Abstract: A system for heating a heat-transformable shape memory surgical device. The system includes a sealed, sterilizable housing, a thermal probe for heating the shape memory surgical device, the thermal probe being connected with the housing, and a printed circuit board positioned within the housing. The printed circuit board includes a system controller having a power circuit for controlling the receipt and distribution of heating power to the thermal probe, a feedback circuit for measuring a condition of the shape memory surgical device via the thermal probe, and a control circuit for receiving data from the feedback circuit and adjustably controlling an amount of heating power that the power circuit distributes to the thermal probe. The control circuit includes an automatic-cutout circuit for terminating the distribution of heating power to the thermal probe after a specific amount of time or upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A system for heating a heat-transformable shape memory surgical device. The system includes a sealed, sterilizable housing, a thermal probe for heating the shape memory surgical device, the thermal probe being connected with the housing, and a printed circuit board positioned within the housing. The printed circuit board includes a system controller having a power circuit for controlling the receipt and distribution of heating power to the thermal probe, a feedback circuit for measuring a condition of the shape memory surgical device via the thermal probe, and a control circuit for receiving data from the feedback circuit and adjustably controlling an amount of heating power that the power circuit distributes to the thermal probe. The control circuit includes an automatic-cutout circuit for terminating the distribution of heating power to the thermal probe after a specific amount of time or upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A surgical drill guide for guiding a drill bit and limiting the depth of holes drilled by is disclosed. In some embodiments the surgical drill guide includes the following: a body including a drill bit entry side and a tissue contact side opposite the drill bit entry side, the drill bit entry side having first and second surfaces that are offset from one another, the tissue contact side including a tissue contact surface that is defined by one or more tissue contact points; drill bit guide holes extending from the drill bit entry side of the first and second surfaces to the tissue contact side of the body; and implant storage holes defined in one of the plurality of sides of the body for storing shape memory implants during shipment of the system, the implant storage holes being spaced a distance commensurate to dimensions of the shape memory implant.

Abstract: A shape-transforming implant device for joining and holding in place a severed sternum. The device includes a bridge portion, two or more legs extending from the bridge portion, shoulder portions, and feet portions. The bridge portions have a thickness that is sized such that it can be cut with a pin cutter. The two or more legs extend from the bridge portion at a first angle when the bridge and the two or more legs are at a first temperature. The shoulder portions are defined by a first angle between the bridge portion and the two or more legs and define a transition from the bridge portion to the two or more legs. The feet portions are at an end of the two or more legs that is opposite from the shoulder portions. Each of the feet portions include an inwardly angled portion that extends toward the remaining feet portions.

Abstract: A surgical drill guide for guiding a drill bit and limiting the depth of holes drilled by is disclosed. In some embodiments the surgical drill guide includes the following: a body including a drill bit entry side and a tissue contact side opposite the drill bit entry side, the drill bit entry side having first and second surfaces that are offset from one another, the tissue contact side including a tissue contact surface that is defined by one or more tissue contact points; drill bit guide holes extending from the drill bit entry side of the first and second surfaces to the tissue contact side of the body; and implant storage holes defined in one of the plurality of sides of the body for storing shape memory implants during shipment of the system, the implant storage holes being spaced a distance commensurate to dimensions of the shape memory implant.

Abstract: A variable angle connector for engaging a bone fastener to a spinal rod includes a body defining a channel for receiving the spinal rod and a set screw arrangement for clamping the rod within the channel. The body defines an engagement face configured for interdigitating engagement with the head of the bone fastener. The fastener is mounted on a post projecting from the engagement face of the body, with means for engaging the fastener to the post. The body of the connector includes a deformable portion at one portion of the engagement face that deforms when the set screw is tightened to clamp the rod within the rod channel. As the connector body deforms, the portion of the engagement face is brought into engagement with the head of the bone fastener.

Abstract: An anterior instrumentation method of treating spinal deformities involves a combination of a spinal rod anterior system and one or two spinal plates fixed on the cephalad and caudal end vertebrae of the instrumented segment. Deformities are treated by the anterior rod system through compression, distraction and derotation. Two spinal plates are fixed to the cephalad and caudal end vertebrae respectively to prevent the end vertebrae from rotating into kyphosis. A number of cancellous screws are inserted into the cephalad and caudal end vertebrae and their adjacent vertebrae through the spinal plate to provide several points of fixation on the end vertebrae to prevent implant failure and loss of correction.

