Abstract: A system for interconnecting bones includes an implantable member configured to be mechanically coupled to a first bone, configured to be mechanically coupled to a second bone, configured to provide substantially no resistance to compression of the implantable member, configured to support a tensile load within a predetermined range of tensile loads extending from a first load to a second load, configured to have a predetermined elasticity within the range of tensile loads, configured to have a first characteristic at the first load, and configured to have a second characteristic at the second load. The system also includes a means for measuring the first characteristic and the second characteristic. And the system includes a means for calculating a tension between the first bone and the second bone based on the first characteristic and the second characteristic.

Abstract: Bone anchors providing tensioning between adjacent bones, including a vertebra. Various embodiments use combinations of bone fasteners and staples to attach a tethering head to a bone. In some embodiments, the tether is attached to the head by means of a separate ring. In still other embodiments the tension in the tether is adjusted by use of a variable depth pocket within the head and/or the bone anchor.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting bones includes an implantable member configured to be mechanically coupled to a first bone, configured to be mechanically coupled to a second bone, configured to provide substantially no resistance to compression of the implantable member, configured to support a tensile load within a predetermined range of tensile loads extending from a first load to a second load, configured to have a predetermined elasticity within the range of tensile loads, configured to have a first characteristic at the first load, and configured to have a second characteristic at the second load. The system also includes a means for measuring the first characteristic and the second characteristic. And the system includes a means for calculating a tension between the first bone and the second bone based on the first characteristic and the second characteristic.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for dynamic stabilization of bones, and especially of vertebra. Disclosed herein are bushings that permit axial movement of a rod, tether, or similar interconnection device relative to an anchoring head that is coupled to a bone. Some bushings further allow lateral relative movement or rotational relative movement, such additional relative movement being limited by the size and shape of the bushing, the size and shape of the interconnection device, the size and shape of the bushing container, the manner of attaching the anchoring head to the bone, or other considerations.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the tailored restraint of two separate bones, in which the bones are generally permitted to rotate relative to one another, or move toward each other, but are restrained from separating beyond a predetermined, fixed distance. In some embodiments, the restraint is provided by compressing a tether into a notched groove.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dynamic connection between adjacent bones. Various embodiments pertain to a bone anchor that includes a rotatable spool, the spool being configured to place tension on a flexible member, such as a tether, suture, cable, or other. Still further embodiments pertain to tools for interconnecting two bone anchors with a tether.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting bones includes an implantable member configured to be mechanically coupled to a first bone, configured to be mechanically coupled to a second bone, configured to provide substantially no resistance to compression of the implantable member, configured to support a tensile load within a predetermined range of tensile loads extending from a first load to a second load, configured to have a predetermined elasticity within the range of tensile loads, configured to have a first characteristic at the first load, and configured to have a second characteristic at the second load. The system also includes a means for measuring the first characteristic and the second characteristic. And the system includes a means for calculating a tension between the first bone and the second bone based on the first characteristic and the second characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for performing soft tissue repair by delivering a suture through the soft tissue and underlying bone at two or more fixation points that can be spaced apart from each other and connected by the suture on the surface of the soft tissue. The two or more fixation points and the suture connected there between can be a continuous strand of suture, which can form a stitching assembly that can provide sufficient fixation in the bone and minimize disruption to the soft tissue and bone. In an example, the suture can be delivered into the bone using one or more implants that can catch the suture to drive the suture through the tissue and into the bone. The one or more implants can include structural features to aid in securing the suture to the implant. In an example, the suture can include structural features or be formed of a material to aid in fixation of the suture in the bone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coupling two or more bones together with a flexible connector.

Abstract: Implantable devices for dynamic interconnection between bones, and especially between vertebrae. The devices provide for various types of manipulation of a flexible connection such as a tether, such as by providing an aperture through which the flexible connection is passed and guided, or a post to which a loop of the flexible connection can be attached, or a groove in which a loop of the flexible connection can be placed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first flexible connector and a second flexible connector. The apparatus also includes a first bone anchor including a first tethering head configured to receive a first portion of the first flexible connector. The apparatus also includes a second bone anchor including a second tethering head configured to receive a second portion of the first flexible connector. The apparatus also includes a third bone anchor defining a first aperture configured to receive therethrough the first bone anchor. The third bone anchor also defines a first peripheral channel configured to receive a first portion of the second flexible connector. The apparatus also includes a fourth bone anchor defining a second aperture configured to receive therethrough the second bone anchor. The fourth bone anchor also defines a second peripheral channel configured to receive a second portion of the second flexible connector.

Abstract: Bone anchors providing tensioning between adjacent bones, including a vertebrae. Various embodiments use combinations of bone fasteners and staples to attach a tethering head to a bone. In some embodiments, the tether is attached to the head by means of a separate ring. In still other embodiments the tension in the tether is adjusted by use of a variable depth pocket within the head and/or the bone anchor.

Abstract: A orthopedic tool (10) for bone fixation is provided for driving a bone pin into a fractured bone to stabilize the fractured bone by maintaining the fractured bone in a reduced state. The tool may be a handheld device including a magazine (56) having a plurality of passageways (98) containing one or more bone pins (62) positioned within the passageways. The tool may also include a pneumatically—powered piston (64) having a projection (70) that is sized for receipt within the plurality of passageways, the projection applying sufficient force to the bone pin to drive the bone pin out of the magazine and into the fractured bone.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for performing soft tissue repair by delivering a suture through the soft tissue and underlying bone at two or more fixation points that can be spaced apart from each other and connected by the suture on the surface of the soft tissue. The two or more fixation points and the suture connected there between can be a continuous strand of suture, which can form a stitching assembly that can provide sufficient fixation in the bone and minimize disruption to the soft tissue and bone. In an example, the suture can be delivered into the bone using one or more implants that can catch the suture to drive the suture through the tissue and into the bone. The one or more implants can include structural features to aid in securing the suture to the implant. In an example, the suture can include structural features or be formed of a material to aid in fixation of the suture in the bone.

Abstract: A orthopedic tool (10) for bone fixation is provided for driving a bone pin into a fractured bone to stabilize the fractured bone by maintaining the fractured bone in a reduced state. The tool may be a handheld device including a magazine (56) having a plurality of passageways (98) containing one or more bone pins (62) positioned within the passageways. The tool may also include a pneumatically—powered piston (64) having a projection (70) that is sized for receipt within the plurality of passageways, the projection applying sufficient force to the bone pin to drive the bone pin out of the magazine and into the fractured bone.