Abstract: This invention relates to interconnection assemblies for use with spinal fixation systems to treat spinal defects. The interconnection assemblies can include various spinal rod connecting members and interconnecting elements to secure the spinal rod connecting members to each other in variable orientations and lengths. The interconnection assemblies can be adjusted to minimize interference with the spinal column, bony processes, and associated neural, muscular, and ligament components of the spine all the while exhibiting a low profile. The interconnecting elements and related components can be provided as a completely assembled unit that does not inadvertently become disassembled prior to or during implantation.

Abstract: This invention relates to interconnection assemblies for use with spinal fixation systems to treat spinal defects. The interconnection assemblies can include various spinal rod connecting members and interconnecting elements to secure the spinal rod connecting members to each other in variable orientations and lengths. The interconnection assemblies can be adjusted to minimize interference with the spinal column, bony processes, and associated neural, muscular, and ligament components of the spine all the while exhibiting a low profile. The interconnecting elements and related components can be provided as a completely assembled unit that does not inadvertently become disassembled prior to or during implantation.

Abstract: An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a spacer member positionable between adjacent spinous processes and upper and lower engaging members extending from the spacer member. The upper and lower engaging members engage at least one lamina to resist flexion of the spinal motion segment.

Abstract: This invention relates to interconnection assemblies for use with spinal fixation systems to treat spinal defects. The interconnection assemblies can include various spinal rod connecting members and interconnecting elements to secure the spinal rod connecting members to each other in variable orientations and lengths. The interconnection assemblies can be adjusted to minimize interference with the spinal column, bony processes, and associated neural, muscular, and ligament components of the spine all the while exhibiting a low profile. The interconnecting elements and related components can be provided as a completely assembled unit that does not inadvertently become disassembled prior to or during implantation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing in vivo performance measurements of an orthopedic implant involve an orthopedic implant having at least two radiopaque markers associated with a movable portion of the implant. The markers are positioned at known locations and in a first known and predetermined relationship to each other. The markers provide visible references upon application of a medical imaging technique to show the relative position of the markers according to a second, changed relationship to each other after implantation of the orthopedic implant. At least one measurement of performance of the implant can be determined from the first and second relationships of the markers.

Abstract: An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a flexible spacer member positionable between adjacent transverse processes to dynamically limit movement of the upper and lower transverse processes toward one another upon extension of the spinal motion segment. The implant assembly may also include an engaging member positionable about one or more posterior elements of a spinal motion segment to secure the spacer member thereto.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing in vivo performance measurements of an orthopedic implant involve an orthopedic implant having at least two radiopaque markers associated with a movable portion of the implant. The markers are positioned at known locations and in a first known and predetermined relationship to each other. The markers provide visible references upon application of a medical imaging technique to show the relative position of the markers according to a second, changed relationship to each other after implantation of the orthopedic implant. At least one measurement of performance of the implant can be determined from the first and second relationships of the markers.

Abstract: Spinal prosthetic devices having selectable and/or changeable centers of rotation are disclosed. In one aspect, a spinal prosthesis kit includes a first component, a second component, and a plurality of inserts. The first component has a first articulating surface that includes a first articulating structure. The second component has a second articulating surface with a recessed opening adapted to receive one of the plurality of inserts. Each of the plurality of inserts includes a second articulating structure adapted to moveably mate with the first articulating structure. The second articulating structure is positioned in a different location on each of the plurality of inserts. In some embodiments, the articulating structures are moveably mating projections and recesses. In another aspect, a revisable prosthetic device having a first component, a second component, and an insert is provided.

Abstract: Spinal prosthetic devices having various engagement structures are disclosed. In one aspect a spinal prosthesis system comprises a first component with a first engagement structure extending from a surface of the first component at an oblique angle and a second component with a second engagement structure extending from a surface of the component at an oblique angle. In another aspect, a pair of flange members extend from the first engagement surface at an oblique angle such that the flange members are substantially perpendicular to one another. In another aspect, a first flange member extends transversely from the first engagement surface at a first oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the surface and a second flange member extends transversely from the first engagement surface at a second oblique angle to the longitudinal axis such that the flange members are non-parallel.

Abstract: An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a spacer member positionable between adjacent spinous processes and upper and lower engaging members extending from the spacer member. The upper and lower engaging members engage at least one lamina to resist flexion of the spinal motion segment.

Abstract: An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a flexible spacer member positionable between adjacent transverse processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to interconnection assemblies for use with spinal fixation systems to treat spinal defects. The interconnection assemblies can include various spinal rod connecting members and interconnecting elements to secure the spinal rod connecting members to each other in variable orientations and lengths. The interconnection assemblies can be adjusted to minimize interference with the spinal column, bony processes, and associated neural, muscular, and ligament components of the spine all the while exhibiting a low profile. The interconnecting elements and related components can be provided as a completely assembled unit that does not inadvertently become disassembled prior to or during implantation.

Abstract: This invention relates to interconnection assemblies for use with spinal fixation systems to treat spinal defects. The interconnection assemblies can include various spinal rod connecting members and interconnecting elements to secure the spinal rod connecting members to each other in variable orientations and lengths. The interconnection assemblies can be adjusted to minimize interference with the spinal column, bony processes, and associated neural, muscular, and ligament components of the spine all the while exhibiting a low profile. The interconnecting elements and related components can be provided as a completely assembled unit that does not inadvertently become disassembled prior to or during implantation.

Abstract: The method of implanting a femoral and a tibial knee prosthesis and instruments for surgically implanting the femoral and tibial prosthesis component as disclosed. The method includes the formation of a plurality of surgical cuts on the patient's distal femur. A trial tibial prosthesis is then fitted to the surgically prepared distal femur. The trial prosthesis has a femoral articulating surface and a non-articulating surface that fits the patient's distal femur at the surgical cuts. A surgeon then forms a transverse cut on the patient's proximal tibia. The surgeon places a tibial trial prosthesis on the patient's proximal tibia, the trial prosthesis including a tibial trial stem that fits the patient's intramedullary canal, a tibial trial metallic tray or plate, and a plastic trial insert that fits the tibial tray or plate. The plastic insert includes a tibial articulating surface that can articulate with the femoral articulating surface.

Abstract: A method of preparing a patient's proximal tibia with a surgical saw and cutting instrumentation is disclosed. The method of the present invention prepares the patient's proximal tibial to receive a tibial implant. The patient's intramedullary canal is first reamed and then an intramedullary rod is placed in the intramedullary canal as a reference. A first cutting instrument is bound on the rod above the patient's proximal tibia. The first cutting instrument includes a stylus that is used to set the depth of cut by referencing the top of the proximal tibia. The proximal tibia is then transversely cut with the saw by tracking the first cutting guide surfaces with the saw. The first cutting instrument is removed together with its stylus. A secondary cutting instrument is then placed on the rod above the proximal tibia. The second cutting instrument has a cutter at its center for cutting longitudinally into the proximal tibia.