Abstract: The intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises first and second plates (3, 4) designed to be attached on one of the two vertebrae adjacent to the intervertebral disc to be replaced, and a compression pad arranged between the first and second plates. Each plate comprises first attaching means including two attaching portions (14a, 14b) positioned symmetrically on either side of the anteroposterior median plane of said plate, second attaching means including two attaching portions (15a, 15b) positioned symmetrically on either side of a first plane inclined by an angle comprised between 50° and 70° relative to the anteroposterior median plane of said plate, and third attaching means opposite the second attaching means relative to the anteroposterior median plane and including two attaching portions (16a, 16b) positioned symmetrically on either side of a second plane inclined by an angle of approximately 90°, relative to the anteroposterior median plane of said plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant for the insertion between vertebral bodies (2) of the spinal column, having a first contact surface (9) for the disposition on one of the adjacent vertebral bodies (2), and a second contact surface (10) for the disposition on the implant part (3, 4) comprising the other adjacent vertebral body (2). At least one elastically flexible component (11) is disposed in the force transmission chain formed by the implant part (3, 4) between the disposition surfaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies (2).

Abstract: A bone infusion apparatus for interbody grafts includes a container; a retainer, the retainer including a recess for receiving therein bone graft material; and a lid including a plunger assembly. A method of preparing bone including cadaver bone for use in cervical fusion includes: placing cadaver bone combined with bone collected from a patient into a recess of the retainer; placing the retainer in the container; filling the container with a liquid; attaching a lid the container; depressing a plunger of the lid such that a press head advances toward the retainer causing a dynamic pressure to act on the cadaver bone combined with the bone collected from the patient; suctioning the liquid from the container; removing the combined bone from the retainer; and placing the combined bone removed from the container into a vertebral interspace of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical instrument may be used to apply tension to a flexible suture to close and secure a broken or cut bone (e.g. a sternum following a sternotomy). The device preferably applies an adjustable tension to the flexible suture in order to secure the bone together. Multiple instruments may be used together to ensure the desired tension is applied to the entire bone structure being secured with the flexible sutures. Once the desired tension is achieved, the device preferably provides a mechanism to apply a uniform twist to the flexible suture to lock the flexible suture in place and maintain the tension previously achieved. The device may automatically cut the flexible suture, or the flexible suture may be cut by the surgeon once the twisting action has been performed.

Abstract: A laterally deflectable asymmetric implant for implanting into a body may comprise a deflectable piece having distal and proximal ends and assuming a straightened insertion state. The backbone may abut or interconnect with said deflectable piece at the distal end of the deflectable piece. In a fully deflected state the implant may define an asymmetric shape, e.g. a D-shaped loop, defining an at least partially enclosed volume. The deflectable piece may comprise a sequence of segments interconnected at effective hinges. Longitudinal pressure applied to the proximal end of the deflectable piece (or applied to the backbone in an opposite direction) may cause relative longitudinal movement between the backbone and the proximal end of the deflectable piece and may generate outward horizontal movement of the deflectable piece away from the backbone. In one embodiment, the implant is implanted using lateral access into an anterior zone of a vertebra and deployed posteriorly.

Abstract: A system for implementing an improved spinal fusion cage having a centrally-located fixation screwhole of diameter minimized to accommodate a variable-angle, intervertebral, cannulated fixation screw is disclosed. The system includes a rigid connection between the spinal fusion cage to the shaft of the fixation screw, and a variable angle drill targeting device for directing the fixation screw through the non-visually acquirable, centrally-located fixation screwhole without X-ray or other imaging guidance.

Abstract: A spinal interbody implant has a bone screw retention mechanism that prohibits bone screws from backing out after the bone screws are installed. A bone screw retention plate is received in a plate retention area of the implant to provide a barrier that keeps the installed bone screws from backing out of their bone screw pocket. The bone screw retention mechanism consists of a retention plate and a configured plate retention area in a face of the implant body. Retention plate fasteners may be used to retain the configured plate. In one form, the bone screw retention mechanism consists of a retention plate, a configured plate retention area in a face of the implant body, and a retention plate bolt. In another form, the bone screw retention mechanism consists of a retention plate, a configured plate retention area in a face of the implant body, and a retention plate bolt.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a barrel. The barrel has a first portion and a second portion. The implantable device includes a first plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the first plate, where the first plate is configured to movably couple to the first portion of the barrel. The implantable device includes a second plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the second plate, where the second plate is configured to movably couple to the second portion of the barrel. The barrel is configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height, where the second height is greater than the first height.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods for treating a spinal deformity. In one embodiment, an elongated member is attached to vertebral members with fasteners. A separate fastener may attach the elongated member to each of the vertebral members. The elongated member may apply a force to limit growth on one side of the vertebral members, such as a convex side of a scoliotic spine. Each fastener may be constructed to limit a direction of growth of the vertebral member thereby applying a specific, corrective force to the vertebral member. The fasteners may allow relative motion between adjacent vertebral members without losing the attachment between the vertebral members and the fasteners. The net result may be controlled modulation of growth to reduce and/or eliminate the spinal deformity through redirection of growth potential.

