Abstract: A vertebral fixation device and corresponding method of fixation hold a spinal vertebra on a rod. The device has a fixation element including a component of substantially U-shaped cross section with a first branch, a bottom and a second branch. A loop is formed by a flexible band for connecting the vertebra to the component, and which passes through recesses provided in the branches. Adjustable means for immobilizing the flexible band are provided. Those means include a connector screw having a head for longitudinal immobilization of the screw with respect to the first branch a thread for screwing in the second branch. A removable sleeve for passage of the screw, insertable in the first branch, in longitudinal abutment with the head of the screw is provided and presents a chamfered part designed to cooperate with the rod to compress the band between the rod and the bottom of the component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, device and kit which utilize a modular pedicle screw implant that does not require the use of a guide wire for implantation and can be assembled in situ. The system, method, device, and kit include a surgical instrument for implanting a modular pedicle screw comprising a cannula coaxially aligned with a modified trocar style instrument or surgical shaft. The surgical shaft contains a first member of a surgical shaft-inner pedicle bone screw member joint, illustrated herein as a locking taper, for securing an inner member of a pedicle screw thereto. The inner member of a pedicle screw is further adapted to couple to an outer pedicle sheath. In combination, the inner member of a pedicle screw and the outer pedicle sheath form a solid modular pedicle screw.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant can include a core and a flexible end plate. The core can have a core body that is elongate along a first direction and defines first and second outer surfaces. The flexible end plate can define an inner surface and an opposed bone facing surface that is configured to abut a vertebral body. The flexible end plate can be coupled to the core such that at least a portion of the inner surface faces the first outer surface and is spaced from the first outer surface. The flexible end plate is configured to resiliently flex toward a compressed configuration such that as the flexible end plate flexes toward the compressed configuration, a first end moves relative to the core along the first direction and the portion of the inner surface moves toward the first outer surface.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system that includes at least two pedicle screws and a connector plate attached to each pedicle screw with a locking nut at a first end. A rod connector member attached to a second end of each connector plate with a rod connecting member locking lock. A spinal rod connected to at least two of the rod connector members. The pedicle screw including a cup shaped member that conforms to a lower mating surface on the connector plate and the locking nut having a mating surface with the upper surface of the connector plates to provide a polyaxial connection between the pedicle screw and the connector plate. The rod connector, connecting plate, and, rod connector locking nuts having mating surfaces that allow polyaxial motion between the rod connector member and the connector plate. The spinal fixation system provides a low profile system that is more easily implanted and adjustable so as to reduce the stress to the spinal column and trauma to the surgical incision.

Abstract: Described herein is a surgical nail in the form of an intramedullary nail with a central axis made from a material M with a tensile strength Fz, compressive strength Fd, density ?2 and modulus of elasticity E. The nail has a transverse bore extending transversely to the central axis and having a cross-sectional profile F and a transverse axis, the cross-sectional profile F having a maximum length a that runs in the direction of the central axis and a maximum width b that runs perpendicular to the length. An insert with the longitudinal axis, made from material m and having a modulus of elasticity e that is smaller than the modulus of elasticity E of material M, can be introduced into the transverse bore. The insert also has a length L that runs in the direction of its longitudinal axis and satisfies the condition L>0.2 D.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for repairing a fractured bone. The apparatus and methods may involve an intramedullary rod. The rod may include a first elongated member and a second elongated member. Each of the first and second elongated members may be configured to bend in a first direction and to resist bending in a second direction. The first and second elongated members may be arranged such that: (1) the rod is bendable when the first direction of the first elongated member is aligned with the first direction of the second elongated member; and (2) the rod is rigid when the first direction of the first elongated member is aligned with the second direction of the second elongated member. Some embodiments may include rods that have sections that may be configured to be curved and rigid.

Abstract: A pedicle screw distraction device that includes first and second pedicle screws each including a screw body portion and a ball head. The device also includes first and second screw head portions each including an internal threaded bore where the first screw is inserted in the first screw head portion and the second screw is inserted in the second screw head portion. The device also includes a connector link coupled to the first and second screw head portions where the connector link includes an outer perimeter portion having a slot therein. A spring member is positioned within the connector link between and in contact with the first and second screw head portions. A locking member including a plate and a separating portion is positioned between the screw head portions and an inside wall of the connector link where the separating portion is positioned between the screw head portions.

Abstract: A sacroiliac joint fusion system including a joint implant, an anchor element and a delivery tool including an implant arm, an anchor arm, and a positioning arm coupling the implant arm and the anchor arm. The implant arm includes an implant shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the implant arm. The anchor arm including an anchor shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the anchor arm. The positioning arm coupled with the implant arm at a first end and coupled with the anchor arm at a second end.

Abstract: An external fixator system comprising at least two fixation plates which are arranged at a distance to each another, at least one adjustable length strut having a first end region and a second end region which are in connection with the fixation plates and at least one actuation unit to adjust the length of the strut in order to adjust the distance and/or orientation between the fixation plates. The actuation unit is in a fixed connection with at least one of the fixation plates as well as with at least one of the end regions of the respective strut in order to connect the strut with the fixation plate. The actuation unit comprises a feedback unit which provides the user with a feedback concerning the degree of the actuation.

