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: 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: Systems including a provisional tibial prosthesis system are disclosed. The provisional system can include a tibial component, a base component, and a shim component. The tibial component can have a proximal surface and a distal surface, the distal surface can be configured to seat on a resected proximal surface of a tibia. The base component can have a proximal surface and can be configured to couple with the tibial component when disposed on the proximal surface thereof. The shim component can have a proximal surface and a distal surface. The proximal surface can be configured as an articulating surface sized and shaped to articulate with a femoral prosthesis and the distal surface can be configured to couple with the base component at the proximal surface thereof.

Abstract: A spine model. The spine model includes a disc, the disc having a first disc face and a second disc face. The first disc face and the second disc face are substantially parallel to each other and orthogonal to a rotational axis. A fixed first vertebrae is operationally joined to the disc at the first disc face such that the fixed first vertebrae cannot rotate about the rotational axis relative to the first disc face. A rotatable second vertebrae, rotatable about the rotational axis and operationally joined to the disc at the second disc face such that the rotatable second vertebrae cannot rotate about the rotational axis relative to the second disc face.

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: Systems including a provisional tibial prosthesis system are disclosed. The provisional system can include a tibial component, a base component, and a shim component. The tibial component can have a proximal surface and a distal surface, the distal surface can be configured to seat on a resected proximal surface of a tibia. The base component can have a proximal surface and can be configured to couple with the tibial component when disposed on the proximal surface thereof. The shim component can have a proximal surface and a distal surface.

Abstract: Systems including a provisional tibial prosthesis system are disclosed. The provisional system can include a tibial component, a base component, and a shim component. The tibial component can have a proximal surface and a distal surface, the distal surface can be configured to seat on a resected proximal surface of a tibia. The base component can have a proximal surface and can be configured to couple with the tibial component when disposed on the proximal surface thereof. The shim component can have a proximal surface and a distal surface. The proximal surface can be configured as an articulating surface sized and shaped to articulate with a femoral prosthesis and the distal surface can be configured to couple with the base component at the proximal surface thereof.

Abstract: Systems including a provisional tibial prosthesis system are disclosed. The provisional system can include a tibial component, a base component, and a shim component. The tibial component can have a proximal surface and a distal surface, the distal surface can be configured to seat on a resected proximal surface of a tibia. The base component can have a proximal surface and can be configured to couple with the tibial component when disposed on the proximal surface thereof. The shim component can have a proximal surface and a distal surface. The proximal surface can be configured as an articulating surface sized and shaped to articulate with a femoral prosthesis and the distal surface can be configured to couple with the base component at the proximal surface thereof.

Abstract: A punch assembly for preparing a tibia bone for a prosthesis includes a static component configured to be supported by the tibia bone and a dynamic component that includes a punch having a stem. The dynamic component is supported for movement relative to the static component along a generally arcuate path to prepare an aperture having an arcuate contour in the tibia bone. A method of preparing a tibial aperture for is also disclosed.

Abstract: A punch assembly for preparing a tibia bone for a prosthesis includes a static component configured to be supported by the tibia bone and a dynamic component that includes a punch having a stem. The dynamic component is supported for movement relative to the static component along a generally arcuate path to prepare an aperture having an arcuate contour in the tibia bone. A method of preparing a tibial aperture for is also disclosed.