Abstract: An implant and method are provided for treating a fractured bone. The implant includes a generally elongated member having a first configuration for introduction between body tissue layers and a second configuration in-situ having a curved portion. The generally elongated member includes a plurality of alternating projections and slots and a plurality of occlusions wherein each of the occlusions is positioned between adjacent projections. The occlusions at least partially occlude an upper and/or lower side of the associated slot. Additionally, the projections may be configured to overlap each other when the implant is deployed in the second configuration. The occlusions and/or overlapping projections promote improved fluid flow and dispersion through the deployed implant and into the fractured bone. Also provided are methods for using the implant to treat a bone fracture.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue and particularly spinal tissue. The device and method may include insertion of at least one elongated member and an augmenting member to form a structure between the tissues to be distraction, such that a dimensional aspect of the structure is augmented upon movement of the augmenting structure.

Abstract: Devices are provided for injecting fluid into the body. One such device includes an elongated, hollow cannula having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a shaft portion between the proximal and distal end portions, and a fluid flow lumen extending through the shaft portion between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion is flexible and pre-disposed to assume a curved configuration having a radially inner side and a radially outer side. The radially inner side includes at least one aperture to direct fluid flowing from the lumen in a radially inward direction. The device may include an introducer member and/or a guide member for introducing the cannula to a treatment site. Methods of injecting fluid into the body are also provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue and particularly spinal tissue. The device and method may include insertion of at least one elongated member and an augmenting member to form a structure between the tissues to be distraction, such that a dimensional aspect of the structure is augmented upon movement of the augmenting structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue and particularly spinal tissue. The device and method may include insertion of at least one elongated member and an augmenting member to form a structure between the tissues to be distraction, such that a dimensional aspect of the structure is augmented upon movement of the augmenting structure.

Abstract: Various features of spinal implants and systems and methods for implanting the same with or between tissue layers in the human body.

Abstract: A hand-held, low-flow dispenser comprises an enclosure holding a gas cartridge. A spring-biased needle is advanced to puncture a septum on the gas cartridge, and a separate spring-biased ball valve is used to turn the resulting gas flow off and on as well as to control the flow rate.