rod holder is also provided via the fixation member. In one form, spinal rod retention is provided upon axial retention of the spinal rod holder onto the bone screw through cooperating action between the fixation mechanism and the spinal rod holder. According to an embodiment, a member of the rod holder is caused to pivot and capture the spinal rod upon receipt of the fixation member onto the bone screw and rod holder.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a spinal stabilization system and method for stabilizing at least two vertebrae. The system holds together the vertebrae while allowing a limited amount of relative movement between the vertebrae. The system may include a flexible braid having two free ends, at least one spacer interposed between the spinous processes of the vertebrae, and a securing mechanism for securing the two ends of the braid to hold the at least one spacer between the spinous processes of the vertebrae. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism may comprise parts movable relative to each other. Portions of the braid may be placed between the movable parts. A mechanical member may cause the movable parts to move towards each other to secure the two ends of the braid.