Abstract: An orthopedic tool for implanting a bone screw and a method of manufacturing the same. The orthopedic tool includes a head that is shaped to lock onto the bone screw and that has improved torsional strength.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail has a dynamization opening that accommodates and utilizes a dynamization window insert. The dynamization window insert is press-fit into the dynamization opening. The dynamization window insert is oval shaped and includes first and second protrusions that extend from respective surfaces of the dynamization window insert. The dynamization opening is sized to receive the dynamization window insert but compress the protrusions/window insert during insertion. The dynamization opening includes channels or grooves that are sized to accommodate the protrusions and allow the protrusions/window insert to return to an uncompressed state when situated therein. The dynamization opening and window insert cooperate to allow a press fit of the window insert into the dynamization opening with an elastic snap-fit and audible sound.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing a joint having two bones separated by cartilaginous material is provided. The method comprises the steps of removing a portion of the cartilaginous material to create a defect site, positioning an anatomically shaped reconstructive structure comprising multiple layers of submucosa and having a thickness of about 1 to about 12 millimeters adjacent to the defect site, and securing the reconstructive structure to the defect site. The method can further comprise the steps of positioning a barrier layer between the bleeding bone and the reconstructive structure, securing the barrier layer to the bleeding bone, and securing the reconstructive structure to the barrier layer.

Abstract: A pin (20) is provided for securing a replacement ligament (24) inside a tunnel (10) of a receptor bone (36). A threaded section (30) of the pin (20) engages and anchors the pin (20) in the receptor bone (36). A first taper (26) opposite the threaded section (30) is configured to enter a drilled hole (14) which is transverse to the tunnel (10), capture a looped replacement ligament (24), and extend into the medial side (25) of the receptor bone (36). A second taper (28) urges the replacement ligament (24) against the wall (15) of the tunnel (10) and provides resistance when the second taper (28) contacts the medial side (25) of the bone (36), thus signaling that the pin (20) has been inserted to the proper depth. The body (21) of the pin (20) secures the looped replacement ligament (24) in the tunnel (10) and holds the replacement ligament (24) in contact with the wall (15) of the tunnel (10) to insure ingrowth.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail has a dynamization opening that accommodates and utilizes a dynamization window. The dynamization window is press-fit into the dynamization opening. The dynamization window is oval shaped and includes first and second protrusions that extend from respective surfaces of the dynamization window. The dynamization opening is sized to receive the dynamization window but compress the protrusions/window during insertion. The dynamization opening includes channels or grooves that are sized to accommodate the protrusions and allow the protrusions/window to return to an uncompressed state when situated therein. The dynamization opening and window cooperate to allow a press fit of the window into the dynamization opening with an elastic snap-fit and audible sound.

Abstract: A pin (20) is provided for securing a replacement ligament (24) inside a tunnel (10) of a receptor bone (36). A threaded section (30) of the pin (20) engages and anchors the pin (20) in the receptor bone (36). A first taper (26) opposite the threaded section (30) is configured to enter a drilled hole (14) which is transverse to the tunnel (10), capture a looped replacement ligament (24), and extend into the medial side (25) of the receptor bone (36). A second taper (28) urges the replacement ligament (24) against the wall (15) of the tunnel (10) and provides resistance when the second taper (28) contacts the medial side (25) of the bone (36), thus signaling that the pin (20) has been inserted to the proper depth. The body (21) of the pin (20) secures the looped replacement ligament (24) in the tunnel (10) and holds the replacement ligament (24) in contact with the wall (15) of the tunnel (10) to insure ingrowth.

Abstract: A pin (20) and method for use are provided for securing a replacement ligament (24) inside a tunnel (10) of a receptor bone (36). A threaded section (30) of the pin (20) engages and anchors the pin (20) in the receptor bone (36). A first taper (26) opposite the threaded section (30) is configured to enter a drilled hole (14) which is transverse to the tunnel (10), capture a looped replacement ligament (24), and extend into the medial side (25) of the receptor bone (36). A second taper (28) urges the replacement ligament (24) against the wall (15) of the tunnel (10) and provides resistance when the second taper (28) contacts the medial side (25) of the bone (36), thus signaling that the pin (20) has been inserted to the proper depth. The body (21) of the pin (20) secures the looped replacement ligament (24) in the tunnel (10) and holds the replacement ligament (24) in contact with the wall (15) of the tunnel (10) to insure ingrowth.

Abstract: A reconstructive structure for a cartilaginous element having a plurality of superimposed layers of intestinal submucosa tissue compressed and secured together and shaped to provide a reconstructive structure having the anatomical shape of the cartilaginous element to be reconstructed is described. The method of forming the reconstructive structure includes superimposing the planar layers of the intestinal submucosa tissue, securing the layers to form a multi-layered structure and cutting the resulting multi-layered structure to the desired shape.

Abstract: A reconstructive structure for a cartilaginous element having a plurality of superimposed layers of intestinal submucosa tissue compressed and secured together and shaped to provide a reconstructive structure having the anatomical shape of the cartilaginous element to be reconstructed is described. The method of forming the reconstructive structure includes superimposing the planar layers of the intestinal submucosa tissue, securing the layers to form a multi-layered structure and cutting the resulting multi-layered structure to the desired shape.

Abstract: A reconstructive structure for a cartilaginous element having a plurality of superimposed layers of intestinal submucosa tissue compressed and secured together and shaped to provide a reconstructive structure having the anatomical shape of the cartilaginous element to be reconstructed is described. The method of forming the reconstructive structure includes superimposing the planar layers of the intestinal submucosa tissue, securing the layers to form a multi-layered structure and cutting the resulting multi-layered structure to the desired shape.

