Abstract: A surgical grooved director including a fixed or removable handle with a tubular member having a lumen extending therethrough with an aperture at its proximal end and a blunt dissecting distal tip. An access window is formed through the wall of the tubular member in a distal portion of the instrument and is in communication with the lumen. An integral side rail is integrally mounted on the tubular member and defines a linear groove adapted to receive and allow slideable movement of a knife.

Abstract: A surgical grooved director including a fixed or removable handle with a tubular member having a lumen extending therethrough with an aperture at its proximal end and a blunt dissecting distal tip. An access window is formed through the wall of the tubular member in a distal portion of the instrument and is in communication with the lumen. An integral side rail is integrally mounted on the tubular member and defines a linear groove adapted to receive and allow slideable movement of a knife.

Abstract: A system for storing information relating to a medical implant device implanted in a patient includes a credit card sized card device structured to be carried by the patient external to the patient's body. The card device includes a wireless transponder device securely storing information relating to at least one of the medical implant and the patient. The system also includes a reader device structured to selectively and securely read the information from the wireless transponder device. In one implementation, the reader device is able to selectively and securely read the information from the wireless transponder device using a direct electrical connection (e.g., using transcutaneous contact) without an air interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the electrical stimulation of bone growth utilizing implantable bone fixation devices and implants to which are attached a screw of nonconductive material powered by a battery for the purpose of creating an electrical-magnetic field to promote bone healing and bone formation. The electric magnetic field is directed to the bone around the device through a battery of a rechargeable type and can include a radio frequency identification device. A constant current is generated in a range of 5-20 micro amperes to stimulate bone healing and bone formation.

Abstract: Stimulation of bone growth to facilitate healing of a dental implant utilizing a interiorly threaded dental screw of nonconductive material in conjunction with a healing cap abutment whereby electrical stimulation facilitates healing of the surgical site. The device is powered by a battery for the purpose of creating an electrical-magnetic field to promote bone healing and bone formation. The electric magnetic field is directed to the bone around the device through a battery of a rechargeable type. A constant current is generated in a preferred range of about 5 ?A to about 20 ?A to stimulate bone healing and bone formation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a fixed or removable handle and a tubular member having a lumen extending therethrough with apertures at its proximal and distal ends permitting visualization of and access to body tissues. An access window in a distal portion of the instrument is formed through the wall of the tubular member and in communication with the lumen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a method of making an interactive medical implant device including a radio frequency identification tag mounted to an implant, the tag being covered with a liquid impermeable seal. Identification of the RFID tag allows the physician to identify the specific identified implant with a an instrument model or patient database and allows the physician access to desired pertinent information regarding the medical implant device.

