Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a disc replacement implant includes, a first endplate configured to engage a vertebral endplate of a first vertebra adjacent an intervertebral space, a second endplate configured to engage a vertebral endplate of a second vertebra opposite the first end plate in the intervertebral space, a core between the first and second endplates, and an annulus surrounding the core and connecting a perimeter of the first endplate to a perimeter of the second end plate. In embodiments, the annulus can include a portion that extends inwardly between the first and second core plates to the spacer.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a flexible fastener includes, a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end spaced apart along a longitudinal axis and a land surface winding helically around the shaft. An interior pocket extends in an axial direction inside the shaft, radially inward from the land surface. A flexure opening extends through the shaft in the radial direction from the land surface to an inward facing surface of the interior pocket. The flexure opening extends helically about the longitudinal axis to provide for flexure of the shaft, of the land surface, and of the external thread. A torque driver is seated in the interior pocket, the toque driver having a torque face configured to abut a torque face of the interior pocket to develop toque along the shaft when a driving torque is applied to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: An instrument includes a distraction mechanism having a proximal end and an opposed distal end. The distal end includes opposed first and second end members. A first vertebral endplate spreader includes a proximal spreader section mounted to the first end member of the distraction mechanism. The first spreader also includes a distal spreader section operatively connected to the proximal spreader section for lateral movement relative to the proximal spreader section. A second vertebral endplate spreader is mounted to the second end member of the distraction mechanism. The distraction mechanism is configured and adapted to distract the spreaders apart and to retract the spreaders together along a distraction axis. The distal spreader section of the first spreader is configured to move relative to the second spreader in a lateral direction relative to the distraction axis for correction of vertebral alignment, as in treatment of spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, and the like.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a surgical rod cutter assembly includes a first blade member including a first open notch in a first end thereof. The first open notch spans across a first ingress axis, along which a rod is inserted for cutting. A first rotation bore is defined through the first blade member, a linkage of the first blade member extends away from the rotation bore on a first linkage axis, and the first rotation bore intersects the first linkage axis.

Abstract: A device and method for forming an adaptive optic in the capsule of a human eye is disclosed, comprising a capsular interface enclosing an optically acceptable medium. The device establishes a physiologic range of optical power in response to a range of ciliary contractile states. The preferred bi-phasic medium of the device is comprised of a solid three dimensional polymeric network suspended in a liquid aqueous phase and bonded to a capsular interface. The polymeric network provides shape to the capsular interface, optical power, and a physiologic response to the suspensory ligament. The three dimensional network of the bi-phasic medium mimics the stacked fiber configuration and elasticity of a natural lens. An alternative embodiment utilizing a single phase medium is also disclosed with associated structural features provided in the capsular interface.

Abstract: A tool for delivery and/or compaction of bone graft material includes a cannula with an inner lumen extending along a longitudinal axis from a hopper end of the cannula to a delivery tip of the cannula. A hopper with an internal volume for storing bone graft material is connected to the hopper end of the cannula with the internal volume of the hopper in communication with the inner lumen of the cannula for delivery of bone graft material from the hopper to the delivery tip of the cannula. An output shaft within the inner lumen extends along the longitudinal axis. The output shaft includes a helical screw thread extending radially outward from the output shaft toward an inner surface of the cannula. An actuator is connected to the hopper and to the output shaft to drive the output shaft rotationally relative to the hopper and to the cannula.

Abstract: An instrument includes a distraction mechanism having a proximal end and an opposed distal end. The distal end includes opposed first and second end members. A first vertebral endplate spreader includes a proximal spreader section mounted to the first end member of the distraction mechanism. The first spreader also includes a distal spreader section operatively connected to the proximal spreader section for lateral movement relative to the proximal spreader section. A second vertebral endplate spreader is mounted to the second end member of the distraction mechanism. The distraction mechanism is configured and adapted to distract the spreaders apart and to retract the spreaders together along a distraction axis. The distal spreader section of the first spreader is configured to move relative to the second spreader in a lateral direction relative to the distraction axis for correction of vertebral alignment, as in treatment of spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, and the like.

Abstract: An instrument for spinal procedures is a vertebral endplate spreader device having a vertebral endplate spreader and a driver handle. The vertebral endplate spreader includes a linkage with a drive sprocket operatively connected for rotation relative thereto and with a secondary sprocket. The secondary sprocket is operatively connected for rotation relative to the linkage. The vertebral endplate spreader includes a belt operatively connected to the drive sprocket and the secondary sprocket to be driven about a belt axis. The driver handle has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is operatively connected to the drive sprocket to actuate rotation of the belt.

Abstract: A tool for delivery and/or compaction of bone graft material includes a cannula with an inner lumen extending along a longitudinal axis from a hopper end of the cannula to a delivery tip of the cannula. A hopper with an internal volume for storing bone graft material is connected to the hopper end of the cannula with the internal volume of the hopper in communication with the inner lumen of the cannula for delivery of bone graft material from the hopper to the delivery tip of the cannula. An output shaft within the inner lumen extends along the longitudinal axis. The output shaft includes a helical screw thread extending radially outward from the output shaft toward an inner surface of the cannula. An actuator is connected to the hopper and to the output shaft to drive the output shaft rotationally relative to the hopper and to the cannula.

Abstract: A device for orthopedic measurements includes a main housing, a center member, a measurement indicator, and a flexible member. The main housing has a proximal end with a top opening and a distal end with a side opening, and defines a longitudinal axis and includes a main housing cavity. The center member is disposed along the longitudinal axis within the main housing cavity. The measurement indicator is operatively connected to the center member, and is configured and adapted to display a measurement of a distance. The flexible member is threaded through the main housing cavity, and includes a first end and an opposed second end with an eyelet disposed proximate the side opening of the main housing. The eyelet is configured to be drawn away from the main housing, extending the flexible member outward with respect to the side opening to display a measurement on the measurement indicator.

