Abstract: Expandable fabric bags and methods of use for reduction, fixation, support and treatment of bone abnormalities such as tibial plateau fractures, femoral head necrosis, compression fractures of the spine and other bone abnormalities.

Abstract: An implant is disclosed for use in spinal stabilization. In one preferred embodiment, the implant is described as including a hollow, cylindrical body having external threading and a plurality of openings formed radially through the body in communication with the body interior. The holes are positioned to chip bone into the implant as the implant is rotated.

Abstract: An expandable reamer for forming a space within a vertebral disc includes a pair of opposing blades which have a expanded state and a retracted state. The blades being pivotally positioned at the distal end of a shaft assembly. A shaft housing being substantially disposed about the shaft assembly. The proximal end of the shaft assembly being operatively engaged by a control device which when rotated allows the blades to be fully retracted for insertion into a pre-bored hole and then to be expanded incrementally until the cavity is bored as desired.

Abstract: A fill tool for directing bone replacement material into an expandable bag within a reamed out disc includes a deflector at its distal end which deflects the flow of such material to a one or more side openings at the distal end of the fill tool. This allows the tool to be used without being ejected when filling the bag under pressure and greatly increases the distraction forces possible when filling the bag.

Abstract: An expandable reamer for forming a space within a vertebral disc includes a pair of opposing blades which have a expanded state and a retracted state. The blades being pivotally positioned at the distal end of a shaft assembly. A shaft housing being substantially disposed about the shaft assembly. The proximal end of the shaft assembly being operatively engaged by a control device which when rotated allows the blades to be fully retracted for insertion into a pre-bored hole and then to be expanded incrementally until the cavity is bored as desired.

Abstract: The present invention includes an inventive pigtail fastener and the associated method of attaching line thereto. The pigtail fastener is comprised of an elongated shaft at the proximal end of the device and a tightly coiled portion of the shaft at the distal end of the device. The pigtail fastener is constructed and arranged in such a manner so as to provide an amount of tension sufficient to pinch and thereby secure a quantity of line between the coiled portion and the shaft. The tension being provided as a result of the narrow confines of the space between the shaft and the coiled portion or alternatively as a result of the coiled portion being biased against a portion of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention includes an inventive pigtail fastener and the associated method of attaching line thereto. The pigtail fastener is comprised of an elongated shaft at the proximal end of the device and a tightly coiled portion of the shaft at the distal end of the device. The pigtail fastener is constructed and arranged in such a manner so as to provide an amount of tension sufficient to pinch and thereby secure a quantity of line between the coiled portion and the shaft. The tension being provided as a result of the narrow confines of the space between the shaft and the coiled portion or alternatively as a result of the coiled portion being biased against a portion of the shaft.

Abstract: An implant is disclosed for use in spinal stabilization. In one preferred embodiment, the implant is described as including a hollow, cylindrical body having external threading and a plurality of openings formed radially through the body in communication with the body interior. The holes are positioned to chip bone into the implant as the implant is rotated.

Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing a portion of a patient in need of surgery to define an enclosure in which a positive air pressure is introduced to decrease blood loss during surgery. This apparatus may be used to provide a generally sterile field and to decrease blood loss during surgery.

Abstract: An implant is disclosed for use in spinal stabilization. In one preferred embodiment, the implant is described as including a hollow, cylindrical body having external threading and a plurality of openings formed radially through the body in communication with the body interior. The holes are positioned to chip bone into the implant as the implant is rotated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fixation of spondylolisthesis includes an elongated, threaded, hollow shaft which is threaded into a bore hole correctly formed between correctly aligned vertebrae posteriorly. The shaft includes a plurality of openings therethrough in the distal and proximal ends to allow bone and fibrous through growth to stabilize the vertebrae to decrease associated pain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fixation and correction of spondylolisthesis anteriorly includes a disk cage which is inserted into the space between adjacent vertebrae, a drill guide for guiding and aligning a drill bit to angle an opening anteriorly between adjacent vertebrae, a distractor for temporarily aligning the vertebrae to position a disk cage and an elongated hollow screw positioned in said drilled opening through one vertebra, said disk cage and into said adjacent vertebra.

Abstract: A ferrule for insertion in an opening cut through a vertebral spinous process functions as a guide for a connecting cable, preventing cutting into the bone by the cable and protecting the cable from breakage.

Abstract: Spinal fusion implants are inserted into a disc space of disc material separating first and second vertebrae by forming bores between the vertebrae. A distraction spacer is temporarily put in place on one side of the vertebrae while a bore is being formed on an opposite of the vertebrae.

Abstract: Spinal fusion implants are laparoscopically placed in a disc space separating two vertebrae. Implant tools, including distraction spacers, boring tools and implants are passed through a hollow tube having exposed teeth and including a blunt sleeve slidably placed over the hollow tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a guide system for use in a spinal implant procedure. The system includes a hollow tube for accurately guiding instruments to prepare a site and/or insert a spinal fusion implant between opposing vertebrae. The guide tube can be surrounded by a sheath to reduce the chance of injury during placement of the guide tube.

Abstract: A method for implanting an implant into a bore formed between opposing vertebra includes forming a bore between the vertebra and selecting an implant having a rigid body with exposed threads and a hollow interior and with holes formed through a shell of the body into the interior. The implant is placed within the bore with a longitudinal axis of the body aligned with an axis of the bore. The body is advanced into the bore to stretch an annulus.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing spinal stabilization includes a distraction spacer sized to be inserted into a disc space and act against end plates of vertebra to urge the vertebra apart. A tube guide is placed at a second location on the disc space with the tube guide including a spacer on its distal end sized approximate to a sizing of the distraction spacer. A guide tube is mutually sized with the tube guide for the tube guide and the spacer to be withdrawn through the guide tube. The guide tube is sized to direct surgical tools to the disc space. A boring tool includes a guide tip which is sized to be received within the disc space and act against end plates of the vertebra to maintain the boring tool in accurate alignment with the disc space.

Abstract: Spinal fusion implants are laparoscopically placed in a disk space separating two vertebrae. Implant tools, including distraction spacers, boring tools and implants, are passed through a cannula toward the disk space.

Abstract: An spinal fixation device for stabilizing vertebrae. A hollow screw is inserted into a hole saw recess in each adjoining vertebrae. A channel is cut into the vertebrae into which a joining rod is inserted such that no part of the device protrudes above the bone. A locking cap is used to secure the rod to the screws.