Abstract: An interspinous fusion device is described. The interspinous fusion device includes a spacer member and an anchor member. The spacer member has a ring with two or more anchor assemblies projecting laterally from substantially opposite sides of the spacer member ring. The spacer member further has a first zip lock flange and a second zip lock flange, each of the first and second zip lock flanges extends transversely from the spacer member ring wherein each of the first and second zip lock flanges each comprises a series of teeth protruding from it. The anchor member has a ring with two or more anchor assemblies projecting laterally from substantially opposite sides of the anchor member ring. The anchor member further has a barrel extending transversely from the anchor member ring. The barrel comprises a first column of recesses adapted to mate with the teeth of the first zip lock flange and a second column of recesses adapted to mate with the teeth of the second zip lock flange.

Abstract: A polyaxial interspinous fusion device is described. The polyaxial interspinous fusion device has a fixed anchor, a polyaxial anchor, and a bone spacer. The fixed anchor has a center ring, one or more fixed anchor arms projecting laterally from the center ring, and a barrel projecting transversely from the center ring. The polyaxial anchor has a socket ring and one or more polyaxial anchor arms projecting laterally from the socket ring, wherein the socket ring has a concave engagement surface. The bone spacer has a spacer head having a convex socket engagement surface that matches the concave engagement surface of the socket ring. The bone spacer also has one or more zip lock flanges extending transversely from the spacer head and one or more bone abutments extending transversely from the spacer head. The zip lock flanges and bone abutments of the bone spacer fit through the socket ring and the barrel of the fixed anchor fits through the socket ring.

Abstract: A transconnector is adapted to connect first and second spinal rods that are positioned longitudinally along a spine. The transconnector includes a first member and a second member that clamp onto first and second spinal rods.

Abstract: A height-adjustable vertebral spacer is described. The spacer has a superior member and an inferior member. The superior member has a superior vertebral interface and an inferior nesting interface. The superior vertebral interface includes angled teeth, and the inferior nesting interface has one or more lateral walls with one or more rows of slits formed therein. The inferior member has an inferior vertebral interface and one or more lateral walls with one or more rows of ridges protruding inwardly from the one or more lateral walls. Each of the ridges has an angled bottom side and a flat upper side that is perpendicular to the lateral wall from which it protrudes. When the superior member is mated with the inferior member the one or more ridges of the inferior member are oriented to mate with the one or more slits of the superior member.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly includes a fixation element, a coupling element, a bottom saddle, and a compression nut. The fixation element is adapted to engage a bone having a head portion and a shank portion. The coupling element includes an internal bore sized to receive the shank portion, a seat adapted to support the head portion, and a retention region in a sidewall of the coupling element that extends from a proximal ridge to the seat, the retention region including non-parallel opposed internal surfaces therebetween. The bottom saddle is disposed within the retention region and including a frustoconical outer surface formed by opposed walls and a rod-receiving region to receive a rod. The compression nut is coupled with the coupling element and adapted to translate a force to the head portion through the rod and bottom saddle to prevent relative movement between the fixation element and the coupling element.

Abstract: A spine screw assembly is adapted to be loaded from a bottom of a receiver member. The spine screw assembly includes a bone fastener with a head having a groove that removably accepts a clip. The clip acts to retain the head of the bone fastener in the receiver member.

Abstract: A bone stabilizer assembly includes a fixation element, a coupling element, and a compression nut. The fixation element is adapted to engage a bone and having a head portion and shank portion. The coupling element has an internal bore sized to receive the shank portion of the fixation element and a pyramid-shaped seat for supporting the head portion of the fixation element. The coupling element is adapted to receive a stabilizer rod. The compression nut is engagable with the coupling element and is adapted to rotatingly move distally into the coupling element to translate a force to the head portion through the rod and the saddle such that the head portion is forced against the seat of the coupling element to prevent relative movement between the fixation element and the coupling element.

Abstract: Enamel Matrix Derivative (EMD) proteins and enamel matrix proteins are widely used in clinical dentistry because of their ability to promote regeneration of soft and hard tissues and to reduce inflammation and infections. The present invention relates to the surprising finding that a pharmaceutical, dental and/or cosmetic formulation, which comprises purified Enamel Matrix Derivative (EMD) proteins and/or enamel matrix proteins and sterilized Propylene Glycol Alginate (PGA), wherein the sterilized PGA is obtained from non-sterilized PGA having a weight average molecular weight (Mwo) of between 250-500 kDa, is more stable over time, especially, the pH is more stable over time.

Abstract: A bone stabilizer assembly includes a fixation element, a coupling element, and a compression nut. The fixation element is adapted to engage a bone and having a head portion and shank portion. The coupling element has an internal bore sized to receive the shank portion of the fixation element and a pyramid-shaped seat for supporting the head portion of the fixation element. The coupling element is adapted to receive a stabilizer rod. The compression nut is engagable with the coupling element and is adapted to rotatingly move distally into the coupling element to translate a force to the head portion through the rod and the saddle such that the head portion is forced against the seat of the coupling element to prevent relative movement between the fixation element and the coupling element.

