Abstract: An improved osteosynthesis clip for the cicatrization of bone fragments, an improved insertion tool and method for inserting the improved clip and a surgical system implementing the improved clip and insertion tool are provided. The clip includes at least two engagement legs extending approximately parallel to one another and including insertion tips to be inserted into the bone tissue fragments; and a connecting bridge coupled to the at least two engagement legs at portions opposite the insertion portions, the connecting bridge including at least two elongated sections extending along side one another, the elongated sections extending along a non-linear trajectory to form a non-linear deformable region, such as a depression or a dome, wherein the engagement legs having respective helical screw surfaces extending substantially an entire distance between respective insertion and opposite portions to facilitate removal of the clip after the bone tissue fragments have fused.

Abstract: A surgical implant for locking a spinal motion segment includes an anterior plate portion with laterally spaced interbody members extending posteriorly therefrom. The plate portion has passages to receive surgical fixing screws or other securing elements engaged in holes drilled in the vertebrae for securing the plate portion to the anterior faces of the vertebrae to be locked. The arms extend into a space between lateral portions of the vertebrae to be locked.

Abstract: A computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery system includes a device for generating a three dimensional geometrical surface model of a first bone and a database containing three 3 dimensional implant models of a plurality of available implants. The system includes a computer that is configured to permit a user to select from the database a first implant and display on a screen the three dimensional implant model of the first implant. The computer superimposes on the screen the implant model on top of the model of the first bone such that the two models are visually identifiable from one another.

Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, and a superior implant with a superior articular surface. The implants may be coupled together by a detachable coupler which can align and rigidly hold the inferior and superior articular surfaces in a preferred alignment relative to one another. A portion of the coupler may be deformable to allow detachment of the coupler from at least one of the implants. In one method of implantation, the superior and inferior implants may be aligned and coupled together with the coupler, and then secured to fixation members anchored in adjacent vertebrae. Alternatively, a first implant may be secured to a fixation member anchored in a first vertebra, and a second implant coupled to the coupler, aligned with the first implant and then secured to a fixation member anchored in a second vertebra. A tool may grip, position and/or deliver the coupler and the implants.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for removing bone, cartilage, or similar tissue is described. The surgical instrument has a shaft that extends in a longitudinal direction and supports a cutting plate which is inclined perpendicular or relative to the longitudinal direction, and a cutting element which is movably mounted on the shaft and supports a blade at the distal end in which the blade is pointing in the direction of the cutting plate and being advanced to the cutting plate in order to cut tissue.

Abstract: A cranial fixation system and method are provided. The system includes two heads slidably connected with telescopic extensions and a spring or an elastomeric flexible component. The two heads are maintained in a distracted position by a locking mechanism until ready for cranial implantation. Once implanted, the locking mechanism is disengaged, thereby allowing the heads to compress towards each other by the spring and approximate the cranial bone flap to the skull.

Abstract: The retractor system for use in spinal surgery and other types of surgical procedures that is a simple and efficient solution for minimally invasive access to thoracolumbar spine is disclosed. The fully customizable design allows the surgeon to independently angle the retractor blades and expand the retractor in both cephalad-caudal and medial-lateral directions. With an offering of a range of blade lengths, access can be tailored to the patient's anatomy. Auxiliary instruments such as the retractor inserter, universal hex driver and blade removal instrument allow quick and controlled access to the surgical site. The retractor system provides versatility and control ensuring minimal tissue trauma.

Abstract: A series of instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are provided for direct-anterior and oblique-anterior disc space and end plate preparation. The instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) provide precise guidance for channel formation in the vertebral endplates by guiding rotating and bladed cutting instruments (122, 250, 580). Instrumentation (550) for oblique-anterior disc space preparation includes compound angulation to account for the angle of approach to the spine and the angulation between adjacent vertebrae. Methods and techniques for use of the instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are also described.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly and method of using the same in a patient is disclosed that includes a ratchet mechanism that allows unidirectional incremental adjustment of the overall length of the bone plate assembly. The bone plate assembly is capable of being created to have various stages. One illustrative bone plate assembly includes an intermediate plate component having a first tongue extending upwardly from a central portion of the intermediate plate component and a second tongue extending downwardly from the central portion of the intermediate plate component. First and second end plate components are included that have first and second tongue grooves that are adapted to slidably engage at least a portion of the first and second tongues. A first and second ratchet mechanism is included that allows the first and second end plate components to be incrementally ratcheted toward the central portion of the intermediate plate component.

