Abstract: A load sensing assembly for a spinal implant includes a set screw having a central opening that extends from a first end of the set screw toward a second end of the set screw. The second end of the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member. The load sensing assembly includes an antenna, an integrated circuit in communication with the antenna, where the integrated circuit is positioned within the central opening of the set screw, and a strain gauge in connection with the integrated circuit. The strain gauge is located within the central opening of the set screw in proximity to the second end of the set screw.

Abstract: A system for assessing a spinal disorder includes a wearable electronic device having one or more sensors and an assessment system. The wearable electronic device is configured to be positioned on a portion of a lower back of a wearer, and the one or more sensors are configured to obtain patient data associated with the wearer. The system receives patient data from the one or more sensors, where the patient data includes movement data associated with movement of the lower back of the wearer, classifies the movement data into an initial grouping, further classifies the at least a portion of the movement data into one of the plurality of activity categories, generate a score corresponding to the at least a portion of the movement data based on the activity category to which the movement data is classified, and cause the score to be displayed via a client electronic device.

Abstract: A spinal implant system includes bone growth promoting material, and an electrical bone growth stimulator. The electrical bone growth stimulator includes a mesh that surrounds at least a portion of the bone growth material, and the electrical bone growth stimulator is configured to conduct an electric current to stimulate tissue growth adjacent to the electrical bone growth stimulator.

Abstract: A system for assessing a spinal disorder includes a wearable electronic device having one or more sensors and an assessment system. The wearable electronic device is configured to be positioned on a portion of a lower back of a wearer, and the one or more sensors are configured to obtain patient data associated with the wearer. The system receives patient data from the one or more sensors, where the patient data includes movement data associated with movement of the lower back of the wearer, classifies the movement data into an initial grouping, further classifies the at least a portion of the movement data into one of the plurality of activity categories, generate a score corresponding to the at least a portion of the movement data based on the activity category to which the movement data is classified, and cause the score to be displayed via a client electronic device.

Abstract: A load sensing assembly for a spinal implant includes a set screw having a central opening that extends from a first end of the set screw toward a second end of the set screw. The second end of the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member. The load sensing assembly includes an antenna, an integrated circuit in communication with the antenna, where the integrated circuit is positioned within the central opening of the set screw, and a strain gauge in connection with the integrated circuit. The strain gauge is located within the central opening of the set screw in proximity to the second end of the set screw.

Abstract: A load sensing assembly for a spinal implant includes a set screw having a central opening that extends from a first end of the set screw toward a second end of the set screw. The second end of the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member. The load sensing assembly includes an antenna, an integrated circuit in communication with the antenna, where the integrated circuit is positioned within the central opening of the set screw, and a strain gauge in connection with the integrated circuit. The strain gauge is located within the central opening of the set screw in proximity to the second end of the set screw.

Abstract: A spinal implant system includes bone growth promoting material, and an electrical bone growth stimulator. The electrical bone growth stimulator includes a mesh that surrounds at least a portion of the bone growth material, and the electrical bone growth stimulator is configured to conduct an electric current to stimulate tissue growth adjacent to the electrical bone growth stimulator.

Abstract: A retractor device has an oximeter sensor at its tip, which allows measuring of oxygen saturation of a tissue being retracted by the retractor. The retractor device also has a force sensor which can measure an amount of force that is applied to the retracted tissue by the tip of the retractor device. The tip includes one or more openings for at least one source and detector. A specific implementation is a spinal nerve root retractor with an oximeter sensor and a force sensor.

Abstract: A retractor device has an oximeter sensor at its tip, which allows measuring of oxygen saturation of a tissue being retracted by the retractor. The retractor device also has a force sensor which can measure an amount of force that is applied to the retracted tissue by the tip of the retractor device. The tip includes one or more openings for at least one source and detector. A specific implementation is a spinal nerve root retractor with an oximeter sensor and a force sensor.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used in the case of bone. A photosensitizing drug is administered to a mammal. A bone insertion member is secured into bone. A fiber optic cable sheath extends from within the bone insertion member and is accessible. A fiber optic cable is inserted in the fiber optic cable sheath to deliver light to the bone. A locking member is then attached to the insertion member. Non-thermal light at a specific wavelength is then delivered to activate the drug. The insertion member and the fiber optic cable sheath may remain inside the mammal for further photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used in the case of bone. A photosensitizing drug is administered to a mammal. A bone insertion member is secured into bone. A fiber optic cable sheath extends from within the bone insertion member and is accessible. A fiber optic cable is inserted in the fiber optic cable sheath to deliver light to the bone. A locking member is then attached to the insertion member. Non-thermal light at a specific wavelength is then delivered to activate the drug. The insertion member and the fiber optic cable sheath may remain inside the mammal for further photodynamic therapy.