Abstract: A surgical drape includes a center section having an operating window and extending longitudinally from a head end to a foot end, and a side section positioned on each longitudinal side of the center section. The side sections may be at least partially transparent. An elastic band extends through outermost ends of the side sections and across the foot end of the center section, and at least one surgical fluid collection pocket is disposed adjacent the operating window. Additional features of the drape may include a warming bladder and/or an extension section that is expandable to cover a machine adjacent the drape, such as an x-ray fluoroscope machine.

Abstract: A device for creating endoscopic operating space includes an external cannula, an internal cannula disposed in the external cannula, and an expandable retractor disposed at a distal end of the device and cooperable with the external cannula and the internal cannula. The expandable retractor is displaceable between an unexpanded position and an expanded position. An actuator is cooperable with the expandable retractor to displace the expandable retractor between the unexpanded position and the expanded position.

Abstract: A device and method for biologic vertebral reconstruction utilizes a biologically active jacket inserted into a cavity formed in a vertebra to be reconstructed. An artificial bone material is inserted into the biologically active jacket and allowed to set. The structure and method described herein provide for effective biologic vertebral reconstruction. The use of a biological material and artificial bone enables the host bone to replace the artificial bone over a period of time. Additionally, the structure of the biologically active jacket minimizes any impact into the spinal canal and the paravertebral spaces. Moreover, because of its biomechanical characteristics, which approximate the host bone, there is relative protection of the neighboring vertebra against fracture. Still further, the materials of the biologically active jacket may be impregnated with various substances to achieve various advantageous tasks.

Abstract: A device for creating endoscopic operating space includes an external cannula, an internal cannula disposed in the external cannula, and an expandable retractor disposed at a distal end of the device and cooperable with the external cannula and the internal cannula. The expandable retractor is displaceable between an unexpanded position and an expanded position. An actuator is cooperable with the expandable retractor to displace the expandable retractor between the unexpanded position and the expanded position.

Abstract: A biologic artificial bone includes an artificial fiber material formed from a synthetic polymer with mechanical properties similar to type I collagen. A biocompatible liquid substance is impregnated in the fiber material that hardens and stiffens the fiber material. A bone substitute is impregnated in the hardened and stiffened fiber material forming an artificial bone composite. Vascular channels are formed in the artificial bone composite to facilitate in-growth of vessels and bone forming cells. The construction and methods achieve an artificial composite structure that is similar to natural bone with comparable properties.

Abstract: A device and method for biologic vertebral reconstruction utilizes a biologically active jacket inserted into a cavity formed in a vertebra to be reconstructed. An artificial bone material is inserted into the biologically active jacket and allowed to set. The structure and method described herein provide for effective biologic vertebral reconstruction. The use of a biological material and artificial bone enables the host bone to replace the artificial bone over a period of time. Additionally, the structure of the biologically active jacket minimizes any impact into the spinal canal and the paravertebral spaces. Moreover, because of its biomechanical characteristics, which approximate the host bone, there is relative protection of the neighboring vertebra against fracture. Still further, the materials of the biologically active jacket may be impregnated with various substances to achieve various advantageous tasks.

Abstract: A tool kit for performing biologic vertebral reconstruction has a drilling tool including a drill bit for forming a cavity in a vertebra to be reconstructed, a biologically active jacket sized for insertion into the cavity, an artificial bone injector attachable to the biologically active jacket, and an artificial bone material injectable into the biologically active jacket by the artificial bone injector. The biologically active jacket is inserted into a cavity formed in a vertebra to be reconstructed. The artificial bone material is inserted into the biologically active jacket and allowed to set.

Abstract: A biologic artificial bone includes an artificial fiber material formed from a synthetic polymer with mechanical properties similar to type I collagen. A biocompatible liquid substance is impregnated in the fiber material that hardens and stiffens the fiber material. A bone substitute is impregnated in the hardened and stiffened fiber material forming an artificial bone composite. Vascular channels are formed in the artificial bone composite to facilitate in-growth of vessels and bone forming cells. The construction and methods achieve an artificial composite structure that is similar to natural bone with comparable properties.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc reamer includes a flexible shaft having a shaft channel, and a reamer head attached to the flexible shaft and movable relative to the flexible shaft. The reamer head has a reamer channel. The shaft channel and the reamer channel are aligned to define a continuous guide wire channel for the disc reamer. The disc reamer addresses the quality of disc removal and endplate preparation, minimizes the trauma of surgery, minimizes blood loss, and markedly reduces surgical time.

Abstract: A biologic artificial bone includes an artificial fiber material formed from a synthetic polymer with mechanical properties similar to type I collagen. A biocompatible liquid substance is impregnated in the fiber material that hardens and stiffens the fiber material. A bone substitute is impregnated in the hardened and stiffened fiber material forming an artificial bone composite. Vascular channels are formed in the artificial bone composite to facilitate in-growth of vessels and bone forming cells. The construction and methods achieve an artificial composite structure that is similar to natural bone with comparable properties.