Abstract: A device (20) or system (60) for heating heat-transformable shape memory implants used in surgery applications. The case (22) is configured to be hand-held by a user. The device (20) also includes a variable electronic power supply (24) contained within the case (22). The variable electronic power supply (24) includes a predetermined size and quantity of batteries (34). The variable electronic power supply (24) is varied by varying the predetermined size and quantity of batteries (34) according to the characteristics of the shape memory implants. The device (20) further includes conductive electrodes (26) extending from the case (22). The conductive electrodes (26) are electrically joined with the electronic power supply (24) in the interior chamber (30) of the case (22) via an electrical connection (36) to form a power circuit (38). A user activated switch (28) is joined with the electronic power supply (24).

Abstract: A variable angle clamp is provided for use with a spinal implant assembly having a spinal rod, a Schantz screw having an elongated shank, and a variable angle connector receiving the spinal rod and having a washer mounted on the body with a first surface defining a variable angle feature, and a stem projecting from the body, the stem terminating in a T-bar having a second surface facing the first surface. The variable angle clamp includes a clamping portion defining a bore configured to receive the shank Schantz screw therein. The clamp further includes a pair of clamp halves forming a slot therebetween that intersects the bore in the form of a split clamp. An outer surface of one of the clamp halves defines a variable angle feature for interengagement with the first surface of the washer. The outer surface of the other of clamp half is configured for pressure contact with the second surface of the T-bar.

Abstract: A variable angle clamp is provided for use with a spinal implant assembly having a spinal rod, a Schantz screw having an elongated shank, and a variable angle connector receiving the spinal rod and having a washer mounted on the body with a first surface defining a variable angle feature, and a stem projecting from the body, the stem terminating in a T-bar having a second surface facing the first surface. The variable angle clamp includes a clamping portion defining a bore configured to receive the shank Schantz screw therein. The clamp further includes a pair of clamp halves forming a slot therebetween that intersects the bore in the form of a split clamp. An outer surface of one of the clamp halves defines a variable angle feature for interengagement with the first surface of the washer. The outer surface of the other of clamp half is configured for pressure contact with the second surface of the T-bar.

Abstract: A spinal implant assembly comprises a connection assembly, an elongated spinal implant, and a bone fastener, such as a bone screw, engaged within a vertebra. The connection assembly includes a body defining a first opening for receiving the elongated spinal implant, a second opening for receiving a bone fastener and a plug. The first opening is perpendicular to and overlapping the second opening to allow direct contact between the spinal implant and the bone fastener. The second opening includes a plug slot having a wall at an end opposite the first opening that defines an engagement surface. The plug includes a mating surface that forms an interlocking engagement with the engagement surface of the wall. An opposite second surface of the plug defines a groove for receiving the elongated stem of the bone fastener adjustable to a desired angular orientation and height.

Abstract: A spinal implant assembly includes a connection assembly, an elongated spinal implant, and a bone fastener, such as a bone screw, engaged within a vertebra. A connection assembly is a one-piece body having a spinal implant opening perpendicular to and overlapping with a bone fastener opening. The bone fastener opening includes a wall having an engaging surface that can form interlocking engagement with the stem of the bone fastener placed at a desired angular and height. A set screw is used as means to urge the elongated spinal implant to press against the bone fastener and simultaneously urge the bone fastener to press against the engaging surface. The stem of the bone screw includes an interface element in the form of one or more ribs that can form interlocking engagement with the engaging surface.

Abstract: A sacral implant system includes first and second sacral plates that are affixed on opposite sides of the sacrum adjacent the lumbosacral junction. The sacral plates include at least a pedicle and an oblique mounting means for rigidly affixing the sacral plates to the sacrum. First and second fixation rods extend in a superior direction along the lumbar portion of the spine. One or more connecting members tie the rods together. The superior most vertebra to be fixed is tied to the implant system with a special fixation plate and pedicle screw. Conventional vertebra hooks can also be used as necessary. Intermediate vertebra are tied to the system with a straight fixation plate and pedicle screw.

