Abstract: The present invention is related to agents capable of binding to and inhibiting or antagonizing the action of IL-11 and/or or IL-11RA for the treatment and/or prevention of abnormal uterine bleeding, which comprises heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged bleeding, altered bleeding pattern, dysmenorrhea, as well as of the underlying diseases leiomyoma and endometriosis and the use of the agent to inhibit menstruation. Furthermore, the invention provides novel IL-11 antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a uniplanar bone anchoring element (10) comprising an anchoring screw (12) with a bone thread (14) and a screw head (18), which is flattened on at least one side (17); a receiving element (20) that has a through-bore which tapers in a lower region (21) and in which the anchoring screw (12) can be received; and two limbs (25, 26) which extend upwards and which comprise a threaded profile (27) in an upper region, said threaded profile being designed for screwing on a securing screw. The receiving element (20) has an inner groove (24) which partly runs at least in the circumferential direction in the seat region of the anchoring screw head (18). The bone anchoring element also comprises a bearing element (40) for inserting into the inner groove (24) of the receiving element (20).

Abstract: A functionally dynamic stabilization unit and system for treatment of spinal instability are provided. Each unit, and collectively, the system, is configured to control flexion, extension and translation of the affected unstable vertebral area, thereby stabilizing the vertebral segments by restoring normal function. This is achieved by providing a unit and system that allow for lateral bending, axial compression, rotation, anterior segmental height adjustment, and posterior segmental height adjustment. The unit and system provide sufficient segmental stiffness, while also limiting, or controlling, the range of motion (i.e., sufficient stiffness in the neutral or active zone, while limiting or preventing motion outside of the active zone) to stabilize the vertebral segments. In use, the system mimics the natural movement of the normal spine. Furthermore, the system includes a rigid, fusion-promoting coupler configured for use in an adjacent level, or as a substitute for the functionally dynamic unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a uniplanar bone anchoring element (10) comprising an anchoring screw (12) with a bone thread (14) and a screw head (18), which is flattened on at least one side (17); a receiving element (20) that has a through-bore which tapers in a lower region (21) and in which the anchoring screw (12) can be received; and two limbs (25, 26) which extend upwards and which comprise a threaded profile (27) in an upper region, said threaded profile being designed for screwing on a securing screw. The receiving element (20) has an inner groove (24) which partly runs at least in the circumferential direction in the seat region of the anchoring screw head (18). The bone anchoring element also comprises a bearing element (40) for inserting into the inner groove (24) of the receiving element (20).

Abstract: A functionally dynamic stabilization unit and system for treatment of spinal instability are provided. Each unit, and collectively, the system, is configured to control flexion, extension and translation of the affected unstable vertebral area, thereby stabilizing the vertebral segments by restoring normal function. This is achieved by providing a unit and system that allow for lateral bending, axial compression, rotation, anterior segmental height adjustment, and posterior segmental height adjustment. The unit and system provide sufficient segmental stiffness, while also limiting, or controlling, the range of motion (i.e., sufficient stiffness in the neutral or active zone, while limiting or preventing motion outside of the active zone) to stabilize the vertebral segments. In use, the system mimics the natural movement of the normal spine. Furthermore, the system includes a rigid, fusion-promoting coupler configured for use in an adjacent level, or as a substitute for the functionally dynamic unit.

Abstract: A functionally dynamic stabilization unit and system for treatment of spinal instability are provided. Each unit, and collectively, the system, is configured to control flexion, extension and translation of the affected unstable vertebral area, thereby stabilizing the vertebral segments by restoring normal function. This is achieved by providing a unit and system that allow for lateral bending, axial compression, rotation, anterior segmental height adjustment, and posterior segmental height adjustment. The unit and system provide sufficient segmental stiffness, while also limiting, or controlling, the range of motion (i.e., sufficient stiffness in the neutral or active zone, while limiting or preventing motion outside of the active zone) to stabilize the vertebral segments. In use, the system mimics the natural movement of the normal spine. Furthermore, the system includes a rigid, fusion-promoting coupler configured for use in an adjacent level, or as a substitute for the functionally dynamic unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinal implant composed of a plurality of parallel plates. The deliberate introduction of contours in the plates allows for the creation of biomechanically advantageous functions and adjustment options. The elasticity of the anchoring elements enables the disclosed implant to be adjusted to the osseous endplates, resulting in uniform force distribution and thus prevention of the risk of compaction or endplate compression fracture. The plate structure allows for the use of production methods in which hook-like undercut contours can be created, thus enabling the implant to be superbly anchored in the bone without causing damage thereto. Furthermore, the plates can be interconnected by an actuator in such a way that the height and/or the angular position can be adjusted. The vertical adjustment can vary along the length of the implant such that the segment can also be angularly adjusted.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant in the form of a bone-connecting device with an implant carrier, having at least two structure carriers for stimulating bone growth, the structure carriers can move relative to one another so that, due to a loading of the implant, a relative movement of the structure carriers occurs, the structure carriers furthermore contain structure elements that are arranged so that they define a plurality of partially open intermediate spaces, wherein a volume defined by these intermediate spaces and an immediate environment is deformed by the implant load, and a strain in the intermediate spaces and its immediate environment resulting from the deformation lies in the physiological range for bone growth.

