Abstract: A bone screw comprising a threaded shank including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and defining a first threaded section extending from the distal end portion toward the proximal end portion and adapted for anchoring in cancellous bone, and a second threaded section extending contiguously from the first threaded section toward the proximal end portion and adapted for engagement in cortical bone, with the second threaded section having a finer thread pattern relative to the first threaded section. In one embodiment, the first threaded section includes a first helical threading defining a single lead thread pattern for anchoring in cancellous bone, and the second threaded section includes a second helical threading interleaved with the first threading to define a duel lead thread pattern for engagement in cortical bone. In a further embodiment, the bone screw includes a head portion extending from the threaded shank and configured for coupling to a spinal implant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guided orthopedic bone reamer (10a) for cutting a profile relief shape (21a) into a joint bone (20). The reamer (10a) has a cutting head (30a) and an axial guide assembly (70). The cutting head (30a) has a profile cutting form (24a) with a rim (34) and an apex (38a). The apex (38a) connects to the cutting form (24a) by a set of struts (94). An axial guide assembly (70) has one end (44a) fixed to the apex (38a) and at the other end has a bayonet mechanism (76) connectable to a drive handle. Rim cutting teeth (36a) are set into the rim (34) to cut a cylindrical profile (21a), and bevel cutting teeth (96) integral to the struts (94) cut a bevel (25) onto the cylindrical form (21a) cut into the bone (20). A guide pin bore (12a) passes through the apex (38a) and the guide assembly (70) concentric with the axis of rotation (18) to receive a guide pin (14) to guide the reamer (10a) in cutting alignment relative to the joint bone (20) to be cut.

Abstract: The fastening system consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle that operates as a socket for housing an upper retainer ring and a lower split retaining ring. The socket is receptive to the spherical connector which is inserted through the lower split retainer ring causing a momentary displacement thereof which allows for the positioning of the spherical connector between the upper and lower retainer rings.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implanting spinal fixation implants and devices are provided. In one embodiment, a method for implanting a spinal fixation system is provided and it includes the steps of positioning a spinal fixation element to extend along a patient's spinal column adjacent to one or more vertebrae, determining an implant site on at least one vertebra, implanting at least one spinal anchor at the implant site on at least one vertebra, and coupling the spinal fixation element to each implant.

Abstract: A multi-piece knee resection instrument for use in forming an anterior cut, an anterior chamfer cut, a posterior cut and a posterior chamfer cut on a distal femur which has already had a distal surface thereof resected which cuts are for the mounting of a prosthetic implant, has a first resection guide for attachment to the medial or lateral side of the distal femur. The first resection guide has a first surface facing generally anteriorly when mounted and a second surface extending distally from the first surface and angled thereto and a third surface extending generally parallel to the resected distal surface of the femur. A second resection guide is mounted on the first and second surfaces of the first resection guide for performing the anterior and anterior chamfer cuts. A third resection guide is mounted on the third surface of the first resection guide and extends in a medial-lateral direction therefrom across at least part of the resected distal femoral surface.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can includes an implant having an initiating piece and a distraction piece. The initiating piece can include a lower distraction element, a second wing, a lower portion of a spacer, and a lower portion of a first wing. The initiating piece can be positioned such that an interspinous ligament of the targeted motion segment is disposed between the first and second wing. The distraction piece can include an upper distraction element, an upper portion of the spacer, and an upper portion of the first wing, and can be mated with the initiating piece by mating a rail of the distraction piece with a slot of the initiating piece, thereby disposing the implant between adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: A plating system for stabilization of a bony segment includes a plate engageable to at least first and second bony elements. For spinal stabilization, the plate is attached at least to first and second vertebrae with at least one bone fastener in each vertebra. Retaining members are attachable to the plate to prevent the bone fasteners from backing out of the plate. One retaining member is a variable retaining member that allows the bone fasteners to toggle in the plate without interference. A second retaining member is a fixed retaining member that fixes the bone fasteners relative to the plate.

Abstract: Surgical instrumentation for use in placing an implant into a disc space between a pair of spinal vertebrae may include: (a) a distractor having a distal end that may be placed into the disc space between the pair of spinal vertebrae; (b) an inserter for use in moving the implant toward the disc space between the pair of spinal vertebrae; and, (c) a distractor/inserter rail/groove interconnection that interconnects the distractor and the inserter for relative movement thereby.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an offset connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a variable angle connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.

