Abstract: Occipital plates and assemblies combining occipital plates with one of several types of spinal rods or cervical plates in a procedure to fuse a portion of a skull to a portion of a spine. An array of different occipital plates are disclosed, including options for making adjustments to the occipital plates by bending thinned portions of the occipital plates. The spinal rods engage polyaxial connector assemblies that are rotated posterior of the bony attachment section that provides an array of screw holes for affixing the occipital plate to the skull using at least one non-angled and non-articulated instrument. One or more holes for securing tensioning cables are provided in the occipital plates. Additional variations of these concepts are disclosed. Methods of using the disclosed components in surgical procedures are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for a digital data collection software in which a handheld electronic device collects and integrates one or more forms of data for outcome reporting. The various modules within the software can provide a patient-friendly and/or physician-friendly user interface for collecting various forms of data. The data collection templates, standardized reports and surveys can comprise consecutive predefined or custom questions or checklists, where the answers may be entered by using touch screen features, nested in menus or submenus, 3D virtual anatomical models, audio and/or visual cues. A permanent record can be generated from the collected data, where the permanent record can be synchronized for later manipulation such as optimization of the data collection template, production of reports or data analysis. All permanent records can desirably have redundant storage and compliant encryption methods.

Abstract: A motorized drill is mounted in the handle of a Kerrison Rongeur System utilized by a surgeon to perform surgical procedures on a patient, includes mechanism for moving the rotating drill toward the fixed upstanding foot mounted at the remote end of the pistol-shaped handle for removing bone which is located between the upstanding foot and the drill bit. In another embodiment, the drill is removably fixed in the handle and the foot moves relative to the drill bit. In either embodiment a trigger operated by the surgeon actuates the foot/drill and the trigger is biased to maximize the space between the foot and the drill bit. The foot shape and dimension can be modified for perfecting given surgical procedures. In one embodiment the drill motor releasing mechanism includes a pinion gear and rack performing the additional function of releasing the motor locked in position in the handle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and implants for enhancing or restoring the mechanical function of collagenous tissue. Specifically exemplified is the replacement or repair of endogenous nucleus pulposus with allogenic, xenogenic, or both nucleus pulposus that has been augmented with growth factors and glycosaminoglycans, via injection into a weakened intervertebral disc. Also disclosed is an implant to restore mechanical function to a damaged vertebral column. Additionally, methods and products for augmenting the extracellular matrix and cell content of a damaged nucleus pulposus through infusion of selected stem cells and other restorative materials are disclosed. The methods and products disclosed may be adapted for use in repair of all soft or hard tissue found in association with articulating joints.

Abstract: A spinal implant system includes a pair of spinal rods arranged on opposite sides of the spinous processes of a patient. An transverse connector assembly in accordance with the invention includes a plate having a central portion which spans between the spinal rods. At each end of the central portion is an integral body portion having an elongated slot formed therein. An eyebolt extending through the slot and has an opening to receive the spinal rod therethrough to clamp the spinal rod to a respective one of the body portions. At the end of each body portion distal from the central portion is an enlarged end piece having an end face oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slot in the plate body. A threaded post extends from the end face and is used together with a nut to clamp the yoke portion of the vertebral fixation element to the plate. In another embodiment, an eyebolt assembly is used to mount a vertebral fixation element to an endpiece bar extending from the plate.

Abstract: A variable angle bone screw system for use in a spinal implant system to connect a vertebral fixation element to a spinal rod extending adjacent the vertebral column in a patient. The system includes an eyebolt having a threaded stem, a washer receivable over the stem of the eyebolt, a bone screw including a yoked head to permit top loading of the stem of the eyebolt, and a nut engaging the threaded stem of the eyebolt and cooperating with the eyebolt to clamp the bone screw and washer therebetween. The bone screw head and the washer include interdigitating locking means for restraining the pivoting of the screw about the axis of the eyebolt threaded stem but permitting interlocking in variable angular orientations.