Abstract: An insertion instrument for expandable spinal implants includes an elongate member, a shuttle, and a worm gear. The elongate member includes a handle portion of a proximal end and an end effector on a distal end, wherein the end effector is configured to be releasably engaged to an expandable spinal implant. The shuttle is slidably disposed within a cavity defined within the end effector and includes a wedged shaped distal end configured to engage an expandable spinal implant. The worm gear is rotatably disposed within the cavity defined in the end effector and is in mechanical communication with the shuttle, such that rotation of the worm gear effectuates movement of the shuttle. Distal movement of the shuttle effectuates articulation of an expandable spinal implant. A method of performing surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A positioning system comprising a first working element having a first tubular shaft, a second working element having a second tubular shaft, an arcuate element having a holding element and an arcuate rail, wherein the arcuate rail is disposed on the holding element and the holding element is adapted to be fixed on the receiving section by means of a fastening element, and a guiding element having a holding section and a guiding section, wherein the holding section is guided on the rail and the guiding section receives the second shaft, the holding section having a locking element securing the guiding element to the rail, wherein the locking element in a locking position blocks displacement of the holding section in a transverse direction and in a release position allows displacement of the holding section in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A system for using robotic telesurgery to implant a smart implant is disclosed. The system comprises a remote doctor module communicatively coupled with an operating room module over a cloud network. The operating room module comprises a robotic arm, a processor, and communication interface which communicates with the smart implant during the surgical procedure. The Operating Room Module testing the smart implant prior to implantation surgery; correlating data collected during the implantation surgery against past data from previous surgeries; determining whether the plurality of sensors is working properly; and transferring communication with the smart implant to a user device receive and monitor data from the plurality of sensors integrated into the smart implant to determine the smart implant is operating according as expected and to monitor the patient's condition.

Abstract: A surgical saw for use in cutting bone. The saw may include a cutting member that is rotated about a drive pulley, an idler pulley, and first and second guide members. The guide members are in contact with an outer perimeter surface of a bone to be cut. The guide members may be moveable in opposite directions relative to the outer perimeter surface. In turn, the cutting member may be engaged with the bone in response to the movement of the guide members. The guide members may move along the outer perimeter surface of the bone until the cutting member has been moved through an entire cross-section of a bone to separate the bone. The saw may be initially inserted in a bore created in the bone to dispose the idler pulley at an opposite side of the bone as the drive pulley when commencing the cutting operation.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum which includes a fixed blade and a movable blade. The movable blade designed to be extended or retracted as required in order to adjust to the length of the vaginal canal of the patient undergoing surgery. A vaginal speculum is further designed with a blade angle mechanism and a blade pivoting mechanism which allows and controls the angle and rotation of the blades in relation to its base. Vacuum connection and a light can also be provided.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for robotic insertion of a screw, a rod, or another component of a surgical implant into a patient are disclosed. Synchronous insertion of screws is performed by multiple surgical robots or a single surgical robot having multiple arms and end effectors. The movements of each robotic arm are coordinated into position in preparation of the insertion of multiple surgical implant components at the same time or in the same surgical step. The insertion of the surgical implant components is performed while monitoring the insertion progress. The insertion is completed autonomously or in coordination with a surgeon.

Abstract: Driver instruments are disclosed herein with various features for improving usability, easing the task of cleaning or sterilizing the instrument, reducing patient trauma associated with use of the instrument, and/or reducing the cost and assembly burden of the instrument. For example, a driver instrument can include a guide sleeve to protect patient tissue from damage caused by rotating components of the instrument or a bone anchor assembly coupled thereto, and to protect extension tabs of the bone anchor assembly from inadvertent separation. By way of further example, an instrument can include a preload assembly for maintaining engagement of a driver shaft of the instrument with a bone anchor assembly. As yet another example, an instrument can consist of a small number of components which are configured for simple, tool-free assembly and disassembly. An instrument can also be configured for use with bone anchor assemblies with and without extension tabs.

Abstract: A method to guide in preparation of a bone relies on an instrument having a shaft with a working end and a stop member. The shaft is free to translate along an axis. Surgical planning data is registered to the bone to determine intra-operative coordinates of the desired axis and depth. The instrument holder is positioned by the bone so the stop member contacts the instrument holder to prevent translating beyond the desired depth. Alternatively, an arm is manipulated to align the instrument with the desired axis. The working end rests on the bone to define a linear separation to the desired depth. By proximally translating the instrument holder to contact the stop member and distally translating the instrument holder along the shaft, the stop member physically stops translating beyond the desired depth. A surgical system for performing the methods is provided; a reamer or impactor are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extraction tool for removing an installed artificial disc from a spine is provided. The extraction tool is impacted between the artificial disc and the vertebrae and engages the artificial disc to allow a surgeon to remove the artificial disc from the spine.

Abstract: Intervertebral spacer assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A method of insertion include inserting an intervertebral spacer and plate together using an insertion tool and, upon removal of the insertion tool, the intervertebral spacer and plate are no longer considered connected/coupled and act as separate components.

