Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Anchors are engageable to vertebra and a stabilization member is engageable between the anchors. The stabilization member includes an elongate tension member and a compression member in a passage of the tension member.

Abstract: A method for treating a vertebral bone comprises providing a bone filling material and mixing the bone filling material in a vessel to form a bone augmentation material. The method further comprises pressurizing the vessel with a pressurization source to retain a plurality of voids within the bone augmentation material. The method further includes inserting a material delivery device into the vertebral bone and injecting the bone augmentation material with the retained plurality of voids from the material delivery device and into the vertebral bone.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device is provided. The flexible connection unit includes an elongated member, such as a vertebral rod, having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite each other with a transition portion extending therebetween. The first end portion of the vertebral rod comprises an oval shape and the second end portion contains an oval or non-oval shape. The major diameter of the oval shaped first end is parallel to the sagittal plane of a patient's body and provides the higher stiffness for fusion to resist flexion in the sagittal plane. The second end portion of the vertebral rod is perpendicular to the sagittal end of a patient's body and provides the lower stiffness for fusion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining a longitudinal axis and including a drive interface engageable with a first surface of a bone fastener. The first surface is configured for penetrating a sacrum. A second member includes a drive interface engageable with a second surface of the bone fastener to translate the second surface relative to the first surface such that the second surface engages an outer non-articular surface of an ilium to draw separated articular surfaces of the sacrum and the ilium into fixation. In some embodiments, systems and methods are disclosed. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for repairing annulus defects include at least one blocking member positionable in or adjacent to the annulus defect, at least one attachment portion for securing the blocking member to adjacent tissue, and instruments for placing and engaging the blocking member in and/or adjacent to the annulus defect. The blocking member extends at least partially across the annulus defect for repair of the defect and/or retention of nucleus material, one or more implants, bio-compatible materials or device, and/or other objects positioned in the disc space.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a method for treating an intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus fibrosis, using one or more superabsorbent polymers. Additionally, the embodiments provide a method for bulking up an intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus fibrosis, using one or more superabsorbent polymers. The methods comprise introducing an amount of the superabsorbent polymers into the intervertebral disc space without removing nucleus pulposus or annulus fibrosis material.

Abstract: An implant includes a first component including a wall that defines a first surface and a second surface. The first surface defines a first opening and the second surface defines a second opening. The second opening is spaced apart from the first opening to define a cavity therebetween. A second component is supported by the first component and configured for movement relative thereto. The second component is movable between a first configuration such that the second component is disposed between the first opening and the second opening within the cavity and a second, expanded configuration such that the second component simultaneously passes through the first and second openings to extend from the cavity. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Orthopedic implant devices are positioned at a desired in vivo site by positioning a device that is non-rigid, i.e., flexible and/or malleable, in a first form, and then transformable after insertion to the in vivo site into a rigid, or hardened, form for providing a load-bearing function or providing other structural and/or mechanical function after implant. The device includes a biocompatible sheath and a curable material sealed within the sheath. The curable material is provided in a first form that provides flexibility to the device and is structured to rigidize in a second form after application of a quantity of an initiating energy to the material.

Abstract: A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The connector includes an extendable member and an over-extension limiter that limits extension of the extendable member.

Abstract: A surgical spacer comprising first and second hollow support members, a flexible container, and a compressible material disposed in the container is disclosed. The first and second support members each have an exterior and an interior cavity. The exteriors of the first and second support members are affixed together and the interior cavities of the first and second support members are connected via a connecting opening. The container is disposed in the interior cavities and extends through the connecting opening. In addition, the container is substantially impermeable to the compressible material. The first and second support members are more rigid than the flexible container. A combination of the first and second support members controls the shape of the flexible container, with the compressible material disposed therein, in response to a compressive load applied to an exterior of the spacer.

Abstract: A perianal support device is provided that is configured to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body. A method is provided to apply the perianal support device to patients during childbirth to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body.

Abstract: A device is provided that is non-rigid, i.e., flexible and/or malleable, in a first form, and then transformable after insertion to an in vivo site into a rigid, or hardened, form; a cure-initiating energy is applied to the device; and the device is then positioned in the in vivo site where it hardens to provide a load-bearing function or other structural and/or mechanical function. The device includes a biocompatible sheath and a curable material sealed within the sheath. The curable material is provided in a first form that provides flexibility to the device and is structured to rigidize in a second form after application of a quantity of an initiating energy to the material.

Abstract: A device includes a first reservoir configured to include a degradation agent, a second reservoir configured to include an osteogenerative agent, and a controller configured to selectively initiate access to the first reservoir or the second reservoir.

Abstract: A device includes a sensor configured to determine a condition associated with a nucleus pulposus, a reservoir configured to include a first agent capable of affecting the condition associated with the nucleus pulposus, a control element configured to provide access to the reservoir, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the control element. The controller is configured to manipulate the control element to provide access to the reservoir in response to the condition determined by the sensor.

Abstract: A sacro-iliac implant includes an inner member having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner member extends between a first end and a second end configured for penetrating a sacrum. An outer member extends between a first end including a flange and being configured to engage an outer non-articular surface of an ilium and a second end. The inner member is rotatable relative to the outer member such that the outer surface of the inner member adjacent its first end engages the outer member to cause axial translation of the inner member relative to the outer member in a configuration such that separated articular surfaces of the sacrum and the ilium are drawn into fixation. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An injectable biocompatible material delivery system is disclosed and can include an injector and a material delivery cannula that can be in fluid communication with the injector. Further, the injectable biocompatible material delivery system can include a light source that can be configured to emit light to at least a portion of the injector, at least a portion of the material delivery cannula, or a combination thereof. Further, the light source can be configured to activate an injectable biocompatible material as it moves through the system.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in association with a medical procedure. In one form, a device for bending an elongate member includes a support platform and a plurality of engaging members positioned on the support platform. Each of the plurality of engaging members includes at least one engaging portion configured for positioning in contact with the elongate member. Each of the plurality of engaging members is movable in at least three directions relative to the support platform to form one or more bends in the elongate member. In one aspect, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material and the device includes a heating member configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a method for treating an intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus fibrosis, using one or more polyelectrolyte materials. Additionally, the embodiments provide a method for bulking up an intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus fibrosis, using one or more polyelectrolyte materials. The methods comprise introducing an amount of the polyelectrolyte materials into the intervertebral disc space without removing nucleus pulposus or annulus fibrosis material.

Abstract: A vertebral construct comprises a longitudinal element extending between a first end and a second end. The longitudinal element defines a central axis. A first spacer is mounted to the longitudinal element. A second spacer is mounted to the longitudinal element. A flexible element is disposed about the longitudinal element and between the first spacer and the second spacer. The flexible element defines a central axis offset from the central axis of the longitudinal element. Methods of use are disclosed.