Abstract: A spinal implant assembly includes an elongated spinal implant, such as a rod, implanted adjacent the spine, and a bone fastener, such as a bone screw, engaged within a vertebra. A connection assembly includes a first member having a first opening for receiving the rod, and a second member having a second opening for receiving an elongated stem of the bone fastener. The two members are connected to permit relative rotation between the two members to accommodate variable angular orientations of the bone screw relative to the rod. A single washer is provided that has an opening for positioning over a portion of both the first member and the second member. One face of the washer is configured to engage the rod, while the opposite face of the washer is configured to engage the stem of the bone screw. In one embodiment, the opposite face of the washer defines a plurality of radial splines.

Abstract: An attachment plate for use with a spinal rod system converts a normally side-tightening eyebolt to a top-tightenable arrangement for engaging spinal fixation elements to the spinal rod. The plate is configured for use with spinal fixation elements having a posteriorly projecting central post, one lateral surface of the post contacting the spinal rod when the rod extends through an aperture of the eyebolt. The attachment plate is generally L-shaped with a slot in one portion for receiving the posteriorly projecting threaded post of the eyebolt. The plate includes a flange portion having a surface configured to engage the lateral surface of the fixation element post opposite the spinal rod. The attachment plate includes a camming segment to provide a clamping force component directed toward the flange portion of the plate to thereby tightly clamp the spinal rod to the fixation element post when a nut is threaded onto the eyebolt threaded post.

Abstract: An attachment plate for use with a spinal rod system converts a normally side-tightening eyebolt to a top-tightenable arrangement for engaging spinal fixation elements to the spinal rod. The plate is configured for use with spinal fixation elements having a posteriorly projecting central post, one lateral surface of the post contacting the spinal rod when the rod extends through an aperture of the eyebolt. The attachment plate is generally L-shaped with a slot in one portion for receiving the posteriorly projecting threaded post of the eyebolt. The plate includes a flange portion having a surface configured to engage the lateral surface of the fixation element post opposite the spinal rod. The attachment plate includes a camming segment to provide a clamping force component directed toward the flange portion of the plate to thereby tightly clamp the spinal rod to the fixation element post when a nut is threaded onto the eyebolt threaded post.

Abstract: A device is provided on spinal fixation hook or screw elements along a spinal implant rod for preventing or inhibiting them from unintentional sliding on the rod during handling prior to implantation in vivo. One embodiment uses a set screw in an eyebolt and which engages the rod. Another uses a plastic plug in an eyebolt and which engages the rod. A third uses a grooved aperture in the eyebolt cooperating with a grooved rod to inhibit unintentional sliding of the eyebolt on the rod.

Abstract: A spinal system yields a triangular construct across a vertebral body and a quadrilateral construct between vertebral levels. A first pair of screws are engaged in a vertebra on opposite sides of the spinal midline. A longitudinally splined rod, bent into a V-shape, spans between the pair of screws with its vertex generally at the spinal midline. An eyebolt fastener includes a serrated aperture to receive the transverse splined rod, and a threaded post extending through a yoke in the screws. A nut engages the post to clamp eyebolt, rod and yoke together. A second set of fasteners is provided to engage a pair of rigid plates to the transverse rod, each plate spanning between two vertebral levels on either side of the spinal midline. The other end of each plate is engaged to a similar triangular rod construct in the adjacent vertebra.

Abstract: A sacral implant system includes first and second sacral plates that are affixed on opposite sides of the sacrum adjacent the lumbosacral junction. The sacral plates include at least a pedicle and an oblique mounting means for rigidly affixing the sacral plates to the sacrum. First and second fixation rods extend in a superior direction along the lumbar portion of the spine. One or more connecting members tie the rods together. The superior most vertebra to be fixed is tied to the implant system with a special offset fixation plate and pedicle screw. Conventional vertebra hooks can also be used as necessary. Intermediate vertebra are tied to the system with a straight fixation plate and pedicle screw.

Abstract: A variable angle bone screw system for use in a spinal implant system to connect a vertebral fixation element to a spinal rod extending adjacent the vertebral column in a patient. The system includes an eyebolt having a threaded stem, a washer receivable over the stem of the eyebolt, a bone screw including a yoked head to permit top loading of the stem of the eyebolt, and a nut engaging the threaded stem of the eyebolt and cooperating with the eyebolt to clamp the bone screw and washer therebetween. The bone screw head and the washer include interdigitating locking means for restraining the pivoting of the screw about the axis of the eyebolt threaded stem but permitting interlocking in variable angular orientations.