Abstract: A bone staple (10) for securing a first bone region (12A) to a second bone region (12B) includes a staple body (16) having a first leg section (18), a second leg section (20), and a connector section (22). The first leg section (18) is insertable into the first bone region (12A). The second leg section (20) is insertable into the second bone region (12B). The connector section (22) connects the first leg section (18) to the second leg section (20). The connector section (22) includes a deformable region (22A) that is movable from a first configuration (14A) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a first distance (24) and a second configuration (14B) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a second distance (26) that is less than the first distance (24). In one embodiment, compression of the deformable region (22A) causes the deformable region (22A) to move from the first configuration (14A) to the second configuration (14B).

Abstract: A bone staple (10) for securing a first bone region (12A) to a second bone region (12B) includes a staple body (16) having a first leg section (18), a second leg section (20), and a connector section (22). The first leg section (18) is insertable into the first bone region (12A). The second leg section (20) is insertable into the second bone region (12B). The connector section (22) connects the first leg section (18) to the second leg section (20). The connector section (22) includes a deformable region (22A) that is movable from a first configuration (14A) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a first distance (24) and a second configuration (14B) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a second distance (26) that is less than the first distance (24). In one embodiment, compression of the deformable region (22A) causes the deformable region (22A) to move from the first configuration (14A) to the second configuration (14B).

Abstract: A prosthetic nucleus pulposus for replacing the natural nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc. The prosthetic nucleus proposus comprises a partially collapsed sealed envelope formed from a material which is permeable to extracellular body fluid. The envelope contains a solute which provides an osmotic potential across the walls of the envelope. In use, the partially collapsed envelope is surgically implanted in the hallowed-out interior of an intervertebral disc and is allowed to absorb fluid, whereby expansion of the envelope and subsequent disc expansion is accomplished.

Abstract: A holder for a suture anchor having a suture coupled to the suture anchor and at least one suture needle attached to the suture, the holder comprising a planar member of generally rectangular shape having a cutout at each corner of the member about which sutures can be wound, the member having at least one channel formed therein for receiving the surgical needle and a receptacle formed therein for receiving the suture anchor, and further comprising a channel formed in the member for frictionally engaging the suture at a point along the length of the suture close to the suture anchor, thereby allowing the suture anchor to be removed from the holder without causing the suture to unwind from the holder.

Abstract: An imbalance detector for a centrifuge includes a pendulum arm that is tuned to a critical frequency that lies within a predetermined range of the critical frequency of the rotor of the centrifuge. An imbalance force imposed by the rotor is transmitted to the detector and if the imbalance force exceeds a predetermined threshold the arm contacts an electrical contact to generate an appropriate electrical signal.