Abstract: Stimulation of bone growth to facilitate healing of a dental implant utilizing a interiorly threaded dental screw of nonconductive material in conjunction with a healing cap abutment whereby electrical stimulation facilitates healing of the surgical site. The device is powered by a battery for the purpose of creating an electrical-magnetic field to promote bone healing and bone formation. The electric magnetic field is directed to the bone around the device through a battery of a rechargeable type. A constant current is generated in a preferred range of about 5 ?A to about 20 ?A to stimulate bone healing and bone formation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a fixed or removable handle and a tubular member having a lumen extending therethrough with an apertures at its proximal end and a blunt dissecting distal tip. An access window in a distal portion of the instrument is formed through the wall of the tubular member and in communication with the lumen. A balloon catheter is permanently mounted in the lumen whereby inflation of the balloon causes it to expand through the access window.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a fixed or removable handle and a tubular member having a lumen extending therethrough with apertures at its proximal and distal ends permitting visualization of and access to body tissues. An access window in a distal portion of the instrument is formed through the wall of the tubular member and in communication with the lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the electrical stimulation of bone growth utilizing implantable bone fixation devices and implants to which are attached a screw of nonconductive material powered by a battery for the purpose of creating an electrical-magnetic field to promote bone healing and bone formation. The electric magnetic field is directed to the bone around the device through a battery of a rechargeable type and can include a radio frequency identification device. A constant current is generated in a range of 5-20 micro amperes to stimulate bone healing and bone formation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a method of making an interactive medical implant device including a radio frequency identification tag mounted to an implant, the tag being covered with a liquid impermeable seal. Identification of the RFID tag allows the physician to identify the specific identified implant with a an instrument model or patient database and allows the physician access to desired pertinent information regarding the medical implant device.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly comprising: a bone screw with an externally threaded shank having a head integrally formed at the proximal end and defining a cannula extending through the head and shank. An internal thread formed on the surface defining the inner cannula to receive an anchor bolt having a threaded portion, and a head defining plurality of throughgoing wire receiving holes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a grooved director with a built in balloon which is inflated by a pump to a predetermined pressure to expand the walls of a collapsed vertebra. The device is inserted into the body of the compressed vertebra and the grooved director is positioned and aimed in a direction under the compressed superior end plate of the vertebral body. The balloon inside of the grooved director is inflated and the force and direction of balloon inflation restores the height of the fractured vertebrae. The balloon is deflated and the grooved director is circumferentially rotated while intermittently inflating and deflating the balloon to creates a symmetrical space within the center of the vertebral body. The balloon is deflated and the grooved director device with balloon is removed leaving a rebuilt vertebra which may be filled with a biocompatible material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a grooved director with a built in balloon which is inflated by a pump to a predetermined pressure to expand the walls of a collapsed vertebra. The device is inserted into the body of the compressed vertebra and the grooved director is positioned and aimed in a direction under the compressed superior end plate of the vertebral body. The balloon inside of the grooved director is inflated and the force and direction of balloon inflation restores the height of the fractured vertebrae. The balloon is deflated and the grooved director is circumferentially rotated while intermittently inflating and deflating the balloon to creates a symmetrical space within the center of the vertebral body. The balloon is deflated and the grooved director device with balloon is removed leaving a rebuilt vertebra which may be filled with a biocompatible material.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly comprising: a bone screw with an externally threaded shank having a head integrally formed at the proximal end and defining a cannula extending through the head and shank. An internal thread formed on the surface defining the inner cannula to receive an anchor bolt having a threaded portion, and a head defining plurality of throughgoing wire receiving holes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a grooved director with a built in balloon which is inflated by a pump to a predetermined pressure to expand the walls of a collapsed vertebra. The device is inserted into the body of the compressed vertebra and the grooved director is positioned and aimed in a direction under the compressed superior end plate of the vertebral body. The balloon inside of the grooved director is inflated and the force and direction of balloon inflation restores the height of the fractured vertebrae. The balloon is deflated and the grooved director is circumferentially rotated while intermittently inflating and deflating the balloon to creates a symmetrical space within the center of the vertebral body. The balloon is deflated and the grooved director device with balloon is removed leaving a rebuilt vertebra which may be filled with a biocompatible material.

Abstract: A combination bone screw and driver assembly for driving a cannulated internally threaded bonescrew, comprising: a bone screw with shank having a head integrally formed at the proximal end and defining a cannula extending through the head and shank. An external thread is formed on the shank outer surface and an internal thread formed on a surface defining the inner cannula. An engagement structure is formed in the head to receive and rotatably engage a driver having a shape complimentary to the shape of the engagement structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the reduction and fixation of a fractured bone, comprising the steps of drilling a plurality of bores in different bone sections of a fractured bone site and then driving bone screws having an elongated cylindrical shank with external thread and a throughgoing threaded bore running the length of said shank and a head formed at the proximal end of the shank defining an engagement structure in the form of a geometrically shaped recess which is shaped to receive torque from a driver into respective bores of different sections of a fractured bone with a driver. The driver is constructed as a cannula shaft member and has a first engagement structure formed at a distal end, a handle member mounted at the proximal end of the shaft member with a slidable rod member having a length greater than the length of the shaft member disposed within and removable from the bore of the shaft member; and a cap member secured to said proximal end of the rod member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and apparatus for performing an internal fixation of fractures of tubular bones using a balloon catheter fixation device which is guided and transported through the medullary canal and fracture site of the bone by a plurality of guide wires mounted in said balloon catheter fixation device. A bone cement is applied to the fracture site and the balloon catheter is inflated inside the bone and tightened by applying pressure on the catheter outside of the bone by tightening the catheter tube and holding the same in place in an inflated condition to apply a compression force across the fracture site enhancing the stability of the fractured bone and promoting osseous healing.