Abstract: Disclosed are spinal fusion assemblies for use in skeletal systems. The assembly includes a coupling element that can be coupled to a fixation element, such as, for example, a screw with a head that removably mates with the coupling element. The coupling element and fixation element are configured to be coupled to an elongate stabilizer, such as a rod, that is positioned between a top and a bottom saddle. A compression member, such as a compression nut, is configured to mate with the coupling element and provides a compressive force to the top and bottom saddles to secure the elongate stabilizer therebetween. The top and bottom saddles are movably positioned within the coupling element such that they can gradually reposition and self-align into a secure engagement with the stabilizer as the compression member provides the compressive force.

Abstract: Disclosed are spinal fusion assemblies for use in skeletal systems. The assembly includes a coupling element that can be coupled to a fixation element, such as, for example, a screw with a head that removably mates with the coupling element. The coupling element and fixation element are configured to be coupled to an elongate stabilizer, such as a rod, that is positioned between a top and a bottom saddle. A compression member, such as a compression nut, is configured to mate with the coupling element and provides a compressive force to the top and bottom saddles to secure the elongate stabilizer therebetween. The top and bottom saddles are movably positioned within the coupling element such that they can gradually reposition and self-align into a secure engagement with the stabilizer as the compression member provides the compressive force.

Abstract: A rod reducer is adapted for inserting a rod into position within an orthopedic device. The rod reducer is configured for use with one hand and does not obstruct the surgeon's view of the surgical field during use.

Abstract: A bone stabilizer assembly includes a fixation element, a coupling element, and a compression nut. The fixation element is adapted to engage a bone and having a head portion and shank portion. The coupling element has an internal bore sized to receive the shank portion of the fixation element and a pyramid-shaped seat for supporting the head portion of the fixation element. The coupling element is adapted to receive a stabilizer rod. The compression nut is engagable with the coupling element and is adapted to rotatingly move distally into the coupling element to translate a force to the head portion through the rod and the saddle such that the head portion is forced against the seat of the coupling element to prevent relative movement between the fixation element and the coupling element.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has a configuration that employs a scalloped profile that defines internal scalloped edges having troughs and crests that extend substantially along the outer edge of a head of the device. The troughs and crests interface with a series of troughs and crests around the openings in the device. Each of the openings includes an outwardly extending slot that permits the opening to expand and contract outward as the head of the anchor is rotated. This enables an anti-backout feature that prevents or substantially inhibits undesired rotation and backout.

Abstract: A rod reducer is adapted for inserting a rod into position within an orthopedic device. The rod reducer is configured for use with one hand and does not obstruct the surgeon's view of the surgical field during use.

Abstract: A bone stabilizer assembly includes a fixation element, a coupling element, and a compression nut. The fixation element is adapted to engage a bone and having a head portion and shank portion. The coupling element has an internal bore sized to receive the shank portion of the fixation element and a pyramid-shaped seat for supporting the head portion of the fixation element. The coupling element is adapted to receive a stabilizer rod. The compression nut is engagable with the coupling element and is adapted to rotatingly move distally into the coupling element to translate a force to the head portion through the rod and the saddle such that the head portion is forced against the seat of the coupling element to prevent relative movement between the fixation element and the coupling element.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, guides, and methods for closure of fascia and other tissue sites are disclosed. A suture passer guide comprises an elongate body with first and second passages for guiding a suture passer. The long axes of the elongate body, the first passage, and the second passage, preferably lie in three separate parallel planes. A suture passer comprises a housing having a needle tip portion and a first suture grasping surface. An elongate body is located at least partially within the housing and is configured to slide within the housing. The elongate body has a second suture grasping surface at the distal end. The first and second suture grasping surfaces preferably are spaced from the needle tip portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are spinal fusion assemblies for use in skeletal systems. The assembly includes a coupling element that can be coupled to a fixation element, such as, for example, a screw with a head that removably mates with the coupling element. The coupling element and fixation element are configured to be coupled to an elongate stabilizer, such as a rod, that is positioned between a top and a bottom saddle. A compression member, such as a compression nut, is configured to mate with the coupling element and provides a compressive force to the top and bottom saddles to secure the elongate stabilizer therebetween. The top and bottom saddles are movably positioned within the coupling element such that they can gradually reposition and self-align into a secure engagement with the stabilizer as the compression member provides the compressive force.

Abstract: Disclosed are spinal fusion assemblies for use in skeletal systems. The assembly includes a coupling element that can be coupled to a fixation element, such as, for example, a screw with a head that removably mates with the coupling element. The coupling element and fixation element are configured to be coupled to an elongate stabilizer, such as a rod, that is positioned between a top and a bottom saddle. A compression member, such as a compression nut, is configured to mate with the coupling element and provides a compressive force to the top and bottom saddles to secure the elongate stabilizer therebetween. The top and bottom saddles are movably positioned within the coupling element such that they can gradually reposition and self-align into a secure engagement with the stabilizer as the compression member provides the compressive force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite article comprising at least one metal reinforcement element embedded in a polymer material. An adhesion promoting layer is interposed between the metal reinforcement element and the polymer material. The adhesion promoting layer comprises an organofunctional silane and a hyperbranched polymer. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a composite article and to the use of a composite article as metal reinforced article.