Abstract: A modular implant for stabilizing the relative motion of spinal vertebrae comprises at least two pairs of plates which connect to two adjacent spinous processes, a spacer configured to be positioned between the spinous processes, and a fastener which pivotably connects to the plates and the spacer. The spacer is interchangeable and may comprise a variety of materials, each providing a different level of elasticity to the spinous processes. Relative motion between vertebrae can also be controlled by varying the surface configuration of the plates and by varying threading of the fastener. Several implants may be linked to provide stabilization across multiple vertebral levels, and the relative motion provided at each vertebral level may differ. A method for revising the implant is provided which comprises accessing the implant and replacing the spacer.

Abstract: Modular bone implants, means of assembly, and their method of use are presented.

Abstract: Modular bone implants, manner of assembly, and their method of use are presented. In one form thereof, a tibial component of a knee prosthesis is providing including a tray having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces and an extension forming an elongate body having a top end and a bottom end. One of the tray and extension includes an outwardly projecting boss, with the boss having an outer wall including a cylindrical portion and a tapered portion. The other of the tray and extension includes an inwardly extending bore forming a bore wall, the bore wall including a cylindrical portion and a tapered portion.

Abstract: A screw, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tissue injury of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee or osteochondritis dissecans. The screw has a root, a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end, and a thread along at least a portion of the root between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a leading section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a trailing section between the leading section and the root's proximal end, the helical pitch decreases. The substantially constant pitch along the leading section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the screw.

Abstract: Modular bone implants include first and second components removably attached to one another. In one embodiment, the components include a rotational alignment mechanism within the junction between the components. In another embodiment, the components include fins on each component that align without touching.

Abstract: A screw, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tissue injury of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee or osteochondritis dissecans. The screw has a root, a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end, and a thread along at least a portion of the root between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a leading section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a trailing section between the leading section and the root's proximal end, the helical pitch decreases. The substantially constant pitch along the leading section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the screw.

Abstract: Modular bone implants, means of assembly, and their method of use are presented.

Abstract: A screw, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tissue injury of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee or osteochondritis dissecans. The screw has a root, a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end, and a thread along at least a portion of the root between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a leading section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a trailing section between the leading section and the root's proximal end, the helical pitch decreases. The substantially constant pitch along the leading section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the screw.

Abstract: A screw, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tissue injury of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee or osteochondritis dissecans. The screw has a root, a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end, and a thread along at least a portion of the root between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a leading section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a trailing section between the leading section and the root's proximal end, the helical pitch decreases. The substantially constant pitch along the leading section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the screw.

Abstract: A ligament mounting and method for its use for endosteally mounting an end of a ligament graft in a prepared bone tunnel section in a surgical procedure to replace a patient's ligament. The ligament mounting includes a strap and footing combination that are suitable for human implanting and may be formed from a material that is absorbed by the patient's body during the healing process. The strap is formed as a section of flexible material, includes a proximal end for passage through a footing that is for arrangement across a cortex end of the ligament tunnel section, and with the strap distal end arranged to connect to a ligament graft end. The strap and footing are formed to allow for passage of the strap in one direction and to bind when the footing is compressed to crimp onto said strap, prohibiting it from being pulled back through the footing when a pulling force is applied, maintaining a ligament graft under tension in the tunnel section endosteum.

Abstract: The device for affixing a flexible load-bearing element within a bone tunnel includes a securing element that attaches to the flexible element. A bone tunnel fixation element has an outer surface that is adapted to movably engage the bone tunnel. A deformable biasing element is positionable within the fixation element bore adjacent the proximal end. A locking member is dimensioned for movement within the fixation element bore and is positionable adjacent the distal end thereof. The locking member is lockable to the securing element, and the biasing means is for biasing the locking member toward the bore's distal end. Thus as a tension is applied to the securing means, a deformation of the biasing element is caused that is indicative of a magnitude of the applied tension. Therefore, a common element serves to perform pretensioning, and the need for a separate tensioning system is obviated.

Abstract: A bone fixator for a ligament anchor system and a process its use in an arthroscopic procedure for mounting a ligament graft end in a tunnel formed into a bone. The bone fixator includes threaded footing member for mounting in a bone tunnel, that includes a longitudinal opening formed therethrough, and a ligament carrying member that has a forward of proximal portion for fitting through the threaded footing member longitudinal opening and including a coupling arrangement for securing the ligament carrying member in the threaded footing member.

Abstract: A connector delivery device and method include a rod frangibly affixed to an inner member and a support member slidable around the rod. The support member is adapted to support an outer member for movement relative to the inner member for forming a snap fit therebetween, the snap fit for trapping flexible material such as suture at a surgical site. In an alternate embodiment a pistol-type handle and trigger operate to move a push rod seated within an outer barrel against the outer member to push the outer member over the inner member to form the snap fit. A collet is attached to a collet barrel slidable within the outer barrel, the collet barrel positioned in surrounding relation to the push rod. The collet, which is spring biased into a closed position, supports the outer member prior to activation of the delivery device.

Abstract: A connector for joining sections of flexible material includes inner and outer members that snap fit together by passing the bore of the outer member over the inner member to capture and secure ends of flexible material such as sutures. The flexible material is fitted into a bore in the inner member and project out a side portal to pass between the shared or opposing inner and outer member surfaces. This serpentine pathway locks the flexible material in place. The invention further provides a delivery instrument to maintain the outer member in alignment with a receiving end of the inner member loaded with flexible material. The delivery instrument further includes cooperating elements for urging the outer member over the inner member to lock the flexible material in place.

Abstract: A cerclage cable system comprises a cable in conjunction with a biasing mechanism for maintaining cable tension. Inadvertent loss of cable tension is compensated for by the biasing mechanism. In one embodiment, cerclage cable system includes a leaf spring disposed between the cable and the bone. Alternative embodiments include other biasing mechanisms, such as helical compression springs and resilient materials. Further embodiments include biasing mechanisms in line with the cable to maintain tension. Such a cerclage system maintains cable tension by taking up inadvertent slack in the cable with the biasing mechanism.

Abstract: A safety syringe is disclosed and claimed. The safety syringe has a hollow barrel and a plunger. The plunger enters the barrel from one end and a needle leaves the barrel from the other end. A thin blunt sheath is positioned over the needle. The sheath has an exposed position in which the point of the needle is exposed and a covered position in which the point of the needle is covered. A connector functionally joins the sheath to the plunger so that the sheath is advanced from the exposed position to the covered position as the plunger is advanced. In operation, the safety syringe is filled like a conventional syringe by placing the needle in a vial of medication and drawing back on the plunger. Once the safety syringe is filled, the needle is inserted into the patient. The needle should be inserted a sufficient distance to insert the end of the sheath into the patient as well. The medication is then injected into the patient by depressing the plunger.