Abstract: Methods of performing procedures within an intervertebral disc are disclosed. The methods include performing procedures such as implant delivery, tissue manipulation, tissue diagnostics, and therapeutic and diagnostic agent delivery at selected locations within intervertebral discs. In one embodiment, a method includes delivering an anchor and an implant within a functional spinal unit using a surgical device having at least one depth stop.

Abstract: A system, devices and methods are provided for facilitating stabilization of periarticular fractures. The system includes a compression plate and one or more of a cerclage cable for encircling the bone and securing the compression plate to the bone, a crimp lug for securing the cable in tension relative to the bone and/or a plate, and a supplemental plate coupled to the compression plate and adapted to receive bicortical or unicortical bone screws to further secure the compression plate relative to the bone. In addition, the system includes a cable tensioner for temporarily retaining the cable in tension and then applying a tension to the cable until a desired compression is effected between a plate and bone and while a cable retaining structure is secured to the cable to retain the applied tension on the cable. Also provided is a jig for use with plates for minimally invasive fracture stabilization.

Abstract: Distal tip designs for bone fixation devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for bone fixation includes a delivery catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; an expandable member having a proximal region and a distal region, wherein the expandable member is releasably attached about the distal end of the delivery catheter at the proximal region of the expandable member; a distal cap attached to the distal region of the expandable member to seal the expandable member; a light conducting fiber; and a light-sensitive liquid; wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of a light-sensitive liquid into the expandable member to expand the expandable member and an inner lumen for passage of the light conducting fiber into the expandable member to cure the light-sensitive liquid inside the expandable member.

Abstract: An implantation system for treatment of a defective curvature of the spinal column comprises an elongated element, a first bone fixation element being fixedly attached to said elongated element, a second bone fixation element, and guiding structure through which the second bone fixation element is slidably and contactingly connected to the elongated element. The elongated element has bending resilience and/or torsional resilience for applying corrective force action to the spinal column. A special arrangement of the guiding structure provides automatical adjustment of the corrective force action in dependence of growth of the spinal column. The system allows for good flexibility of the spine and for a natural healthy growth of the spine, while it avoids re-operations and implant adjustments.

Abstract: A three-pin skull clamp, including a U-shaped frame defined by an interconnectable base piece with a slot that receives the ratchet arm of a ratchet piece, also includes a plate movably connected to the base piece, thereby to permit inspection and cleaning of the slot which receives the ratchet arm. To increase the adjustability of the ratchet piece relative to the base piece, the base piece includes at least two pawls with offset engagement teeth, preferably with the offset equal to half the pitch of ratchet teeth located along the ratchet arm. This feature facilitates positioning of the skull clamp relative to a patient, and is particularly beneficial for radiolucent skull clamps.

Abstract: Methods of orthopedic fixation and imagery analysis are provided. Images of first and second bone segments attached to a fixation apparatus are captured. Fixator elements identified in the images can be used to obtain imaging scene parameters. Bone elements identified in the images can be used with the imaging scene parameters to reconstruct a three dimensional representation of positions and/or orientations of the first and second bone segments with respect to the fixation apparatus.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system includes at least one bone anchor assembly, the bone anchor assembly including a bone engaging member and a receiver member, wherein the receiver member includes a connecting member cavity, and an elongated connecting member inserted into the connecting member cavity and connected to the receiver member, wherein the connecting member comprises locking features configured to secure the connecting member to the receiver member without the use of a fixation screw extending through a top portion of the receiver member.

Abstract: Embodiments of an orthopedic implant device and system, and methods for implanting them, are disclosed. The implant may include a receiver member having a channel for accommodating an elongated rod or other longitudinal member, a bone anchoring member such as a screw or hook, and a base member rotatable with respect to the receiver member for retaining the bone anchoring member in the receiver member. The base member is configured to allow at least two different degrees of maximum angulation of the bone anchoring member with respect to the receiver member. The number and relative direction of such angulations are independent of the orientation of the channel or other part of the receiving member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a fractured bone. The method includes positioning an elongate rod in the medullary canal of the fractured bone and forming a passageway through the cortex of the bone. The passageway extends from the exterior surface of the bone to the medullary canal of the bone. The method also includes creating a bonding region on the elongate rod. The bonding region is generally aligned with the passageway of the cortex. Furthermore, the method includes positioning a fastener in the passageway of the cortex and on the bonding region of the elongate rod and thermally bonding the fastener to the bonding region of the elongate rod while the fastener is positioned in the passageway of the cortex.

Abstract: A system, devices and methods are provided for facilitating stabilization of periarticular fractures. The system includes a compression plate and one or more of a cerclage cable for encircling the bone and securing the compression plate to the bone, a crimp lug for securing the cable in tension relative to the bone and/or a plate, and a supplemental plate coupled to the compression plate and adapted to receive bicortical or unicortical bone screws to further secure the compression plate relative to the bone. In addition, the system includes a cable tensioner for temporarily retaining the cable in tension and then applying a tension to the cable until a desired compression is effected between a plate and bone and while a cable retaining structure is secured to the cable to retain the applied tension on the cable. Also provided is a jig for use with plates for minimally invasive fracture stabilization.

Abstract: Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached to the lateral surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies are described. Also described are anterior spinal stabilization systems that are to be attached to the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. Several variations of dynamic spinal stabilization devices and systems are described. Each of the foregoing devices, systems, and methods may be used independently, in combination with the other devices, systems, and methods described herein, and/or in combination with prosthetic intervertebral discs.