Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided having an actuator mechanism with an integrated extension element. The surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly, an elongate shaft, and an end effector. The end effector can comprise a jaw assembly having atraumatic pads positioned thereon to reduce force on grasped tissue. An actuator is movable within the elongate shaft to actuate jaws of the jaw assembly responsive to movement of a movable handle of the handle assembly. The actuator can have an integrated extension element that allows the actuator to translate within the elongate shaft upon application of a relatively low force and translate and extend upon application of a relatively higher force to the actuator to limit the force applied by the jaw assembly. The actuator is also able to utilize force stored with the integrated extension element to provide a dynamic amount of force used to grasp the tissue in scenarios where the tissue volume decreases while in the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided having an actuator mechanism with an integrated extension element. The surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly, an elongate shaft, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a jaw assembly having atraumatic pads to reduce force on grasped tissue. An actuator is movable within the elongate shaft to actuate jaws of the jaw assembly responsive to a movable handle of the handle assembly. The actuator can have an integrated extension element that allows the actuator to translate within the elongate shaft upon application of a relatively low force and translate and extend upon application of a relatively higher force to the actuator to limit the force applied by the jaw assembly. The actuator also utilizes forces stored with the integrated extension element to provide a dynamic amount of force used to grasp the tissue when the tissue volume decreases while in the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided having an actuator mechanism with an integrated extension element. The surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly, an elongate shaft, and an end effector. The end effector can comprise a jaw assembly having atraumatic pads positioned thereon to reduce force on grasped tissue. An actuator is movable within the elongate shaft to actuate jaws of the jaw assembly responsive to movement of a movable handle of the handle assembly. The actuator can have an integrated extension element that allows the actuator to translate within the elongate shaft upon application of a relatively low force and translate and extend upon application of a relatively higher force to the actuator to limit the force applied by the jaw assembly. The actuator is also able to utilize force stored with the integrated extension element to provide a dynamic amount of force used to grasp the tissue in scenarios where the tissue volume decreases while in the jaws.

Abstract: Radial head implant apparatuses and methods are provided in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein wherein a shaft and a head portion can be axially movable within a stem portion. In one embodiment, a radial head implant can include a head portion for articular engagement with a humerus bone, a stem portion for engagement with a radius bone, and a shaft for engagement with the stem portion. The head portion can include an upper surface for engaging the humerus bone. The stem portion can have an axial opening for receiving at least a portion of the shaft, and a collar can be disposed around the stem portion at a proximal end thereof. An upper portion of the shaft can be configured for engaging the head portion, while a lower portion of the shaft can be elongated and cylindrical for axially fitting into and moving within the axial opening of the stem portion. Other embodiments are also disclosed for axial movement for a radial head implant.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for an instrument for use in an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedure for distraction of adjacent vertebrae and insertion of a vertebral body replacement (VBR) implant. The instrument includes a hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end, an inserter shaft positioned within the body configured to removably engage a VBR implant near the distal end of the body, an actuatable handle coupled to the body, the handle being configured to engage the inserter shaft to advance the VBR implant in a distal direction during handle actuation, and a pair of opposed distraction arms removably coupled to the distal end of the body, the distraction arms having paddle tips configured to fit between adjacent vertebrae, the distraction arms being movable from a closed position to an open position during distal advancement of the VBR implant between the distraction arms.

Abstract: Compression screw apparatuses, systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the compression screw includes a primary screw and a secondary screw. The primary screw includes an at least partially threaded leading portion and an at least partially threaded trailing portion. The secondary screw includes outer threads and has a central opening which is also threaded and adapted for being screwed onto and matingly engaging the trailing portion of the primary screw. Drivers can be used to rotatably control the primary screw and the secondary screw to cause compression of spaced-apart material, particularly for compression of bone fragments across a fracture line.

Abstract: Prosthetic wrist implants and methods are provided. The prosthetic wrist implant includes a radial component including a base member having an upper bearing surface and a lower surface having an elongated radial stem for fixation to a radius bone. The elongated radial stem can be in an off-center position in relation to a center of the lower surface. A carpal component is also provided including a substantially planar base member having an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one socket protrusion extending therefrom, and may further included an elongated carpal post member for fixation to one or more carpal bones. An articulating bearing component for placement between the radial and carpal components is provided and includes an upper surface defining at least one socket recess and a lower bearing surface for cooperative engagement with the upper bearing surface of the radial component.

Abstract: Compression screw apparatuses, systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the compression screw includes a primary screw and a secondary screw. The primary screw includes an at least partially threaded leading portion and an at least partially threaded trailing portion. The secondary screw includes outer threads and has a central opening which is also threaded and adapted for being screwed onto and matingly engaging the trailing portion of the primary screw. Drivers can be used to rotatably control the primary screw and the secondary screw to cause compression of spaced-apart material, particularly for compression of bone fragments across a fracture line.

Abstract: Prosthetic wrist implants and methods are provided. The prosthetic wrist implant includes a radial component including a base member having an upper bearing surface and a lower surface having an elongated radial stem for fixation to a radius bone. The elongated radial stem can be in an off-center position in relation to a center of the lower surface. A carpal component is also provided including a substantially planar base member having an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one socket protrusion extending therefrom, and may further included an elongated carpal post member for fixation to one or more carpal bones. An articulating bearing component for placement between the radial and carpal components is provided and includes an upper surface defining at least one socket recess and a lower bearing surface for cooperative engagement with the upper bearing surface of the radial component.