Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

Abstract: Traction apparatuses can be used to facilitate spinal surgery. For example, this document provides traction apparatuses that engage with the skull of a patient, traction apparatuses that engage with the pelvis of a patient, and cervical traction systems for use in conjunction with the skull and/or pelvis traction apparatuses to facilitate correction of occipito-cervical-thoracic deformities, and to safely position the head during spinal surgery. Additionally, this document provides thoraco-lumbar-pelvic spinal deformity correction apparatuses to manipulate the position of the pelvis in relation to the spine during surgery.

Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

Abstract: The invention provides for a spinal fixation support device to be used in conjunction with spinal fixation instrumentation. The invention further provides for methods of using the spinal fixation support device. In addition, the invention provides for a spinal fixation system that includes a spinal fixation support device of the invention and can further include spinal fixation instrumentation.

Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

Abstract: Poly(propylene fumarate) is copolymerized with poly(caprolactone) diol to produce a block copolymer of poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(caprolactone). The biocompatible and bioresorbable block copolymer of poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(caprolactone) is useful in the fabrication of injectable and in-situ hardening scaffolds for tissue and/or skeletal reconstruction. The block copolymer can be crosslinked by redox or photo-initiation, with or without an additional crosslinker. Thus, the copolymer is both self-crosslinkable (without the use of any crosslinkers) and photocrosslinkable (in the presence of photons such as UV light).

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which comprises (i) a macromer prepared by reacting an unsaturated diacid having a carbon-carbon double bond and a saturated diacid, and (ii) a bioactive ceramic grafted to the macromer. In one embodiment, the unsaturated diacid having a carbon-carbon double bond is fumaric acid, the saturated diacid is compatible with fumaric acid and poly(propylene fumarate) such as succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid and mixtures thereof, and the bioactive ceramic is hydroxyapatite. In another embodiment, hydroxyapatite is grafted with a biodegradable and crosslinkable macromer comprising silane units alternating with furnarate and adipate units.

Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

Abstract: Hydrogel microparticles with entrapped liquid are used as the porogen to reproducibly form interconnected pore networks in a porous scaffold. In one embodiment, a biodegradable unsaturated polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a porogen comprising biodegradable hydrogel microparticles are mixed together and allowed to form a porous scaffold in an mold or in a body cavity. Example biodegradable unsaturated polymers include poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(e-caprolactone-fumarate). The cosslinking agent may be a free radical initiator, or may include a free radical initiator and a monomer capable of addition polymerization. Example hydrogel microparticles include uncrosslinked or crosslinked collagen , an uncrosslinked or crosslinked collagen derivative, and an uncrosslinked or crosslinked synthetic biodegradable polymer such as oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate).

Abstract: A spinal fixation system and methods are provided that includes a plurality of pillars each positioned through a compromised vertebra and into the lower or upper endplates of the neighboring healthy vertebrae.

Abstract: Microspheres for controlled release of a bioactive agent are disclosed, and in particular, blend, cross-linkable poly(propylene fumarate) for immobilization and controlled drug delivery. The microsphere includes poly(propylene fumarate), a polymeric material other than poly(propylene fumarate) (e.g., poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)), and a bioactive agent. The bioactive agent is selected depending on the physiological effect desired. For example, in bone regeneration applications, the bioactive agent may be selected from osteoinductive agents, peptides, growth hormones, osteoconductive agents, cytokines and mixtures thereof. The bioactive agent is dispersed in the microsphere, the microsphere has a diameter in the range of 1 to 300 micrometers, the poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) are distributed in the microsphere, and the microsphere releases the bioactive agent in a sustained manner after an initial burst release.

Abstract: Microspheres for controlled release of a bioactive agent are disclosed, and in particular, blend, cross-linkable poly(propylene fumarate) for immobilization and controlled drug delivery. The microsphere includes poly(propylene fumarate), a polymeric material other than poly(propylene fumarate) (e.g., poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)), and a bioactive agent. The bioactive agent is selected depending on the physiological effect desired. For example, in bone regeneration applications, the bioactive agent may be selected from osteoinductive agents, peptides, growth hormones, osteoconductive agents, cytokines and mixtures thereof. The bioactive agent is dispersed in the microsphere, the microsphere has a diameter in the range of 1 to 300 micrometers, the poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) are distributed in the microsphere, and the microsphere releases the bioactive agent in a sustained manner after an initial burst release.

Abstract: The invention provides for a spinal fixation support device to be used in conjunction with spinal fixation instrumentation. The invention further provides for methods of using the spinal fixation support device. In addition, the invention provides for a spinal fixation system that includes a spinal fixation support device of the invention and can further include spinal fixation instrumentation.

Abstract: An apparatus for an expandable screw including an outer screw, a inner screw, and an end nut. An assembly and method for driving and expanding an expandable screw apparatus into a surface or structure. The assembly and method dynamically expand the expandable screw by driving and expanding the expandable screw simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for an expandable screw including an outer screw, a inner screw, and an end nut. An assembly and method for driving and expanding an expandable screw apparatus into a surface or structure. The assembly and method dynamically expand the expandable screw by driving and expanding the expandable screw simultaneously.