Abstract: A method for retracting body tissue providing a retractor system that includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.

Abstract: A method for retracting tissue in a surgical procedure includes inserting a first blade of a retractor system into an incision in a body of a patient. The retractor system includes a first articulating arm and a second articulating arm. The first articulating arm is coupled to a retractor assembly blade. The retractor assembly blade has a handle portion and the first blade. The second articulating arm is coupled to a bracket securing a second blade. The method includes retracting tissue using the first blade, inserting the second blade into the incision in the body of the patient and retracting tissue using the second blade.

Abstract: Lamina plate assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A lamina plate assembly may be configured to provide lamina support following laminectomy, for example, in cervical and lumbar cases. The lamina plate assembly may include a generally elongate body having a first free end, a second free end, and a posterior portion disposed between the first free end and the second free end. Different embodiments of securing portions are used to secure the lamina plate assembly to a vertebra.

Abstract: A spinal plate assembly comprising a base plate defining an opening adjacent at least one aperture for receiving a bone screw which attaches to spinal vertebrae. The aperture includes a seat and an annular groove having an end wall. The assembly comprises a locking mechanism having a split ring partially recessed within the annular groove and moveable between a locked condition partially blocking the aperture for retaining the screw in the seat and an unlocked condition radially deformable into the annular groove for permitting screw removal. The split ring has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured to engage the end wall of the annular groove. The locking mechanism comprises a rotating member retained within the opening of the base plate and having a notch configured to engage the proximal end of the ring to drive the ring toward the unlocked condition.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to orthopedic systems, and in particular, to systems including independent plates and spacers. A plating system can include a spacer and a plate that is independent from the spacer. A number of locking mechanisms can be provided to secure the plate to the spacer. In some cases, the spacer includes a pair of notches that extend on an outer surface of the spacer. The plate can include a pair of lateral extensions that can engage the notches to secure the plate to the spacer. In other cases, the spacer includes an opening including a pair of inlets. The plate can include an enclosed posterior extension that can be received in the pair of inlets to secure the plate to the spacer.

Abstract: A method for retracting tissue in a surgical procedure includes inserting a first blade of a retractor system into an incision in a body of a patient. The retractor system includes a first articulating arm and a second articulating arm. The first articulating arm is coupled to a retractor assembly blade. The retractor assembly blade has a handle portion and the first blade. The second articulating arm is coupled to a bracket securing a second blade. The method includes retracting tissue using the first blade, inserting the second blade into the incision in the body of the patient and retracting tissue using the second blade.

Abstract: A reamer device is used in the preparation of the fibula prior to the placement of an intramedullary nail. The reamer device features one or more indicating grooves on its cutting edges. These grooves can be visualized radiographically during reaming to confirm depth for the placement of syndesmotic implants through the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to orthopedic systems, and in particular, to systems including independent plates and spacers. A plating system can include a spacer and a plate that is independent from the spacer. A number of locking mechanisms can be provided to secure the plate to the spacer. In some cases, the spacer includes a pair of notches that extend on an outer surface of the spacer. The plate can include a pair of lateral extensions that can engage the notches to secure the plate to the spacer. In other cases, the spacer includes an opening including a pair of inlets. The plate can include an enclosed posterior extension that can be received in the pair of inlets to secure the plate to the spacer.

Abstract: A surgical nail includes a nail body that includes a proximal end, an elongate intermediate portion comprising an intermediate flexible portion, and a distal end. The proximal end includes a proximal head portion and is configured to couple to a washer. The proximal end and the distal end are coupled and offset from one another by the elongate intermediate portion. The intermediate flexible portion comprises at least two cables bonded one to another and configured to maintain a fixed length. The proximal portion and the threaded end portion can be coupled together by the intermediate flexible portion as a unitary, integrated element prior to any use of the surgical nail in an implant procedure. The intermediate flexible portion is configured to permit the proximal portion to bend at an angle relative to the distal portion as a unitary, integrated element.

