Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a pair of bone attachment devices and a crosslink device for a spinal fixation system or other implant arrangement. The bone attachment devices include a head with socket to receive a spinal rod or other elongate element and the crosslink device includes a pair of bridging members each having an end section for connecting with the bone attachment devices. An interconnection device situated between the bridging members receives the bridging members and allows translational and rotational freedom therebetween while being operable to secure the bridging members in position relative to one another. A pair of engaging members are structured to engage the head of the respective bone attachment device and bear against the respective adjacent end of crosslink device to lock the crosslink and the bone attachment device in a rigid construct are also included.

Abstract: A pair of bone attachment devices and a crosslink device for a spinal fixation system or other implant arrangement is provided that extends between and engages the bone attachment devices with engaging members. The bone attachment devices include a receiver portion and the crosslink device includes a pair of elongated bridging members each having a pivotally attached connector for connecting to the bone attachment devices at various planar elevations. An interconnection device situated between the connectors receives the members and allows translational and rotational adjustment of the members relative to one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: Connection devices and methods to connect together vertebral rods. Embodiments of the device include a first member and a second member. Each member may include a grip for connecting with the vertebral rods. A connector may connect together the first and second members. The connector provides for various manners of adjusting the position of the extension members. Connector may provide for relative rotation of the members about one or more axes. Connector and the construction of the device may also provide for adjustment of a length of the device.

Abstract: A vertebral rod assembly comprises first and second members that may rotate about a first axis. Each of the first and second members includes a base and a vertebral support rod extending from the base. An extension extends from the base on the first member into an opening formed in the base of the second section. A fastener extends through the base of the second member to lock the first and second members, and to prevent the rotation of the first member and second member.

Abstract: An instrument for tensioning a flexible elongate member in a surgical procedure includes a tensioning mechanism engageable to a portion of the flexible elongate member and operable to apply a tensioning force to the elongate member. The instrument includes a distal end portion at a distal end of the tensioning mechanism that is adapted to allow orientation of the elongate member in a first direction for implantation and to allow the instrument to extend transversely to the implantation orientation during application of a tensioning force. The distal end portion can also include a receptacle to receive a structure at the surgical site to facilitate positioning of the distal end portion at the desired location.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Devices include anchors and coupling members for engaging an elongate member. Systems include an elongate member sized to span a distance between at least two vertebral bodies and being at least partially formed of a flexible material. A number of anchors and coupling members are used to secure the elongate member to each of the vertebral bodies. The anchors can be compressed towards one another and the elongate member secured thereto and/or the elongate member can be tensioned to provide corrective forces to the spine.

Abstract: A vertebral replacement device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a vertebral body member having at least one of an upper or lower disc replacement member engaged thereto at one end thereof. The disc replacement device can be positioned in a spinal disc space when disengaged from the vertebral body member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is disclosed a surgical instrument for inserting an implant, the surgical instrument including an inserter assembly and a distractor assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic tethers and their use to treat orthopedic defects. The tethers of the present invention include a central or inner load bearing fiber or cable surrounded by one or more protective sheaths. Additionally the tethers of the present invention provide enhanced imaging characteristics and can include one or more a radiopaque elements that can readily observed under common diagnostic imaging techniques.

Abstract: The treatment and correction of spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, is accomplished without the need for fusion of the intervertebral disc space. A surgical technique is provided in which opening and closing osteotomies are created in the affected vertebrae. Correction devices are provided which hold the osteotomies in either their closed or open orientations. The correction devices include bone-piercing anchors, some in the form of staples, holding the vertebral body on opposite sides of the body to retain the osteotomies in their desired orientation. In the opening osteotomies, the correction devices include a wedge member that is disposed within the opened wedge osteotomy and in contact with the vertebral body. The correction devices also include connection members which can be used to engage the devices to an elongated member spanning the spine, such as a spinal rod or a metal or non-metal cable or tether.

