Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical access device comprises a first frame and a second frame having relative axial positions. A flexible and resilient iris valve is connected to the first and second frames and has a closed position and an opened position based on the relative angular position of the first and second frames. A lock is connected to the first and second frames, the lock being selectively operative to prevent relative rotational movement in a first rotational direction. One embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a control ring. Another embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a button. Yet another embodiment uses a wedge track and ball mechanism.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical access device comprises a first frame and a second frame having relative axial positions. A flexible and resilient iris valve is connected to the first and second frames and has a closed position and an opened position based on the relative angular position of the first and second frames. A lock is connected to the first and second frames, the lock being selectively operative to prevent relative rotational movement in a first rotational direction. One embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a control ring. Another embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a button. Yet another embodiment uses a wedge track and ball mechanism.

Abstract: A capless multiaxial screw fixation assembly, including: a screw having a threaded portion and a screw head portion positioned at one end thereof; and, a retainer having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a bore for receiving the screw threaded portion so that the screw head portion is seated therein. At least one of the screw and the retainer is configured such that the retainer is able to pivot about the screw head portion in a non-symmetrical manner.

Abstract: The present invention is a brace or spinal implant that can be inserted into vertebra that has had a cavity surgically created therein. The trapezoidal shaped spinal implant includes an opening that allows the surgical team to view the dura mater prior to packing the implant with osteogenic substances.

Abstract: The present application is directed to guides for inserting an elongated member into a patient. The guide generally includes an elongated shape with a distal end that is positioned within the patient, and a proximal end that may be positioned outside of the patient. The guide may include a channel formed between sidewalls. The channel is sized to receive the elongated member and guide the member into a predetermined location within the patient. In one embodiment, the guide is used with an insertion device that may include a pivoting carriage for initially inserting the guide and then the elongated member into the patient. The guide may also be used in a freehand technique that is positioned specifically within the patient by the surgeon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertebral fixing system adapted to be mounted on a vertebra of the spine to connect it to a rod. Said fixing system comprises: a connecting part adapted to face the rib and/or said transverse process and to be connected to said rod; an elongate flexible ligature adapted to connect together said connecting part and at least one rib and/or one transverse process; and adjustable locking means fastened to said connecting part and adapted to fix simultaneously in position said connecting part relative to said rod and at least one portion of said ligature relative to said connecting part, so as to prevent relative displacement of said rod and said vertebra in opposite directions.

Abstract: The present invention is a brace or spinal implant that can be inserted into vertebra that has had a cavity surgically created therein. The trapezoidal shaped spinal implant includes an opening that allows the surgical team to view the dura mater prior to packing the implant with osteogenic substances.

Abstract: A cross connector apparatus for retaining a pair of spinal rods in spaced relation, including: a middle portion having a first end, a second end, and an extendable member which is able to extend beyond the second end a specified amount; a first side portion positioned adjacent to the first end of the middle portion, wherein the first side portion is rotatably coupled to the middle portion in at least a first plane; and, a second side portion positioned adjacent to the second end of the middle portion, wherein the second side portion is rotatably coupled to the extendable member in at least a second plane. The first and second side portions each further include a mechanism for both retaining the respective side portion in a desired position with respect to the middle portion and retaining a spinal rod member to the respective side portion.

Abstract: In order to improve an orthopedic fixation device for connecting a first anchoring element (12) which has a connecting section (26) and can be anchored in or on a bone (18) to a connecting element (14) which can be connected to a second anchoring element which can be anchored in or on a bone, wherein the fixation device is movable relative to the connecting element and to the anchoring element in an adjusting position and can be secured on the connecting element and on the anchoring element in a fixing position, such that the connecting element can be secured on the anchoring element in a particularly simple manner it is suggested that a single tensioning member (50; 122; 166; 172) which is supported so as to be movable be provided for transferring the fixation device from the adjusting position into the fixing position and vice versa.

Abstract: An artificial spinal implant for placement between adjacent vertebrae to replace disk material and to stabilize the involved vertebrae is described. The artificial disk may be disassembled for installation and/or removal for repair, replacement or adjustment, and may be assembled from the front of the spine as individual component parts, thereby permitting alignment of the spine during the assembly process, and the stabilization of the involved vertebrae once assembly has been completed. Further, the components may be chosen from a set of similar components having different sizes, thereby enabling the implant to be tailor fit to the requirements of the patient.

