Abstract: There is provided an orthopedic plate and port structures for the plate. The plate can be non-rigid and includes at least one hole for receiving an anchor or an anchor retaining device. The at least one hole can include a rigid port structure that prevents or resists deformation of the plate when the anchor or anchor retaining device is engaged thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for making, using, implanting, and visualizing portions of a medical implant are provided. One such implant includes a bone plate at least partially of a radiolucent material having at least one aperture, and a fastener at least partially of a radiolucent material to extend through the aperture. The fastener has a distal end and a proximal end, with at least a portion of the proximal end is of a radiopaque material. A fastener lock is included to engage the fastener proximal end to maintain the fastener position relative to the bone plate. At least a portion of the fastener lock is of a radiopaque material. In this manner, at least a portion of the implant is adapted to be visible on a radiographic image.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for driving a threaded member into a substrate generally includes a drive shaft, a support member and a biasing member. The drive shaft is configured for releasable engagement with the threaded member. The drive shaft is axially coupled with the support member in a manner allowing relative axial displacement therebetween, with the drive shaft rotatably coupled with the support member. The biasing member is coupled between the support member and the drive shaft to transmit an axial force from the support member to the drive shaft as the threaded member is driven into the substrate, and with the axial force being limited as a distal end of the support member is engaged against a surface adjacent the substrate to correspondingly limit an axial force exerted onto the threaded member by the drive shaft to facilitate rotational disengagement of the drive shaft from the threaded member.

Abstract: A reinforced orthopedic plate formed of a non-metallic material and defining a primary thickness profile and including an elongate reinforcement portion defining a localized increased thickness profile to strengthen the orthopedic plate.

Abstract: There is provided an orthopedic plate and port structures for the plate. The plate can be non-rigid and includes at least one hole for receiving an anchor or an anchor retaining device. The at least one hole can include a rigid port structure that prevents or resists deformation of the plate when the anchor or anchor retaining device is engaged thereto.

Abstract: A tool having a drilling portion and a tapping portion may be used to form female threaded holes in bone. The tool may include a shaft having a drill tap portion on one end. In the drill tap portion, a tap section may be located adjacent to a drill section. The drill section may be configured to form an opening in bone while the tap section may be configured to form female threads in the walls of a hole in bone. The drill tap portion may further include a spiral flute to aid in the removal of debris. The tool may further include a stop portion configured to limit the depth of the tapped hole to a predetermined maximum depth that may correspond to the length of a particular fastener such as a bone screw. A handle attachment portion may be provided to facilitate the use of a drill.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for inserting and mounting a fastener into a patient during a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the device includes inner and outer sleeves. The inner sleeve may include a distal end that is configured to maintain the screw. In one embodiment, the outer sleeve may axially move along the inner sleeve to control an attachment force that is applied by the inner sleeve to maintain attachment of the fastener. In one method of use, the fastener is attached to the inner sleeve with the outer sleeve positioned to apply an attachment force. A handle of the device may be manipulated to position the fastener within the patient. Once positioned, the handle may be rotated to mount the fastener within a support member. As a head of the fastener is approaching the support member, the fastener disengages from the inner sleeve and remains within the patient.

Abstract: The present application is directed to screwdrivers and methods of use for applying a controlled amount of torque to a fastener. In one embodiment, the screwdriver includes a shaft constructed of a material that is deformable upon the application of an excessive amount of torque. The deformation may cause the screwdriver to disengage from the fastener. In one embodiment, the tip of the shaft that engages the fastener is constructed of a material that deforms when an excessive amount of torque is applied to the fastener. The deformation causes the tip to disengage from the fastener. The deformation prevents the screwdriver from applying an amount of torque above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for contouring an implant. The implant is constructed of a material that is moldable when heated above a glass transition temperature. The devices and methods provide for applying heat while the implant is within the patient. The temperature of the implant or a section of the implant is elevated above the glass transition temperature to contour the implant to the desired shape. Once contoured, the devices and methods include removing the heat causing the implant to cool below the glass transition temperature to a substantially solid state. In various embodiments, the devices generally include a body, a contact section positioned on the body, and a heater that heats the contact section.

Abstract: Embodiments of break off screws are disclosed, configured so that when one head or screw portion is broken off, a complete screw with head remains.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for making, using, implanting, and visualizing portions of a medical implant are provided. One such implant includes a bone plate comprising a radiolucent material having at least one aperture. The implant includes a fastener comprising a radiolucent material adapted to extend through the aperture. The fastener has a distal end and a proximal end, with at least a portion of the proximal end comprising a radiopaque material. A fastener lock is included, adapted to engage the fastener proximal end to maintain the fastener position relative to the bone plate. At least a portion of the fastener lock comprises a radiopaque material. In this manner, at least a portion of the implant is adapted to be visible on a radiographic image.

Abstract: Devices and methods for maintaining the position of a screw relative to a vertebral plate. The device includes a plate having one or more screw holes each sized to receive a screw for attaching the plate to the vertebral member(s). A cap may be movably coupled to the plate. In one position the cap may overlap into the screw hole for receiving the bone screw. The bone screw may be inserted into the screw hole and mounted into the bone with the cap overlapping into the screw hole. In one embodiment the screw moves past the cap and may be captured beyond the cap preventing back-out of the screw. The cap may also be moved to a second position to allow for removal of the bone screw from the vertebral member.

Abstract: The present application is directed to screwdrivers and methods of use for applying a controlled amount of torque to a fastener. In one embodiment, the screwdriver includes a shaft constructed of a material that is deformable upon the application of an excessive amount of torque. The deformation may cause the screwdriver to disengage from the fastener. In one embodiment, the tip of the shaft that engages the fastener is constructed of a material that deforms when an excessive amount of torque is applied to the fastener. The deformation causes the tip to disengage from the fastener. The deformation prevents the screwdriver from applying an amount of torque above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for driving a threaded member into a substrate generally includes a drive shaft, a support member and a biasing member. The drive shaft includes a distal end portion configured for releasable engagement with the threaded member. The drive shaft is axially coupled with the support member in a manner allowing relative axial displacement therebetween, with the drive shaft rotatably coupled with the support member such that rotation of the support member correspondingly rotates the drive shaft.

Abstract: Devices and methods for maintaining the position of a screw relative to a vertebral plate. The device includes a plate having one or more screw holes each sized to receive a screw for attaching the plate to the vertebral member(s). A cap may be movably coupled to the plate. In one position the cap may overlap into the screw hole for receiving the bone screw. The bone screw may be inserted into the screw hole and mounted into the bone with the cap overlapping into the screw hole. In one embodiment the screw moves past the cap and may be captured beyond the cap preventing back-out of the screw. The cap may also be moved to a second position to allow for removal of the bone screw from the vertebral member.