Abstract: Modular bone implants, means of assembly, and their method of use are presented.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly which may include a bone fixation element, a collet and a flexible line. The bone fixation element may comprise a first and second passageway and at least the first passageway is configured to receive the collet. The flexible line passes through both passageways and is secured through the second passageway. The collet may be advanced into the first passageway causing the collet to circumferentially engage the flexible line fixing it in place. Instrumentation for securing the collet includes a collet driver, a counter torque instrument and a tensioner.

Abstract: Implants and methods are presented for surgically repairing a hip joint with a proximal femoral prosthesis that comprises femoral head component and a femoral stem component. The femoral stem component comprising a neck portion, a flange portion, a transitional body region and an elongated stem. The femur is prepared for implantation of the femoral hip prosthesis by resecting the proximal femur and reaming a symmetric intramedullary cavity in the femur. The femoral hip prosthesis is then inserted the on the resected femur and in the intramedullary cavity. The femoral hip prosthesis elastically deforms when loaded during use to apply dynamic compressive loads and displacement to the calcar region of the resected proximal femur.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for securing a graft ligament in a bone tunnel. A method is disclosed comprising the steps of forming a first bone tunnel and a second bone tunnel being transverse to, and intersecting one another; positioning a closed loop of a flexible member within the first bone tunnel and a portion of the second bone tunnel such that the closed loop extends out of the first bone tunnel and the second bone tunnel, parting the closed loop outside the second bone tunnel so as to create a first free end and a second free end, and passing the second free end through the opposite end of a second free end through the opposite end of second bone tunnel, and positioning the graft ligament over a portion of the flexible member extending out of the first opening; and pulling the flexible member so as to draw the graft ligament into the first bone tunnel.

Abstract: A suture anchor and inserter arrangement, including a suture anchor for implanting in hard tissue, such as bone, and an inserter device for installing the suture anchor in hard tissue. The suture anchor carries thereon a suture-engaging structure formed from suture, which structure cooperates with working suture associated with the inserter device so as to attach the working suture to the suture anchor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for securing a graft ligament in a bone tunnel. A method is disclosed comprising the steps of forming a first bone tunnel and a second bone tunnel being transverse to, and intersecting one another; positioning a closed loop of a flexible member within the first bone tunnel and a portion of the second bone tunnel such that the closed loop extends out of the first bone tunnel and the second bone tunnel, parting the closed loop outside the second bone tunnel so as to create a first free end and a second free end, and passing the second free end through the opposite end of second bone tunnel, and positioning the graft ligament over a portion of the flexible member extending out of the first opening; and pulling the flexible member so as to draw the graft ligament into the first bone tunnel.

Abstract: A system for restoring articular cartilage has a cover, an anchor, and a tether that cooperate to retain graft tissue with respect to a graft site. The cover is attached to the anchor via the tether. The tether passes through a tunnel through a bone to which the articular cartilage is attached. The tunnel connects the graft site to an anchoring side of the bone. The anchor is retained proximate the anchoring side such that tension in the tether keeps the cover in place over the tissue graft to capture the tissue graft at the proper position with respect to the graft site. The cover and/or the anchor may be bioabsorbable. The cover may be perforated to permit fluids to access the tissue graft from outside the cover to enhance incorporation of the graft tissue with the graft site. The cover may be formed of rigid or flexible materials.

Abstract: A spinal plating system for vertebral fixation includes a plate, a compression screw, multiple fixation members and polyaxially adjustable locking rings. The plate is shaped to conform to the curvature of the spine and the surfaces of the vertebral bodies. The compression screw fits through an insert, and together they are guided by the plate as the screw is driven into one of the vertebrae, producing compression between the adjacent vertebrae. A retaining lip on the plate prevents backout of the compression screw. The polyaxial locking rings can be polyaxially pivoted to attain a desired orientation, and are lockable to the plate to maintain the orientation. The fixation members fit through openings in the polyaxial locking rings and the plate to fix the plate to the vertebrae. Locking the polyaxial locking rings fixes the position of the fixation members relative to the plate, and prevents backout of the fixation members.

Abstract: Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.

Abstract: Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.

Abstract: Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.

Abstract: Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing minimally invasive knee surgery.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described.

Abstract: A method for mounting a tibial condylar implant includes forming a tunnel having a proximal end on a lateral, medial, or anterior side of a proximal end of the tibia and a distal end on an at least partially resected lateral or medial facet at the proximal end of the tibia. A condylar implant is positioned over the distal end of the tunnel. A fastener is advanced into the tunnel from the proximal end of the tunnel. The fastener which is at least partially disposed within the tunnel is secured to the condylar implant.

Abstract: An implantable intramedullary fixation structure adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a long bone is disclosed comprising a plurality of elongated segments. Each segment has a first end and a complementarily-shaped second end such that the first end of a segment cooperatively engages the second end of an adjacent segment. The segments define a guide aperture so as to be receivable over a guide for positioning in the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable device, a portion of which is formed of a material which is a combination of copolymers PCLM-12 and SMC-7, and nucleating agent A-6. The implantable device may be an intramedullary bone fixation device. The implantable device may have a body with a composite portion including a thermo-chemically activated matrix formed from the copolymer material, and a support structure formed from a second material. The body may be deformable at a first thermo-chemical state and hardened at a second thermo-chemical state. The implantable device may be heated to reach the deformable first thermo-chemical state, deformed, inserted into the intramedullary canal of a fractured bone, and cooled to reach the hardened second thermo-chemical state, providing rigid support during healing of the fractures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone fixation device for implantation into the intramedullary canal of a bone. The bone fixation device may include a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening which is not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. While in the first thermo-chemical state, the matrix is deformable and can conform to a shape matching the contours of the intramedullary canal of the bone. As the matrix attains the second thermo-chemical state, it may crystallize and becomes relatively hardened. An implant deformation apparatus may be used to expand the device within the intramedullary canal. The device may include a series of nested telescoping components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone fixation device for implantation into the intramedullary canal of a bone. The bone fixation device may include a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening which is not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. While in the first thermo-chemical state, the matrix is deformable and can conform to a shape matching the contours of the intramedullary canal of the bone. As the matrix attains the second thermo-chemical state, it may crystallize and becomes relatively hardened. An implant deformation apparatus may be used to expand the device within the intramedullary canal. The device may include a series of nested telescoping components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone fixation device for implantation into the intramedullary canal of a bone. The bone fixation device may have a composite portion including a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix, and may have a non-composite portion. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. While in the first thermo-chemical state, the matrix is substantially deformable and can conform to a shape matching the contours of the intramedullary canal of the bone. As the matrix attains the second thermo-chemical state, it may crystallize and becomes substantially hardened. An implant deformation apparatus may be used to expand the device within the intramedullary canal.