Abstract: A dynamic cervical plate includes a first end section and a second end section. In embodiments, the dynamic cervical plate may include one or more middle sections positioned between the first and second end sections. Each section may be longitudinally repositionable. Each section may include a plurality of openings for receiving threaded fasteners such as a self-starting screw or a self-tapping screw. In addition, each section may include an orifice for releasably mating with a drill guide. Each of the end sections may include a notch at one end for aligning with the drill guide or fixation pins. In one embodiment, a pin is used to interconnect the sections. In other embodiments, support bars are used to limit flexure between sections. In embodiments, one or more locking elements and/or one or more support bars may operably interconnect each section.

Abstract: A surgical blade for performing a wedge osteotomy, the blade including a body portion, having a cutting tip on a first end for initially cutting into the bone; a cutting slope comprising multiple rows of cutting teeth at multiple planes to resect bone as it enters, leaving a wedge osteotomy; a shaft of a predetermined length and width for supporting the cutting slope; and a saw attachment base on a second end of the blade for engaging a base of a saw to cause the blade to oscillate and perform the wedge osteotomy.

Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to a dynamic distractor (1 00) for distracting bones of a muscular-skeletal system. The dynamic distractor (100) includes at least one sensor (108, 110) which can provide loading, loading differential and position information as well as other measured parameters, a handle (112, 804), a lift mechanism (302), and one or more alignment aid (502, 802). The position and measurement sensors (108, 110) communicate with the processing unit (406) to display, process, and store measured data. A rod (604) couples a cutting block (602) to the distractor (100). The rod (604) also fixes a position of a cutting block (602) in relation to the distractor (100). The cutting block (602) is coupled to the distractor (100) to stabilize and align the muscular-skeletal system while shaping a bone.

Abstract: A tissue retractor device for retracting tissue includes a base and a plurality of blades connected to and distributed around said base. Each of the blades is outwardly movable from the base and includes a respective sloped portion on an interior region of the blades. The tissue retractor includes a pusher engaged to the base. A portion of said pusher abuts the sloped portion of each of the blades. Movement of the pusher in a longitudinal direction engages a portion of the pusher against said sloped portion of each of the blades to move the blades and angularly displace the blades between a respective closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A surgical method of operating on the spinal column includes the steps of making a slit in the back of a patient proximate to the spinal column, such to divide a first muscle portion around the spinal column into a pair of separate side muscle portions, and detaching at least one of the separate side muscle portions from the spinal column by force-fitting an elongate gauze member into the slit and compressing the gauze member between the spinal column and the at least one of the side muscle portion, such to controllably detach an additional separate muscle portion of the side muscle portions from the spinal column.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an orthopedic plating assembly for bone fixation that includes an orthopedic plate and orthopedic anchors that can accommodate subsidence in the vertebral bodies as well as prevent the anchors from “backing out” of their installed position. The assembly, in one embodiment, includes an orthopedic plate and at least one orthopedic anchor, the orthopedic anchor capable of rotating and translating with respect to the plate. The assembly further includes a first blocking member and a second blocking member, the blocking members cooperate to prevent the at least one orthopedic anchor from uninstalling from an installed position.

Abstract: An ear speculum that includes a body having an ear-contacting tip with an opening; a light providing member; a viewing member; and a vacuum intake port, wherein the members and intake port are provided within the ear speculum with the vacuum intake port occupying a larger portion of the of the cross-sectional area of the ear speculum opening than the light providing or viewing members to facilitate removal of material from an ear canal. Also, an otoscope that includes a head; an ear speculum as described herein in operative association with the head; an image detector in image communication with the viewing member; a suction source in vacuum communication with the vacuum intake port; and a light source in illumination communication with the light providing member. Also, a system and method for removing material or debris from an ear canal using the otoscope described herein.

Abstract: A plate is provided for the treatment of bone fractures, the plate having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being opposed to the first surface and being adapted to face a bone surface. At least one of the first and second surfaces defines at least one generally linearly shaped portion of a boundary of at least one cross section of the plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device for the correction and reduction of bone deformities, such as metatarsus primus adductus, using a plate body with winged buttresses and dorsal loop. The method and device can be affixed to a bone without any drilling or violating of the bone and can use a tethering technique which does not require drilling into the second metatarsal, nor does it require the placement of a prominent suture knot/button device medially along the first metatarsal.

