Abstract: A laterally deflectable asymmetric implant for implanting into a body may comprise a deflectable piece having distal and proximal ends and assuming a straightened insertion state. The backbone may abut or interconnect with said deflectable piece at the distal end of the deflectable piece. In a fully deflected state the implant may define an asymmetric shape, e.g. a D-shaped loop, defining an at least partially enclosed volume. The deflectable piece may comprise a sequence of segments interconnected at effective hinges. Longitudinal pressure applied to the proximal end of the deflectable piece (or applied to the backbone in an opposite direction) may cause relative longitudinal movement between the backbone and the proximal end of the deflectable piece and may generate outward horizontal movement of the deflectable piece away from the backbone. In one embodiment, the implant is implanted using lateral access into an anterior zone of a vertebra and deployed posteriorly.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems relating to spinal implants and instruments for installing such implants. In some embodiments, a spinal implant may comprise an opening configured to receive an installation rod for installing the spinal implant within an intervertebral space of a patient. The opening may be positioned within a wall of the spinal implant, and may comprise a peripheral edge defined by the wall of the spinal implant. An installation rod may be provided that may be configured to be positioned within the opening of the spinal implant, and may comprise an engagement section configured to engage a portion of the spinal implant defining the opening at a location spaced apart from the peripheral edge such that the highest forces applied to the spinal implant in coupling the spinal implant with the installation rod during installation are not applied to the portion of the opening defined by the peripheral edge.

Abstract: An intermaxillary fixation system is provided, including a bone anchorage screw having at least one of an elongated head with internal threading and an externally threaded screw extending from a head of the bone anchorage screw, a fixation system, and a rail bar. A method for the stabilization and fixation of maxillary and mandibular arches is also provided, including setting a plurality of bone anchorage screws to the maxillary and mandibular arch, each bone anchorage screw having a head, fixing one or more T-shaped bars to the bone anchorage screws, bending and connecting a rail bar to heads of the one or more T-shaped bars with orthodontic screws, and wrapping a connector between the heads of the bone anchorage screws located on the mandibular arch and the maxillary arch.

Abstract: A system for percutaneous spinal fusion may include two spaced apart blades connected together by a coupling such that the blades define a percutaneous pathway from a skin incision to an implanted pedicle fastener. The coupling may be c-shaped and may have at least one flexible tab for engaging one or more holes along the length of the blades. If one of the blades becomes disconnected from the pedicle fastener, a supplemental access device may be provided comprising a tubular body having a channel therein for receiving the other of the blades. If both of the blades become disconnected, a supplemental access device may be provided comprising a gripping member received within a locking member. The gripping member may have two legs engageable with the pedicle fastener, and the locking member may move along the gripping member to prevent the legs from disengaging the pedicle fastener.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a rod connector for adding a pedicle rod to an existing spinal fusion construct. Specifically, this invention relates to an open rod connector that has a swiveling rod collet that allows for a pedicle rod to be rotated into the desired alignment.

Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device used in bone fixation and stabilization on a patient includes a longitudinally extending rigid body and a distal head disposed at a distal end of the body. The distal head includes a central core portion and a plurality of extending distal wings radially projecting from the central core portion, wherein the radially projecting distal wings are spaced asymmetrically about the central core portion. A proximal head at a proximal end of the body and sized for insertion into an intramedullary canal of a phalanx of the patient. The proximal head includes a central core portion and a plurality of proximal wings extending radially outwardly from the central core portion.

Abstract: A spinal fusion system and related methods involve the use of a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction. The spinal fusion implant is particularly suited for introduction into the disc space via a lateral approach to the spine.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor with an oximeter sensor at its tip and a force sensor coupled to the retractor. The retractor system also includes a system unit which can send signals to and receive signals from the oximeter sensor via optical fibers. The oximeter sensor measures oxygen saturation of a tissue being refracted by the retractor, and the force sensor measures an amount of force that is applied to the retracted tissue by the tip of the retractor. Another retractor system has a closed loop control arrangement with a positioning mechanism which moves the retractor based on measurements of the sensors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an osteosynthesis apparatus for proximal femur fractures. The osteosynthesis apparatus for proximal femur fractures has a structure in which a lag screw set and a nail are assembled via screwing process. The lag screw is assembled with a key ring and a fastening nut in advance. When inserting this lag screw set into a bone, grip bars are inserted radially at a predetermined angle and direction, resulting in a strong bone holding power. Further, in a final step, a strong fixed coupling is achieved by forcibly screwing and engaging the lag screw and the fastening nut by an interference of the threads of the lag screw and the fastening nut. Thus, the osteosynthesis apparatus for proximal femur fractures has a strong bone holding power and is stable without loosening.

