Abstract: The disclosure provides devices and methods of use pertaining to extra joint stabilization. Embodiments include a number of suture returning and locking anchors that feature both a suture return element and a suture locking feature that employs an interference fit between a flexible synthetic strand, a receiver of the anchor, and a set screw, where the receiver and the set screw each have a number of gradual, opposing tapers to facilitate gradual proximal-to-distal gripping and releasing of the flexible strand to achieve an optimal locking force while preventing severing of the flexible strand. Embodiments also include a counter-torque anchor driver configured to resist torsional forces generated during and translated to the anchor during set-screw insertion. Further embodiments include extra joint reinforcement, stabilization, and attachment constructs formed using the disclosed devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Examples of the invention relate to methods, implants, and instruments for compressing first and second bone portions or a bone portion and an implant together.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing an osteotomy produce a bone cut producing a multi-planar change in the alignment of a bone portion by rotating it relative to another bone portion.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for repairing soft tissues of a skeletal joint such as for example of the foot or hand are presented.

Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods for connecting and/or stabilizing first and second bone portions relative to one another are presented including fasteners and retainers connectable in axial force transmitting relationship and instruments for their installation. In one example a guide is configured to clamp two bone portions together while a fastener is inserted through at least one of the bone portions to engage a retainer.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for surgical transosseous attachment to a bone include a guide able to guide the formation of intersecting bone tunnels and a passer able to pass a member through the bone tunnels.

Abstract: Examples of the invention include implants, instruments and methods for surgical transosseous attachment to a bone. More particularly, examples of the invention relate to knotless suture anchors.

Abstract: Suture anchors are disclosed having suture locking features able to lock multiple suture ends extending from a body tissue, such as from a bone tunnel, with a single device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing an osteotomy are presented. Examples include forming a fusion osteotomy at a metatarsocuneiform joint of the first ray of a human foot.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the replacement of multiple diseased or traumatized spinal facets comprises a portion that replaces at least a bony portion of the facets to be replaced and where the prosthesis attaches to the vertebra in a manner that does not require attachment to, or abutment against, the lamina. Multiple configurations of the prosthesis provide for replacement of the two inferior facets, the two superior facets, a superior and inferior facet, or all four facets. A method of installing the prosthesis is provided that is comprised of the steps of resecting at least a portion of the facets that carry the diseased or traumatized spinal facets and attaching the prosthesis in a manner that does not require attachment or abutment against the lamina.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly including a bone fastener having a lower end for engaging bone and an upper end remote from the lower end; a head having a rod-receiving channel attached to the upper end of said bone fastener; a spinal rod insertable into the rod-receiving channel of said head, said spinal rod having an outer surface extending between first and second ends thereof, wherein at least one of the first and second ends has a reduced diameter section. A spinal rod having an outer surface extending between a first end and a second end thereof; wherein the outer surface of said spinal rod has a reduced diameter section at at least one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for surgical transosseous attachment to a bone include a guide able to guide the formation of intersecting bone tunnels and a passer able to pass a member through the bone tunnels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing an osteotomy are presented. Examples include forming a fusion osteotomy at a metatarsocuneiform joint of the first ray of a human foot.

Abstract: A knotless suture anchor may include an anchor body with a proximal end, a distal end, an interior longitudinal passageway, a proximal opening communicating with the longitudinal passageway nearer the proximal end, and a distal opening communicating with the longitudinal passageway nearer the distal end. A first suture portion extends within the longitudinal passageway between the proximal opening and the distal opening, a second suture portion is contiguous to the first portion and extending out of the anchor body, a third suture portion is contiguous to the second portion and extends within the longitudinal passageway proximally to distally, and a fourth suture portion is contiguous to the third portion, extending along the exterior surface distally to proximally. A proximal member may be joined to the anchor body by a frangible connection and may have a proximal member axial passage containing an interference member coaxially aligned with the longitudinal passageway.

Abstract: Anatomic points within the body are projected outside the body through the use of extenders (180, 182, 188). The projected points may then be used for measurement, or to facilitate the selection or configuration of an implant that is positioned proximate the anatomic points using a slotted cannula (143). Such an implant may be a rod (270) for a posterior spinal fusion system. Pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) may be implanted into pedicles of the spine, and may then serve as anchors for the extenders. The extenders (180, 182, 188) may have rod interfaces (214, 216, 218) that receive the rod (270) in a manner that mimics the geometry of the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) so that the selected or configured contoured rod (270) will properly fit into engagement with the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148).

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly including a bone fastener having a lower end for engaging bone and an upper end remote from the lower end; a head having a rod-receiving channel attached to the upper end of said bone fastener; a spinal rod insertable into the rod-receiving channel of said head, said spinal rod having an outer surface extending between first and second ends thereof, wherein at least one of the first and second ends has a reduced diameter section. A spinal rod having an outer surface extending between a first end and a second end thereof; wherein the outer surface of said spinal rod has a reduced diameter section at at least one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: Suture anchors are disclosed having suture locking features able to lock multiple suture ends extending from a body tissue, such as from a bone tunnel, with a single device.

Abstract: Prosthetic replacement for a posterior element of a vertebra comprising portions that replace the natural lamina and the four natural facets. The prosthetic replacement may also include portions that replace one or more of the natural spinous process and the two natural transverse processes. If desired, the prosthesis replacement may also replace the natural pedicles. A method for replacing a posterior element of a vertebra is also provided.

Abstract: Examples of devices and methods for stabilizing a fracture in a bone include a body having an elongate distal portion having an outer surface defining a screw thread and an elongate proximal portion having a non-threaded outer surface. In one example, a passage is formed through the proximal portion transverse to the longitudinal axis from a first opening on the surface of the proximal portion to a second opening on the surface of the proximal portion.

Abstract: A posterior spinal fusion system may include a plurality of cannulas that mate with cages polyaxially coupled to pedicle screws. The cannulas maintain access to the pedicle screws to facilitate percutaneous insertion of a fusion rod into engagement with the cages. Each cannula has a pair of blades that may be held together by an abutment member that at least partially encircles the blades. Each abutment member abuts the skin to define a variable subcutaneous length of the corresponding cannula. Each abutment members is also lockably removable from the corresponding blades to enable the blades to pivot with respect to the connecting element to a position in which they can be withdrawn from the connecting element. The blades of each cannula are spaced apart to provide first and second slots of each cannula, through which the fusion rod can be percutaneously inserted.