Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a soft tissue graft to bone are provided herein. In one embodiment, a surgical implant can include an elongate body having a longitudinal axis extending therealong and having first and second through-holes that are offset to a first side of the longitudinal axis and a third through-hole that is offset to a second side of the longitudinal axis and that is positioned between the first and second through-holes. The implant can also include a suture length extending through the first, second, and third through-holes such that a self-locking knot is formed on a first side of the body and a plurality of suture loops are formed on a second side of the body opposite the first side.

Abstract: Apparatuses for attaching tissue to bone are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an expandable body defining a bore, an expander pin having a shaft sized to be received in the bore of the expandable body, and an insertion shaft slidingly disposed in the bore of the expandable body and in a bore of the expander pin. The body is configured to expand laterally into and attach to bone when the expander pin is driven into the expandable body. The body includes a proximal main member having a distally extending threaded projection and a harder, distal tip member having a threaded recess in a proximal surface thereof such that the projection is threadedly interengageable with the recess. The expansion of the body by way of the pin can occur when the proximal main member and distal tip member are threadedly engaged. The insertion shaft is releasably secured to the expandable body and extends distally beyond the expandable body.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of a retaining mechanism for holding a portion of the suture of a suture anchor are disclosed. When a suture anchor is inserted into a patient, the portion of the suture extending from the body is held in tension by a two-piece snap-fit mechanism. One piece has a base with an extending shaft portion and a bulbous head, and a lumen runs through the shaft. The second piece has a hole or space for snapping the second piece onto the first piece. The extending portion of the suture runs through the lumen in the first piece and can be wrapped around the shaft. Snapping the second piece onto the first contains the suture and prevents loss of tension in it.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone, for securing one or more objects using a surgical filament, and for drawing two or more tissues together so they can be secured in a desired location. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical repair construct that is configured to atraumatically pass through soft tissue to secure tissue in a knotless manner includes a snare linkage, a collapsible loop, and a flexible suture pin. The snare linkage can include a collapsible snare for receiving the collapsible loop, and in use the snare can be collapsed around the collapsible loop and advanced distally towards the bone until the snare is proximate to the tissue, while the collapsible loop can be collapsed distally towards the bone to bring the tissue into proximity with the bone. Other exemplary systems, devices, and methods for use with soft tissue repair are also provided.

Abstract: A system for forming a suture connector in situ includes a suture connector placement device having a handle, an outer shaft, an intermediate shaft, and a push rod, and a suture connector having a sleeve and a plug. The intermediate shaft is slidingly disposed through a lumen of the outer shaft, and the push rod is slidingly disposed through a lumen of the intermediate shaft. When the suture connector is in a loaded configuration within the suture connector placement device, the sleeve is radially disposed over the intermediate shaft and the plug is positioned proximal to the sleeve within the lumen of the intermediate shaft. Distal advancement of the push rod moves the plug into the sleeve and proximal retraction of the intermediate shaft releases the resilient sleeve onto the plug, thereby securing two suture portions between the sleeve and the plug. The system is then utilized to trim the suture portions.

Abstract: A method of placing a suture through tissue includes placing a band on a finger of a user, where the band is attached to a head of a suturing device, and employing the finger and the device in identifying an intracorporeal tissue landmark and placing the head of the suturing device at the intracorporeal tissue landmark. The method additionally includes engaging a throat of the head of the suturing device with the intracorporeal tissue landmark, and ejecting a needle out of a needle exit port and through the tissue. The needle exit port is located on a proximal portion of the head of the suturing device.

