Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a tool driver device that can apply counter-torque to the device while applying torque to a target component that is engaging a target base. The example device can be operated by one hand to actuate a power input component that provides the desired torque, while providing counter-torque to offset rotation of the device. A selectably engaged counter-torque component is selected to complement the target base, to operably hold it in place during use. A power input provides power to apply rotational force to drive a selectably coupled tool, which has been selected to complement the target component engaged with a target base. The counter-torque component is operably engaged with the base, which applies counter-torque to the torque provided by the target component.

Abstract: Techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a device for use as a tool. The device has a main component formed as a monolithic body. The monolithic body is configured to be selectably transformed by a user between an operational configuration and a non-operational configuration to allow for cleaning and sterilization of the device. Transformation of the device from the non-operational configuration to the operational configuration includes engaging two or more portions of the monolithic body in contact together to form an operational tool that can be operably manipulated by the user. The operational tool has a distal tool end, a proximal user engagement end, and one or more hinge points. The transformation from the operational configuration to the non-operational configuration includes disengaging the engaged portions from each other.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a tool driver device that can apply counter-torque to the device while applying torque to a target component that is engaging a target base. The example device can be operated by one hand to actuate a power input component that provides the desired torque, while providing counter-torque to offset rotation of the device. A selectably engaged counter-torque component is selected to complement the target base, to operably hold it in place during use. A power input provides power to apply rotational force to drive a selectably coupled tool, which has been selected to complement the target component engaged with a target base. The counter-torque component is operably engaged with the base, which applies counter-torque to the torque provided by the target component.

Abstract: A soft tissue implant for correction of temporalis depressions or hollowing. The implant has a symmetric shape or external configuration, so that the device may be used as either a right or left temporalis implant. The implant may lie under or on top of the remaining temporalis muscle, or in the location formerly occupied by the temporalis muscle, to correct post-craniectomy temporal hollowing. The implant is manufactured from a medical grade, long term implantable silicone polymer material. The implant has a shell which forms the base of the device, with the base having an exterior surface and an interior surface with spaced projecting support structures. The implant is fully flexible or bendable.

Abstract: An implantable bone support system including a shelf clip supported on a portion of the perimeter of the skull opening. The shelf clip includes upper and lower body portions. The legs of the lower body portion are positioned such that one leg is engaged with the skull perimeter in a direction away from the skull opening. The opposing leg is positioned into the skull opening to form a portion of a shelf for receiving the bone flap or implant. In an adjustable height embodiment, the ratcheting leg of the upper body portion engages a central post, via ratchet teeth on the leg and the central post, and is pressed into engagement to capture the skull between the upper and lower body portions. The removable or locking leg is formed for engagement with the upper body portion of the clip, and engages an external surface of the bone flap or implant to capture the bone flap or implant within the shelf created by the clips within the skull opening.

Abstract: A spine fixation device including an elongated bone screw partially embedded in a vertebra of a spine and a retaining head that can receive a rod and a head of the bone screw. The retaining head has an inner member that includes a screw head receiving section for receiving the screw head. The retaining head further has an outer member that includes an inner face that can contact an outer face of the screw head receiving section. When the inner face is in contact with the outer face, the screw head receiving section applies pressure to the screw head to fixate the relative angle between the bone screw and the retaining head.

Abstract: A connector device for a spinal stabilization apparatus comprises a first elongated portion adapted to engage a first spinal stabilizer rod proximal to the first end of the elongated member. The first end of the first elongated portion comprises a hook shape and a ferrule and may engage the first spinal stabilizer rod within about 20 degrees of perpendicular to the spinal stabilizer rod in any direction. The ferrule is adapted to be seated within the hook shape and is further adapted to engage the first spinal stabilizer rod. The connector device may also include a second elongated portion similar to the first adapted to engage a second spinal stabilizer. The first elongated portion and the second elongated portion may be directly attached. The connector device may be used in a method of treating a patient.

Abstract: The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize an apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for removably suspending a spacer in the intervertebral space while forming such a channel as well as systems, apparatuses and methods for use of dynamized implant members.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for forming an arcuate channel in one or more segments of a bone, bony structure or adjacent vertebrae of a spine. The apparatus includes, inter alia, a base member which is positioned proximate to the surgical site, a support arm extending proximally from the base member, an arcuate guide member and a drill assembly. The arcuate guide member is slidably mounted to the support arm. The drill assembly is operatively coupled to the support arm and includes a drill bit attached to the distal end of a flexible drive cable. The flexible drive cable extends axially along the support arm and is axially and rotationally movable with respect thereto. The drill bit is operatively coupled to an end of the arcuate guide member such that when the drill assembly is moved distally, the arcuate guide member slides with respect to the support arm and forces the drill bit to traverse an arcuate path.

