Abstract: A surgical retractor comprises an arm having a first end and a second end. A blade has an outer surface and a contact surface. The blade is fixed to at least one of the first end and the second end of the arm. A transducer is disposed on the contact surface of the blade. A Doppler ultrasound sensor is in electrical communication with the transducer. The transducer transmits signals to the Doppler ultrasound sensor that can be used to calculate blood flow rate proximate to a surgical site where the surgical retractor is being used.

Abstract: Devices and methods for temporarily retaining spinal rootlets within a dural sac are provided. In this regard, a representative device includes: a handle operative to be grasped by a user; an arm extending outwardly from the handle; and moveable fins supported at a distal end of the arm, the fins being moveable between an unbiased position and a biased position; in the biased position, free ends of the fins having been moved toward each other such that an extent of the fins along a major axis is decreased relative to an extent of the fins along the major axis in the unbiased position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for forming a passage in bone having an enlarged cross-sectional portion is provided. The instrument includes an elongate member and a cutting element engaged thereto and transitionable between a retracted configuration for extending through a first portion of the passage and an expanded configuration for forming a second portion of the passage having an enlarged cross-section. In one embodiment, the cutting element is transitioned between the retracted and expanded configurations by axially displacing the cutting element relative to the elongate member. In another embodiment, the elongate member includes a tapping thread configured to cut threads along the first portion of the passage, and the cutting element is a blade configured to form the enlarged cross-section when transitioned to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A flexible tap apparatus system comprises a first flexible tap apparatus member having a shaft having an upper shaft portion and a lower shaft portion. The upper shaft portion comprises ridges and the lower shaft portion has a substantially smooth surface. The shaft of the first flexible tap apparatus member comprises a first set of dimensions. The system further comprises a second flexible tap apparatus member having a shaft having an upper shaft portion and a lower shaft portion. The upper shaft portion comprises ridges and the lower shaft portion has a substantially smooth surface. The shaft of the second flexible tap apparatus member comprises a second set of dimensions. The first set of dimensions differs from the second set of dimensions. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: Modular lumbar interbody fixation systems and methods with reconstruction endplates are provided. A representative system includes: a pair of engaging plates adapted to fit between and engage the vertebral bodies, at least one engaging plate of the pair of engaging plates being a reconstruction endplate, the reconstruction endplate having a trough and configured to receive a fixing agent; and an alignment device positionable between the pair of engaging plates, the alignment device being operative to maintain a disc space between the vertebral bodies during use.

Abstract: Modular lumbar interbody fixation systems and methods are provided. A representative system includes: an anterior end opposite a posterior end; a pair of engaging plates adapted to fit between and engage the vertebral bodies to maintain a disc space between the vertebral bodies during use; and an alignment device positionable between the pair of engaging plates, the alignment device comprising at least one flexible strut extending between the pair of engaging plates during use.

Abstract: An internal pedicle insulator apparatus, comprises an inner insertion rod having a top end and an opposing bottom end; and an outer insertion rod having an upper end and a lower end. The outer insertion rod being arranged and configured to substantially correspond to the inner insertion rod. The inner insertion rod is arranged and configured to slidably engaged inside the outer insertion rod and the inner insertion rod and the outer insertion rod are arranged and configured to position an internal pedicle insulator implant. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprises an arm having a first end and a second end. A blade has an outer surface and a contact surface. The blade is fixed to at least one of the first end and the second end of the arm. A transducer is disposed on the contact surface of the blade. A Doppler ultrasound sensor is in electrical communication with the transducer. The transducer transmits signals to the Doppler ultrasound sensor that can be used to calculate blood flow rate proximate to a surgical site where the surgical retractor is being used.

