Abstract: Various spinal plating systems for use in treating spinal pathologies are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, the spinal plating systems can be configured to allow a surgeon to select a bone screw construct having a particular range of motion for attaching a spinal plate to bone as needed based on the intended use. In one exemplary embodiment, the spinal plating system includes a first bone screw that is polyaxially movable relative to the spinal plate, and a second bone screw that has a range of motion that is substantially limited to a single plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at fixing means for fixation of bone fragments at bone fractures, the fixing means (1) preferably being a spike for fixation of bone fragments at trochantery hip fractures. The fixing means (1) comprises a sleeve (5) and a pin (7) which is insertable into the sleeve (5) and displaceable in the longitudinal direction thereof. The pin (7) has a rear part (8) and at least two front parts (9, 10) with bent points or tips. Front parts of the sleeve (5) have openings (13, 14) through which the front parts (9, 10) of the pin (7) can be forced.

Abstract: An extraction device for removing a liner from an acetabular cup is provided. The extraction device includes a body and an actuator. The actuator is operably connected to the body. The extraction device also includes a jaw for cooperation with the liner. The jaw includes a portion of the jaw for penetrating into the liner. The jaw is operably connected to the actuator. The actuator is adapted to cooperate with the jaw to provide a first position for the jaw spaced from the liner and a second position for the jaw in contact with the liner.

Abstract: A device for reducing stabilization into a head of a medical implant is provided. The device includes a rotating member and a ram for reducing the stabilization member into a core of the implant head. The ram is threadably engaged with the rotating member and is moved by rotation of the rotating member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. The present invention provides disc reinforcement therapy (DRT) which involves implanting one or more reinforcement members in and preferably around the annulus of the disc. The reinforcement members may be used to stabilize the annulus and/or compresses a portion of the annulus so as to reduce a bulge and/or close a fissure. The implantable devices and associated delivery tools may incorporate heating capabilities to thermally treat the annular tissue. Alternatively or in combination, other devices may be specifically employed for such thermal treatment.

Abstract: Spinal anchoring methods and devices are provided that are effective to correct spinal deformities while allowing some flexibility to the spine. In particular, the methods and devices allow a spinal fixation element to mate to several adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another, yet to allow the orientation of each vertebrae relative to the fixation element to adjust as the orientation of the patient's spine changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinal implant (10) having, at a first end, fastener (20) for fastening to a vertebra, and at a second end, an assembly head (22) extending along an axis x-x?, the head (22) including a housing (26) that is open away from the fastener (20) and that presents a section that is substantially U-shaped, the head (22) being suitable for receiving a connection rod (30) extending transversely to the axis x-x? and for securing it by clip insert (40) and by locknut (50) According to the invention, in the assembled position, the clip insert (40) and the locknut (50) are fully received within the assembly head (22), and in that the clip insert (40) are mechanically decoupled from the locknut (50).

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a tubular housing having two ends. Each end of the tubular housing has an opening there-through. A malleable bulbous exterior region is present along a portion of the tubular housing. The malleable bulbous exterior region is sufficiently adaptable to be compression fit within a bone tunnel. A flanged opening is provided at one of the ends of the tubular housing. A seal may be provided integral with the flanged opening.

Abstract: A vertebral replacement body device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a connecting member having an upper member and a lower member engaged thereto at opposite ends thereof. The vertebral replacement body device can have a chamber extending therethrough for fusion of the supported vertebrae.

Abstract: An intervertebral support device may include upper and lower vertebral mounting fixtures to be respectively connected to an upper and a lower vertebra in a patient's spine. The device may further include a bias member for urging the upper and lower vertebral mounting fixtures together, and a bias adjuster connected to the bias member maintained in tension for adjusting the tension thereof. The bias adjuster advantageously allows a spinal surgeon installing the intervertebral support device to adjust the tension of the bias member during installation, as well as to re-adjust the tension post-operatively during follow-up visits to modify a patient's intervertebral mobility as needed.

Abstract: Implantable vertebral staples and tools for use with the same are provided. In general, an exemplary vertebral staple according to the present invention includes a staple body having at least one long spike formed thereon for allowing rotation of the body when the long spike is partially inserted in bone. The staple body can also include one or more short spikes formed thereon and adapted to prevent rotation of the body when the long and short spikes are fully inserted into bone. The present invention also provides an inserter tool that can be used to implant the vertebral staple, and also a drill guide that can be used, preferably in combination with the inserter tool, to drill holes through the bone in alignment with one or more holes formed in the vertebral staple.

