Abstract: A cutter head includes a first member, a cutting bit, and a second member. The first member includes a first end and a second end and includes a first mass. The cutting bit is coupled to the first member proximate the second end. The cutting bit includes a cutting edge rotatable about the axis. The second member is rotatable about the axis and includes a second mass eccentrically positioned with respect to the axis. Rotation of the second mass causes the first member and the cutting bit to oscillate.

Abstract: The present application is directed to instruments and methods for preparing a space between vertebral members. One embodiment of the instrument may include an elongated shaft with a proximal end and a distal end. A blade may be positioned at an end of the shaft and may rotate about an axis. The blade may include one or more teeth that include a height and/or contour. During rotation of the blade, the teeth contact and cut into one of the vertebral members. The instrument may also include a depth stop that limits a depth that the teeth can cut into the vertebral member. In some embodiments, the instrument includes a second blade that is configured to cut into the second vertebral member.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device may include a bone anchoring member, a rod receiver, and an connection member. The rod receiver may include a channel for receiving a rod projection from a first adjacent fixation assembly. The rod receiver may have a central axis such that the channel is generally perpendicular to the central axis. The connection member may have a rod projection configured to extend to a second adjacent fixation assembly. The rod receiver may be coupled to the connection member and rotatable about the central axis of the rod receiver. The interior fixation assembly may be axially fixed such that the bone anchoring member, the rod receiver and the connection member are not translatably movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device may include a bone anchoring member, a rod receiver, and an connection member. The rod receiver may include a channel for receiving a rod projection from a first adjacent fixation assembly. The rod receiver may have a central axis such that the channel is generally perpendicular to the central axis. The connection member may have a rod projection configured to extend to a second adjacent fixation assembly. The rod receiver may be coupled to the connection member and rotatable about the central axis of the rod receiver. The interior fixation assembly may be axially fixed such that the bone anchoring member, the rod receiver and the connection member are not translatably movable relative to each other.

Abstract: The present application is directed to instruments and methods for preparing a space between vertebral members. One embodiment of the instrument may include an elongated shaft with a proximal end and a distal end. A blade may be positioned at an end of the shaft and may rotate about an axis. The blade may include one or more teeth that include a height and/or contour. During rotation of the blade, the teeth contact and cut into one of the vertebral members. The instrument may also include a depth stop that limits a depth that the teeth can cut into the vertebral member. In some embodiments, the instrument includes a second blade that is configured to cut into the second vertebral member.

Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: One embodiment of a hollow spinal spacer (10) includes a curved anterior wall (11) having opposite ends (12, 13), a posterior wall (15) having opposite ends (16, 17), two lateral walls (20, 21), each integrally connected between the opposite ends (12, 13, 16, 17) of the anterior (11) and posterior (15) walls to define a chamber (30). The walls (11, 15, 20, 21) include a superior face (35) and an inferior face (40). The superior face (35) defines a first opening (36) in communication with the chamber (30) and includes a first vertebral engaging surface (37). The inferior face (40) defines a second opening (41) in communication with the chamber (30) and includes a second vertebral engaging surface (42).

Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application is directed to: shaping a neck support to conform to a neck of a patient while the neck is configured with a desired lordosis of a cervical spine of the patient, performing a surgical procedure on the cervical spine of the patient based on the desired lordosis, and during or after the surgical procedure, holding the neck of the patient in the neck support to configure the neck with this desired lordosis, and pivoting the neck cradle about two or more different pivot axes as the neck is held to evaluate two or more different ranges of motion of the cervical spine of the patient.

Abstract: A posterior fixation system includes a saddle member and an anchoring member. The anchoring member anchors the saddle member to bone. The saddle member includes a pair of upright portions that define a channel. The saddle member further has a hole therethrough bounded by an inner wall, and the hole forms a lower opening in the saddle member. The lower opening in the saddle member may contain angular cutouts placed symmetrically about the axis of the saddle to increase the allowable angulation of the bone screw in relationship to the axis of the saddle. The channel is adapted to receive an orthopedic rod, and the hole in the saddle member is adapted to receive the anchoring member. The saddle member and the anchoring member can be coupled so as to allow multi-axial movement of the members.

Abstract: Spinal spacers 20 are provided for fusion of a motion segment. The spacers include a load bearing member 21 having a wall 22 sized for engagement within a space between adjacent vertebrae to maintain the space and an effective amount of an osteogenic composition to stimulate osteoinduction. The osteogenic composition includes a substantially pure osteogenic factor in, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment the load bearing member includes a bone graft impregnated in an osteogenic composition. In another embodiment, the osteogenic composition 30 is packed within a chamber 25 defined in the graft. Any suitable configuration of a bone graft is contemplated, including bone dowels, D-shaped spacers and cortical rings. A spinal spacer 300 for engagement between vertebrae is also provided which includes a body 301 formed of a bone composition.

Abstract: Instrumentation and techniques for preparing vertebral members for insertion of an implant. Foundation instruments provide a reference relative to the vertebral members. The foundation devices guide the placement of one or more instruments that prepare the vertebral members. The instruments operatively align with the foundation instruments in a specific orientation to ensure proper placement relative to the vertebral members. Preparatory instruments may be used to further remove bone from the vertebral members. The preparatory instruments may be used prior to or after the other instruments. An insert is inserted and mounted to the vertebral members after the bone has been removed. A holder may be used for holding and placing the implant relative to the vertebral members.