Abstract: A bone plate has a main body configured to position adjacent bones with respect to each other. The main body includes a plurality of separate layers bonded together. Each layer is comprised of a radiolucent material and has a first aperture and a second aperture that extend through the layer. The layers are all stacked such that the first apertures of all of the layers are aligned with each other and the second apertures of all of the layers are aligned with each other. An insert can be positioned within the first aperture.

Abstract: A fracture reduction implant for treating a vertebral compression fracture and instruments and methods for implanting the fracture reduction device utilizing a minimally invasive lateral approach are described. The implant may be inserted into a fractured vertebra through a T-shaped cut formed in the vertebral wall. The T-shaped cut may be formed in the lateral aspect of the wall. After insertion, a portion of the implant may be elevated within the vertebral body to reduce the fracture. The implant may include a base assembly with an elevator plate and a support column. The support column may be configured for guided insertion into the base assembly. The support column may be locked to the base assembly after insertion.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for sternum repair. A sternum repair device may include a central body, which may include a plurality of male and female components, such that a suture extends from a male component and is received by the female component. The suture may wrap around the sternum and the device may be tightened to keep the separate sternum pieces together.

Abstract: A surgical access device including a lower portion having a central opening spaced from a lower portion outer wall, an upper portion adjacent to the lower portion and having a central opening spaced from an upper portion outer wall, and at least one flange portion extending outwardly from the upper and lower portions. The device can further include a gap extending from the central openings of the lower and upper portions and through their outer walls.

Abstract: An instrument for use in a joint replacement procedure includes a trial head that corresponds to the head of an orthopaedic joint component having an upper surface defined by a curved surface and a bore formed in a lower surface and a trial connector for connecting the trial head to a stem part of the orthopaedic joint component which is intended for location in the intramedullary cavity of a bone. The trial connector can be fitted into the bore in the trial head at a variable angular orientation.

Abstract: An instrument includes a flexible shaft portion and a hook portion. The flexible shaft portion has a proximal end and a distal end and includes markings along an outer surface of the shaft portion. The hook portion is located at the distal end of the shaft portion. The shaft portion and the hook portion define a lumen that terminates in an opening at the hook portion.

Abstract: A minimally invasive bone stabilization and locking system and method are applicable to joint fusion and fracture repair, including human facet joint stabilization. A bone-boring bit on an elongated shaft is used to drill a hole through the bone or joint such that the bit penetrates through the distal surface. An implant is provided having hollow body terminating in a spreadable distal end. The implant is placed over the elongated shaft and into the drilled hole such that the spreadable end protrudes through the distal surface. The elongated shaft is then pulled, such that the bit interacts with the distal end of the implant, thereby causing the spreadable end of the implant sleeve to spread so as to prevent backout of the implant body through the hole. A proximal cap may be tightened against the proximal surface, thereby fixing the bone or joint in compression.

Abstract: A surgical kit for operations on the spinal column includes a surgical instrument having a handle body, the handle body having a substantially flat portion blended with the body, wherein the substantially flat portion is shaped to urge the gauze for draining a wound.

Abstract: A dynamic cervical plate includes a first end section and a second end section. In embodiments, the dynamic cervical plate may include one or more middle sections positioned between the first and second end sections. Each section may be longitudinally repositionable. Each section may include a plurality of openings for receiving threaded fasteners such as a self-starting screw or a self-tapping screw. In addition, each section may include an orifice for releasably mating with a drill guide. Each of the end sections may include a notch at one end for aligning with the drill guide or fixation pins. In one embodiment, a pin is used to interconnect the sections. In other embodiments, support bars are used to limit flexure between sections. In embodiments, one or more locking elements and/or one or more support bars may operably interconnect each section.

Abstract: The invention relates to bone plate assembly having bone plate and bone screws for compressing and locking of bone plates for stabilizing fractured fragments of a bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a patient-specific alignment guide operable for preparing a bone of a patient for resection during joint arthroplasty. The alignment guide includes a patient-specific bone engagement surface complementary to a surface of the bone of the patient and imaged from a bone scan of the patient. The alignment guide includes a plurality of guiding bores, and a plurality of alignment pins received through corresponding guiding bores for attaching the alignment guide to the bone. The alignment pins are resorbable and can be cut off during a resection of the bone.