Abstract: A ratcheting strut comprising: (a) a ratchet box including a through passage; (b) a first tube sized to extend at least partially through the passage, the first tube including ratchet teeth that engage corresponding ratchet teeth of the ratchet box; (c) a second tube mounted to the ratchet box in parallel with the first tube, the second tube operatively coupled to a second fixation adapter; and (d) a threaded rod operatively coupled to a nut and a first fixation adapter, the threaded rod repositionably mounted to the first tube, where the nut is operatively coupled and repositionable with respect to the first tube.

Abstract: The current request reports an external fixation device to stabilize bone fractures with adaptable configuration during different stages of surgery or during treatment, through the generation of six degrees of freedom among the bone fragments. The device comprises numerous press-connector means, numerous cylindrical bars, numerous osteosynthesis screws and optionally from one to several rigid rings and one or more extension elements that permit generating diverse stable configurations to treat bone fractures.

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.

Abstract: A method and device for improving the placement of a second guide wire in relation to a first guide wire. A body having a first guide wire channel extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The distal end includes a needle-like tip arranged to receive a first guide wire from the first guide wire channel. The body further includes at least one parallel guide wire conduit in close proximity and substantially parallel to the channel. An elongated slot, with a wide opening on the distal end, narrows at the proximal end with a terminus exiting the body in close proximity to the needle-like tip. A second guide wire can be selectively inserted in either the at least one parallel conduit or in the slot to arrange the second guide wire in close and parallel proximity to, or in close and intersecting the trajectory of, the first guide wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the strictly limited flexible stabilization of long bone fractures, said apparatus incorporating a stabilization element configured to be a helical rod that may be introduced into the cavity of a long bone and that comprises a fixation device at one end at least. In accordance with the invention there is provided that the helical rod comprises, beside a very high vertical spring rate, a bending spring rate that is reduced to the “physiological” level as compared to a marrow nail so that, once placed in the bone, minimal healing-promoting movements are being stimulated. It is further preferred that the helical rod has a normalized, uniformly configured head that is independent of the variable outer diameter of the helical rod, which is adapted to the respective bone.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an external fixation connection rod having articulatable joints that can be attached to external supports, such as rings. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes a telescopic rod and connecting mechanisms for coupling the joints of the connection rod to the external supports. and the connecting mechanisms are operable to substantially lock the orientation of the joints. In some other embodiments, the connection rod includes a housing having parallel axial bores defined therethrough and sleeves slidably disposed in the axial bores. Also included in the present disclosure are methods of maintaining the orientation of first and second fixator rings for immobilizing bone segments.

Abstract: A device for preventing a hip fracture includes: a shaft having a first end and a second end and an expanding means for engaging the femoral head at the first end. The shaft is positioned in a hole of a predetermined depth in a femur. The hole extends from the greater trochanter to the femoral head of the femur, such that the first end is positioned in the femoral head and the second end is positioned in the greater trochanter. The device is oriented substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the femoral shaft.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device used in bone fixation and stabilization on a patient includes a longitudinally extending rigid body, a distal head disposed at a distal end of the body and sized for insertion into an intramedullary canal of a phalanx of the patient, the distal head having a central core portion and a plurality of extending distal wings radially projecting from the central core portion. A proximal head at a proximal end of the body is sized for insertion into an intramedullary canal of a phalanx of the patient. It has a central core portion and a plurality of proximal wings extending radially outwardly from the central core portion.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part having a recess for receiving the rod and an accommodation space with an opening for inserting and accommodating a head of the bone anchoring element, a pressure element having a first end surface and a flexible portion to clamp the head, and a rod receiving element configured to be assembled to the pressure element, the rod receiving element having a first end and a second end defining an opening, and a channel for receiving the rod. The channel has a bottom near the second end of the rod receiving element, and the opening of the rod receiving element opens into the channel. The first end surface of the pressure element can extend through the opening of the rod receiving element and past the bottom of the channel to contact the rod.