Abstract: A facet fusion system comprises a trochar and a retractor arranged and configured for use during percutaneous retraction. A facet bur is adapted for decorticating the facet joint. The trochar, retractor and facet bur are implemented to prepare the facet joint for fusion. The facet bur comprises a head and a shaft. The head has a planar and an extension extending from the planar. The shaft extends from the planar of the head and extends from the planar in a direction opposing the extension of the head. The shaft is also adapted releasably to engage a power source for rotation. The extension is arranged and configured to engage a facet joint to taper the facet joint. The planar is arranged and configured to engage and plane a posterior surface of the facet.

Abstract: A frame for an operating room controller is disclosed. The frame can include a pedal platform; a platform extension extending from the pedal platform; and a primary track being fixed to the pedal extension opposing the pedal platform.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for forming a passage in bone having an enlarged cross-sectional portion is provided. The instrument includes an elongate member and a cutting element engaged thereto and transitionable between a retracted configuration for extending through a first portion of the passage and an expanded configuration for forming a second portion of the passage having an enlarged cross-section. In one embodiment, the cutting element is transitioned between the retracted and expanded configurations by axially displacing the cutting element relative to the elongate member. In another embodiment, the elongate member includes a tapping thread configured to cut threads along the first portion of the passage, and the cutting element is a blade configured to form the enlarged cross-section when transitioned to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Anterior cervical corpectomy plates are provided. An exemplary place comprises a fixing member for fixing the plate to a portion of a cervical spine and an adjustable member for adjusting a length of the plate.

Abstract: An interdiscal tensiometer comprises a load measuring means for measuring load between two points and a distance measuring means for measuring distance between the two points. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A medical bur comprises a bur head comprising a cutting portion being arranged and configured to rotate at least one controllable pre-determined speed and a stop portion being arranged and configured to move independently with respect to the cutting portion.

Abstract: A flexible tap apparatus system comprises a first flexible tap apparatus member having a shaft having an upper shaft portion and a lower shaft portion. The upper shaft portion comprises ridges and the lower shaft portion has a substantially smooth surface. The shaft of the first flexible tap apparatus member comprises a first set of dimensions. The system further comprises a second flexible tap apparatus member having a shaft having an upper shaft portion and a lower shaft portion. The upper shaft portion comprises ridges and the lower shaft portion has a substantially smooth surface. The shaft of the second flexible tap apparatus member comprises a second set of dimensions. The first set of dimensions differs from the second set of dimensions. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A facet fusion system comprises a trochar and a retractor arranged and configured for use during percutaneous retraction. A facet bur is adapted for decorticating the facet joint. The trochar, retractor and facet bur are implemented to prepare the facet joint for fusion.

Abstract: A universal surgical power tool pedal apparatus comprising a first pedal platform having at least one pedal configured to be movable between a depressed position and a released position. At least one outlet, configured to releasably receive a power plug of a surgical power tool, is in communication with the first pedal platform. The pedal apparatus receives power from a power supply and conducts the power to the plug that is in communication with the outlet when the operational pedal is disposed in the depressed position, thereby powering the surgical power tool.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for forming a passage in bone having an enlarged cross-sectional portion is provided. The instrument includes an elongate member and a cutting element engaged thereto and transitionable between a retracted configuration for extending through a first portion of the passage and an expanded configuration for forming a second portion of the passage having an enlarged cross-section. In one embodiment, the cutting element is transitioned between the retracted and expanded configurations by axially displacing the cutting element relative to the elongate member. In another embodiment, the elongate member includes a tapping thread configured to cut threads along the first portion of the passage, and the cutting element is a blade configured to form the enlarged cross-section when transitioned to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A combination drain and pain pump apparatus for medical care of a patient comprises a supply container arranged and configured to dispense fluid. A supply conduit is provided for fluid communication between the supply container and the patient. A drain container is provided to receive and collect fluid from the patient through a drain conduit. Fluid flow through the supply conduit is altered during operation of the apparatus. Similarly, fluid flow through the drain container is altered during operation of the apparatus. The supply conduit and the drain conduit are capable of providing fluid communication with the patient simultaneously. The present invention can also be viewed as a method for patient care implementing the combined drain and pain pump apparatus.