Abstract: An anchor-in-anchor fixation system is provided for securing underlying structure, such as bone. The fixation system includes a first bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone, and a head that defines an internal bore. A second bone anchor extends through the bore and into underlying bone. A fixation assembly is also provided that includes one or more fixation systems coupled to an auxiliary attachment member configured for long bone fixation, spinal fixation, or fixation of other bones as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates various embodiments of a laminoplasty implant comprising a telescopic spacer configured to attach to the vertebra and adjust the space between two cut portions of a vertebra.

Abstract: A compression device and method for interlocking compression nailing systems provide a compression force onto fracture site and a bone fixed between proximal and distal parts of intramedullary nail to prevent stress shielding and improve healing. The compression device having pre-assembled components of set screw, elastic component, distal cap and connector screw are rotated. After nail insertion, the nail is fixed to the bone fragments by inserting the fasteners into distal bores and proximal slot. The compression device is inserted within the bore of the nail. The set screw is screwed to move elastic component and distal cap to push the proximal bone fragment distally. Distal cap overlies on fastener screw shaft to spread compression forces in fastener screw surface to prevent stress concentration. After fracture gap minimization, the set screw is screwed further to compress elastic component to provide desired compression force.

Abstract: Tissue removal probes comprise an elongated member, a drive shaft rotatably disposed within the member, and a rotatably tissue removal element mounted to the distal end of the drive shaft. One tissue removal element comprises a plurality of tissue-cutting filaments affixed at proximal and distal ends of the tissue removal element. The cutting filaments may have optional hinge points that allow the distal end of the tissue removal element to be inverted, thereby transforming the tissue removal element from a tissue-cutting device to a tissue-grasping device. Another tissue removal element may have a blunted tip to prevent distal tissue trauma and an irrigation port to provide irrigation fluid to the removed tissue and/or tissue removal element. Another tissue removal element has a proximal and distal spiral grooves that are oppositely pitched, so that removed tissue can be collected in the middle of the tissue removal element.

Abstract: A tissue support device is provided for managing access through tissue. The tissue support device engages the tissue proximate an opening in the tissue and biases the tissue support device to bring the engaged tissue together.

Abstract: Pathology of the human spine can arise from excessive and/or uneven loading of regions within the spinal vertebrae and the intervertebral disc. Methods and apparatus are disclosed that enable displacement of soft tissue around the spine in a less invasive manner, thereby altering the mechanical load distribution within the spine to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating an intervertebral space. A device is provided that extends from the middle of at least one vertebral body to the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae. The device allows nutrients, such as bone marrow, blood, etc., to migrate from the vertebral body to the disc space to help promote fusion of the two adjacent vertebral bodies. The device can be tubular, perforated and can be made of an absorbent or wicking material that is able to promote the nutrients to travel through the apparatus.

Abstract: A plating system for mending a periprosthetic fracture is provided. The system includes an intramedullary rod, a first and second plate, and a plurality of fasteners. The intramedullary rod has a plurality of transverse holes. The first and second locking plates each have a plurality of openings and is configured to have a contour similar to a surface of a bone to which the plate is applied. Also provided is method of mending fractures by using the disclosed system. In the implanted condition, the first and second locking plates are placed across the periprosthetic fracture and each of the plurality of fasteners is inserted through one opening of the first and second plurality of openings and one transverse hole.

Abstract: A rod reducer apparatus is disclosed and includes a housing, an anvil coupled to a shaft, a plurality of arm members, and a button. The housing has an opening extending therethrough for receiving the shaft. The anvil is coupled to one end of the shaft. The button is slidably disposed in the housing and transitionable between first and second positions. The button is engageable with the shaft such that rotation of the shaft is translated into linear movement of the anvil.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing facet joints of a spine of a patient is provided. The apparatus may include a first connection device configured to be positioned directly through a first facet joint of the spine of the patient. Additionally, the apparatus may include a second connection device configured to be positioned directly through a second facet joint of the spine of the patient. Furthermore, the apparatus may include a plate configured to engage the first and second connection devices after the first and second connection devices are positioned through the first and second facet joints respectively. The plate may include a first slot configured to engage the first connection device and a second slot configured to engage the second connection device. The first slot may be perpendicular to the second slot, and the first slot may be perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the patient.

