Abstract: A slide-type cervical plate includes an anti-backout device (2) preventing the vertical movements of the bone anchor screws (3) and which consists of first vertical-blocking elements (71) capable of deforming elastically in a first direction so that an anchor screw (3) can be introduced into the corresponding bore (4) and of second vertical-blocking elements (8) capable of deforming elastically in a second direction different than the first so that another anchor screw (3) can be fitted into another bore (4), the first and second blocking elements deforming elastically when a combined external load in a vertical direction and in rotation in the clockwise direction is applied to the anchor screws (3).

Abstract: A bone anchoring device for a spinal column fixation system includes an anchoring part, a bearing part for mounting at least one connection element thereon and a fixing element. The connection element is adapted for fixing to at least two bone anchoring devices. The anchoring part and the bearing part are mounted on each other, movable relative to each other in an assembly position and fixable relative to each other by the fixing element in an implantation position. The fixing element is of integral construction and has a proximal fixing element section, a distal fixing element section and a predetermined break-off area formed between the proximal and distal fixing element sections. The distal fixing element section has a receptacle for engagement with a tool for transferring the bone anchoring device from the assembly position to the implantation position. The device may be part of an improved spinal column fixation system.

Abstract: An acetabular reamer comprising: a body defining a rotation axis about which the acetabular reamer is rotatable; a reaming element movable between a reaming element inner position and a reaming element outer position relative to the body; an actuator for moving the reaming element between the reaming element inner and outer positions; and a reaming element lock configurable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the reaming element is freely movable by the actuator between the reaming element inner and outer positions. In the locked configuration, the reaming element lock prevents the reaming element from moving relative to the body. In use, when the reaming element lock is in the locked configuration and reaction forces are exerted onto the reaming element, a larger portion of the reaction forces is transmitted to the body than to the actuator.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical retractor capable of preventing an organ of a human body from being damaged when the organ of the human body positioned over a surgical area in the human body is lifted up. The surgical retractor includes a support body including a plurality of support members that are inserted below an organ of a human body which is positioned over a surgical area in the body of a patient to lift the organ of the human body in an upward direction, the plurality of support members being fastened to a joint, and a protective film member joined to the support body to cover a region between the support members, and configured to enclose and protect a lower surface of the organ of the human body.

Abstract: An appliance fabricated to improve the appearance of a patient's smile includes a plurality of simulated teeth. The interior surfaces of each of the teeth closely fits and conforms to the surface of a patient's real teeth while the outer surfaces of each of the simulated teeth has an ideal surface configuration. The dental appliance provides the patient with the appearance of a perfect set of teeth and an ideal smile without a need to alter the dental structure of the patient's teeth.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to minimally-invasive devices, methods and systems for treating vertebral diseases and injuries using multiple therapeutic procedures through small access portals of sufficient dimension that minimize trauma to the patient. More particularly, disclosed herein are devices, methods and systems for an intraosseous transiliac-transsacral surgical approach through the iliac ala and sacral ala that can be used for a variety of surgical procedures within the lumbar spine.

Abstract: The invention is an extractor for roots of broken teeth. This extractor has a square head spiral. That square head spiral has a spiral anchor and a square head with optional depressions in the sides of that square head. In that square head opposite the spiral anchor is a threaded hole. Included is a generally cubical square head socket with a lower square opening. There is a centrally located passage through the top of that generally cubical square head socket. The invention also has a thumb screw device with a rotator knob part and a threaded section. In operation the square head spiral anchor is screwed into the patient's broken tooth and the cubical square head socket is placed over the square head. The rotator knob part is threaded into the square head threaded hole. The extractor for roots of broken teeth is ready to remove the root of the broken tooth. The square head socket may have an extension. The invention includes a process for removing roots of broken teeth using the above device.

Abstract: A set of endodontic instrument adapted to remove material from walls of a root canal having a working portion with a relatively short working length. A substantially untapered nonworking portion of the instrument shaft with substantially parallel sidewalls and a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the proximal end of the working portion extends from adjacent a proximal end of the working portion to the proximal end of the shaft. The working portions of the set of instruments have relatively small, slowly progressing taper rates.

Abstract: A method for augmenting a facet joint. The method includes exposing the posterior aspects of a spinal motion segment in a first incision, preparing an access path through a separate postero-lateral percutaneous incision using a drilling instrument that traverses through at least a portion of the lamina and an inferior facet articulation surface, and terminates within the facet joint gap, and injecting augmentation filler into the facet joint gap.

Abstract: A new and useful orthodontic clasp that is more resistant to breakage, and when in use is unlikely to separate from its associated orthodontic appliance should breakage occur, comprising two metal wires crossed at an angle and held together with a weld/solder joint, said weld/solder joint having four wire segments extending from said two metal wires crossed at the weld/solder joint, two of said wire segments adjacent and longer in length and two of said wire segments adjacent and shorter in length, said four wire segments each having a clasp wire bend.