Abstract: A fusionless method of treating spinal deformities in the spine of a child or young adult involves attaching a tether to vertebral bodies on the convex side of the spine. Deformities are treated by using the tether to selectively constrain growth in a portion of the convex side of the spine. One device for tethering the spine is a combination of a strand threaded through channels defined in a set of blocks attached to the vertebral bodies on the convex side of the spine. Another device useful in the method is to attach spinal staples, preferably made of a shape memory alloy, to vertebral bodies, the staples spanning the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal fixation assembly includes an elongated member, such as a spinal rod, configured for placement adjacent the spine and a bone engaging fastener, such as a bone screw having a lower portion configured for engaging a vertebra and a head that is at least partially spherical. The assembly further includes a receiver member defining a bore therethrough from a top end to a bottom end, a recess for receiving the head of the bone screwing fastener therein, and a lower opening at said bottom end of the receiver member through which the bone screw extends. The recess is configured to at permit pivoting of the bone screw within the receiver member until the head is fixed within the recess. The receiver member also includes a channel communicating with the bore and having an upper opening at the top end of the receiver member for insertion of the spinal rod into the channel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal fixation assembly includes an elongated member, such as a spinal rod, configured for placement adjacent the spine and a bone engaging fastener, such as a bone screw having a lower portion configured for engaging a vertebra and a head that is at least partially spherical. The assembly further includes a receiver member defining a bore therethrough from a top end to a bottom end, a recess for receiving the head of the bone screwing fastener therein, and a lower opening at said bottom end of the receiver member through which the bone screw extends. The recess is configured to at permit pivoting of the bone screw within the receiver member until the head is fixed within the recess. The receiver member also includes a channel communicating with the bore and having an upper opening at the top end of the receiver member for insertion of the spinal rod into the channel.

Abstract: A fusionless method of treating spinal deformities in the spine of a child or young adult involves attaching a tether to vertebral bodies on the convex side of the spine. Deformities are treated by using the tether to selectively constrain growth in a portion of the convex side of the spine. One device for tethering the spine is a combination of a strand threaded through channels defined in a set of blocks attached to the vertebral bodies on the convex side of the spine. Another device useful in the method is to attach spinal staples, preferably made of a shape memory alloy, to vertebral bodies, the staples spanning the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: The treatment and correction of spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, is accomplished without the need for fusion of the intervertebral disc space. A surgical technique is provided in which opening and closing osteotomies are created in the affected vertebrae. Correction devices are provided which hold the osteotomies in either their closed or open orientations. The correction devices include bone-piercing anchors, some in the form of staples, holding the vertebral body on opposite sides of the body to retain the osteotomies in their desired orientation. In the opening osteotomies, the correction devices include a wedge member that is disposed within the opened wedge osteotomy and in contact with the vertebral body. The correction devices also include connection members which can be used to engage the devices to an elongated member spanning the spine, such as a spinal rod or a metal or non-metal cable or tether.

Abstract: A fusionless method of treating spinal deformities in the spine of a child or young adult involves attaching a tether to vertebral bodies on the convex side of the spine. Deformities are treated by using the tether to selectively constrain growth in a portion of the convex side of the spine. One device for tethering the spine is a combination of a strand threaded through channels defined in a set of blocks attached to the vertebral bodies on the convex side of the spine. Another device useful in the method is to attach spinal staples, preferably made of a shape memory alloy, to vertebral bodies, the staples spanning the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: A fusionless method of treating spinal deformities in the spine of a child or young adult involves attaching a tether to vertebral bodies on the convex side of the spine. Deformities are treated by using the tether to selectively constrain growth in a portion of the convex side of the spine. One device for tethering the spine is a combination of a strand threaded through channels defined in a set of blocks attached to the vertebral bodies on the convex side of the spine.

Abstract: The treatment and correction of spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, is accomplished without the need for fusion of the intervertebral disc space. A surgical technique is provided in which opening and closing osteotomies are created in the affected vertebrae. Correction devices are provided which hold the osteotomies in either their closed or open orientations. The correction devices include bone-piercing anchors, some in the form of staples, holding the vertebral body on opposite sides of the body to retain the osteotomies in their desired orientation. In the opening osteotomies, the correction devices include a wedge member that is disposed within the opened wedge osteotomy and in contact with the vertebral body. The correction devices also include connection members which can be used to engage the devices to an elongated member spanning the spine, such as a spinal rod or a metal or non-metal cable or tether.