Abstract: An intervertebral stabilization device and method is disclosed. The device preferably includes a planar spring enclosed within a housing. The housing is joined to an articulation component at either end, and the articulation components have couplings connectable to anchoring components which are securable to adjacent vertebrae. The planar spring can flex and retract providing relative motion between the adjacent vertebrae. The articulation components are ball and socket joints which allow the entire assembly to flexibly follow the curvature of the spine. A fusion rod with articulation components and couplings at either end may be substituted for the spring device. The couplings enable interchangeability between a fusion rod assembly and spring assembly, so that dynamic stabilization can occur at one vertebral level and fusion at the adjacent vertebral level. An overhung spring assembly with a sideways displaced housing which allows for a shorter pedicle to pedicle displacement is also disclosed.

Abstract: System, including methods, devices, and kits, for hip fixation. The system may comprise an intramedullary nail configured to be placed longitudinally into a proximal femur. The system also may comprise a fixation element configured to be placed transversely through the nail, such that the fixation element is slideable along its long axis in the nail and extends out of the nail to a head of the proximal femur and is anchored in the head. A compliant member may be located in the nail and configured to deform reversibly in response to a load applied to the head of the proximal femur after placement of the fixation element, to reversibly change an angular orientation of the fixation element with respect to the nail.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw assembly includes an internal load dampening mechanism for sharing and dampening loads between at least one screw member and at least one rod member interconnected by the assembly. A method of interconnecting the orthopedic screw with the rod includes dampening with a body member interconnecting the screw to the rod.

Abstract: A bone fixation device includes an elongated body (a) having a first channel extending therethrough and configured for insertion into a bone, a first opening (b) formed on a first side wall of the body, the first side wall facing a lateral direction when implanted in a target orientation within the bone and a second opening (c) formed on a second side wall of the body opposite the first opening. A second channel (d) extends through the body from the first opening to the second opening and is dimensioned to permit insertion of an implant therethrough. A first bump (e) is positioned about a periphery of the first opening at a location at which a stress concentration would be a maximum if no such first bump were formed. The first bump is dimensioned to diffuse a concentration of stress about the periphery due to forces applied thereto by an implant extending through the second channel.

Abstract: Spinal plates with additional features to improve the stability of the interface between the plate and the underlying bone. A bone plate may include one or more sharp ridges along the periphery of its underside. When attached to bone, the ridge digs into the bone and increases stability. A bone plate may alternatively or additionally include one or more holes for optional spikes, which may be inserted once the plate is attached to the bone. By separating the spikes and including them as an optional component, the plate may enhance stability while reducing or eliminating the chance of the spike injuring the patient. Furthermore, bone screws may incorporate alternating notches and ridges into the head of the screw. The notches and ridges may interface with a set screw, thereby preventing rotation and loosening of the screw.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an implant for interfacing with a bone structure includes a web structure including a space truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes accessing an intersomatic space and inserting an implant into the intersomatic space. The implant includes a web structure including a space truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a number of components including tibial and femoral alignment guides, tibial and femoral cutting guides and tibial and femoral implants for total knee arthroplasty procedures.

Abstract: A spinal implant formed from a hinged distractor having an upper and lower support body that is hinged by use of pinions. An insert body is constructed and arranged to slide between the section to expand and maintain a space therebetween. The insert body includes a leading edge that is tapered to allow ease of insertion. A trailing edge that extends beyond a front edge of the upper support body will cause the insert body to be locked into position. A trailing edge engages the rear of the upper support body to prevent over insertion. A lower surface of the insert body may include locking surfaces.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a shaped spinal rod and a plurality of bone screws. The shaped spinal rod includes a body portion, a head portion, and a neck portion connecting the body portion to the head portion. The shaped spinal rod provides coronal rigidity for a complex deformity construct, and allows for rotation of the shaped spinal rod in a medial and lateral direction to facilitate insertion into the screw head. The bone screws include a housing portion and a screw shaft distally extending from the housing portion. The housing portion includes an inner housing and an outer housing slidably surrounding at least a portion of the inner housing. The inner housing defines a slot configured and dimensioned to releasably secure the body portion of the shaped spinal rod therein. The outer housing is movable relative to the inner housing between an unlock state and a locked state.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that secures, at a particular location in a bone, a guidance needle for guiding a cannulated device into the bone at the particular location. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a tap for advancing the guidance needle into the bone. The guidance needle is used to guide the cannulated device to the particular location in the bone. In some embodiments, the tap is threaded and used to create a threaded guide path to further direct the placement of the cannulated device within the bone.