Abstract: An implant assembly includes an implant having an upper element and a lower element coaxially aligned with one another. The upper and lower elements are configured to be displaced relative to one another along a longitudinal axis of the implant. The implant assembly also includes a setting tool having a cassette and a tool body. The cassette has a housing, a gear held by the housing, and a drive shaft driving the gear. The cassette holds the implant such that the gear engages the implant to displace the upper and lower elements relative to one another. The tool body has an inner portion and an outer portion being angled relative to one another. The cassette is mounted to the inner portion. The tool body has an outer shaft and an inner shaft rotatable received in the outer shaft. The inner shaft includes a flexible joint at the intersection of the inner and outer portions. The inner shaft drives the drive shaft of the cassette.

Abstract: The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize an apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for removably suspending a spacer in the intervertebral space while forming such a channel as well as systems, apparatuses and methods for use of dynamized implant members.

Abstract: The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize an apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for removably suspending a spacer in the intervertebral space while forming such a channel as well as systems, apparatuses and methods for use of dynamized implant members.

Abstract: The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize a new apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member, which also preferably is arcuate, and avoids the associated problems with prior cage or straight rod and screw systems. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for repairing, replacing or augmenting the nucleus and/or annulus of a disc.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for forming an arcuate channel in one or more segments of a bone, bony structure or adjacent vertebrae of a spine. The apparatus includes, inter alia, a base member which is positioned proximate to the surgical site, a support arm extending proximally from the base member, an arcuate guide member and a drill assembly. The arcuate guide member is slidably mounted to the support arm. The drill assembly is operatively coupled to the support arm and includes a drill bit attached to the distal end of a flexible drive cable. The flexible drive cable extends axially along the support arm and is axially and rotationally movable with respect thereto. The drill bit is operatively coupled to an end of the arcuate guide member such that when the drill assembly is moved distally, the arcuate guide member slides with respect to the support arm and forces the drill bit to traverse an arcuate path.

Abstract: The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize an apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for removably suspending a spacer in the intervertebral space while forming such a channel as well as systems, apparatuses and methods for use of dynamized implant members.

Abstract: A soft tissue implant for correction of temporalis depressions or hollowing. The implant has a symmetric shape or external configuration, so that the device may be used as either a right or left temporalis implant. The implant may lie under or on top of the remaining temporalis muscle, or in the location formerly occupied by the temporalis muscle, to correct post-craniectomy temporal hollowing. The implant is manufactured from a medical grade, long term implantable silicone polymer material. The implant has a shell which forms the base of the device, with the base having an exterior surface and an interior surface with spaced projecting support structures. The implant is fully flexible or bendable.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly comprises a bone screw having a shaft and a head, a stabilizer retainer, a set screw, and a housing having a proximal opening, biased to one side, and a distal opening that open on an interior cavity. The stabilizer retainer has a cylindrical channel that receives a stabilizer. The retainer has flexible portions that allow passage of the stabilizer into the channel. An arcuate wall of the channel maintains contact with the stabilizer within the channel. The housing is adapted to receive the bone screw, the stabilizer retainer and the set screw in the interior cavity. The housing has a channel that permits passage of the stabilizer though the housing. The set screw is engaged in the distal opening. The set screw and stabilizer retainer engage and prevent movement of the flexible portions, preventing movement of the stabilizer from the stabilizer retainer.

Abstract: An implant assembly includes an implant having an upper element and a lower element coaxially aligned with one another. The upper and lower elements are configured to be displaced relative to one another along a longitudinal axis of the implant. The implant assembly also includes a setting tool having a cassette and a tool body. The cassette has a housing, a gear held by the housing, and a drive shaft driving the gear. The cassette holds the implant such that the gear engages the implant to displace the upper and lower elements relative to one another. The tool body has an inner portion and an outer portion being angled relative to one another. The cassette is mounted to the inner portion. The tool body has an outer shaft and an inner shaft rotatable received in the outer shaft. The inner shaft includes a flexible joint at the intersection of the inner and outer portions. The inner shaft drives the drive shaft of the cassette.

Abstract: A connector device for a spinal stabilization apparatus comprises a first elongated portion adapted to engage a first spinal stabilizer rod proximal to the first end of the elongated member. The first end of the first elongated portion comprises a hook shape and a ferrule and may engage the first spinal stabilizer rod within about 20 degrees of perpendicular to the spinal stabilizer rod in any direction. The ferrule is adapted to be seated within the hook shape and is further adapted to engage the first spinal stabilizer rod. The connector device may also include a second elongated portion similar to the first adapted to engage a second spinal stabilizer. The first elongated portion and the second elongated portion may be directly attached. The connector device may be used in a method of treating a patient.