Abstract: A surgical nail, such as an intramedullary nail, includes a nail body that includes a proximal end, an elongate intermediate portion comprising an intermediate flexible portion; and a distal end. The proximal end and the distal end are coupled and offset from one another by the elongate intermediate portion. The wherein the intermediate flexible portion comprises at least two cables boned one to another and configured to maintain a fixed length. The at least one cable comprises two or more cables twisted around one another in a helical arrangement and welded together. The proximal portion and the threaded end portion can be coupled together by the intermediate flexible portion as a unitary, integrated element prior to any use of the surgical nail in an implant procedure. The intermediate flexible portion is configured to permit the proximal portion to bend at an angle relative to the distal portion as a unitary, integrated element.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods related to retractor systems that retract tissue to allow access to a surgical site are described. The retractor systems can include a first rotatable arm attachable to a first blade, a second rotatable arm attachable to a second blade and a third linearly translatable arm attachable to a third blade. An attachment mechanism that is attachable to a fourth blade can be removably coupled to a mount on the frame. The retractors systems can also include two blade systems whereby when the retractor is in a closed configuration, the two blades form an oval opening.

Abstract: Lamina plate assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A lamina plate assembly may be configured to provide lamina support following laminectomy, for example, in cervical and lumbar cases. The lamina plate assembly may include a generally elongate body having a first free end, a second free end, and a posterior portion disposed between the first free end and the second free end. Different embodiments of securing portions are used to secure the lamina plate assembly to a vertebra.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods related to retractor systems that retract tissue to allow access to a surgical site are described. The retractor systems can include a first rotatable arm attachable to a first blade, a second rotatable arm attachable to a second blade and a third linearly translatable arm attachable to a third blade. An attachment mechanism that is attachable to a fourth blade can be removably coupled to a mount on the frame. The retractors systems can also include two blade systems whereby when the retractor is in a closed configuration, the two blades form an oval opening.

Abstract: A method for retracting body tissue providing a retractor system that includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.

Abstract: Devices and methods for positioning and immobilizing at least two adjacent vertebrae using adjacent spinous processes. The method includes positioning a spinous process fusion device in an interspinous space between adjacent spinous processes including a rod and a first wing, and attaching a second wing to the rod, for example, using a ratcheting mechanism.

Abstract: Lamina plate assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A lamina plate assembly may be configured to provide lamina support following laminectomy, for example, in cervical and lumbar cases. The lamina plate assembly may include a generally elongate body having a first free end, a second free end, and a posterior portion disposed between the first free end and the second free end. Different embodiments of securing portions are used to secure the lamina plate assembly to a vertebra.

Abstract: A method for retracting body tissue providing a retractor system that includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.

Abstract: Devices and methods for positioning and immobilizing at least two adjacent vertebrae using adjacent spinous processes. The method includes positioning a spinous process fusion device in an interspinous space between adjacent spinous processes including a rod and a first wing, and attaching a second wing to the rod, for example, using a ratcheting mechanism.

Abstract: A spinal plate assembly comprising a base plate defining an opening adjacent at least one aperture for receiving a bone screw which attaches to spinal vertebrae. The aperture includes a seat and an annular groove having an end wall. The assembly comprises a locking mechanism having a split ring partially recessed within the annular groove and moveable between a locked condition partially blocking the aperture for retaining the screw in the seat and an unlocked condition radially deformable into the annular groove for permitting screw removal. The split ring has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured to engage the end wall of the annular groove. The locking mechanism comprises a rotating member retained within the opening of the base plate and having a notch configured to engage the proximal end of the ring to drive the ring toward the unlocked condition.

Abstract: Lamina plate assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A lamina plate assembly may be configured to provide lamina support following laminectomy, for example, in cervical and lumbar cases. The lamina plate assembly may include a generally elongate body having a first free end, a second free end, and a posterior portion disposed between the first free end and the second free end. Different embodiments of securing portions are used to secure the lamina plate assembly to a vertebra.