Abstract: External fixation systems, and methods for immobilizing joints or fractured bones. An external fixation system may include one or more clamp assemblies connected to one or more rod assemblies at polyaxial joints. Each rod assembly may be length adjustable, and may include a one-way locking mechanism to provisionally lock the length of the rod assembly, and additional locking mechanisms to permanently lock the length of the rod assembly. The system may be deployed pre-assembled as a unit to immobilize a joint or fracture. Another external fixation system further includes a spanning member extending transverse to the rod assemblies. Two or more external fixation systems may be deployed in a stacked configuration on one set of bone pins to immobilize two joints and/or fractures. The systems may be provided in kits including guiding instrumentation, bone pins and pin clamping assemblies for connecting the bone pins to the external fixation systems.

Abstract: A surgical rasping and/or shaving system functions in multiple orthopedic applications, including but not limited to shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, ankle, spinal, or other joint procedures. The system may comprise a tissue removal member with a rasping and/or shaving head which may be low profile and offer a flat cutting/rasping/shaving surface, or with a cutting head with at least one cutting edge. The tissue removal member is configured to be driven by an attached hub that translates a rotational movement into a reciprocating motion. Suction for removal of bone fragments or other tissues is provided through an opening spaced apart from or adjacent to the rasping surface. A radiofrequency ablation (RF) electrode may be carried on the system to provide ablation or coagulation of soft tissues.

Abstract: Tissue fixation members interact with a housing to hold tissue relative to the housing and allow the orientation and position of the grasped tissue to be manipulated with improved efficacy. The tissue fixation members can be easily and quickly moved between deployed and retracted positions to reversibly grasp and release tissue.

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 inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which couples the inferior articular surface with a first end of the inferior strut. A second end of the inferior strut may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable, lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The first end of the inferior strut may be post-shaped, and the second end ring-shaped, and vice versa. The superior implant may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. Inferior and superior implants may be implanted individually, paired on one lateral vertebral side, bi-laterally, and/or in multiple vertebral levels. A crosslink may be secured to one implant and extend across a vertebral sagittal plane to a second implant. A clip may align the articular surfaces during implantation.

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 inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which couples the inferior articular surface with a first end of the inferior strut. A second end of the inferior strut may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable, lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The first end of the inferior strut may be post-shaped, and the second end ring-shaped, and vice versa. The superior implant may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. Inferior and superior implants may be implanted individually, paired on one lateral vertebral side, bi-laterally, and/or in multiple vertebral levels. A crosslink may be secured to one implant and extend across a vertebral sagittal plane to a second implant. A clip may align the articular surfaces during implantation.

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.

Abstract: A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint includes a fixation member implantable in a vertebra, an inferior facet articular surface and an inferior strut which may be formed separately from the inferior articular surface. The inferior strut has a first end securable to the fixation member and a second end which may comprise a sphere with a hemispherical surface. An attachment mechanism may include a capture feature shaped to receive the second end of the inferior strut, and the mechanism may provide an adjustable configuration, allowing polyaxial adjustment between the inferior articular surface and the second end. A locking member may be actuated to exert force on the second end to provide a locked configuration. The system may further include a superior facet joint implant with a superior articular surface shaped to articulate with the inferior articular surface.

Abstract: A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint includes a fixation member implantable in a vertebra, an inferior facet articular surface and an inferior strut which may be formed separately from the inferior articular surface. The inferior strut has a first end securable to the fixation member and a second end which may comprise a sphere with a hemispherical surface. An attachment mechanism may include a capture feature shaped to receive the second end of the inferior strut, and the mechanism may provide an adjustable configuration, allowing polyaxial adjustment between the inferior articular surface and the second end. A locking member may be actuated to exert force on the second end to provide a locked configuration. The system may further include a superior facet joint implant with a superior articular surface shaped to articulate with the inferior articular surface.

