Abstract: A less invasive access port for use in minimally invasive surgery allows for manipulation of the viewing angle into the working site in a transverse plane. According to one exemplary embodiment, the less invasive access port is designed to minimize the need for muscle retraction. Additionally, the less invasive access portal provides sufficient light, irrigation, suction and space for sundry medical instruments. According to one exemplary embodiment, a less invasive access port device includes a retractor assembly having four retractor blades secured in various positions by pins placed within slots on the retractor blades. A cannula includes integrated interfaces for light, irrigation and suction. A housing forms a collar around a top of the cannula and houses the light, irrigation and suction mechanisms. Instruments and implants may be passed through the cannula and into the working space created by the retractor assembly. Visualization of the working site can be attained under direct vision.

Abstract: A spinal spacer system includes a handle member, an extension member including a first and a second end, wherein the first end of the extension member is coupled to the handle member. Additionally, a coupling device configured to selectively couple a spacer to the second end of the extension member is disposed on the extension member including an angular fixation member configured to fix the spacer in an angular position relative to the handle member. The spinal spacer system also includes an actuator configured to selectively actuate the coupling device and the angular fixation member. The spacer of the present exemplary spinal spacer system includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a rotatably coupleable engagement member disposed on the proximal end of the spacer. According to one exemplary embodiment, the coupling device includes a single protruding member extending from the second end of the extension member.

Abstract: An active compression orthopedic plate includes a first and a second end cross member, at least one longitudinal member slideably coupling the first and second end cross member, and at least one compressive member configured to exert a compressive force on the first and second end cross members.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an expandable ring is provided including a continuous ring member having no splits or breaks. According to one exemplary embodiment, the expandable ring is a compliant mechanism configured to expand and contract due to a relative movement of related sections of the continuous ring member.

Abstract: A tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a screw head having a first diameter includes a housing, wherein the housing defines an inner diameter configured to engage the first diameter of the screw head. The exemplary inner diameter of the housing being smaller than the first diameter of the screw head.

Abstract: A connection member for percutaneously coupling to one or more orthopedic fasteners includes a fastener head securing member including a fastener head securing orifice having an axis defined by a wall member terminating in a seating member, an adjustable compression member coupled to a surface of the wall member, a rod coupled to a lower half of the wall member, and a fastener head receiving orifice formed in the wall member, wherein the fastener head receiving orifice is formed transverse to and intersects the screw head securing orifice axis.

Abstract: A selectively locking minimally traumatic access port which utilizes a retractor which is configured to create access to a surgical site by displacing surrounding tissues. To minimize the damaged to the displaced tissue, the retractor is further configured to be locked in at least three fixed positions. The medical professional extends and locks the retractor in a position that minimizes the displacement and damage to the surrounding tissues while allowing adequate access to the surgical site.

Abstract: An exemplary tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation device includes an inner tulip member including a lower portion configured to couple the head of the bone fixation device and an upper portion including a plurality of flexible protrusions extending from the lower portion. According to one exemplary embodiment the plurality of flexible protrusions are configured to provisionally couple a rod. The exemplary tulip assembly also includes an outer tulip member including a first position and a second position, the first position being configured to enable an expansion of the lower portion of the inner tulip member and the second position being configured to compressibly lock the lower portion of the inner member on the bone fixation device. Moreover, the present exemplary tulip assembly also includes a cap having a generally planar top and at least one locking member extending from the top.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an orthopedic bone fixation device for stabilizing a plurality of bone segments includes a bone plate and a screw assembly. The bone plate includes a body defining at least one thru-bore, wherein the thru-bore is defined to include a central cavity, the central cavity includes a split ring, a compliant member, or another positionable element configured to modify an exit diameter of the thru-bore. Additionally, an actuation member is coupled to the bone plate. According to one exemplary embodiment, actuation of the actuation member, either by rotation, sliding, or the like, causes the actuation member to engage the positionable member, thereby modifying the exit diameter of the thru-bore. Further, the screw assembly is configured to be coupled to the bone plate, wherein the screw assembly includes a bone screw having a head section and a thread section.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant device and method is disclosed. Specifically, a knee mold system is disclosed, including elastic tibial and femoral molds, each of which may be configured and dimensioned as a unitary mold for in situ placement during a surgical procedure. Each mold may be manufactured from an elastic material that may be disposable. The tibial mold may further comprise a sidewall forming a cavity, markings for relative depth measurement, and depth rings for use as a guide for scoring, cutting, and/or trimming and tearing away an excess portion of the tibial mold. The femoral mold may further comprise a sidewall defining a cavity, two legs extending from a body of the femoral mold for forming the artificial condyles, and an eyelet for aiding in placement and removal of the femoral mold. The resulting prosthetic tibial and femoral components may form an articulation surface that mimics, at least in part, the natural articulation surface of the knee.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant device and method is disclosed. Specifically, a knee mold system is disclosed, including elastic tibial and femoral molds, each of which may be configured and dimensioned as a unitary mold for in situ placement during a surgical procedure. Each mold may be manufactured from an elastic material that may be disposable. The tibial mold may further comprise a sidewall forming a cavity, markings for relative depth measurement, and depth rings for use as a guide for scoring, cutting, and/or trimming and tearing away an excess portion of the tibial mold. The femoral mold may further comprise a sidewall defining a cavity, two legs extending from a body of the femoral mold for forming the artificial condyles, and an eyelet for aiding in placement and removal of the femoral mold. The resulting prosthetic tibial and femoral components may form an articulation surface that mimics, at least in part, the natural articulation surface of the knee.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant device and method is disclosed. Specifically, a knee mold system is disclosed, including elastic tibial and femoral molds, each of which may be configured and dimensioned as a unitary mold for in situ placement during a surgical procedure. Each mold may be manufactured from an elastic material that may be disposable. The tibial mold may further comprise a sidewall forming a cavity, markings for relative depth measurement, and depth rings for use as a guide for scoring, cutting, and/or trimming and tearing away an excess portion of the tibial mold. The femoral mold may further comprise a sidewall defining a cavity, two legs extending from a body of the femoral mold for forming the artificial condyles, and an eyelet for aiding in placement and removal of the femoral mold. The resulting prosthetic tibial and femoral components may form an articulation surface that mimics, at least in part, the natural articulation surface of the knee.

Abstract: A tibial prosthesis locking system. The system includes a tibial plate and an articular surface component or tibial insert. A proximal side of the tibial plate includes perimeter sidewalls with holding flanges formed thereon, and male retaining projections are formed on interior portions of the proximal tibial plate. A distal side of the articular surface component is designed to interlock with the holding flanges and retaining projections formed on the tibial plate. The male retaining projections and the holding flanges cooperatively engage with the articular surface component to provide it with resistance to movement in an anterior-posterior direction, a medial lateral direction, a rotational direction, and a vertical direction.