Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.

Abstract: A surgical sagittal saw with a head that is able to index, rotate, relative to the longitudinal axis of the saw housing. The head has a neck that extends into an open distal end of the housing. A biasing assembly holds the head and neck sub-assembly in the open distal end of the housing. The biasing assembly is rotatable relative to the housing. A separate lock mechanism selectively holds the head in a fixed orientation around the saw housing longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A novel cross-pin for use in ACL reconstructive surgical procedures. The cross-pin has an elongated body having a distal tapered end. A guide wire opening in the distal end is in communication with a tunnel contained in the distal end. There is a trough extending into the outer surface of the trough for receiving a guide wire. The trough is in communication with the tunnel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthopaedic implant, such as a bone plate, for the fixation of bone where the implant also has at least one microchip and at least one sensor connected to the microchip. The sensor or sensors are configured to receive physical stimulus from a portion of the implant or the patient's tissue such as temperature, pressure, and strain. The information received from the sensor or sensors is gathered by the microchip and transmitted to a receiver, such as a personal computer, outside the patient. This information enables doctors to diagnose the useful life of the implant, the load sharing of the bone plate, and possible complications typically associated with orthopaedic implants such as infection, fracture non-union, and fatigue. The implant may also have one or more electrodes located on its surface which emit an electric current to stimulate healing of the broken or fractured bone.

Abstract: Devices and methods that securely engage an elongated connecting element in a receiver of an anchor assembly are provided. The anchor assembly includes an anchor member engageable to bony structure and the receiver includes a passage for receiving the connecting element when the connecting element is positioned along the bony structure. The anchor assembly includes an engaging member that engages the receiver and the connecting element to secure the connecting element in the receiver.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and method of inserting same between adjacent vertebrae, according to which a first member of a relatively flexible material is adapted to extend between the vertebrae; and at least one second member of a relatively stiff material is supported by the first member.

Abstract: A method of repositioning or fixing a first vertebrae or portion of a first vertebrae comprising fixing a bone screw in the first vertebrae and a bone screw in a second vertebrae, where each bone screw has a portal, and inflating an inflatable balloon between the portals, thereby creating a rigid structure between the bone screws.

Abstract: An impacting device for inserting, positioning and/or removing an implant and/or performing other impacting applications. The impacting device may have a head having at least one recess. The recess may have a insertion channel and a locking chamber. In one embodiment, the insertion channel and the locking chamber may be connected by an axial channel. The recess may pass through a lateral surface of the head so that the base surface may remain cohesive or unobstructed. A guide means, such as a guide rod, may be positioned though the recess so that the head may be moveable on the guide means and not disengage the guide means. A shaft having a handle may be attached to the head to assist a surgeon in moving the head on the guide means.

Abstract: An improved anterior cervical plating system and methods of cervical fusion using such a system are provided. The cervical plating system includes an interlocking mechanism that integrated into each of the plates such that any two plates may cooperatively engage through the interlocking mechanism such that a new cervical plate can be interconnected with a pre-existing plate during revision surgery without removal of the pre-existing plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a bone plate for stabilizing bony structures. More particularly, the invention is directed to bone plates having an elongate body to which an integrated rod is formed. Integrated rod portion may be captured by a bone anchor with a receiving member. The bone plate is movable from a first position to a second position and may have an aperture for lagging the bone plate to the bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus for cutting a tibia, a stylus, an apparatus for cutting a femur, an apparatus for aligning a femoral cutting guide, and an ankle clamp in support of a unicondylar knee surgery. The present invention further provides for a method of preparing a femoral condyle of a femur for the implantation of a unicondylar femoral knee implant. The apparatus for cutting a tibia includes a unicondylar tibial resection guide that is adjustably connectable to a unicondylar tibial alignment guide and configured to operate concurrently with the tibial alignment guide. The apparatus for cutting a femur includes a spacer block and a cutting guide configured to operate concurrently with the spacer block.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system includes vertebral body engaging anchors coupled to a connecting plate in moveable relationship to vary the spacing between the anchoring points of the plating system to the vertebral bodies and to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies. The plating system includes instrumentation and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.

