Abstract: An inserter includes a knob at its proximal end. The knob actuates linear motion of a slide at the distal end of the inserter. The linear motion of the slide separates two pins that project from a distal end of the inserter. The pins engage and release corresponding holes defined in the faceplate of an implant. The pins can project at an oblique angle from the longitudinal axis of the inserter. The angle of projection of each pin can be different so that a jaw-like action is provided, which securely grasps the implant via the holes in the faceplate.

Abstract: An implant insertion instrument provides a guide through tissue (skin, fascia, musculature) and into a vertebral space after a discectomy. The instrument slides onto a guide wire and defines a path for the implant to be delivered to the vertebral space. The guide expands laterally as required to accommodate the implant as the implant slides through a channel defined in the guide, which allows distraction of the vertebral bodies while maintaining a small incision in the patient.

Abstract: An implant insertion instrument provides a guide through tissue (skin, fascia, musculature) and into a vertebral space after a discectomy. The instrument slides onto a guide wire and defines a path for the implant to be delivered to the vertebral space. The guide expands laterally as required to accommodate the implant as the implant slides through a channel defined in the guide, which allows distraction of the vertebral bodies while maintaining a small incision in the patient.

Abstract: An inserter includes a knob at its proximal end. The knob actuates linear motion of a slide at the distal end of the inserter. The linear motion of the slide separates two pins that project from a distal end of the inserter. The pins engage and release corresponding holes defined in the faceplate of an implant. The pins can project at an oblique angle from the longitudinal axis of the inserter. The angle of projection of each pin can be different so that a jaw-like action is provided, which securely grasps the implant via the holes in the faceplate.

Abstract: A swivel screw driver including an articulating ball joint mechanism. The ball joint mechanism may allow for up to the range of 40° of angulation. The ball joint mechanism provides for 360° of rotation while driving a distal tip. The driver can include a drive member, a ball disposed at least partially within the drive member, the ball including a drive pocket defined therein, a pin extending through the drive pocket and restrained on opposing longitudinal ends thereof to the drive member such that the pin can only rotate about its longitudinal axis, and a guide body connected to the ball.

Abstract: Medical implants are formed at least in part from porous metal wherein the pores of the metal are filled with a hardenable material. The hardenable material can be used to assist in the manufacture of the implant, permitting detailed machining of the implant. Further, the hardenable material can be a resorbable material that strengthens the implant during implantation but is resorbed, once implanted, to permit bone growth and infiltration. Further, in an alternate embodiment, the hardenable material can be a thermoplastic material that can be heated by ultrasonic energy to create an adhesive bond between a fastener and bone structure.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for stabilizing the facet joints of the spine. One aspect of the present invention is the stabilization of the facet joint by insertion of a facet implant through two opposing facet surfaces. The facet joint is not fixedly frozen by insertion of the screw, but instead the facet surfaces are flexibly and movably anchored to preserve movement because the screw or anchor includes a flexible intermediate portion which is positioned between the facet surfaces. The facet implant may be in the form of a screw or other anchor with the intermediate portion in the form of a polyaxial head, a cord, a spring, etc. The facet implant may furthermore be used in conjunction with a facet spacer that is placed between the first and second facet.

Abstract: Medical implants are formed at least in part from porous metal wherein the pores of the metal are filled with a hardenable material. The hardenable material can be used to assist in the manufacture of the implant, permitting detailed machining of the implant. Further, the hardenable material can be a resorbable material that strengthens the implant during implantation but is resorbed, once implanted, to permit bone growth and infiltration. Further, in an alternate embodiment, the hardenable material can be a thermoplastic material that can be heated by ultrasonic energy to create an adhesive bond between a fastener and bone structure.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for stabilizing the facet joints of the spine. One aspect of the present invention is the stabilization of the facet joint by insertion of a facet implant through two opposing facet surfaces. The facet joint is not fixedly frozen by insertion of the screw, but instead the facet surfaces are flexibly and movably anchored to preserve movement because the screw or anchor includes a flexible intermediate portion which is positioned between the facet surfaces. The facet implant may be in the form of a screw or other anchor with the intermediate portion in the form of a polyaxial head, a cord, a spring, etc. The facet implant may furthermore be used in conjunction with a facet spacer that is placed between the first and second facet.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for stabilizing the facet joints of the spine. One aspect of the present invention is the stabilization of the facet joint by insertion of a facet implant through two opposing facet surfaces. The facet implant includes a proximal, distal and intermediate member. The distal member is inserted through the facet joint and into a facet surface. The intermediate member is then placed in the area between the facet surfaces. The proximal member then is brought closer to the distal member to deploy the intermediate member into the space between the facet surfaces. Once deployed, the intermediate member provides a cushioning or restoring force to the facet joint such as to stabilize movement of the joint.

Abstract: A tool for extracting broken or otherwise damaged screws from bone or wood includes an elongated shaft having a tool engaging head on an upper end to allow rotational force to be applied. The other end includes an opening which includes tapered cutting threads that are sized to initially pass over the screw to be removed which will cut into and hold onto the screw upon turning the tool opposite to the threads of the screw. The other end opening defines a hole saw which will cut away the bone or wood around the screw to allow the inner cutting threads to engage the screw.