Abstract: A bone plate assembly including at least one bone plate, polyaxially adjustable fixation elements and a polyaxially adjustable locking mechanism. A first plate includes at least one polyaxial element for lockable connection with a fixation pad, and a connection feature which allows the plate to translate and polyaxially rotate relative to the locking mechanism. A second plate includes at least one polyaxial element for connection with a fixation pad and a connection feature for non-rotatable connection with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism allows translation and polyaxial adjustment of the first plate relative to the second plate and locks the first and second plates via a taper lock. The fixation pad includes a deflectable spacer configured to prevent premature locking of the pad. Methods for implantation of the bone plate assembly between two bone structures are disclosed. Instrumentation for implantation, compression and locking of the bone plate assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a suture anchor into an internal anatomical site through a cannula, or percutaneously, has a curved hollow guide for insertion into the cannula and/or tissue. The guide has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a “parabolic ” shape for engaging the intended anatomical site such as a glenoid. A flexible obturator is insertable through the curved guide from the proximal end to the distal end to facilitate insertion of the guide through the cannula. A flexible drill is insertable through the curved guide from the proximal to the distal end once the guide is in place. A flexible inserter is provided for inserting a suture anchor into a bore at the anatomical site formed by the flexible drill.

Abstract: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding a plurality of passageways such that a suture can only be drawn through the passageways along one direction. The suture may be inserted through the passageways through the use of a cartridge designed to contain the line lock. Threaders may pass through the line lock within the cartridge. Each threader may have a leading end and a trailing end that can be coupled to a suture end. Thus, two suture ends may be drawn through the passageways by coupling them to the threaders and drawing the leading ends of the threaders to cause the suture ends to pass through the passageways according to the desired pattern. The cartridge may then be opened to permit easy removal of the suture and the line lock.

Abstract: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding a plurality of passageways such that a suture can only be drawn through the passageways along one direction. The suture may be inserted through the passageways through the use of a cartridge designed to contain the line lock. Threaders may pass through the line lock within the cartridge. Each threader may have a leading end and a trailing end that can be coupled to a suture end. Thus, two suture ends may be drawn through the passageways by coupling them to the threaders and drawing the leading ends of the threaders to cause the suture ends to pass through the passageways according to the desired pattern. The cartridge may then be opened to permit easy removal of the suture and the line lock.

Abstract: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding a plurality of passageways such that a suture can only be drawn through the passageways along one direction. The suture may be inserted through the passageways through the use of a cartridge designed to contain the line lock. Threaders may pass through the line lock within the cartridge. Each threader may have a leading end and a trailing end that can be coupled to a suture end. Thus, two suture ends may be drawn through the passageways by coupling them to the threaders and drawing the leading ends of the threaders to cause the suture ends to pass through the passageways according to the desired pattern. The cartridge may then be opened to permit easy removal of the suture and the line lock.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument for passing a suture through tissue includes a first jaw member, a needle, and a capture feature actuable to grip and retain the suture after the suture has been passed through a tissue body. An actuation mechanism can both move the needle between retracted and extended positions, and move the capture feature between open and closed configurations, via a single actuation. The capture feature may be a trap door which is axially translatable relative to the first jaw member to overlap a portion of the first jaw member and trap a portion of the suture between the trap door and the overlapped portion. The first jaw member may be movable relative to a second jaw member to grasp a tissue body. The instrument can grasp a tissue body, pass the suture through the tissue, capture and retain the suture without being repositioned relative to the tissue.

Abstract: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding two passageways that cooperate to receive a locking portion of a line such as a suture in such a manner that the locking portion can only be drawn through the passageways along one direction. A second suture locking portion may also received by the passageways, or by one of the two passageways in combination with a third passageway. The body may have an elongated, compact shape that is easily implantable in the body.

Abstract: A system for attaching soft tissue to bone includes an anchor, a suture, and a tissue retainer. The anchor may have a threaded tip that engages the bone, and a suture retention portion with passageways arranged such that each of first and second anchor portions of the suture can be drawn through the passageways along only a single direction. The tissue retainer has passageways through which the suture can freely move in either direction. Thus, the anchor and the tissue retainer may be attached to bone and tissue, respectively, and the suture may be drawn to substantially irreversibly draw the bone and tissue together. In alternative embodiments, an anchor may receive only one portion of suture and/or one suture end may be affixed to the anchor. The anchor may alternatively permit free motion of the suture, while the tissue retainer permits passage of the suture along only one direction.

Abstract: A porous PEEK implant system which may provide tissue ingrowth throughout the body of the implant. The implant may comprise a solid or porous PEEK core. The porous PEEK implants may be of general shape and size but provide the structure necessary to carry out the function of the implant. The porous PEEK implant pores may be seeded with agents to encourage tissue ingrowth as well as other agents such as antibiotics, anesthetics, analgesics and the like.

Abstract: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding two passageways that cooperate to receive a locking portion of a line such as a suture in such a manner that the locking portion can only be drawn through the passageways along one direction. A second suture locking portion may also received by the passageways, or by one of the two passageways in combination with a third passageway. The body may have an elongated, compact shape that is easily implantable in the body.

