Abstract: Bone implants, including methods of use and assembly. The bone implants, which are optionally composite implants, generally include a distal anchoring region and a growth region that is proximal to the distal anchoring region. The distal anchoring region can have one or more distal surface features that adapt the distal anchoring region for anchoring into iliac bone. The growth region can have one or more growth features that adapt the growth region to facilitate at least one of bony on-growth, in-growth, or through-growth. The implants may be positioned along a posterior sacral alar-iliac (“SAT”) trajectory. The implants may be coupled to one or more bone stabilizing constructs, such as rod elements thereof.

Abstract: Bone implants, including methods of use and assembly. The bone implants, which are optionally composite implants, generally include a distal anchoring region and a growth region that is proximal to the distal anchoring region. The distal anchoring region can have one or more distal surface features that adapt the distal anchoring region for anchoring into iliac bone. The growth region can have one or more growth features that adapt the growth region to facilitate at least one of bony on-growth, in-growth, or through-growth. The implants may be positioned along a posterior sacral alar-iliac (“SAI”) trajectory. The implants may be coupled to one or more bone stabilizing constructs, such as rod elements thereof.

Abstract: Bone implants, including methods of use and assembly. The bone implants, which are optionally composite implants, generally include a distal anchoring region and a growth region that is proximal to the distal anchoring region. The distal anchoring region can have one or more distal surface features that adapt the distal anchoring region for anchoring into iliac bone. The growth region can have one or more growth features that adapt the growth region to facilitate at least one of bony on-growth, in-growth, or through-growth. The implants may be positioned along a posterior sacral alar-iliac (“SAI”) trajectory. The implants may be coupled to one or more bone stabilizing constructs, such as rod elements thereof.

Abstract: Bone implants, including methods of use and assembly. The bone implants, which are optionally composite implants, generally include a distal anchoring region and a growth region that is proximal to the distal anchoring region. The distal anchoring region can have one or more distal surface features that adapt the distal anchoring region for anchoring into iliac bone. The growth region can have one or more growth features that adapt the growth region to facilitate at least one of bony on-growth, in-growth, or through-growth. The implants may be positioned along a posterior sacral alar-iliac (“SAI”) trajectory. The implants may be coupled to one or more bone stabilizing constructs, such as rod elements thereof.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to bone implants. More specifically, the present invention relates to bone implants used for the fixation and or fusion of the sacroiliac joint and/or the spine. For example, a system for fusing and or stabilizing a plurality of bones is provided. The system includes an implant structure having a shank portion, a body portion and a head portion. The body portion is coupled to the shank portion and is configured to be placed through a first bone segment, across a bone joint or fracture and into a second bone segment. The body portion is configured to allow for bony on-growth, ingrowth and through-growth. The head portion is coupled to the proximal end of the shank portion and is configured to couple the shank portion to a stabilizing rod. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Bone implants, including methods of use and assembly. The bone implants, which are optionally composite implants, generally include a distal anchoring region and a growth region that is proximal to the distal anchoring region. The distal anchoring region can have one or more distal surface features that adapt the distal anchoring region for anchoring into iliac bone. The growth region can have one or more growth features that adapt the growth region to facilitate at least one of bony on-growth, in-growth, or through-growth. The implants may be positioned along a posterior sacral alar-iliac (“SAI”) trajectory. The implants may be coupled to one or more bone stabilizing constructs, such as rod elements thereof.

Abstract: Bone implants, including methods of use and assembly. The bone implants, which are optionally composite implants, generally include a distal anchoring region and a growth region that is proximal to the distal anchoring region. The distal anchoring region can have one or more distal surface features that adapt the distal anchoring region for anchoring into iliac bone. The growth region can have one or more growth features that adapt the growth region to facilitate at least one of bony on-growth, in-growth, or through-growth. The implants may be positioned along a posterior sacral alar-iliac (“SAI”) trajectory. The implants may be coupled to one or more bone stabilizing constructs, such as rod elements thereof.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to bone implants. More specifically, the present invention relates to bone implants used for the fixation and or fusion of the sacroiliac joint and/or the spine. For example, a system for fusing and or stabilizing a plurality of bones is provided. The system includes an implant structure having a shank portion, a body portion and a head portion. The body portion is coupled to the shank portion and is configured to be placed through a first bone segment, across a bone joint or fracture and into a second bone segment. The body portion is configured to allow for bony on-growth, ingrowth and through-growth. The head portion is coupled to the proximal end of the shank portion and is configured to couple the shank portion to a stabilizing rod. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for augmenting or replacing a spinal facet (24) includes the steps of providing a first plate (40) and a second plate (50). An elastomeric member (70) is secured between and to the first plate (40) and the second plate (50). The first plate (40) is secured to a first vertebra (20). The second plate (50) is secured to a second vertebra (30) adjacent the first vertebra (20) for mimicking natural articulation between the first and second vertebrae (20, 30).