Abstract: An artificial spinal implant for placement between adjacent vertebrae to replace disk material and to stabilize the involved vertebrae is described. The artificial disk may be disassembled for installation and/or removal for repair, replacement or adjustment, and may be assembled from the front of the spine as individual component parts, thereby permitting alignment of the spine during the assembly process, and the stabilization of the involved vertebrae once assembly has been completed. Further, the components may be chosen from a set of similar components having different sizes, thereby enabling the implant to be tailor fit to the requirements of the patient.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for receiving a rod, the receiving part having a first bore coaxial with a longitudinal axis and a second bore. The bone anchoring device also includes an anchoring element having a first end for insertion into the bone and a second end positionable within a second bore, the second end having a spherically shaped surface portion. The bone anchoring device further has a locking device provided to the second bore of the receiving part The locking device protrudes from an inner wall of the second bore and engages with a recessed surface portion of the second end of the anchoring element, such that the anchoring element is pivotable relative to the receiving part around a single axis of rotation. The locking device may comprise pins inserted into through holes formed in the receiving part, which engage with the recessed surface portion of the second end.

Abstract: Molded orthopaedic implants include at least one mesh substrate having opposing upper and lower primary surfaces. At least a major portion of the mesh substrate lower primary surface is integrally moldably attached to the molded implant body. The mesh substrate has at least one selectively exposed region devoid of molded material that exposes at least a portion of the mesh substrate upper surface to at least a partial thickness of the mesh substrate so as to allow for tissue in-growth in the at least one exposed region of the mesh substrate.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods for treating a multi-level spinal deformity. The methods may include inserting a tether in a minimally-invasive manner through an entrance incision. The tether is moved along the spine and positioned to reduce and/or eliminate the deformity. Once the tether is positioned along the spine, the tether may be secured to the vertebral members. In one embodiment, the tether includes a rigid section and a flexible section. The tether may be positioned within the spine with the rigid section extending along a first length of the spine and the flexible section extending along a second length of the spine. The different sections provide different corrective forces to the spine to reduce and/or eliminate the spinal deformity. In one embodiment, the rigid section extends along an apex of the spinal deformity.

Abstract: The present invention relates a system to be used with an implanting tool having a tip part. The system has a longitudinal axis and comprises a polymeric screw (31) having a head (11) and an adapter between the screw (31) and the implanting tool. The adapter comprises a first part (32) which fits the tip part of the implanting tool. The first part comprises a first element and the system comprises a second element. The first element and the second element are connected to each other with a torque limiting junction having a first maximum torque when the screw is screwed in and a second maximum torque when the screw is screwed off. The shape of the first element and the second element is such that the second maximum torque of the torque limiting junction is greater than the first maximum torque, thus allowing the removal of the polymeric screw (31) from its position.

Abstract: The present application is directed to implants with inner and outer members positioned in a telescoping arrangement. The members may include helical supports to selectively adjust the height of the implant. The helical supports offer a large contact surface to prevent inadvertent reduction of the length due to application of a compressive force. In some embodiments, the helical support members may be shaped to facilitate movement of the members to increase the height. The shape may further prevent movement that would decrease the height. Some embodiments may also prevent relative rotation of the members. In use, the inner and outer members are moved apart to adjust the height of the implant to space apart the vertebral members. The members may further be constructed to prevent the members from moving together after insertion between the vertebral members.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly (10) that includes a cannulated pedicle screw (20) having a scalloped shank (24), a swivel top head 30 having inclined female threads (44) in a left and right arm (34, 36) to prevent splaying, a set screw (50) having mating male threads 52, a rod conforming washer (60) that is rotatably coupled to the set screw (50), the conforming washer including reduced ends to induce a coupled rod (80) to bend. A rod reduction system including an inner and an outer cannula (90, 100), the inner cannula (90) including a left and right arm (92, 94) that engage the swivel top head's (30) left and right arm (34, 36) and the outer cannula (100) dimensioned to securely slide over the inner cannula (90) to reduce the rod (80) into the swivel top head's (30) rod receiving area (38).