Abstract: A vertebral stabilization device operable for stabilizing and/or decompressing a portion of the spine, including: a first frame member; a second frame member; a first connector member engaged to the first frame member for securing the first frame member to a first structure of the spine; and a second connector member engaged to the second frame member for securing the second frame member to a second structure of the spine; wherein the first frame member and the second frame member are in a telescoping relationship with each other. The first and second structures of the spine may include spinous processes, laminae, sacral structures, or any other suitable structures. Preferably, the first connector member and the second connector member are substantially arcuate in shape, and may face towards each other, away from each other, or in the same direction.

Abstract: A guide assembly includes a spinal screw assembly having a bone screw and a spinal rod holder; and a spinal rod guide having first and second elongated arc portions defining a pair of longitudinal slots extending along the first and second arc portions, each of the first and second arc portions further defining at least one recess extending transversely from each of the longitudinal slots, the at least one recess configured to receive at least a portion of a reduction tool to enable reduction of a spinal rod received within the spinal rod holder.

Abstract: A system for inserting an intramedullary nail into a bone includes (a) a handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end configured to couple to an intramedullary nail only in a desired orientation and (b) an aiming device extending from a proximal end to a distal end configured for attachment to the proximal end of the handle. The aiming device includes a guide opening extending therethrough sized and shaped to accommodate a protective sleeve therein. The guide opening is located and oriented so that, when the aiming device and the handle are coupled to one another, a bone fixation receiving hole in an intramedullary nail coupled to the handle is aligned with the guide opening. The aiming device further includes a locking pin fixedly mounted thereto. The locking pin extends into the guide opening to engage a protective sleeve inserted therein.

Abstract: A wound retractor device comprises a distal member for insertion into a wound opening, a proximal member for location externally of the wound opening, a connecting member extending at least between the distal member and the proximal member. At least part of the connecting member is movable relative to the proximal member to shorten the length of the connecting member located between the distal member and the proximal member and thereby retract laterally the sides of the wound opening. At least part of the connecting member is movable relative to the proximal member by a guide slot through which the connecting member changes its direction to substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wound retractor device.

Abstract: A pelvic clamp has a rail-like straight guide for two arms which are displaceable relative to one another along this straight guide and project from the straight guide and on each of the free ends of which an approximately tubular carrier for a tip intended for bone contact is provided. A locking device releasable using at least one handle is provided between the two parts displaceable relative to one another, namely between at least one of the arms and the straight guide. Preferably at least one of the arms preferably both arms, is or are capable of being folded or dismantled and thus shortened via at least one joint which can be fixed in a desired position and/or a plug connection.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for an interspinous fixation and/or distraction of vertebrae and a methodology for minimally invasive implantation of the apparatus in the spine of a patient. The apparatus corresponds to a pair of teardrop shaped lateral wing elements spaced apart by a central core element that may be selectively sized during the implantation process. The wings and central core are held together by a single threaded bolt and locking nut configuration resulting in a simple structure that may be easily implanted with minimal patient discomfort.

Abstract: Various embodiments of mouthpieces for use during endoscopic procedures are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a mouthpiece may include a shield, a primary instrument channel, a bite block, an oxygen administration channel and a tongue depressor. The shield, bite block, oxygen administration channel and tongue depressor may be integrally formed.

Abstract: A device for implantation in an intramedullary space of a bone via a curved insertion path, the device comprises a curved proximal portion extending along an arc substantially similar to an arc of the curved insertion path, the proximal portion including a coupling arrangement at a proximal end thereof adapted to couple to a tool for one of intramedullary implantation and explantation and a flexible distal portion extending from a distal end of the proximal portion, the distal portion extending substantially straight in an unstressed state and having flexibility sufficient to permit being along the arc of the insertion path substantially without permanent deformation.