Abstract: A method of preventing tissue creep using a surgical retractor apparatus having one or more independent, removable extension members adapted to be mounted at the distal end of the retractor, or between the blades of a spreadable retractor, after the retractor has been positioned in the patient, such that a significant portion of the extension member extends beyond the distal end of the retractor to preclude or minimize intrusion of tissue into the access area created by the retractor. The extension members may vary in size and shape so that the most appropriate extension member can be chosen to address the intrusion problem, and the extension members may be mounted at various fixed locations, using clips, mechanical interlocking structures or the like.

Abstract: The fixing apparatus includes a pressure fixing device to pressure fix a rod to a circular arc rod engagement portion, and small protruding portions that bite into the rod and have an acute angle in both end sides of the rod engagement portion outside of the pressure fixing device. A recess surface of the circular arc rod engagement portion between the small protruding portions is formed as a rough surface.

Abstract: An acetabular inserter (10) aids a surgeon in controlling the installation of an acetabular cup prosthesis (11) having a central, female aperture (13). The inserter includes an inserter head (20), a housing (12) and a locking mechanism. The housing (12) is attached to the inserter head, the housing enclosing a drive train (14) having, at a far end (134), a prosthesis engaging thread (124), and at the opposite end (42?), a handle (20) which facilitates turning of the drive train by the operator. The locking mechanism is associated with the housing which selectively locks the drive train, and thus the prosthesis, in position. The opposite end (42?) of the drive train has a latch device which enables quick removal from the housing for cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: A articulating hemiarthroplasty prosthesis (10) for use in arthroplasty is provided. The prosthesis includes a stem (12) for implantation at least partially within the medullary canal (14) of a long bone (16) and a collar (20). The collar (20) is operably associated with the stem (12) and extends outwardly therefrom. At least a portion of the collar (20) includes a resorbable material. The prosthesis includes a head (30) and a cup (46) for engagement with the head (30).

Abstract: An intraocular lens system for correcting vision in the eye, including a first lens adapted to be inserted into the eye substantially along the main optical axis and a second lens adapted to be inserted into the eye substantially along the main optical axis, spaced from and in series with the first lens, such that the first and second lenses form a teledioptic lens system.

Abstract: A tibial resurfacing system is provided that includes a drill guide, bone chisel and implant. In one aspect, the system includes a drill guide that includes a targeting ring and a bore section for creating an axis through the tibia to the superior tibial surface in the vicinity of the targeting ring. In another aspect, a bone chisel is provided that includes a bone-cutting end, having a transverse angle creating an elliptical bone-cutting face. In another aspect, an implant is provided that includes an angled bearing element formed of a cylindrical member having a first end defining a load-bearing surface, and a second end. The first end is formed at an angle that creates an elliptical face of the first end.

Abstract: An apparatus helps improve operation of a heart valve. The apparatus includes an arcuate base portion having a central axis and a buttress extending from the base portion axially relative to the base portion. The buttress has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The first surface is dimensioned and configured to be engaged by a first leaflet of the heart valve when the apparatus is implanted in the heart valve. The second surface is dimensioned and configured to be engaged by a second leaflet of the heart valve when the apparatus is implanted in the heart valve. The buttress permits flow of blood adjacent both the first surface of the buttress and the second surface of the buttress when the first and second leaflets are not engaging the buttress.

Abstract: Prosthetic valve devices for implantation in body vessels, and methods of making same, are provided. The device has a main body with first and second ends and defining a lumen, with the second end being inverted into the lumen. A valve is disposed at the second end. In multiple valve devices, valves are disposed at the first and second ends, and individually may be inverted into the lumen. The prosthetic valve devices may further include a support structure such as a stent. Methods of making a prosthetic valve device include providing a main body having first and second ends and defining a lumen, forming a valve at the second end, and inverting the second end into the lumen. Methods may further comprise forming multiple valves and may also include attaching a support structure.