Abstract: A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar configuration lying in the plane and deflectable towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. Tines extend from the inner curved regions, the tines being oriented towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may include primary tines and secondary tines that are shorter than the primary tines. The primary tines may be disposed on opposing inner curved regions and oriented towards one another such that they overlap in the planar configuration.

Abstract: An embolism treatment device includes an elongated core wire having a coil tip coupled to the distal end of the core wire and a cage assembly substantially coaxial to the core wire, having a first deployment shape and a second expanded shape. The core wire is freely moveable axially through the cage assembly. The device additionally includes an inner coil surrounding the core wire within the cage assembly and an actuator element, having a first position and a second position, located proximally to the cage assembly, wherein when the actuator element is in the first position, the cage assembly is in the first deployment shape and when the actuator element is in the second position, the cage assembly is in the second expanded shape.

Abstract: An anchor includes an anchor body configured to be retained within base tissue. The anchor body includes a unidirectional mechanism to selectively restrict passage of a flexible member through the anchor. The flexible member includes a loop to enable attachment of candidate tissue to base tissue without the use of knots.

Abstract: A pedicle fixation assembly and method for assembly comprises a screw head comprising a male bulbous end; a bone fixator component comprising a female concave semi-spherical socket for receiving the screw head; a locking saddle pin for engaging the screw head and the bone fixator component; and a blocker for engaging the screw head and for securing the longitudinal member.

Abstract: The invention concerns an intervertebral implant that includes a spacer designed firstly to assume an implantation shape in which the spacer has two opposed channels (3, 4) bordered by retaining wings (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b), intended to receive the two spinous processes of two vertebrae, and secondly an insertion shape in which the parts of the implant forming the channels (3, 4) are separated by a value (d), and on at least one of their sides are lacking the retaining wings (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b), characterized in that the implant (1) is made from a shape-memory material, so that the implant changes to its implantation shape when it is subjected to heat, and so that, in this implantation shape, the parts of the implant forming the channels (3, 4) are separated by a value (D) that is greater than the value(d) of the insertion shape, in order to ensure the separation of the spinous processes.

Abstract: A cutting tool for creating resected surfaces of bone during arthroplasty procedures has a single offset handle arm that presents a narrower effective width than a width of the cutting profile of the cutting tool along a longitudinal axis of the cutting profile. Preferably, the single offset handle arm creates a cutting tool with a generally L-shaped outline simultaneously accounting for soft tissue/incision geometry and bony geometry to accommodate both in facilitating ease of use and minimal displacement of soft tissue during cutting. The cutting tool can be snaked into position through an incision approximately the size of the width of the handle arm, instead of requiring an incision that is essentially the width of the cutting path of the cutting tool. In alternate embodiments, the cutting tool is a milling tool, a wireplasty cutting tool, a band saw or reciprocating cutting tool.

Abstract: A total artificial expansile disc and a method for posterior insertion between a pair of vertebral endplates are disclosed. The total artificial expansile disc includes at least one pair of substantially parallel plates that move apart along a first axis, in order to occupy a space defined by the vertebral endplates. In another embodiment, each of substantially parallel plates includes a first plate and a second sliding plate. An expansion device or tool is used to move the substantially parallel pair of plates apart along the first axis. A core is disposed between the pair of plates, and the core permits the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. A ball limiter or ball extender prevents the core from being extruded from between the substantially parallel plates.

Abstract: A system and method to assist in securing a soft tissue replacement in a bone tunnel includes an expandable member having an opening and an expandable portion. A delivery structure includes a connection portion selectively coupled to the opening of the expandable member. The delivery structure is adapted to inject a flowable medium into the expandable member thereby expanding the expandable portion and urging the soft tissue replacement into a bone surface defining the bone tunnel.

Abstract: Orthopedic implants are disclosed that may be used in spinal applications. In one embodiment, a plate portion is provided with a threaded protrusion on which a connector for attachment to an orthopedic rod can be fitted. The protrusion may be multi-axially orientable with respect to said plate portion. The plate portion may include a dome having an inner surface that may be of conical shape, through which a portion of the protrusion may extend. A pin may be provided to retain the protrusion in place with respect to the dome. A second plate portion may be provided, which may be integral with or movable with respect to the first plate portion, that can be connected to a bone, e.g. iliac or sacral bone.