Abstract: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding a plurality of passageways such that a suture can only be drawn through the passageways along one direction. The suture is attached to the line lock prior to use in surgery, either by securing one end of the suture to the line lock, or by retaining a loop of the suture with one of the passageways. A needle may be pre-attached to a free end of the suture. The suture may be inserted through the passageways through the use of a cartridge designed to contain the line lock. A threader may pass through the line lock within the cartridge along the desired pathway for the suture. Thus, the suture may be coupled to the threader and drawn through the passageways along the desired pathway by pulling the threader from the cartridge.

Abstract: A system and method for passing a suture through a tissue and tying a surgical knot. The system may comprise a suture and a first and a second arm. The first arm may comprise a needle and the second arm may comprise a tube configured to allow the needle of the first arm to pass through. One end of the suture may be wrapped around the tube and the other end of suture secured to the needle. The arms may engage. The needle and suture may pass through the tube and the portion of the suture wrapped around the tube. A knot is formed with the suture. The suture may be secured to the opposite site of the arm with the needle. The arms may disengage which may remove the needle from the tube. The knot may be tensioned by pulling on opposite ends of the suture in opposite directions.

Abstract: A system for attaching soft tissue to bone includes an anchor, a suture, and a tissue retainer. The anchor may have a threaded tip that engages the bone, and a suture retention portion with passageways arranged such that each of first and second anchor portions of the suture can be drawn through the passageways along only a single direction. The tissue retainer has passageways through which the suture can freely move in either direction. Thus, the anchor and the tissue retainer may be attached to bone and tissue, respectively, and the suture may be drawn to substantially irreversibly draw the bone and tissue together. In alternative embodiments, an anchor may receive only one portion of suture and/or one suture end may be affixed to the anchor. The anchor may alternatively permit free motion of the suture, while the tissue retainer permits passage of the suture along only one direction.

Abstract: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding a primary passageway, a secondary passageway, and a working passageway. The passageways may be sized to receive two locking portions of a suture such that each of the locking portions can only be moved through the line lock along one direction. The passageways may be symmetrically arranged to receive the two locking portions in symmetrical fashion. The passageways may also be arranged such that two ends of the suture can be drawn in substantially opposite directions to advance the body along the suture. The body may have one or more grooves into which corresponding portions of the suture can be pressed via tension in the suture to enhance locking. The body may have a generally circular profile that facilitates advancement of the body along the suture to tighten the suture against, for example, internal bodily tissue.

Abstract: A tendon attachment system may include two fasteners forming a fastener assembly. The first fastener may comprise a capture body with suture apertures and a threadable capture body hole, two sharpened legs attached to the capture surface, and a tendon channel. The suture may be secured to a tendon, and slid through the apertures guiding the first fastener to the fixation site. The two sharpened legs may be driven into the bone. The capture body may provide security of the tendon to the bone and the sutures may be secured to the first fastener. The second fastener may comprise a head portion, and a threadable portion which may pass through the capture body hole and threadably engage with the bone, further advancing the first fastener toward the bone. The suture may be further secured by the engagement of the second fastener to the first fastener.

Abstract: The present invention provides integration between an implant system and therapeutic agent delivery system. The implant may include a prosthesis that restores biomechanical function while decreasing long-term disability and pain by replacing damaged or degenerate tissues, or a reconstructive implant such as a bone plate. The therapeutic agent delivery system may include one or more channels either permanently or reversibly attached to the implant. The channels may receive medication from an external pump via a percutaneous catheter. The channels deliver the medication to one or more medicating surfaces of the implant to treating proximate tissues.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes an elongated shaft having an exterior sidewall extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end. A helical first thread is wound about and outwardly projects from the exterior sidewall of the shaft so as to extend between the proximal end and the distal end of the shaft. A first suture port transversely extends through at least a portion of the first thread at the proximal end of the shaft. The suture port is configured to receive a suture line.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes an elongated shaft having an exterior sidewall extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end. A helical first thread is wound about and outwardly projects from the exterior sidewall of the shaft so as to extend between the proximal end and the distal end of the shaft. A first suture port transversely extends through at least a portion of the first thread at the proximal end of the shaft. The suture port is configured to receive a suture line.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes an elongated shaft having an exterior sidewall extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end. A helical first thread is wound about and outwardly projects from the exterior sidewall of the shaft so as to extend between the proximal end and the distal end of the shaft. A first suture port transversely extends through at least a portion of the first thread at the proximal end of the shaft. The suture port is configured to receive a suture line.

Abstract: An automated injection module is comprised of a housing, a piston drug capsule disposed within the housing, a piston core including a puncture seal membrane defining a reservoir for holding a drug between the puncture seal membrane and the piston drug capsule, an injection device having at least one sharp end for puncturing the puncture seal upon activation of the device, an end cap on a distal end of the housing, and a pressure source on a proximal end of the housing. The pressure source is preferably a propellant that ignites and forces the piston toward the distal end. Substantially simultaneously, the injection device pierces the puncture seal membrane, the piston core is forced into the piston drug capsule, and the drug is evacuated from the reservoir through the injection device and into a patient.