Abstract: The present application discloses embodiments related to an external bone fixation device configured to correct bone deformities or repair bone injuries. The device can include a plurality of bases configured to be attached to portions of a bone and a plurality of struts configured to be adjustable in length to change the position and orientation of the plurality of bases and the attached bone portions.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization system may include an elongated spinal rod, at least two bone anchors attached to the elongated rod, and a dynamic member. One of the bone anchors allows translation of the spinal rod with respect to the bone anchor. The dynamic member comprises a body and an elastomeric element coupled to at least one side of the body. The body of the element is capable of being attached to the elongated spinal rod between the two bone anchors.

Abstract: A head holder for holding and tensioning the head of a bone screw, particularly a pedicle screw, is provided. Also provided is a ratcheting connector for connecting to the head holders while permitting rotational movement of the head holder when engaged with the ratcheting connector. Also provided is a flex arm connector for connecting multiple ratcheting connectors across multiple vertebral bodies. A tool set for managing and/or correcting spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, including at least one or more head holders and one or more ratcheting connectors is provided.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery are provided. Systems are taught for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner. Such systems include, for example, an endoscopic surgical suite. The surgical suite can have a reversibly-expandable retractor that expands to provide a stable, operative environment within a subject. The expansion can be asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to maximize space for a tool and an endoscope to each be maneuvered independently to visualize a target tissue and treat the target tissue from outside the patient in a minimally invasive manner.

Abstract: Various spinal fixation assemblies are presented that include a separator installable in relation to a coupler attached to the head of an anchor device, and disposable between the head of the anchor device and a cross member. The separators may be implemented in a variety of forms.

Abstract: Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of abnormal spinal stability and stenosis of the spinal canal by the implantation of orthopedic devices between skeletal segments. In one embodiment, a device is disclosed to rigidly fixate the spinous processes of two vertebral bones relative one another. A first member of the device is advanced across an interspinous space, rotated, and/or advanced onto the contralateral side of the spinous processes. A second member of the device is also advanced onto the ipsilateral side of the spinous processes and forcibly captures the spinous processes between the first and second members. A protrusion extends from the first and/or second devices configured to embed into the bone of the spinous processes thereby increasing the immobilization strength of the device. The implant may be further configured to contain a bone forming material to form a fusion between the first and the second vertebral bones.

Abstract: An orthopedic instrument for compression and distraction of bone segments includes a first receiver, a second receiver, a positioner member, and a guide member. The first receiver includes a first receiver aperture that receives a first screw extender. The second receiver includes a second extender aperture that receives a second screw extender. The positioner member translates the second receiver relative to the first receiver to apply one of a compression and a distraction force on the screw extenders. The guide member parallel to the positioner member guides the second receiver relative to the first receiver.

Abstract: A system for surgically coupling the spinous processes includes a first plate, a second plate, a pair of semi-rigid guide members, and a coupler. The first plate engages with a first lateral side of the spinous processes. The pair of semi-rigid guide members attaches to the first plate for inserting the first plate between the spinous processes. The second plate includes a pair of apertures that slide over the pair of semi-rigid guide members engage a second lateral side of the spinous processes. The coupler couples the first plate and the second plate together.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing the migration or expulsion of a nucleus disc replacement implant are provided. In one embodiment, an anti-expulsion device includes a body that is movable between a compressed configuration where it is adapted to fit through an opening in an annulus of a spinal disc, and an expanded configuration where it has a size that is larger than a size of the opening in the annulus of a spinal disc. The body can also include one or more mating features that allow the body to interact with a nucleus disc replacement implant and/or an annular wall of an annulus. As a result, since the body is larger than the opening of the annulus in the expanded configuration, the interlocking connection between the body and the nucleus disc replacement implant and/or annular wall will allow the body to prevent the nucleus disc replacement implant from being expulsed from the opening in the annulus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brace installation instrument placement that is mounted to anchors secured in an animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position a brace in a position more proximate the anchors. The brace can be indexed for insertion at a predetermined orientation with respect to the installation instrument. Methods and techniques for using the installation instrument are also provided.

Abstract: An external fixation system having at least one ball collet pivotably mounted within a movable clamp and at least one ball collet pivotably mounted within a fixed clamp, wherein a surgical pin is mounted within each ball collet. In operation, the surgical pins are screwed into bone and passed through openings through the fixed clamp, movable clamp, and ball collets. A drive knob is operable to rotate a drive screw and thereby move the movable clamp either towards or away from the fixed clamp and concomitantly move the pins secured in the movable clamp either towards or away from the pins secured in the fixed clamp. A connecting rod prevents axial rotation of the movable clamp and fixed clamp relative to each other.

Abstract: A cannula assembly having a retention member and a method of manufacture of the cannula assembly is provided. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and a sleeve disposed around the cannula from a proximal end to a distal end. The sleeve can be pre-formed by a stretch blow molding process then advanced over the cannula. The sleeve includes an inflatable balloon and an annular ring distal the inflatable balloon. The cannula includes an annular recess. The annular ring is sized to have an interference fit with the annular recess.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for spinal stabilization with flexible elements and other elements engaged to the vertebrae. Also provided are instruments and methods for insertion of the flexible stabilization elements and other elements and for reduction of displacement between adjacent vertebrae in a minimally invasive surgical approach.

Abstract: A surgical access port that includes a cylindrical member having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis; at least two lumen extending through the cylindrical member along the longitudinal axis; at least one cavity defined in the cylindrical member and positioned radially within the at least two lumen; and a source of inflation fluid coupled to the at least one cavity, the source of inflation configured to permit selectable inflation of the at least one cavity, whereby inflation of the at least one cavity increases the radial distance between the at least two lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of performing a minimally invasive posterior spine fusion. More specifically an apparatus with a handle and a forked head on the distal end of the handle is used to grasp implant material and introduce the material to an implant site. The shaft of the apparatus is shaped so as to allow the affixation of a drill guide and drill while simultaneously holding the implant material in the implant site. After removal of the boring tools and assembly of the fusing element, the apparatus can be selectively removed from the implant site. A method of achieving facet joint fusion with near simultaneous fixation is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of bony region stabilization implants including multiple fenestrations and bony ingrowth materials are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A surgical access system for accessing a surgical target site within a spine includes a retractor and an elongated element. The retractor has a closed configuration defining a lumen with an internal circumference, and an open configuration in which the internal circumference, at least at the distal end of the retractor, is enlarged relative to said closed configuration. The open configuration creates and maintains an operative corridor to said target site. The elongated element is releasably coupled to an interior wall of the retractor and has an extension extending distal of the distal end of the retractor into the surgical target site. When coupled to the retractor, the elongated element covers a body structure at the target site without blocking access to the operative corridor.

Abstract: Removable guide tips are pre-assembled into threaded holes of a fracture fixation plate. The guide tips may be used with or without drill guides to guide a drill along the axes of threaded holes defined in the plate. In addition, the tips may be used with bending tools to contour the plate laterally, longitudinally and with twist. More particularly, such plate contouring can be performed while the plate is located on the bone.

Abstract: A dilator retractor and the dilators that are used for minimally invasive spinal surgery or other surgery are configured to accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient as by configuring the cross sectional area in an elliptical shape, or by forming a funnel configuration with the wider end at the proximate end. In some embodiments the distal end is contoured to also accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient so that a cylindrically shaped, funnel shaped, ovoid shaped dilator retractor can be sloped or tunneled to accommodate the bone structure of the patient or provide access for implants. The dilator retractor is made with different lengths to accommodate the depth of the cavity formed by the dilators.