Abstract: An intramedullary (IM) nail system for the fixation of fractured bones in a patient comprising a nail and compression screws. The length of the body is divided into a distal section and a proximal section with the distal section containing multiple interference sections having a diameter less or greater than that of the body. The threads adjacent the nail head have an apex generally greater than the diameter of the body. The compression screws are dimensioned to be inserted through the bone and contact the nail, pressing it against the bone canal. The nail, once inserted, lies below the surface of the bone.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a housing coupled to a retractor. The housing can be have one or more movable sealing ports for receiving surgical instruments. Each movable sealing port can include one or more sealing elements therein for sealing the port and/or forming a seal around a surgical instrument disposed therethrough. Each movable sealing port can be rotatable relative to the housing and each sealing element can be rotatable relative to the housing along a predetermined orbital path.

Abstract: A femur fixation apparatus capable of firmly fixing in place an anti-rotation member, which includes an intramedullary nail, an anti-rotation pin configured to be inserted through the intramedullary nail, and an adjuster fitted in the intramedullary nail. The adjuster includes a rotation part and a sliding part. The rotation part is rotatably and threadedly engaged in the intramedullary nail and rotatably connected to the upper end of the sliding part. The sliding part is formed with a space through which the anti-rotation pin is inserted. An urging member extends from a side wall of the space into the space. When the rotation part is rotated in a predetermined direction relative to the intramedullary nail, then the adjuster moves downward, and the urging member presses downward and fixes in place the anti-rotation pin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing correction of one or more maladies or conditions of the spinal column of a living being. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an implantable device configured to be selectively adjustable in one or more portions thereof so as to permit correction of asymmetries or irregularities of the spinal column via insertion into one or more affected intervertebral disc spaces. In one variant, the implantable device includes upper and lower host elements which are hinged or can pivot relative to one another, and an insertable distraction mechanism which is adjustable to enable one side or the other of the implantable device to alter height. In another variant, both sides of the implantable device can be adjusted for height via the host elements and one or more pivots or hinges. In one implementation, the distraction mechanism is adjustable from multiple approaches into the disc space.

Abstract: Internal bone fixation devices and methods for using the devices for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. A device for use in repairing a fractured bone includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of at least one reinforcing material and an inner lumen for passage of a light source; a conformable member releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the conformable member moves from a deflated state to an inflated state when the at least one reinforcing material is delivered to the conformable member; and an adapter releasably engaging the proximal end of the delivery catheter for receiving the light source and the at least one reinforcing material.

Abstract: A bone fixation apparatus includes an insert and a bone anchor. The insert has open ends defining a lumen. A first thread is disposed on an outer surface of the insert and a second thread is disposed in the lumen. The insert is configured for threadably engaging bone. A driving tool is releasably attachable to the insert. The bone fixation apparatus also includes a bone anchor with a bone screw member and a housing. The bone screw member extends from the housing and has a third thread along a shank of the bone screw member. The third thread of the shank is engageable with the second thread of the lumen such that the bone anchor is coupled to the insert.

Abstract: A system for correcting a spinal deformity includes an implant fixed to one side of a vertebra and a rod extending along an axis of the spine on a second side of the vertebra. An adjustment member, which may include a reel, is coupled to the rod. A force directing member, such as a cable, extends between the rod and the adjustment member. The force directing member is retractable toward and extendible from the adjustment member. A method of correcting spinal deformity includes providing an implant, a rod, an adjustment member coupled to the rod, and a force directing member extending between the rod and the adjustment member. The adjustment member can be retractable toward and extendible from the adjustment member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single surgical method, procedure and/or system that creates open visual and physical access to an identified spinal treatment site that initially comprises spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels comprise at least one dorsal root ganglion. A spinal treatment procedure is performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.

Abstract: A transverse connector includes a cross member connecting assembly, and first and second spinal rod connection members rotatably coupled to opposing end portions of the cross member connecting assembly. The cross member connecting assembly includes a first band slot defined therethrough and a threaded opening extending through an upper surface of the cross member connecting assembly and into the first band slot. The cross member connecting assembly includes a band set screw threadingly engaged with the threaded opening and movable relative to the first band slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for bioresorbable and biodegradable casings having both micropores and macropores for providing shape, structure and containment to different bone grafting materials. Kits and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: An implant and method for spinal facet joint stabilization uses a wedge and plate adapted to accept prongs of a surgical instrument for installing the implant into a posterior spinal facet joint. The wedge has an anterior end with a threaded bore. A notch in each lateral side of the plate aligns with a groove in each lateral side of the wedge. Each notch and groove pair receives a prong of the surgical instrument to hold the wedge and plate during implantation. A superior tube of the surgical instrument supports a superior rod having an end configured for installing a bone screw attaching the plate to the superior vertebra of the spinal facet joint. An inferior tube of the surgical instrument supports an inferior rod having an end configured to attach to the threaded bore of the wedge along with the plate during introduction of the implant into the spinal facet joint, and installing the set screw to attach the plate to the wedge.

