Abstract: A tool is described for use in a stabilization system for bony structures such as vertebrae, where the system involves connected a connector from one bone anchor in a vertebra to a second bone anchor in another vertebra. The tool includes a handle attached to an arm. The arm is connected by a pivot to a connector engagement mechanism, the pivot allowing the connector engagement mechanism to move from an orientation inline with the arm to an orientation at an angle relative to the arm by rotating at the pivot. The connector engagement mechanism is engaged to an end of the connector when the tool is in its inline orientation and by causing the movement, which can be by the movement of a lever on the handle, of the connector engagement mechanism to the angled orientation, the end of the connector is moved into a position for engagement with the second bone anchor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows for the mounting of a medical navigation system external to a patient. In one embodiment, displacement device is mounted around a patient's torso and serves to displace (e.g., distract or compress) the patient's skeleton in a manner such that the target site becomes fixed relative to a site on the displacement device. A navigation transmitter can then be mounted to the displacement device. The device has a quick disconnect that allows it to be removed without first releasing the displacement. Displacement can be controlled by pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical or by screw action. In one embodiment, the device can be used to position a patient on an operating table.

Abstract: A stabilization assembly is described that stabilizes bony structures such as vertebrae. The stabilization assembly is partially formed by a poly-axial assembly which includes an anchor connected to a poly axial connector assembly head, where the poly-axial connector-assembly head includes a slide ring mounted in the head and a connector mounted in the slide ring. The slide ring allows the connector to move between an upright and a horizontal position relative to the poly-axial connector-assembly head. In the upright position the connector engages with a drive mechanism on the anchor for inserting the anchor into a pedicle. In the horizontal position the connector can engage a poly-axial connector capturing assembly which is the second piece included in the stabilization assembly. An end of the connector engages with a poly-axial connector-capturing head which is connected another anchor mounted in a second pedicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for dynamic stabilization which provides for distraction of the inter-vertebral space while still allowing a patient a substantial range of motion. In one embodiment, an inter-vertebral dynamic brace is used to maintain proper distraction. The dynamic brace is designed to allow the vertebrae to which it is attached to move through their natural arc, maintaining the correct instantaneous center of rotation. An adjustable tensioning device is used to maintain the proper distraction and compression forces to restore and maintain proper kinematics, while allowing the dynamic brace to move through an arc centered with respect to the center of rotation of the portion of the spine between the vertebrae. In one embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting the dynamic brace both with respect to the center of rotation of the vertebrae in both the flexion/extension axis and in the superior/inferior axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displacing bony structures relative to each other using a single device is disclosed. Displacement includes distraction and compression. Bony structures are engaged with displacement arms. The user selects one of a plurality of manners in which to manipulate a user interface, where a first manner results in compression and a second manner results in distraction. The user interface is manipulated in the selected manner until a desired amount of displacement has been reached. This displacement is performed in a manner that is minimally invasive to the patient.

Abstract: A closure member, such as a set screw, and complementary receiving member are included in a medical implant device. The receiving member has a plurality of noncontiguous, threaded walls substantially defining a bore for receiving the threaded closure member. When the closure member is inserted into the receiving member, their respective threads interlock to join the noncontiguous walls of the receiving member. The closure member has an outer thread configured to interlock with the inner walls of the receiving member in a manner that aids in preventing the noncontiguous walls of the receiving member from moving away from the closure member. In certain embodiments, the closure member's outer thread includes a trailing edge having a point that is rearward of the trailing edge's root, and the outer thread includes a leading edge having a point that is forward of the leading edge's root.

Abstract: A bone anchor includes an anchor body configured to be retained within bone. The anchor body includes a restrictor defining an opening having a first portion for permitting passage of a member therethrough, and a second portion restricting passage of the member therethrough. The member is movable between the first and second portions in a direction non-parallel to a direction of passage of the member through the opening. The restrictor includes an edge lining the opening oriented obliquely to a direction of passage of the member through the opening. The anchor body includes one or more resilient members with sharp, proximal edges for penetrating bone tissue.

Abstract: A method of deploying a fixation mechanism includes providing an insertion instrument and a fixation mechanism, creating an insertion tunnel within tissue of a patient, and positioning the insertion instrument with the fixation mechanism in the insertion tunnel. The insertion instrument includes a main member connected to an instrument handle and a secondary member connected to a pushing handle and positioned within the main member. The main member and the secondary member extend along a longitudinal axis. The fixation mechanism includes a first portion coupled to the main member and a second portion coupled to the secondary member. The method includes translating the pushing handle along the longitudinal axis relative to the instrument handle such that translating causes the secondary member to move the second portion relative to the first portion.

Abstract: A bone anchor includes an anchor body configured to be retained within bone. The anchor body includes a restrictor defining an opening having a first portion for permitting passage of a member therethrough, and a second portion restricting passage of the member therethrough. The member is movable between the first and second portions in a direction non-parallel to a direction of passage of the member through the opening. The restrictor includes an edge lining the opening oriented obliquely to a direction of passage of the member through the opening. The anchor body includes one or more resilient members with sharp, proximal edges for penetrating bone tissue.

Abstract: A tool includes a housing adapted to receive an anchor with attached suture, and a suture retainer adapted to receive the attached suture. The suture retainer is configured to regulate deployment of the suture from the retainer such that deployment of the suture from the housing does not occur until a load applied to the suture corresponds to at least a selected minimum fixation strength of the anchor in bone. A method includes inserting a suture anchor at an attachment site, the suture anchor having an attached suture, and deploying the attached suture from a suture retainer when a load applied to the suture corresponds to at least a selected minimum fixation strength of the anchor in bone.

Abstract: An anchor includes an anchor body configured to be retained within base tissue. The anchor body includes a unidirectional mechanism to selectively restrict passage of a flexible member through the anchor. The flexible member includes a loop to enable attachment of candidate tissue to base tissue without the use of knots.

Abstract: A bone anchor includes an anchor body configured to be retained within bone. The anchor body includes a restrictor defining an opening having a first portion for permitting passage of a member therethrough, and a second portion restricting passage of the member therethrough. The member is movable between the first and second portions in a direction non-parallel to a direction of passage of the member through the opening. The restrictor includes an edge lining the opening oriented obliquely to a direction of passage of the member through the opening. The anchor body includes one or more resilient members with sharp, proximal edges for penetrating bone tissue.

Abstract: A tool for preparing a bone end for prosthetic joint replacement. The tool rests on a resected end of one bone of an articulating joint set, and includes a jack assembly for supporting an opposing bone of the set in flexion while the bone ends remain attached together by ligaments. The jack pivotally supports the opposing bone and raises it to the spacing of the intended prosthesis to allow the surgeon to balance soft tissue tension. This support allows the bone to rotate under the tension of the connecting ligaments, into natural alignment while a template carried by the jack assembly lies against the prepared end, so subsequent cuts are in correct rotational alignment and the bone enjoys a natural posture when the joint components are attached.