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 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 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: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a retraction device for laparoscopy in which a trocar needle including latching grooves formed at the side of the lower end thereof is inserted into a trocar tube, both ends of which are opened, to form a laparoscopic platform, the laparoscopic platform pierces an abdominal wall and the trocar needle is pushed into an abdominal cavity so that the latching grooves are exposed to the outside of the trocar tube, sutures connected to tissue retractors retracting tissues are hung on the latching grooves, and then the trocar needle of the laparoscopic platform is drawn upwards so that the latching grooves are inserted back into the trocar tube to fix the tissue retractors to the laparoscopic platform. The retraction device for laparoscopy prevents the tissues from being unnecessarily damaged due to retraction and facilitates convenient retraction of the tissues without the help of assistant's two hands.

Abstract: The invention concerns a distance-keeping inter-process implant with a body ending in its posterior part with two opposite-situated resistance protrusions. In the anterior part of the body there are situated at least two wings, at least one of which is a mobile wing connected with the body by an articulated joint. Each wing is provided with at least one guide of the tensioning band. The articulated joint between the mobile wing and the body is formed by the mutually collaborating shaped surface of the. wing (and the shaped surface of the body and is usefully secured by the pin that constitutes the axis of rotation of the mobile wing. In an alternative version of the implementation of the implant, the mobile wing connected with the body is provided with at least one arm situated with respect to the wing at the angle ? amounting to from 30° to 150°.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device is provided that includes an interbody cage, a fixation system and an actuation mechanism to deploy one or more blades. The cage acts as an intervertebral spacer and provides resistance to the compressive loads in the spinal column. The fixation system includes an anchor and a ramp. These components could be manufactured from various medical grade materials.

Abstract: A transverse rod connector includes an elongate member having first and second ends and first and second connection members. The first and second connection members are connected with first and second ends, respectively. The first and second connection members are configured for multidirectional positioning with respect to the elongate member. The first and second connection members are each dimensioned to be selectively and releasably secured to a bone anchor. The elongate member is longitudinally adjustable.

Abstract: A spinal implant assembly combines a spinal interbody spacer with a spine plate. The combined spacer and plate assembly provides stabilization and torsional resistance to promote fusion of adjacent vertebrae. The spacer is configured for placement within an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae previously occupied by a spinal disc. The plate is configured for attachment to anterior sides of the adjacent vertebrae. Translation of the spinal plate allows it to be affixed to the vertebrae in various positions and/or allow movement post installation. In one form, the plate is defined by first and second spine plate or plate portions that are coupled to one another to allow rotation about each other. Ends of the first and second spine plates are received in/by the interbody spacer, while a pin extends through the interbody spacer to fix the first and second spine plates to the interbody spacer.

Abstract: A minimally invasive retractor assembly includes a posted screw and one or more retractor blades. Each retractor blade is releasably coupled to the posted screw. The retractor blade or blades are manipulated or flexed relative to the posted screw allowing retraction of tissue surrounding the incision. The retractor is made of a biocompatible material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation ring for an external fixator has a ring or a ring-segment extending around a center axis. The ring comprises a first surface running perpendicular to the center axis, a second surface which is parallel to the first surface, and a plurality of spaced apart through openings running parallel to the center axis and extending through the fixation plate. The fixation plate has at least a third surface which is parallel to the first surface spaced outwardly thereof with respect to the center axis. A further set of through openings extends from the first surface to the third surface. A fourth surface may be provided which is axially displaced from the second surface with respect to the center axis. The ring preferably is circular or part-circular and is molded from carbon fiber reinforced PEEK.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a body defining a proximal surface, a pair of side surfaces, and a pair of angled surfaces extending distally and inwardly from opposite ends of the proximal surface. The proximal surface includes at least one proximal opening. Each angled surface includes at least one screw opening in communication with the proximal opening to define a passage extending through the body. The body is configured for positioning partially within an intervertebral space such that the angled surfaces are disposed in abutting relation with at least a portion of opposed surfaces of the adjacent vertebrae and such that the proximal surface is disposed exteriorly of the intervertebral space to permit insertion of a screw through the screw opening and into one of the opposed surfaces of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A method for implanting a longitudinal intramedullary nail into the tibia comprises inserting the tibia nail along a plane of symmetry through the tuberositas tibiae. Thereby, the tuberositas tibiae can be used during nail insertion to correctly align the nail and the target arm to the symmetry plane of the bone. This means, that the whole construct, the nail attached to the target arm, has to be inserted in external rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in stabilizing and/or aligning the spinal column utilizes hooks and rods to effectively transfer load from the vertebrae to the apparatus regardless of the angle and the height of the pedicular screws. A screw cap formed of a base having a bore therethrough for receiving the head of the screw, an upright riser formed thereon that is laterally offset from the bore, and a surface for engaging the rod or plate of the stabilizer enables the apparatus to be used for stabilizing and/or aligning vertebral bodies that are out of alignment, of different shape or size, and/or pathology. The apparatus is implanted in a series of steps that are quickly and conveniently performed in the surgical stage and with minimal application of force to align the vertebral bodies, decreasing the likelihood of damaging the nerves populating the surgical stage.

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. The instrument preferably decreases the upward tension applied to the flexible sutures over the duration of the application of twisting. 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: An assembly comprising an expandable corpectomy cage and an insertion instrument, wherein the expandable cage comprises an instrument attachment features, including mating holes on the sides of the outer sleeve, and a ball-shaped pocket on the endplate of the inner sleeve, and the insertion instrument features a tuning-fork shaped holder, which attaches to the mating holes on the implant's outer sleeve using small bosses which mate with the holes under the spring tension of the fork, and a lever with a spherical end that mates with the ball-shaped pocket in the inner sleeve endplate.

Abstract: A rod reducer instrument is configured to be secured to a fixation element and to force a rod into engagement with the fixation element. The rod reducer instrument can have a pliers to secure the rod reducer to the fixation element and a threaded shaft with a handle and a pusher member. The pliers can form a threaded channel that engages the threaded shaft and directs a movement of the shaft. The threaded shaft can translate a rotational movement at the handle into a linear movement at the pusher member and in this way force a rod into engagement with a fixation element.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a dynamic stabilizer system for dynamically stabilizing the sacrum and at least lumbar vertebra L5. The dynamic stabilizer system may comprise two anchoring members that can be implanted at distinct locations in the sacrum, a mechanical fastener element having two ends and a flexible portion that can be securely fastened on the spinous process of a lumbar vertebra, and two distinct rods, each securing onto the anchoring members and the mechanical fastener element. In some embodiments, the dynamic stabilizer system may further comprise one or more spacers, each interposed between two spinous processes. The mechanical fastener element further comprises features for securing the one or more spacers.