Abstract: A functionally dynamic stabilization unit and system for treatment of spinal instability are provided. Each unit, and collectively, the system, is configured to control flexion, extension and translation of the affected unstable vertebral area, thereby stabilizing the vertebral segments by restoring normal function. This is achieved by providing a unit and system that allow for lateral bending, axial compression, rotation, anterior segmental height adjustment, and posterior segmental height adjustment. The unit and system provide sufficient segmental stiffness, while also limiting, or controlling, the range of motion (i.e., sufficient stiffness in the neutral or active zone, while limiting or preventing motion outside of the active zone) to stabilize the vertebral segments. In use, the system mimics the natural movement of the normal spine. Furthermore, the system includes a rigid, fusion-promoting coupler configured for use in an adjacent level, or as a substitute for the functionally dynamic unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinal implant composed of a plurality of parallel plates. The deliberate introduction of contours in the plates allows for the creation of biomechanically advantageous functions and adjustment options. The elasticity of the anchoring elements enables the disclosed implant to be adjusted to the osseous endplates, resulting in uniform force distribution and thus prevention of the risk of compaction or endplate compression fracture. The plate structure allows for the use of production methods in which hook-like undercut contours can be created, thus enabling the implant to be superbly anchored in the bone without causing damage thereto. Furthermore, the plates can be interconnected by an actuator in such a way that the height and/or the angular position can be adjusted. The vertical adjustment can vary along the length of the implant such that the segment can also be angularly adjusted.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant in the form of a bone-connecting device with an implant carrier, having at least two structure carriers for stimulating bone growth, the structure carriers can move relative to one another so that, due to a loading of the implant, a relative movement of the structure carriers occurs, the structure carriers furthermore contain structure elements that are arranged so that they define a plurality of partially open intermediate spaces, wherein a volume defined by these intermediate spaces and an immediate environment is deformed by the implant load, and a strain in the intermediate spaces and its immediate environment resulting from the deformation lies in the physiological range for bone growth.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprises surgical instruments for use with an implantable interspinous device having at least one pair of wings for securing the implantable device to a spinous process. The instrument system may include a surgical instrument for expanding or spreading the pair of wings to accommodate the spinous process. Further, a surgical instrument may be provided for crimping or compressing the pair of wings against the spinous process for secure attachment of the device to a vertebra. The surgical instruments may be configured similar to pliers and apply force to the pair of wings within a predetermined range so as to avoid damage, weakening or breakage of the pair of wings. The surgical instrument system may also include interspinous devices of differing sizes.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for preparing an interspinous space to receive an implantable device. The system may comprise a cutting tool guide having a guiding surface for directing a cutting tool therethrough and a holder for positioning the cutting tool guide relative to the interspinous space. The holder may be configured to adjustably attach to at least one of a pair of spinous processes defining the interspinous space.

Abstract: The present invention provides interspinous vertebral and lumbosacral stabilization devices, and methods of using these devices for treating spinal instability conditions. The invention includes interspinous vertebral stabilization devices adapted for placement between the spinous processes of two or more adjacent vertebrae. The invention also includes lumbar stabilization devices adapted to be placed between a lumbar vertebra and an adjacent vertebra, including the first sacral vertebra (S1), to stabilize the lumbosacral region of a patient, and method for using such devices.

Abstract: A bone-anchoring device is provided. The device may include a substantially rigid shaft having a threaded portion configured to engage bone. The bone-anchoring device may further include a head portion securely attached to the shaft and a cap portion having a hinged connection with the head portion. A substantially spherical cavity may be formed between the head portion and the cap portion.

Abstract: A bone-anchoring device is provided. The bone-anchoring device may comprise a screw including a threaded shaft portion configured to engage bone tissue, and a head portion having a cup-shaped cavity. The device may further include a rod connector and a linking member, wherein the linking member includes a spherical head portion configured to engage the cup-shaped cavity of the head of the screw, a widened flange s configured to engage the linking member, and an elongate body extending from the widened flange portion and configured to extend through an opening in the rod connector.

Abstract: Implantable devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae and the lumbosacral region of a patient. The devices can comprise an interspinous flexible spacer body having a substantially U-shape comprising a superior section, inferior section, and a midsection extending therebetween. The superior and/or inferior sections can include a pair of lateral walls configured to engage a spinous process of a vertebra. Fixation caps can be provided for securing a spinous process of a vertebra to the flexible spacer body. To secure the flexible spacer body between the lumbar vertebra and an adjacent vertebra, an anchor assembly is provided. Also provided are methods of using the implantable devices to stabilize a patient's spine.