Abstract: A biologic diarthrodial joint includes an artificial subchondral bone shaped in the form of a joint replacement member and formed of an artificial fiber material. The artificial fiber material includes synthetic fibers formed in a fibrous network with the synthetic fibers arranged in multiple orientations. The artificial subchondral bone includes a polymer receiving component. An artificial cartilage polymer is cooperable with the artificial subchondral bone and engages the polymer receiving component. The artificial cartilage polymer has physical properties similar to that of native articular cartilage.

Abstract: A nucleus replacement mimics a native annulus in shape and function for use in partial disc arthroplasty. The nucleus replacement includes a jacket having a compartment, a first anchoring limb on one side of the compartment, and a second anchoring limb on an opposite side of the compartment. The jacket is insertable into a disc space through an operating channel in at least one of the vertebral pedicle and the vertebral body. A shock absorbing material is injectable into the compartment after installing the jacket into the disc space. The shock absorbing material has characteristics that absorb loads on the replacement.

Abstract: A device and method for biologic vertebral reconstruction utilizes a biologically active jacket inserted into a cavity formed in a vertebra to be reconstructed. An artificial bone material is inserted into the biologically active jacket and allowed to set. The structure and method described herein provide for effective biologic vertebral reconstruction. The use of a biological material and artificial bone enables the host bone to replace the artificial bone over a period of time. Additionally, the structure of the biologically active jacket minimizes any impact into the spinal canal and the paravertebral spaces. Moreover, because of its biomechanical characteristics, which approximate the host bone, there is relative protection of the neighboring vertebral against fracture. Still further, the materials of the biologically active jacket may be impregnated with various substances to achieve various advantageous tasks.

Abstract: A device and method for biologic vertebral reconstruction utilizes a biologically active jacket inserted into a cavity formed in a vertebra to be reconstructed. An artificial bone material is inserted into the biologically active jacket and allowed to set. The structure and method described herein provide for effective biologic vertebral reconstruction. The use of a biological material and artificial bone enables the host bone to replace the artificial bone over a period of time. Additionally, the structure of the biologically active jacket minimizes any impact into the spinal canal and the paravertebral spaces. Moreover, because of its biomechanical characteristics, which approximate the host bone, there is relative protection of the neighboring vertebral against fracture. Still further, the materials of the biologically active jacket may be impregnated with various substances to achieve various advantageous tasks.

Abstract: A biologic diarthrodial joint includes an artificial subchondral bone shaped in the form of a joint replacement member and formed of an artificial fiber material. The artificial fiber material includes synthetic fibers formed in a fibrous network with the synthetic fibers arranged in multiple orientations. The artificial subchondral bone includes a polymer receiving component. An artificial cartilage polymer is cooperable with the artificial subchondral bone and engages the polymer receiving component. The artificial cartilage polymer has physical properties similar to that of native articular cartilage.

Abstract: A device for creating endoscopic operating space includes an external cannula, an internal cannula disposed in the external cannula, and an expandable retractor disposed at a distal end of the device and cooperable with the external cannula and the internal cannula. The expandable retractor is displaceable between an unexpanded position and an expanded position. An actuator is cooperable with the expandable retractor to displace the expandable retractor between the unexpanded position and the expanded position.

Abstract: A method for postoperatively compressing a bone graft between adjacent spinal vertebrae utilizing first and second plates having openings at remote ends for receiving bone screws to fix the plates to respective vertebrae on opposite sides of a bone graft-receiving site. The first and second plates have male and female parts having interlocking elements cooperable with one another enabling movement of the plates and the adjacent vertebrae to one another to progressively compress the bone graft between the adjacent vertebrae and prevent movement of the first and second plates and adjacent vertebrae away from one another.

Abstract: A biologic intramedullary fixation device for treating a bone fracture includes an internal tubular wall formed of a bioabsorbable synthetic material; and an outer wall coupled with and surrounding the internal tubular wall with an annular space therebetween. The outer wall is at least partially fenestrated and is formed of the bioabsorbable synthetic material. A biologically replaceable cement material is injectable into the annular space between the internal tubular wall and the outer wall.

Abstract: A biologic intramedullary fixation device for treating a bone fracture includes an internal tubular wall formed of a bioabsorbable synthetic material; and an outer wall coupled with and surrounding the internal tubular wall with an annular space therebetween. The outer wall is at least partially fenestrated and is formed of the bioabsorbable synthetic material. A biologically replaceable cement material is injectable into the annular space between the internal tubular wall and the outer wall.

Abstract: A method for postoperatively compressing a bone graft between adjacent spinal vertebrae utilizing first and second plates having openings at remote ends for receiving bone screws to fix the plates to respective vertebrae on opposite sides of a bone graft-receiving site. The first and second plates have male and female parts having interlocking elements cooperable with one another enabling movement of the plates and the adjacent vertebrae to one another to progressively compress the bone graft between the adjacent vertebrae and prevent movement of the first and second plates and adjacent vertebrae away from one another.