Abstract: The invention involves a cannula suitable for the implantation of intervertebral implants into the spine area of an animal, particularly humans. The first end of the dynamically expanding cannula includes a rectangular or oval shaped cannula portion formed from a sandwich style assembly. The second end of the dynamically expanding cannula includes a connection assembly for securing the sandwich construction together. Once inserted, a backing assembly can be removed and a flexible expansion member can be displaced by an implant while a slide guides the implant to create a dynamic opening through which the implant travels to the disc space. A lever is supplied as a portion of the expansion assembly for removing the expansion member after insertion of an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: Expandable specula devices and methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a speculum includes inner and outer balloon layers configured to expand circumferentially. The inner and outer balloon layers form a sealed cavity configured to hold a liquid. The speculum further includes an access tube for injecting the liquid into the cavity. The speculum further includes a shape memory alloy layer within the outer balloon layer. The shape memory alloy layer is configured to transition to a first shape when heated above a transition temperature.

Abstract: A spinal implant package includes a sleeve defining a cavity extending through an end surface of the sleeve. A cap defines an aperture extending through an end surface of the cap. First portions of the end surfaces are joined to define a hinge. The end surface of the sleeve includes a second portion defining a first lip. The end surface of the cap includes a second portion defining a second lip. The package is movable between a closed configuration in which the first lip is adjacent the second lip and a portion of the spinal implant is enclosed within the cavity and the aperture, and an open configuration in which the first lip is spaced farther apart from the second lip and the portion of the spinal implant is positioned outside of the aperture while remaining positioned inside of the cavity.

Abstract: A system for improved surgical cutting in the presence of surgical debris, the system comprising: a surgical cutter comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the surgical cutter being configured to cut bone; a debris detection system mounted to the surgical cutter, the debris detection system comprising: a light source for emitting light; a receiver for receiving light emitted from the light source; and a microprocessor for determining a change in a characteristic of the light emitted by the light source and received by the receiver, and for determining the presence and/or amount of surgical debris present at a surgical site using a change in a characteristic of the light emitted by the light source and received by the receiver; and a controller for varying, based on the presence and/or amount of surgical debris present at the surgical site, at least one of (i) an amount of irrigation supplied to the surgical site, (ii) the feed rate of the surgical cutter, (iii) the direction of the surgi

Abstract: A plurality of three-dimensional fixator graphical representations may include graphical indications of a strut swap range. A plurality of replaced strut graphical representations may change from a first rendering state in a swap start fixator graphical representation to a second rendering state in a swap end fixator graphical representation. A plurality of replacement graphical representations may change from the second rendering state in the swap start fixator graphical representation to the first rendering state in the swap end fixator graphical representation. In some examples, the plurality of replaced strut graphical representations may gradually fade out from a swap start stage to a swap end stage, and the plurality of replacement strut graphical representations may gradually fade in from a swap start stage to a swap end stage. Additionally, a treatment plan including at least one interfamily strut swap may be generated for manipulating a fixator to correct a deformity.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes: a body with an upper wall configured to engage a first vertebral end plate and a lower wall configured to engage a second vertebral end plate, and a load transmitting part configured to transmit load between the upper wall and the lower wall; and the load transmitting part is configured to assume a compressed condition in which a distance between the upper wall and the lower wall defines a first height of the implant and an expanded condition in which the distance between the upper wall and the lower wall defines a second height of the implant that is greater than the first height; and the load transmitting part is attached to the upper wall at at least two first connecting locations and is attached to the lower wall at at least two second connecting locations and has substantially an X-shape in a front view of the implant; and the implant is made of a material that exhibits shape memory properties that permit the implant to remain in the compressed condition without outsid

Abstract: A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together in order to replace degenerated discs and/or bones, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises a frame and one or more extendable plates that are able to be angled, rotatable, adjustable, and have top profiles designed to correct and/or match the replaced discs/bones. The bone fusion device is able to be inserted between or replace the vertebrae by using a minimally invasive procedure wherein the dimensions and/or other characteristics of the bone fusion device are selectable based on the type of minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: A targeting system for use with a bone plate includes a body having an upper side and an opposite lower side, a first lateral side and a second opposite lateral side, a first plurality of holes extending through the upper and lower sides and arranged in a first pattern, a second plurality of holes extending through the first and second lateral sides and arranged in a different second pattern.

Abstract: A system comprises a first implant including first and second screw receiving holes having respective first and second longitudinal axes. A second implant includes third and fourth screw receiving holes having respective third and fourth longitudinal axes. First and second drill guides have respective fifth and sixth longitudinal axes. A targeting guide is provided for aligning the first and second drill guides with each of the first and second implants simultaneously, so that the first, third and fifth longitudinal axes lie along a same line as each other, and the second, fourth and sixth longitudinal axes lie along a same line as each other.

Abstract: A spinal marking system includes a marker having a threaded member and a flexible member connected to the threaded member. The flexible member has a length longer than that of the threaded member. The system also includes a navigation tool having a shaft configured to connect to the threaded member. The navigation tool also includes a navigation array connected to the shaft. The navigation array having a plurality of fiducials that are configured to communicate with a robotic system.