Abstract: A reconstructive structure for a cartilaginous element having a plurality of superimposed layers of a small intestine submucosa compressed and secured together and shaped to provide the multilayered reconstructive element of the anatomical shape of the cartilaginous element to be constructed. The method of forming the reconstructive structure includes superimposing the planar layers of the small intestine compressing, securing and cutting to the desired shape. The superimposing is performed so as to maintain the layers substantially planar prior to compressing and securing. The method of reconstructing a cartilaginous element includes removing at least a portion, if not substantially all of the cartilaginous element, but leaving a seed portion, sculpturing the reconstructive structure to the anatomical shape of the cartilaginous element to be reconstructed; positioning the receptive element adjacent to the seed portion and securing it thereto.

Abstract: A reconstructive structure for a cartilaginous element having a plurality of superimposed layers of a small intestine submucosa compressed and secured together and shaped to provide the multi-layered reconstructive element of the anatomical shape of the cartilaginous element to be constructed. The method of forming the reconstructive structure includes superimposing the planar layers of the small intestine compressing, securing and cutting to the desired shape. The superimposing is performed so as to maintain the layers substantially planar prior to compressing and securing. The method of reconstructing a cartilaginous element includes removing at least a portion, if not substantially all of the cartilaginous element, but leaving a seed portion, sculpturing the reconstructive structure to the anatomical shape of the cartilaginous element to be reconstructed; positioning the receptive element adjacent to the seed portion and securing it thereto.

Abstract: A preassembled disposable driver and suture anchor are provided for threaded engagement into a bone to provide an attachment point for soft tissue. The anchor is formed to have an externally threaded body portion for engaging the bone, a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion. When the anchor is threaded into an opening in a bone, the distal end portion is adjacent a bottom of the opening and the proximal end portion is adjacent a mouth of the opening. A suture is attached to said anchor having free ends extending outwardly from the bone opening. The driver is elongated and has a distal end which engages the proximal end of the anchor and a proximal end for gripping by the surgeon. The driver also has a slot for receiving the suture which extends away from the anchor.

Abstract: A bone drill guide having at least a first arm slidable within a bore of the body of the drill guide and a ratchet mechanism for locking the first arm and the first bore. The ratchet mechanism includes teeth on the first arm and a pawl biased along a first axis and having a continuous engagement edge for engaging the teeth of the first arm for any angular orientation of the pawl about the first axis. The continuous engagement edge is a curve in a plane transverse to the first axis for providing a substantially renewable point contact with the teeth. The recess includes side walls tapered towards the engagement edge to allow a narrow contact at the engagement edge and re-enforce face walls to absorb the axial forces of the guide.

Abstract: A method is provided for installing a femoral bone plug in a femoral tunnel formed in a femur. The method includes the steps of inserting the femoral bone plug into the femoral tunnel, and installing a transverse pin through the femur generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the femoral tunnel and intersecting the femoral tunnel. The transverse pin engages the femoral bone plug to force the femoral bone plug against a wall of the femoral tunnel to secure the femoral bone plug inside the femoral tunnel and to promote healing and bonding of the femoral bone plug to the femur.

Abstract: A pin is provided for securing a replacement ligament inside a tunnel of a receptor bone. The pin includes a body portion having a threaded section for engaging the receptor bone to anchor the pin in the receptor bone. The body portion also includes a tapered shank located adjacent the threaded portion. The tapered shank is configured to enter a drilled hole having a predetermined diameter formed in the replacement ligament to force the replacement ligament against the wall of the tunnel.

Abstract: A drill guide is provided for aligning and installing a transverse pin through a tunnel formed by a tunnel drill in a bone to secure a ligament replacement to the bone. The drill guide includes an arm member and a drill guide sleeve coupled to the arm member. The drill guide sleeve is formed to include a central bore for guiding a drill to form a transverse guide hole in the bone to guide insertion of the transverse pin into the bone. The central bore of the drill guide sleeve has an axis which is aligned to intersect the tunnel. The arm member of the drill guide is coupled to the tunnel drill while the tunnel drill is still in the bone to align the arm member and drill guide sleeve at a desired anatomical location using the tunnel drill in the bone as a reference.

Abstract: A method is provided for anchoring a replacement ligament in a bone. The method includes the steps of drilling a first hole through the bone with a drill to form a ligament tunnel, and drilling a second hole in the bone at an angle relative to the ligament tunnel using the drill inside the ligament tunnel as a reference to establish the position of the second hole. The method also includes the step of inserting a transverse pin through the second hole to secure the replacement ligament to the bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking sleeve assembly for use in a posterior spinal system including components designed to be affixed to the spinal column of a person to correct for various lateral and sagittal deformities. The locking sleeve assembly is for interconnecting an elongated rod with another structure. The locking sleeve assembly includes an elongated sleeve having a bore therethrough. The sleeve has a tapered first end and a second end having a lock member thereon. The sleeve includes at least one split extending into the sleeve. The bore is sized to slidably receive the rod. The tapered surface of the sleeve is insertable into a tapered passage of the other structure with the rod in the bore, to form an interference fit between the two tapered surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupler assembly for use in a posterior spinal system including components designed to be affixed to the spinal column of a person to correct various lateral and sagittal deformities. The spinal coupler assembly is adapted to be interconnected between two spaced rods. The couplers are used in conjunction with the spinal system which also includes a pair of smooth surfaced rods mounted in spaced relation to one another on the spinal column in conjunction with various fixation devices such as clamps with hook bodies, hooks, screws with hook bodies and the couplers. Each such fixation device utilizes locking sleeve assemblies at each connection point to secure the respective fixation device to the respective rod or rods. The coupler assemblies are provided to maintain the spacing of the rods. The method of performing surgery using the posterior spinal system is also disclosed.