Abstract: A system and method are for bone fixation. A radially expandable sleeve is inserted over an elongated shaft of a bone screw. The bone screw and radially expandable sleeve are inserted into a transverse opening extending through a bone fixation device positioned in a bone until the radially expandable sleeve is fully housed within the transverse opening. The bone screw is further screwed into the bone relative to the radially expandable sleeve to cause expansion of the radially expandable sleeve within the bone fixation device, thereby locking the sleeve to the bone fixation device.

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: An orthopedic fixation plate comprises a plurality of cylindrical holes for attaching connectors of a external fixation system, wherein the fixation plate comprises two supporting elements around each orifice of a cylindrical hole wherein the supporting elements are connected with a sleeve and said supporting elements are also connected with a longitudinally oriented ring element arranged in a radial distance of said sleeve.

Abstract: A pedicle screw and rod fixation assembly including a pair of opposing tabs having a proximal end and a distal end, the pair of opposing tabs being coupled to one another about the distal end thereof by a screw head member, a decoupling mechanism for decoupling the pair of opposing tabs from the screw head member, a rod receiving slot between the pair of opposing tabs, and a sliding member configured for coupling to the pair of opposing tabs. The sliding member and the pair of opposing tabs are configured for allowing movement of the sliding member distally along the pair of opposing tabs and preventing movement of the sliding member proximally along the pair of opposing tabs.

Abstract: A vertebral spacer includes a body having a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a rear side. The top side is configured to be positioned adjacent to a first vertebra and the bottom side is configured to be positioned against a second vertebra. First, second, third and fourth bores extend through the body. First and second compression fasteners disposable in the first and third bores, and first and second locking fasteners disposable in the second and fourth bores. The first compression fastener and the first locking fastener cooperate to apply and lock a first predetermined compression force between the body and the first vertebra. The second compression fastener and the second locking fastener cooperate to apply and lock a second predetermined compression force between the body and the second vertebra.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an implant for mutually supporting an upper spinous process of a first vertebral body and a lower spinous process of a second vertebral body. The implant comprises a first implant component and a second implant component movable relative thereto along a clamping direction to transfer the implant out of a basic position in a spreading direction that is oriented transversely relative to the clamping direction into a spread position. The implant includes at least one introduction-side upper supporting element and at least one introduction-side lower supporting element that for laterally supporting the upper spinous process or the lower spinous process on the introduction-side. A fixing device for the implant is used for spreading the at least one introduction-side upper supporting element and the at least one introduction-side lower supporting element relative to each other along the spreading direction in an introduction position of the implant.

Abstract: The plate (1) has a generally triangular shape and includes two juxtaposed lower holes (7), intended to receive implantation screw (2) in the sacrum (100), and a first upper hole (8) for receiving an implantation screw (2) in the fifth lumbar vertebra (101). According to the invention, the plate (1) includes an extension (6) integral therewith, extending its upper side, i.e. protruding from the side opposite the two juxtaposed lower holes (7), the extension (6) having a second upper hole (15) formed in its entirety thereon, for receiving a second screw (2) intended to be implanted in the fifth lumbar vertebra (101), and having, at all points of its length, a width not greater than two times the diameter of the second upper hole (15); the direction in which the extension (6) protrudes from the plate (1) is such that the first upper hole (8) and the second upper hole (15) are placed on a first line (L1) substantially perpendicular to a second line (L2) passing through the two juxtaposed lower holes (7).

Abstract: A retractor extension is provided comprising a body having a distal end and a proximal end extending longitudinally from the distal end, the distal end of the body comprising a first set of engagement members comprising a first projection configured for attaching the body to a first end surface of the retractor, the proximal end of the body comprising a second set of engagement members comprising a second projection configured for attaching the body to a second end surface of the retractor. In some embodiments, the retractor extension holds tissue away from the surgical incision to enhance the surgeon's field of vision. Methods of attaching the retractor extension to the retractor are also described.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, for spinal surgery, there is provided an offset arm system that has angular adjustment capability. In an embodiment, there are provided a hook system that is polyaxially or otherwise movably coupled to a body that receives a spinal rod.

Abstract: An implantable device for treating disc degenerative disease and arthritis of the spine. The implant is sized for placement into an intravertebral disc space. The implant has a body with a predetermined, defined, repeating, three-dimensional pattern at least partially on at least one of its surfaces. The pattern is adapted to create a surface area of bone-contacting features that enhance in-growth and biological attachment to a biocompatible material. Also disclosed are process steps for making the implant.

Abstract: A system and method for securing an implantable medical device to an anatomical feature, such as bony structures and/or soft tissues near the spine. The system includes a tissue fixation device and a tissue fixation device delivery tool. The tissue fixation device includes at least one bone or tissue anchor and a connecting element coupled thereto. The tissue fixation device optionally includes a flexible anchoring strap for engaging the implantable medical device. The bone or tissue anchor are configured to be deployed into the anatomical feature, and the connecting element is tightened to secure the implantable medical device to the anatomical feature.