Abstract: Systems for joint arthroplasty include prostheses which are secured to bone with sliding anchors. Examples include unicondylar and bicondylar knee prostheses for hemi-arthroplasty and total arthroplasty. Instruments guide the anchors into proper engagement with the prosthetic components. Methods of using the prostheses and instruments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint includes a fixation member implantable in a vertebra, an inferior facet articular surface and an inferior strut which may be formed separately from the inferior articular surface. The inferior strut has a first end securable to the fixation member and a second end which may comprise a sphere with a hemispherical surface. An attachment mechanism may include a capture feature shaped to receive the second end of the inferior strut, and the mechanism may provide an adjustable configuration, allowing polyaxial adjustment between the inferior articular surface and the second end. A locking member may be actuated to exert force on the second end to provide a locked configuration. The system may further include a superior facet joint implant with a superior articular surface shaped to articulate with the inferior articular surface.

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: An endoscopic surgical instrument for passing a suture through tissue includes a first jaw member, a needle, and a capture feature actuable to grip and retain the suture after the suture has been passed through a tissue body. An actuation mechanism can both move the needle between retracted and extended positions, and move the capture feature between open and closed configurations, via a single actuation. The capture feature may be a trap door which is axially translatable relative to the first jaw member to overlap a portion of the first jaw member and trap a portion of the suture between the trap door and the overlapped portion. The first jaw member may be movable relative to a second jaw member to grasp a tissue body. The instrument can grasp a tissue body, pass the suture through the tissue, capture and retain the suture without being repositioned relative to the tissue.

Abstract: A line lock system may include a line routed through a plate. The plate may have an elongated body with a plurality of passageways. The line is routed to form at least one one-way slide so no knots are required. The system may include filaments routed through the passageways of the plate or around a dogbone feature of the plate. The filaments may be used to toggle the plate after passage through a hole to prevent withdrawal of the plate back through the hole. The system may include a line lock stabilizer or counter-tension tool to stabilize the line lock as the line is adjusted. The system may include a compression limiter to selectively reduce compression in the one-way slide to facilitate adjustment of the line. The line lock stabilizer, counter-tension tool, or compression limiter may be a filament.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system functional in multiple orthopedic applications, including but not limited to shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, ankle, spinal, or other joint procedures. The system comprises a cutting head which includes jaw members which may be urged between open and closed positions to providing a biting or chewing action for removal of targeted tissues. The instrument system is configured to be driven by an attached hub that translates a rotational movement into a reciprocating motion to open and close the jaw members. Suction for removal of bone fragments or other tissues is provided through a suction opening.

Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.

Abstract: A screw system includes a screw and a washer assembly captive to the screw. The washer assembly is polyaxially pivotable relative to the screw. The screw may be freely rotated in one direction relative to the washer assembly, but frictionally binds with the washer assembly when rotated in a second direction. Various auxiliary fixation features are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly including at least one bone plate, polyaxially adjustable fixation elements and a polyaxially adjustable locking mechanism. A first plate includes at least one polyaxial element for lockable connection with a fixation pad, and a connection feature which allows the plate to translate and polyaxially rotate relative to the locking mechanism. A second plate includes at least one polyaxial element for connection with a fixation pad and a connection feature for non-rotatable connection with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism allows translation and polyaxial adjustment of the first plate relative to the second plate and locks the first and second plates via a taper lock. The fixation pad includes a deflectable spacer configured to prevent premature locking of the pad. Methods for implantation of the bone plate assembly between two bone structures are disclosed. Instrumentation for implantation, compression and locking of the bone plate assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument for passing a suture through tissue includes a first jaw member, a needle, and a capture feature actuable to grip and retain the suture after the suture has been passed through a tissue body. An actuation mechanism can both move the needle between retracted and extended positions, and move the capture feature between open and closed configurations, via a single actuation. The capture feature may be a trap door which is axially translatable relative to the first jaw member to overlap a portion of the first jaw member and trap a portion of the suture between the trap door and the overlapped portion. The first jaw member may be movable relative to a second jaw member to grasp a tissue body. The instrument can grasp a tissue body, pass the suture through the tissue, capture and retain the suture without being repositioned relative to the tissue.

Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.

Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.