Abstract: The embodiments provide devices and methods that both strengthen the bone and stimulate the bone. Bone fractures or non-unions are stabilized, integrated or healed, which results in reduction of a bone defect, such as a bone marrow lesion or edema. In addition, the distribution of forces in a joint are restored or altered to relieve pain. In general, a joint is evaluated by taking an image of the joint and one or more subchondral defects are detected. At least one of the subchondral defects may be diagnosed as the source of pain and an extent of treatment for the subchondral defect is determined. The disclosed devices and techniques are particularly suited for treating chronic defects or injuries, where the patient's natural healing response has not resolved the defect. The present disclosure also provides several exemplary treatment modalities for the different extents of treatment needed.

Abstract: The embodiments provide provides devices, instruments, and associated methods for treating joint pain. A joint is evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging to detect any defects in the subchondral bone. For example, using T2-weighted MRI images, bone marrow lesions or edemas can be identified, and using T1-weighted MRI images, associated regions of sclerotic bone adjacent to the bone marrow lesion can be identified. The treatment method may involve introducing a bone void filler material at the site to address the bone marrow lesion or edema, and/or drilling and inserting an implant to address the sclerotic bone, bone marrow lesion or edema, and insufficiency or stress fractures. An access path is mapped to a location in the subchondral region where the insufficiency fracture resides. The access path attempts to preserve an articular surface of the joint. A reinforcing member that stabilizes the insufficiency fracture is then implanted via the access path.

Abstract: Instruments and associated methods are disclosed for treating joints, and particularly bone tissue. One of these instruments may be a positioning instrument for controlled delivery of a device to a target site of the bone tissue being treated. The positioning instrument may comprise a main body extending at one end into an indicator probe for visual determination of a target site of a bone to be treated, and at an opposite end into a handle. A rail extends from the main body. The instrument also includes an alignment guide having a device portal for insertion of a device therethrough, the alignment guide being detachable and movable along a length of the rail. The device may comprise an implant insertion tool, an injection catheter, a cavity creation tool such as a bone drill, for example, or the device may be an implantable device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments particularly suitable for preparing vertebral endplates during spinal interbody surgical procedures. Methods of using such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and kits for the controlled delivery of viscous, multi component compositions.

Abstract: Methods of preparing bioactive composites are described. Also described are methods of molding such composites. Shaped bodies comprising bioactive composites are further described.

Abstract: A composite telescoping interbody spinal implant and method of using the implant. The implant includes a cage formed of metal, a metal alloy, or both. The cage is able to change size following manufacture, and has a top plate with a plurality of posts and a bottom plate with a corresponding plurality of columns. The posts telescopically engage the columns upon assembly of the top plate with the bottom plate. The posts extend partially outside the columns when the top plate is in a raised first position with respect to the bottom plate; the posts and columns are fully engaged when the top plate is in a second position closest to the bottom plate. The implant also includes a non-metallic body inserted between the top plate and the bottom plate and defining the adjustable height of the implant.

Abstract: This present invention relates to interbody spinal implants and methods of using such implants. Certain embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable for placement using an anterior surgical approach. Certain embodiments of the present invention include a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, and opposing anterior and posterior portions. Interbody spinal implants, as now taught, further include roughened surface topography on at least a portion of its top surface and/or bottom surface. Preferred embodiments of the interbody spinal implant are substantially hollow and have a generally oval-shaped transverse cross-sectional area. Preferred embodiments of further include at least one aperture that extends the entire height of the implant body. This vertical aperture also defines a transverse rim having greater posterior thickness than anterior thickness.

Abstract: A spinal rod including an elongated flexible component and a reinforcing component, the reinforcing component being resistant to damage from compressive forces and disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the flexible component so as to define at least one compression slot.

Abstract: Biocompatible bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.

Abstract: Novel kits are provided for the delivery of restorative or injectable compositions into an intraosseous space or surgical defect comprising cannulae for accessing an intraosseous space, mandarins insertable into the cannulae and movable therein, one or more catheters and a system for the delivery of aliquots of restorative compositions into the space via the catheters.

Abstract: Biocompatible bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.

Abstract: A pliable bone restorative having an osteoconductive foam that at least partially surrounds a biocompatible mesh and the foam comprises a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and calcium phosphate.

Abstract: An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, opposing anterior and posterior portions, a substantially hollow center, and a single vertical aperture. The single vertical aperture extends from the top surface to the bottom surface, has a size and shape predetermined to maximize the surface area of the top surface and the bottom surface available proximate the anterior and posterior portions while maximizing both radiographic visualization and access to the substantially hollow center, and defines a transverse rim. The body may be non-metallic and may form one component of a composite implant; the other component is a metal plate disposed on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments particularly suitable for preparing vertebral endplates during spinal interbody surgical procedures. Methods of using such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and kits, and methods of their use, for the delivery of viscous compositions are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocompatible bone graft materials for repairing bone defects and the application of such bone graft materials.

Abstract: Devices for facilitating access to a surgical situs, as well as methods of their use, are described.

Abstract: Harvesting apparatuses comprising a generally cylindrical outer cannula having one end secured in a first handle and having a distal end that is generally semicylindrical, and a generally cylindrical inner cannula having one end secured in a second handle and having a distal end that is generally semicylindrical, are provided. The present invention provides for apparatuses wherein the inner cannula is rotatable with respect to the outer cannula such that, in cooperation with the outer cannula, a volume at the distal end of both cannulas is substantially enclosed. Also provided are kits comprising the apparatuses of the present invention, as well as methods of using the apparatuses of the present invention.

Abstract: Biocompatible bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.