Abstract: A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites, in particular into the thoracic region of the spine.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a spinal stabilization system and method for stabilizing at least two vertebrae. The system holds together the vertebrae while allowing a limited amount of relative movement between the vertebrae. The system may include a flexible braid having two free ends, at least one spacer interposed between the spinous processes of the vertebrae, and a securing mechanism for securing the two ends of the braid to hold the at least one spacer between the spinous processes of the vertebrae. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism may comprise parts movable relative to each other. Portions of the braid may be placed between the movable parts. A mechanical member may cause the movable parts to move towards each other to secure the two ends of the braid.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw connection assembly includes a first longitudinal member comprising a bored fastener channel and a first bulbous body; a second longitudinal member comprising a cylindrical body to fit within the fastener channel, and a second bulbous body; a fastener with a bored cylindrical channel, connected to the first longitudinal member and the cylindrical body and securely couples the first longitudinal member to the second longitudinal member; a first fixation component directly connected to the first bulbous body; a second fixation component directly connected to the second bulbous body; a first pin engaged within the first longitudinal member via a bored first channel and contacting the first bulbous body causing the first bulbous body to outwardly expand; and a second pin engaged within the second longitudinal member via a bored second channel and contacting the second bulbous body causing the second bulbous body to outwardly expand.

Abstract: A Posterior Dynamic Stabilization (PDS) device that regulates physiologic spinal elongation and compression. Regulation of elongation and compression are critical requirements of Posterior Dynamic Stabilization devices. Elongation and compression of the device allow the pedicles to travel naturally as the spine flexes and extends. This interpedicular travel preserves a more natural center of rotation unlike some conventional PDS devices that simply allow bending. The device incorporates two components: 1) a spring that allows elongation/compression, and 2) a polymer core component that serves to increase the stiffness of the device in shear, bending, and tension, and also prevents soft tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: A first arched slot or slit connection element (15) and a second linear slot or slit connection element (19, 21) are provided for cursors (13, 30) which can slide and be locked along said slots or slits; the connection element engaged with the humeral stem is self-centring and is provided with a hinge (32, 34) defining the articulation axis of the elbow, when—after repeated flexion-extension—said cursor is no longer subject to significant movements.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for assisting in spinal stabilization. An access device is provided that includes an outer sleeve, inner sleeve, spring latch and lock nut. The inner sleeve includes compressible grasping elements. The access device can be coupled to a screw head by sliding the outer sleeve relative to the inner sleeve and compressing the grasping elements. The coupled access device and screw can then be delivered to a target location in a patient. After providing two or more access devices, a rod member can be delivered using a rod insertion device. The rod member can serve as a connection between the two screws, and can provide spinal stabilization. An anti-torque device and a persuading device can be used to help ensure that the rod member is placed and secured in a proper location within a patient.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an intervertebral disc prosthesis for insertion into an intervertebral disc compartment between two vertebra includes: a) biometrically determining the shape of a first dome formed within an apophyseal ring of the first vertebra; and b) providing a first constituent element which is provided on one side with a first joint member and has on the other side a first abutment face which abuts against the first vertebra when the intervertebral disc prosthesis is inserted into the intervertebral disc compartment. The first abutment face has a shape that has no rotational symmetry and that has a vertex configured such that the first constituent element can rotate within the first dome by at least 10° when the vertex of the first abutment face contacts a vertex of the dome.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: A device and method for defining a trajectory for instruments in a sacroiliac joint fusion procedure employs a handle and two movable guidance arms that are separated by an adjustable distance. The first guidance arm has a substantially straight pronged distal end terminating in a first prong, a second prong and a space between the first prong and second prong defining a first point in a straight trajectory for inserting screws into a sacroiliac joint. The guidance arm forms a receiving bore on a distal end thereof to define a second point in the trajectory. The pronged distal end is inserted through a posterior incision in the patient into a cored-out sacroiliac joint, with the second guidance arm outside the body, and the orientation of the alignment guide is adjusted by pivoting the alignment guide about the pronged distal end to determine a suitable trajectory.