Abstract: A delivery device for an osteochondral graft comprising a tube, a plunger and a graft retention assembly is disclosed. The tube has a bore having an inside diameter and extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The inside diameter of the bore is sufficient to accept an osteochondral graft of a desired diameter. The tube has a set of apertures located adjacent the distal end of the tube. The plunger is slidably disposed within the bore of the tube. The graft retention assembly comprises a collar and a set of tabs. The graft retention assembly is attached to the tube such that the tabs are disposed within the apertures of the tube. The tabs are biased towards each other but are capable of being displaced away from each other to receive or release the osteochondral graft.

Abstract: A disposable acetabular reamer designed to improve tissue removal efficiency is described. The reamer device comprises a reamer cutting shell and a reamer driver interface. The reamer cutting shell has a hemispherical structure with a plurality of spaced apart rib portions that extend from a central region located about an apex of the shell. A tissue cutting surface further extends along a longitudinal leading edge, trailing edge or both leading and trailing rib portions. The tissue cutting surface further comprises a series of alternating cutting teeth and notches which are bent at a rake angle.

Abstract: A bone stabilization system is provided having a plate with a top and bottom surface and a hole therethrough extending along a longitudinal axis. An annular groove in the top surface encircles the axis and defines outer facing sides of a plurality of spring members integral to the plate. A plurality of slots define sides of the spring members the inward facing side of the spring members form the upper portion of the hole, which includes a first spherical portion. A fastener with a spherical portion on the fastener head extends into the hole with the spring members urged apart to allow the head to pass but restraining removal until the resistance provide by the spring members is overcome.

Abstract: A tensioning device for surgical elements is described. The tensioning device comprises a fixation device, a clamping device, a spring device, and a force deflecting device that interacts with the clamping device. The force deflecting device is designed to convert the spring force exerted by the spring device on the clamping device into a clamping force exerted by the clamping device on the surgical element.

Abstract: A hair styling tool kit has cylindrical hair roller(s) having bristles positioned on exterior thereof, a proximate end, a distant end and an opening formed in the proximate end. A handle is configured to detachably engage the proximate end of the hair roller(s), one at a time, and facilitate rolling of hair on the hair roller(s). The body of the hair roller(s) is manufactured from heat absorbing material that helps in transmitting heat to the hair rolled on the hair roller(s).

Abstract: A self ligating orthodontic bracket system includes a bracket, a slidable ligating member and at least one wedge locking ramp. The bracket includes an archwire slot defined therein, which is configured to receive an archwire therein. The ligating member slides along a slide path defined on the bracket and which extends transverse relative to the archwire slot. The wedge locking ramp is disposed on the slide path, wherein the wedge locking ramp is configured to deflect the ligating member vertically upward and away from an upper surface of the slide path, and over the wedge locking ramp when the ligating member travels along the slide path from an unlocked position to a locked position. The archwire is securely retained in the archwire slot when the ligating member is in the locked position.

Abstract: An instrument for removing tissue from a bone to create a cavity which is approximately circular in outline in which tissue within a predetermined region within the circular outline is left relatively undisturbed. The instrument includes a rotational drive unit which oscillates through an angle ?. A cutting head can be connected to the drive unit to cause the head to rotate.

Abstract: A surgical portal apparatus includes a portal, a seal, a plurality of restricting members, and a lockout assembly. The portal defines a longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal opening. The seal is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the portal and defines a passage for reception of a surgical object. The plurality of restricting members are arranged about the longitudinal axis to define a passage therethrough and positioned to contact the surgical object. The restricting members have contacting segments adapted for radial movement relative to the longitudinal axis from a rest position to a displaced position. The lockout assembly includes a locking member disposed distal of the restricting members. The locking member is positioned to intersect the longitudinal opening and engage the surgical object. The locking member is operatively coupled with the restricting members to minimize offset manipulation of the surgical object.

Abstract: An applicator system for applying a product to a surface includes an extendable implement comprising an applicator that is selectively extendable. By virtue of having an applicator that is selectively extendable, the extendable implement is capable of applying various products utilizing individual portions of the extendable implement to apply the product to hard-to-reach areas and to achieve multiple desired effects.

Abstract: Dental floss products are provided which include a unitary tape of ultra-high molar mass polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 5 dl/g, as measured in decalin at 135° C., the tape having a thickness of about 0.02-0.1 mm and a width of about 0.25-6 mm, and a tensile strength of at least 1.8 GPa. The dental floss products have very high mechanical, especially tensile strength, and show high resistance to tearing and has a low coefficient of friction. The tape can be inserted between teeth tightly together without breaking. A further advantage of the dental tape products is that most of the initial strength during flossing is retained, even if the tape separates into filaments. Processes for making a unitary tape suitable for use in a dental floss product are also provided.