Abstract: A computer aided surgery system, method, surgical method and instrument for guiding the positioning of an acetabular cup in a pelvis are described. The position of the transverse acetabular ligament of the pelvis and the position of the acetabular labrum of the pelvis are determined. The orientation of an acetabular plane including the acetabular labrum and the transverse acetabular ligament is calculated. A planned position for the acetabular cup is determined, in which an inlet plane of the cup is substantially parallel to the acetabular plane. The instrument comprises a mounting for attaching the instrument to a patient, a support, a guide defining a longitudinal axis, and for receiving a further instrument bearing the acetabular cup implant, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism can allow the angular orientation of the guide to be adjusted about at least two different axes to allow the inclination and version or anteversion of the longitudinal axis to be altered.

Abstract: A hand instrument for retrieving suture and advancing a suture knot within a patient. The instrument has a shaft with proximal and distal ends. A hinged jaw in the form of a crabclaw disposed on the distal end of the shaft captures suture within a closed aperture formed by the jaws or is used to pinch the suture between the jaws. A hand mechanism disposed on the proximal end of the shaft opens and closes the jaw.

Abstract: A thread-thru polyaxial pedicle screw fastening system. The fastening system consists of an anchoring bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the screw to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a U-shaped connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. The U-shaped connecting assembly, for receipt of a spinal connecting rod, has a biased retainer ring for maintaining a positive tension between the connecting assembly and the anchored screw. The system allows for an improved manufacturing step wherein the threaded shank of a bone screws can be passed through a lower portion of the connecting assembly allowing a variety of bone screw sizes to be used with a common sized connector.

Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An o-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.

Abstract: An alignment system for aligning a reaming guide during insertion into a cavity of a bone is provided. The bone has a resected surface and the cavity defines a cavity axis. The system includes a reaming guide that includes an elongate stem portion having a stem axis, a neck portion extending from the stem portion at an incline with respect to the stem axis, and an alignment instrument. The alignment instrument includes a handle defining a handle axis, the handle being releasably couplable to the reaming guide such that the handle axis is in a predetermined relationship with the stem axis. The alignment instrument further comprises a plane finder slidably coupled to the handle, the plane finder comprising a surface defined by a plane that intersects the axis of the handle at an angle having a predetermined relationship with the angle at which a resection surface of the bone intersects the cavity axis.

Abstract: Methods and devices are shown for forming polymer fasteners into bone by expelling the polymer from a cannula. Devices and methods shown allow a user to form multiple fasteners of various sizes without re-loading a device. Devices and methods shown further provide temperature profiles during fastener formation that reduce or eliminate thermal necrosis. Devices and methods shown further provide fasteners with increased strength.

Abstract: A vertebral distractor system includes a crossbar and a first distractor arm having a first end portion coupled to the crossbar and a second end portion with a first bore configured to axially receive a first coupling portion of a first pin. A second distractor arm includes a third end portion coupled to the crossbar and a fourth end portion with a second bore configured to receive a second coupling portion of a second pin. A first pin locking mechanism is configured to couple the first coupling portion and the first distractor arm within the first bore such that when the first coupling portion and the first distractor arm are coupled, movement of the first pin outwardly of the first bore is not allowed.

Abstract: An implant strip is disclosed. In some cases, the prosthesis can take the form of an implant strip that may be implanted through the use of a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical spinal implant procedures. The implant strip includes provisions for implantation, including teeth, spacing provisions and various shapes.

Abstract: A bone loss plate for the rigid fixation of a bone having a bone gap where portions of the bone are absent, the plate includes an elongated fixation plate having a first plate side, a second plate side, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a middle portion and a tubularly-shaped containment cage connected to the second plate side of the elongated fixation plate, the tubular containment cage having a length shorter than the elongated fixation plate.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical device comprises a first sensor component and a second sensor component. Each sensor component includes a paddle set to contact a proximal tibia and a distal femur of a patient. The first sensor component and the second sensor component being movable with respect to one another to extend one paddle set beyond the other paddle set, and each paddle set includes cutouts for the clearance of the patellar tendon to avoid the need to avert the patella during use.

Abstract: In a surgical bone punch having a stationary shaft joined to a handgrip, a slide shaft mounted for longitudinal displacement on this stationary shaft, and a motorized drive in the handgrip for displacement of the slide shaft from a proximal inoperative position to a distal operative position with a preset forward displacement force, in order to control the effective forward displacement force of the slide shaft, it is proposed that the slide shaft carry a stop, which, during displacement of the slide shaft to the operative position, strikes an elastic spring element, which is supported on the stationary shaft, and, during displacement of the slide shaft, counteracts the forward displacement force of the drive.