Abstract: A fixation device including a housing, a shaft and a plurality of blades preloaded onto the shaft. The housing includes a leading deep surface, a trailing outer surface, weight bearing sides, and top and bottom surfaces. The shaft runs from the leading deep surface to the trailing outer surface of the housing. The plurality of blades includes at least one first blade having at least one cutting extension in a first orientation about the axis of the shaft and at least one second blade having at least one cutting extension in a second orientation about the axis of the shaft that is opposite to the first orientation.

Abstract: A method of preparing a joint for a prosthesis in a patient. The method includes obtaining scan data associated with the joint of the patient, preparing a three-dimensional image of the joint based on the scan data, preparing a pre-operative surgical plan based on the scan data, and preparing an image of a patient-specific alignment guide, and intra-operatively modifying the surgical plan.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable orthopaedic device, in particular for the cervical spine, of the type formed by a support plate (2) provided with at least one orifice (3) for passage of a fixing screw (4), which orifice (3) is provided with locking means comprising a slotted metal ring (8) accommodated in a receiving groove (5) on the circumference of said orifice (3) of the plate and intended to cooperate with an annular channel (10) formed in the screw head (4a). According to the invention, the annular chamber (10) of the screw head (4a) is framed by an end of male spherical contour (11?) and by a truncated annular protuberance (12). This end of male spherical contour (11?) is designed to cooperate with the complementary female spherical contour (7a?) formed on the upper flange (7a) of the plate groove (5).

Abstract: Systems and methods for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. A system for repairing a fractured bone includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of bone cement components and an inner lumen for passage of a mixing element; an internal bone fixation device releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the internal bone fixation device moves from a first compact state to a second expanded state when the bone cement components are delivered to the internal bone fixation device and mixed within the internal bone fixation device; and a spinning mechanism engaged to a rotatable shaft, wherein the spinning mechanism is inserted into the internal bone fixation device.

Abstract: There is provided an orthopedic plate and port structures for the plate. The plate can be non-rigid and includes at least one hole for receiving an anchor or an anchor retaining device. The at least one hole can include a rigid port structure that prevents or resists deformation of the plate when the anchor or anchor retaining device is engaged thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for affixing a plurality of body structures together in a flexible manner includes a first articulated fastener having substantially rigid proximal and distal portions, longitudinally separated by a first flexible articulating portion. The first articulated fastener has a first thread direction. A second articulated fastener has substantially rigid proximal and distal portions, longitudinally separated by a second flexible articulating portion. The second articulated fastener has a second thread direction opposite the first thread direction. The first and second articulated fasteners are both adapted for insertion into each of the plurality of body structures. A method of affixing a plurality of body structures together in a flexible manner is also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a space in bone of a human body to receive an insert at least in part therein. The method is performed with a device having a mid-longitudinal axis and a rotatable abrading element having an abrading surface. The method includes the steps of: activating the device to cause the abrading surface to move; contacting the abrading surface of the abrading element against the bone to remove bone therefrom to form a surface on the bone to create the space; rotating the abrading element about an axis different from the mid-longitudinal axis of the device; removing the abrading surface from the space; and positioning an insert into the space created in the bone.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting an implant into a cavity is disclosed, which may include advancing an implant insertion instrument toward a pair of adjacent bodies, the implant insertion instrument having two opposed ramps, wherein each ramp has a distal tip and wherein the longitudinal axes of the opposed ramps are separated by an initial angle; inserting the distal tips of the opposed ramps between the adjacent bodies, thereby creating an initial interbody cavity between the adjacent bodies; expanding the interbody cavity while maintaining the initial angle between the longitudinal axes of the opposed ramps; placing the implant in a final location between the adjacent bodies; transferring a compressive force urging the adjacent bodies together from the opposed ramps to the implant; and extracting the implant insertion instrument from the interbody cavity.

Abstract: A bone fixation apparatus comprising a shape memory effect material includes a bridge member having at least three sides and an open center portion. Each of the bridge member sides defines a curve having a respective first radius when the shape memory effect material is in a first state, and a respective second radius larger than a corresponding first radius when the shape memory effect material is in a second state. Elongate members are connected to, and extend outwardly from, the bridge member. Each of the elongate members are connected to the bridge member at an approximate intersection of a respective two of the sides, such that each elongate member is subject to a force from each of two intersecting sides, and moves toward the open center portion of the bridge member when the shape memory effect material changes from the second state to the first state.

Abstract: An operating head for a full thickness resection system includes a first optical device disposed on a distal portion thereof and having a viewing area extending distally of the distal portion and a working chamber extending within an exterior wall of the operating head, a first portion of the exterior wall being moveable with respect to a second portion thereof to selectively open the working chamber to an exterior of the operating head. Furthermore, the operating head includes a second optical device mounted within the working chamber with a viewing area of the second optical device extending distally therefrom.