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two elongate body tissues is described. A flexible outer surface has a first outer end longitudinally spaced from a second outer end. A flexible inner surface has a first inner end longitudinally spaced from a second inner end. A first end aperture is defined by a flexible connection between the first outer end and the first inner end. The first end aperture is configured to accept a first elongate body tissue. A second end aperture is defined by a flexible connection between the second outer end and the second inner end. The second end aperture is configured to accept a second elongate body tissue. The outer and inner surfaces are configured for relative eversion operative to longitudinally shift an instantaneous midpoint of the apparatus with respect to a reference location on the inner surface. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A guide tool having a through bore and at least one distal locating feature is provided. The distal locating feature of the guide tool is placed into a predetermined relationship with the plate. A fastener is engaged with a distal end of a driver shaft of a fastener driver. The fastener driver has a driver orientation means associated with the driver shaft. The fastener is inserted into the through bore of the guide tool with the fastener driver. The driver orientation means is mated with a guide orientation means located in the through bore of the guide tool. At least a portion of the fastener is inserted through the fastener hole. The fastener is secured into the bone through actuation of the fastener driver. The fastener driver is withdrawn from the guide tool, which is withdrawn from the plate.

Abstract: An orthopedic screw system. The screw system comprises an outer member and an inner screw. The outer member has a longitudinal inner channel that defines an interior sidewall and is provided with screw threads on its exterior and interior sidewalls. An inner screw has threads constructed and arranged to engage with those on the interior sidewall, such that the inner screw may be secured within the inner channel. When secured within the inner channel, at least a portion of the length of the inner screw extends beyond the outer member. Methods of installing the orthopedic screw system into osteoporotic or otherwise weakened bone are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method fuses an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra together. The method includes the steps of: extending a screw obliquely, both anteriorly and superiorly, through the inferior vertebra; and further extending the screw across an interbody space and into the superior vertebra both anteriorly and superiorly.

Abstract: An apparatus for affixing a plurality of body structures together in a flexible manner includes a first articulated fastener having substantially rigid proximal and distal portions, longitudinally separated by a first flexible articulating portion. The first articulated fastener has a first thread direction. A second articulated fastener has substantially rigid proximal and distal portions, longitudinally separated by a second flexible articulating portion. The second articulated fastener has a second thread direction opposite the first thread direction. The first and second articulated fasteners are both adapted for insertion into each of the plurality of body structures. A method of affixing a plurality of body structures together in a flexible manner is also provided.

Abstract: A body tissue fixation apparatus includes a plate having oppositely disposed outer and tissue-contacting surfaces, and at least one fixation hole extending between the outer and tissue-contacting surfaces along a longitudinal axis. The fixation hole is defined in part by an inner hole surface having at least one serration. The plate is adapted for affixation to at least one body tissue member. At least one fixation device of the body tissue fixation apparatus has a shank and a head portion, the shank being insertable through the fixation hole in the plate to affix the plate to the body tissue member upon rotation of the head portion. At least one deformable member is connected to the head portion, the deformable member extending laterally in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and being adapted to deflect to engage with at least one serration formed on the inner hole surface.

Abstract: A body tissue fixation apparatus includes a plate having oppositely disposed outer and tissue-contacting surfaces, and at least one fixation hole extending between the outer and tissue-contacting surfaces along a longitudinal axis. The fixation hole is defined in part by an inner hole surface having at least one serration. At least one fixation device of the body tissue fixation apparatus has a shank and a head portion, the shank being insertable through the fixation hole in the plate to affix the plate to the body tissue member upon rotation of the head portion. At least one deformable member is connected to the head portion, the deformable member extending laterally in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and being adapted to deflect to engage with at least one serration formed on the inner hole surface. A method for using the body tissue fixation apparatus is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a spinal disc which has a rail extending from the outer surface to connect the apparatus to the first vertebra. The rail extends a first distance from the outer surface adjacent a first end. The rail extends a second distance from the outer surface adjacent a second end. The second distance is greater than the first distance. In another aspect of the apparatus, the first rail extends generally transverse to the first and second ends. The second rail extends generally transverse to the first rail.

Abstract: A membrane for implantation into a patient includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer has oppositely disposed outer and inner first layer surfaces. The second layer has oppositely disposed outer and inner second layer surfaces. The second layer is at least partially attached to the first layer with the inner first and second layer surfaces adjacent one another. The inner first and second layer surfaces are resistant to biological tissue ingrowth and the outer first and second layer surfaces are conducive to biological tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting bone is provided, the apparatus includes an elongate member having a central axis. The elongate member includes a tubular portion that extends between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an articulatable head section with a stop surface and a cutting edge projecting from the stop surface. The head section is articulatable about a pivot axis that extends transverse to the central axis. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for articulating the head section relative to the tubular portion.

Abstract: A minimally invasive apparatus for placing screws across a facet joint between first and second vertebrae comprises a first K-wire for inserting into a spinous process of the first vertebrae and a first fixation block removably connected to the first K-wire. The apparatus has a second K-wire for inserting into a transverse process of the second vertebrae and a second fixation block removably connected to the second K-wire. A first rod member is removably connected to both of the first and second fixation blocks. A support apparatus further secures the first and second K-wires to the first and second vertebrae. The apparatus has a cannula that enables implantation of the translaminar screws across a facet joint between the first and second vertebrae.