Abstract: An interbody cage which comprises a cage body and a mobile rotational element which, when said mobile element is rotated around a longitudinal axis of the body of the cage, may engage one or both adjoining vertebrae and temporally distract the intervertebral space for easier insertion of the cage body. The rotational element may also be designed to durably engage the adjoining vertebrae after its rotation, so as to allow a durable increase of the distraction of the vertebrae. Methods of insertion of the interbody cage are provided wherein the vertebrae are first distracted by the insertion of the cage or of the mobile element, then further distracted by rotation of the mobile element, before the cage is fully inserted into the intervertebral space without the body's superior and inferior surfaces fully engaging the vertebrae in the process.

Abstract: A staged expansion of an intervertebral scaffolding system is provided, and also include a laterovertically-expanding frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.

Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus including an intervertebral cage for maintaining disc height, and a method of inserting the same is provided. The intervertebral cage includes a first internal screw guide and a second internal screw guide, a first screw member and a second screw member, and a central screw locking lever coupled to the intervertebral cage, wherein the central screw locking lever prevents the first screw member and the second screw from pulling-out of the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide. The central screw locking lever includes a rotatable handle and stem portion, or a screw locking horizontal bracket. A pliers device for inserting and removing the bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple, and a staple gun for a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple also are provided.

Abstract: A coupling device includes a first coupling body configured to be coupled to a first bone anchor, a second coupling body configured to be coupled a second bone anchor, and a connection device comprising a first connection member connectable to the first coupling body, a second connection member connectable to the second coupling body, and a length adjustment member positionable between and insertable at least partially into each of the first and second connection members. The first and second connection members are movable relative to the length adjustment member. The length adjustment member can be actuated in a first direction to increase a distance between the first connection member and the second connection member, and in a second direction different from the first direction to decrease the distance between the first connection member and the second connection member.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a medical device includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a flexible contact member. The first sleeve is configured to be coupled to a first tool member of an end effector assembly that includes the first tool member, a second tool member, and a clevis, in which the first and second tool members are each rotatably coupled to the clevis such that second tool member can be moved relative to the first tool member between a first and a second orientation. The second sleeve is configured to be coupled to the second tool member. The flexible contact member is coupled to the first sleeve and the second sleeve, and is configured be moved between a collapsed configuration when the second tool member is in the first orientation and an expanded configuration when the second tool member is in the second orientation.

Abstract: A bone fixation device for treatment of a bone fracture includes a fixation screw defining a transverse opening, a fixation arm configured for inserting the fixation screw through a bone fracture, a set screw, and an aiming arm configured for inserting the set screw into the transverse opening and engagement with the fixation screw. The set screw stabilizes the fixation screw.

Abstract: A digitizer pointer is provided as part of a system for correcting a curvature or deformity in a patient's spine based on the digitized locations of implanted screws and tracking the placement of the rod as it is placed in a minimally invasive fashion. The digitizer pointer is includes an offset adjustment feature, a swivel feature, and a translation feature.

Abstract: A tool for implementing a correction plan in an external fixation frame having a plurality of adjustment elements or screws, for example, generally includes a driver, a motor, a controller, and a processor. The driver is adapted to engage and rotate each of the screws. The motor is coupled the driver and adapted to rotate the driver. The controller is connected to the motor and configured to control operation of the motor. The controller may determine whether the tool is engaged with a strut and which strut is engaged, and may determine how much the strut has rotated, taking into account intentional or unintentional manual rotation of the tool. The tool may also include features to help ensure proper engagement between the drive and the strut. Variations may be provided in which similar functionality is provided with manual rotation of a motorless tool.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a blade having first and second opposing surfaces, a handle extending in a first direction at an angle from a proximal end of the blade, an illumination assembly comprising at least one direct light source positioned to directly emit light toward a distal end of the blade, wherein the first surface of the blade faces away from the first direction, the illumination assembly abuts the first surface of the blade, and the illumination assembly includes a cover partially enclosing the at least one light source and abutting the first surface of the blade.