Abstract: This invention relates to a orthopedic implant that comprises a shape memory polymeric material. The orthopedic implant can be fabricated or molded in a desired configuration selected to provide support or tension to bony structures. Examples of implantable devices include spinal rods, bone plates, and bone fixation cords. The orthopedic implant can be deformed to a second configuration different from the first configuration either prior to implantation or after implantation. When desired, the shape memory polymeric material can be induced to revert to it original molded configuration. This can compress the attached bony structure and/or promote arthrodesis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a orthopedic implant that comprises a shape memory polymeric material. The orthopedic implant can be fabricated or molded in a desired configuration selected to provide support or tension to bony structures. Examples of implantable devices include spinal rods, bone plates, and bone fixation cords. The orthopedic implant can be deformed to a second configuration different from the first configuration either prior to implantation or after implantation. When desired, the shape memory polymeric material can be induced to revert to it original molded configuration. This can compress the attached bony structure and/or promote arthrodesis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a orthopedic implant that comprises a shape memory polymeric material. The orthopedic implant can be fabricated or molded in a desired configuration selected to provide support or tension to bony structures. Examples of implantable devices include spinal rods, bone plates, and bone fixation cords. The orthopedic implant can be deformed to a second configuration different from the first configuration either prior to implantation or after implantation. When desired, the shape memory polymeric material can be induced to revert to it original molded configuration. This can compress the attached bony structure and/or promote arthrodesis.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes an apparatus comprising a bone attachment device for a spinal fixation system or other implant arrangement. The device has a socket with threading, with the socket defining a channel to accept a system component to be secured therein by engaging the threading with a threaded fastener. A solid lubricious material is applied between the threading and the threaded fastener to facilitate easier installation, increased locking forces, and decreased distortion of system components. The lubricious material may be affixed to one or more the threaded components to be separately carried therewith prior to interconnection. Other implant apparatus, systems, processes, and techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: A screw structured to engage bone has a stem with threads and an inner chamber. The inner chamber is in fluid communication with one or more ports along the stem. A polymeric material is provided with the screw. After implantation of the screw in bone, energy is applied to the polymeric material to convert the material to a more fluid form, and while in this form, the polymeric material is flowed from the inner chamber and out through the one or more ports into boney material to provide reinforcement.

Abstract: A spinal rod characterized by a time-varying stiffness. The rod comprises a first member and at least one second member that is mechanically coupled to the first member through a time-varying interface. The interface features a binding mechanism that degrades after surgical installation. For instance, the interface may be bioabsorbable and dissolve upon exposure to bodily fluids. In another instance, the second member may be comprised of a bioabsorbable material. In another embodiment, the interface may fail under cyclic loading. In another embodiment, degradation of the bioabsorbable material may be inhibited through the application of a current source. The second member may be disposed within the first member. Alternatively, the first member and the second member may be disposed aside one another. The first member and the second member may be substantially similar in shape.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical devices including spinal orthopedic implants and surgical instruments including a component having at least two materials providing differing performance characteristics in a unitary structure. The differing materials can be bonded or fused to one another at an atomic level to be joined to form a unitary implant or instrument component having differing materials.

Abstract: A fixation device for use in association with ALIF procedures includes a couple of spaced plates having integral spikes on facing surfaces thereof for pressing into spinal processes of adjacent vertebrae. One of the plates has a spherical socket which captures a spherical head end of a post whose other end is received through an aperture in the other plate. The socket mounting is arranged to enable the post to pivot therein for at least two degrees of freedom to a limited extent, enabling angulation between the two plates so as to accommodate the different thicknesses and orientations of the spinal processes on adjacent vertebrae. The reception of the post in the second plate enables adjustment of spacing between the plates to accommodate effective installation of the assembly on the spinal processes by a compression instrument, and permanent reliable maintenance of that spacing following removal of the compression instrument.

Abstract: This invention relates to a orthopedic implant that comprises a shape memory polymeric material. The orthopedic implant can be fabricated or molded in a desired configuration selected to provide support or tension to bony structures. Examples of implantable devices include spinal rods, bone plates, and bone fixation cords. The orthopedic implant can be deformed to a second configuration different from the first configuration either prior to implantation or after implantation. When desired, the shape memory polymeric material can be induced to revert to it original molded configuration. This can compress the attached bony structure and/or promote arthrodesis.

Abstract: A fixation device for use in association with ALIF procedures includes a couple of spaced plates having integral spikes on facing surfaces thereof for pressing into spinal processes of adjacent vertebrae. One of the plates has a spherical socket which captures a spherical head end of a post whose other end is received through an aperture in the other plate. The socket mounting is arranged to enable the post to pivot therein for at least two degrees of freedom to a limited extent, enabling angulation between the two plates so as to accommodate the different thicknesses and orientations of the spinal processes on adjacent vertebrae. The reception of the post in the second plate enables adjustment of spacing between the plates to accommodate effective installation of the assembly on the spinal processes by a compression instrument, and permanent reliable maintenance of that spacing following removal of the compression instrument.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the fixation of bone fractures, limb lengthening, and the correction of deformities uses an improved composite plastic carbon fiber ring that is formed in a mold, or machined with a stepped end portion that allows half rings to be assembled in a common plane. The method can use a mold wherein multiple rings can be formed by stacking the rings with a Teflon layer therebetween and wherein circumferential braid reinforcement of carbon fiber adds strength at the circumferential inner and outer curved surfaces of the rings and half rings.

Abstract: An instrument for determining the variation in tension of a ligament graft extending between first and second proposed fixation sites positioned on first and second articulated bones, respectively, comprises a yoke which carries a device for securing the yoke to one of the first and second bones. A yoke plate is rotatably carried by the yoke. A main housing is adapted for connection to the yoke plate. A sled is slidably carried by the main housing. The sled is adapted for connection to the ligament graft. A mechanism is provided for adjusting the position of the sled relative to the housing so as to place a desired degree of tension on the ligament graft. A transducer is associated with the mechanism for adjusting for determining changes in tension, if any, from the desired degree of tension as the first and second bones are moved relative to one another.