Abstract: A device and method for forming an adaptive optic in the capsule of a human eye is disclosed, comprising a capsular interface enclosing an optically acceptable medium. The device establishes a physiologic range of optical power in response to a range of ciliary contractile states. The preferred bi-phasic medium of the device is comprised of a solid three dimensional polymeric network suspended in a liquid aqueous phase and bonded to a capsular interface. The polymeric network provides shape to the capsular interface, optical power, and a physiologic response to the suspensory ligament. The three dimensional network of the bi-phasic medium mimics the stacked fiber configuration and elasticity of a natural lens. An alternative embodiment utilizing a single phase medium is also disclosed with associated structural features provided in the capsular interface.

Abstract: An instrument for spinal procedures is a vertebral endplate spreader device having a vertebral endplate spreader and a driver handle. The vertebral endplate spreader includes a linkage with a drive sprocket operatively connected for rotation relative thereto and with a secondary sprocket. The secondary sprocket is operatively connected for rotation relative to the linkage. The vertebral endplate spreader includes a belt operatively connected to the drive sprocket and the secondary sprocket to be driven about a belt axis. The driver handle has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is operatively connected to the drive sprocket to actuate rotation of the belt.

Abstract: A device and method for forming an adaptive optic in the capsule of a human eye is disclosed, comprising a capsular interface enclosing an optically acceptable medium. The device establishes a physiologic range of optical power in response to a range of ciliary contractile states. The preferred bi-phasic medium of the device is comprised of a solid three dimensional polymeric network suspended in a liquid aqueous phase and bonded to a capsular interface. The polymeric network provides shape to the capsular interface, optical power, and a physiologic response to the suspensory ligament. The three dimensional network of the bi-phasic medium mimics the stacked fiber configuration and elasticity of a natural lens. An alternative embodiment utilizing a single phase medium is also disclosed with associated structural features provided in the capsular interface.

Abstract: An instrument for spinal procedures is a vertebral endplate spreader device having a vertebral endplate spreader and a driver handle. The vertebral endplate spreader includes a linkage with a drive sprocket operatively connected for rotation relative thereto and with a secondary sprocket. The secondary sprocket is operatively connected for rotation relative to the linkage. The vertebral endplate spreader includes a belt operatively connected to the drive sprocket and the secondary sprocket to be driven about a belt axis. The driver handle has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is operatively connected to the drive sprocket to actuate rotation of the belt.

Abstract: A method and system for creating non-parallax panoramic images from a plurality of individual images, in real-time is provided. Specifically, the present invention provides a system and method configured to combine individual overlapping medical images into a single undistorted panoramic image in real-time. In particular, the present invention provides a system and method for combining individual x-ray images into a single clinical panoramic image for use with a G-arm device.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant system includes an implant configured and adapted for orthopedic applications. The implant defines a bore therethrough having a bore entrance defined along a first axis and a bore exit defining a second axis that is angled with respect to the first axis to facilitate implantation of the implant. A flexible screw is mounted in the bore of the implant. The screw includes a head at one end configured to receive a driver tool for turning the screw within the implant, and a screw tip at an opposite end from the head configured for engaging bone. A portion of the screw between the tip and the head is flexible to allow bending of the screw while passing into the bore of the implant along the first axis and out of the bore of the implant along the second axis.

Abstract: An instrument for spinal procedures is a vertebral endplate spreader device having a vertebral endplate spreader and a driver handle. The vertebral endplate spreader includes a linkage with a drive sprocket operatively connected for rotation relative thereto and with a secondary sprocket. The secondary sprocket is operatively connected for rotation relative to the linkage. The vertebral endplate spreader includes a belt operatively connected to the drive sprocket and the secondary sprocket to be driven about a belt axis. The driver handle has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is operatively connected to the drive sprocket to actuate rotation of the belt.

Abstract: A device, e.g. a medical device, includes an energy absorbing polymeric compound. An orthopedic implant system includes an implant configured and adapted for implantation in orthopedic applications. An insertion tool is operatively connected to the implant during insertion of the implant. A hammer includes a layer of gel on a distal facing side configured to engage with the insertion tool during insertion of the implant to attenuate impact forces and protect the implant from damage.

Abstract: A device for orthopedic measurements includes a main housing, a center member, a measurement indicator, and a flexible member. The main housing has a proximal end with a top opening and a distal end with a side opening, and defines a longitudinal axis and includes a main housing cavity. The center member is disposed along the longitudinal axis within the main housing cavity. The measurement indicator is operatively connected to the center member, and is configured and adapted to display a measurement of a distance. The flexible member is threaded through the main housing cavity, and includes a first end and an opposed second end with an eyelet disposed proximate the side opening of the main housing. The eyelet is configured to be drawn away from the main housing, extending the flexible member outward with respect to the side opening to display a measurement on the measurement indicator.

Abstract: A device for applying a medical element has a housing defining a longitudinal axis with a channel disposed therethrough. The housing has a proximal and a distal opening. The device also has at least one sensing device positioned adjacent to the distal opening. The device also has a signaling device disposed adjacent the housing. The at least one sensing device interogates a bone location for one or more variables of the bone location as the device is moved over the bone location. The at least one sensing devices outputs a signal to the device and the signaling device signals an identification of a homogenous bone region. The medical element is applied to the homogenous bone location coaxially from the proximal opening through the channel and through the distal opening without removal of the device from the homogenous bone region.