Abstract: A device for fixing the positions of proximate bone elements including an inter-bone implant adapted to be implanted between suitably prepared proximate bone elements, the inter-bone implant having an internally threaded aperture, a bone fixation apparatus including a base having an eyelet and a means connected to the base for mechanically fixing the positions of the proximate bone elements relative to each other, the eyelet being substantially aligned with the internally threaded aperture, and a screw having a head and a threaded shaft extending therefrom, wherein the shaft is operatively arranged to extend through the eyelet and threadingly engage the internally threaded aperture, and the screw is operatively arranged to secure the bone fixation apparatus to the inter-bone implant.

Abstract: The nucleus of an intervertebral disc is replaced with a construct including a distendable sack or balloon which, following insertion at a surgical site, is inflated with a hardenable material and is detached in situ when the injected material has hardened. Preferably, two nested balloons are inserted, and then are filled with materials which have different hardnesses when cured, to simulate a natural disc.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc replacement prosthesis which can be implanted in a collapsed state, then expanded within the disc space such that minimally invasive surgical techniques may be employed for its insertion, and, by virtue of its expandable nature, ligaments can be restored to proper tension, facet joints can be unloaded posteriorly to inhibit degenerative changes, and functional mobility of the intervertebral segment can be restored.

Abstract: An orthopedic fusion plate device has a rigid perimetral frame which embraces a pair of plates retained within the frame by a tongue and groove mechanism so that the plates can move in only a single dimension, toward and away from another. The device is intended to mitigate the effects of bone graft resorption and settling through either active or passive mechanisms.

Abstract: An expandable device is positioned surgically between spinous processes, permitting the incremental distraction of posterior spinal elements when the device is filled with a hardenable material.

Abstract: A radiographic spine marker includes a flexible, radiolucent platform having notches along its edges, and perforations to provide a marking template, and radiopaque markings associated with the notches and perforations, to help the surgeon identify the location of the notches during radiographic visualization.

Abstract: A tool for preparing vertebral surfaces following a discectomy has a body and a rotary cutting tool mounted at the distal end of a lever which extends through the body. The proximal end of the lever can be squeezed toward the body to force the cutting tool against the vertebral surface facing it, while the tool is rotated by turning a crank supported on the tool body, or by a motor. The cutting tool is preferably a flexible rasp or blade which can conform to and control the convexity of the prepared surface.

Abstract: An instrument adapted to be placed over the tip of an endoscope has a rearward-facing blade which can be deployed by manipulating an actuator. The actuator is connected to the blade by a flexible tensile member like a cable or wire, which enables one to make and use curved or bendable versions of the instrument. Once the blade is deployed, tissues may be cut by drawing the instrument past the tissues.

Abstract: A flexible cutting filament or wire is led through the carpal tunnel, beneath the transverse carpal ligament, by a passer. Thereafter, the opposite ends of the wire are secured in an instrument which tightens the wire and may be used to move the wire as a cutting tool to transect the overlying ligament, while preserving surrounding tissues. The small wire diameter enables minimally invasive techniques to limit post-operative pain and speed recovery.

Abstract: A plurality of pins attach to bone, such as a vertebra (not shown). Spacers interpose between pins. A cable extends through pins and spacers between a cap and an expansion sleeve. The expansion sleeve increases cable tension to restrict movement among pins and spacers.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant includes two shell components connected by articulated side walls which allow for expansion of the components between intervertebral bodies. The implant is maintained at a desired height by placing an insert of a selected size between the articulated walls, to prevent the implant from collapsing.

Abstract: Sheaths of fabric material are compressed on either side of a separator by manipulating internal and external catheters to form disks which sandwich the neck of an aneurysm to obliterate the aneurysm.

Abstract: An orthopedic fusion plate device has a rigid perimetral frame which embraces a pair of plates retained within the frame by a tongue and groove mechanism so that the plates can move in only a single dimension, toward and away from another. The device is intended to mitigate the effects of bone graft resorption and settling through either active or passive mechanisms.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral fusion implant includes a pair of shells having mating surfaces which resist shifting when the parts are assembled. The shells have opposed legs provided with teeth which permit the shells to be ratcheted outward in a non-parallel fashion after they have been placed between spinal elements.

Abstract: Bone growth following a spinal fusion procedure is enhanced by packing the fusion site with a mixture of a bone material such as allograft or autograft, and an antigen produced from bacteria or parasitic organisms. A composition for inducing bone morphogenesis also is disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc replacement prosthesis which can be implanted in a collapsed state, then expanded within the disc space such that minimally invasive surgical techniques may be employed for its insertion, and, by virtue of its expandable nature, ligaments can be restored to proper tension, facet joints can be unloaded posteriorly to inhibit degenerative changes, and functional mobility of the intervertebral segment can be restored.

Abstract: A spinal facet fixation device includes a pair of jaws hinged on a common base. A threaded actuator bears against a cam surface on the jaws to draw the points of the jaws together. A surgeon applies the opposed points to respective facets of vertebral elements, and then tightens the actuator to draw the facets together.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc replacement prosthesis which can be implanted in a collapsed state, then expanded within the disc space such that minimally invasive surgical techniques may be employed for its insertion, and, by virtue of its expandable nature, ligaments can be restored to proper tension, facet joints can be unloaded posteriorly to inhibit degenerative changes, and functional mobility of the intervertebral segment can be restored.

Abstract: The nucleus of an intervertebral disc is replaced with a construct including a distendable sack or balloon which, following insertion at a surgical site, is inflated with a hardenable material and is detached in situ when the injected material has hardened. Preferably, two nested balloons are inserted, and then are filled with materials which have different hardnesses when cured, to simulate a natural disc.

Abstract: The nucleus of an intervertebral disc is replaced with a construct including a distendable sack or balloon which is inflated with a hardenable material and is detached in situ when the injected material has hardened. Alternatively, two nested balloons may be inserted, and then filled with materials which have different hardnesses when cured, to simulate a natural disc.