Abstract: In one embodiment, a bone-fastening system includes a handle, a barrel assembly connected to the handle, and a bridge assembly connected to the barrel assembly. The bridge assembly may be configured to receive a first connector element and a second connector element in axial alignment with the first connector element so as to receive a fastening element between the first and second connector elements. The system may also include a control configured to, upon actuation, approximate the first connector element and the second connector element so as to apply compressive pressure to bone portions positioned between the first connector element and the second connector element. A drive mechanism configured to advance the fastening element through the bone portions and connect the first connector element with the second connector element to fasten the bone portions under compression may also be provided with the system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bone-fastening system includes a handle, a barrel assembly connected to the handle, and a bridge assembly connected to the barrel assembly. The bridge assembly may be configured to receive a first connector element and a second connector element in axial alignment with the first connector element so as to receive a fastening element between the first and second connector elements. The system may also include a control configured to, upon actuation, approximate the first connector element and the second connector element so as to apply compressive pressure to bone portions positioned between the first connector element and the second connector element. A drive mechanism configured to advance the fastening element through the bone portions and connect the first connector element with the second connector element to fasten the bone portions under compression may also be provided with the system.

Abstract: A bone-fastening system includes an implant with a threaded screw, a distal nut with a threaded bore, and a proximal washer which may also be threaded. An instrument for implanting the implant includes a handle and a barrel terminating in a holder for the washer. A c-shaped bridge assembly has a first end connected to the barrel and a second end including a holder for the nut in axial alignment with the washer. A manually operated control on the instrument, coupled to an elongated element in the barrel, causes the washer to move toward the nut, thereby applying compressive pressure to bone portions to be fastened together. A drive mechanism disposed within the barrel has a distal end with a holder for the screw and a proximal end that is turned by a user, thereby advancing the screw through the washer to the nut to fasten the bone portions under compression. The manually operated control is preferably a trigger that is squeezed toward the handle by a user.

Abstract: A bone-fastening system includes an implant with a threaded screw, a distal nut with a threaded bore, and a proximal washer which may also be threaded. An instrument for implanting the implant includes a handle and a barrel terminating in a holder for the washer. A c-shaped bridge assembly has a first end connected to the barrel and a second end including a holder for the nut in axial alignment with the washer. A manually operated control on the instrument, coupled to an elongated element in the barrel, causes the washer to move toward the nut, thereby applying compressive pressure to bone portions to be fastened together. A drive mechanism disposed within the barrel has a distal end with a holder for the screw and a proximal end that is turned by a user, thereby advancing the screw through the washer to the nut to fasten the bone portions under compression. The manually operated control is preferably a trigger that is squeezed toward the handle by a user.

Abstract: An interbody vertebral cage facilitates minimally invasive approaches to the intervertebral disc for corrective restoration of disc height, stabilization between vertebra, and fusion. The preferred embodiment provides a streamlined, slender straight contour with a central hinge or other articulating apparatus that allows the introduction of the cage into the operative field and disc space in a minimally invasive, bone-sparing manner. After partial insertion, the hinge component is activated, allowing the operator to steer the cage anterior-medially within the disc space to an anterior-central position within the intervertebral space. In this state the cage is shaped like a crescent, chevron or boomerang.

Abstract: A percutaneous facet fixation system minimally invasive, reproducible, efficient, and effective. Capable of immediate stabilization of a facet joint complex, the instrumentation and methods may be used with C-arm and/or endoscopic visualization.

Abstract: A system for performing bone arthrodesis includes an implant for bone arthrodesis and a bone fastening device. The implant includes a fastener with an elongated shaft having a head at one end and a bone-piercing point at the opposite end. A first washer has structure for engaging the head of the shaft so as to be polyaxially pivotable with respect to the head. A locking member has structure for engaging the shaft. The locking member can have a second washer pivotally engaged thereto. The bone fastening device can include an elongated cannula with a collet for detachably engaging the first washer and for advancing the first washer. Structure is provided for engaging the fastener and for advancing and rotating the fastener through the collet and through the first washer. The bone arthrodesis device further includes a lower end portion extending from the cannula. The lower end portion has structure for detachably engaging the locking member.

Abstract: Implants, tools and techniques facilitate a percutaneous posterior lateral approach to the placement of an in-situ cage, and an inventive cage design to meet this objective. In terms of apparatus, the invention includes a laterally expandable cage, including a locking gate, enabling the system to be introduced into an intradiscal space through a minimally invasive percutaneous posteo-lateral approach. In addition to the cage designs, adapted to hold bone graft and/or other biologic materials, the invention includes other novel instruments, including an introducer associated with cage placement, deployment and closure.

Abstract: Deep fascia anchors provide a convenient way to bring fascia back to its anatomic location, thereby avoiding many of the problems and complications with current approaches. In the preferred embodiment, the anchors are made of a silastic or biodegradable material utilizing a design which mimics the spinous process. The anchors may attach to any suitable form of instrumentation, including rods, plates, and so forth. The anchors are adjustable to suit different mechanical structures. Anchors according to the invention include two opposing flexible arms which wrap around and lock on to the instrumentation, with a center tip portion preferably including attachment points or holes to which the deep fascia may be attached, much like the natural spinous process. Multiple anchors may be used according to the invention as dictated by the length of the instrumentation, and varying sizes and shapes may be provided to mimic anatomic differences in location (i.e., cervical, thoracic, lumbar) and patient (i.e.

Abstract: Universally adaptable evacuators are adaptable to all surgical fields, easy to apply and, in most cases, may be expanded and/or removed as necessary. A hollow tube including a fitting adapted for connection to a vacuum source and at least one smoke inlet is held in position with the smoke inlet proximate to a surgical wound. According to a preferred embodiment, a stapling tab extending from a flexible perforated tube is used to hold the evacuator in place around the periphery of a surgical incision. According to an alternative embodiment, a smoke evacuator attaches temporarily or permanently to a retractor or other surgical instrument. Standard tubing and couplers may be used and the assembly may be prepackaged in sterile condition and disposed after use.

Abstract: An inserter and associated method improve the placement of a fastener into a bone. Although ideally suited to the placement of a pedicle screw into a vertebral body (VB), the apparatus and method are applicable to other bones and fasteners, pins, and the like. The apparatus includes cannulated body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded section therebetween. The proximal end is shaped for rotational tightening by a wrench or other tool, and the distal end including a perforated nozzle so that cement and/or biologics may be injected into the bone through the cannulated body. The proximal end includes a Lur-loc or other appropriate fitting to receive a cement-filled syringe. The device is also preferably disposable using, for example, clear plastic construction. The inserter may further including a member for sealing the nozzle relative to a bone. Such a member may be composed of a silatstic or other compressible material, or may be inflatable.