Abstract: A flexible suture for coupling tissue includes a first suture portion extending to a first end and a second suture portion extending to a second end. A plurality of braided strands form the first and second suture portions. An identifier characteristic is formed into the plurality of braided strands. The identifier characteristic extends from the first end of the first suture portion to the second end of the second suture portion, and the identifier characteristic distinguishes the first suture portion from the second suture portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a joining element elongate in a longitudinal direction including an inner core extending substantially in the longitudinal direction and an outer sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the inner core. The sleeve includes a lattice that defines at least one angle with respect to the longitudinal direction and the core is swellable against the sleeve along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to thereby increase the angle with respect to the longitudinal direction. The disclosure is further directed to a method of joining a first a second material including the joining element of the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a joining element having a core having first and second opposed ends that define a length therebetween along a longitudinal direction, a jacket that surrounds the core along at least a portion of the length and defining first and second opposed ends that are spaced along the longitudinal direction, where the first and second opposed ends are in mechanical communication with the first and second ends of the core; and, where one of the jacket and the core is pre-tensioned, and the other of the jacket and the core is configured to transition from a first rigid configuration where its length is constant, to a second deformed configuration where the one of the jacket and the core relaxes from a pre-tensioned state so as to draw the first and second opposed ends of the other of the jacket and the core toward each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for securing tissue to a bone comprising a novel screw anchor for insertion into a bone by a novel rotational driver. The screw anchor and rotation driver enables the screw to be completely embedded into the bone while permitting a suture to be threaded through a transverse aperture in the screw. The rotation driver facilitates insertion and engagement of a capture with one of a series of protuberance formed along a length of a suture. In addition, the method is disclosed of forming the series of protuberance.

Abstract: A powered surgical apparatus for engaging tissue includes a housing assembly and a movable portion operatively connected to the housing assembly. The movable portion is movable with respect to the housing assembly. In addition, the surgical apparatus includes a power source configured to supply electrical power, and a transmission system configured to transfer at least one of a signal and electrical power between the handle assembly and the movable portion, the transmission system including a first electronic board disposed in the handle assembly and a second electronic board positioned in the movable portion, the second electronic board including a primary control circuit and a secondary control circuit wherein the movable portion is configured and adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis defined by the powered surgical apparatus.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed which includes a staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, and a longitudinal slot extending longitudinally along a length of the cartridge body. The longitudinal slot includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. In addition, the end effector includes a cutting member slidably movable along the longitudinal slot and an implantable assembly which includes a first layer and a second layer, wherein the second layer includes a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion, and wherein the first layer is attached to the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with a stowing knife blade includes an elongated shaft, an end effector coupled to the shaft and including two opposed jaws, a housing included in one of the jaws, a first member mounted in the housing and movable distally, a knife pivotally coupled with the first member, and a second member. The knife is configured to cut when advanced distally. The first and second members are moved distally at the same rate during a cutting motion of the knife and the second member blocks a rotation of the knife relative to the first member during the cutting motion of the knife. After moving through the first distance, relative movement between the first and second members occurs so as to permit or induce the previously blocked rotation of the knife so that the knife can be stowed.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided which includes a first jaw supporting an anvil assembly and a second jaw supporting a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly supports a firing lockout assembly which includes a latch member having a blocking member. The latch member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the blocking member of the latch member is aligned with the stop surface of the drive member to prevent advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly and in the second position, the blocking member is misaligned with the stop surface of the drive member to permit advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly. A biasing member is positioned to urge the latch member towards the first position. In the retracted position of the drive member, the latch member is in the first position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a tissue-compressing device comprising opposing compression surfaces, a switching element having first and second switching states changed solely by mechanical movements, a biasing element mechanically coupled to the switching element, the biasing element retaining the switching element in one of the first and second switching states until a pre-determined force is imparted to the switching element, wherein the pre-determined force is an amount of force proportional to an optimal tissue compression force of compressed tissue disposed between the opposing compression surfaces and the switching element is positioned in line with the tissue-compressing device to cause a force, proportional to a force placed upon compressed tissue disposed between the opposing compression surfaces, to be imparted to the switching element.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw member defining an anvil; a second jaw member configured to receive a cartridge therein, wherein the first jaw member is moveable with respect to the second jaw member; a first sensor coupled to the anvil; and a second sensor configured to measure a second parameter. The first sensor is configured to measure a first parameter. The first parameter and the second parameter are related. The first sensor and the second sensor are in signal communication with a processor.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a surgical actuating device including a shaft having supporting a first coupling member. The first coupling member includes one or more pairs of apertures. The reload includes a second coupling member including a locking assembly. The second coupling member includes a pair of spring pins positionable within the pair of apertures. The spring pins being movable from an inward position to a radial outward position. The locking assembly includes a lock plate that is moveable from a first position located between the spring pins to a second position spaced from the spring pins. In the radial outward position, the spring pins are received within the apertures of the first coupling member to secure the reload to the surgical actuating member and when the lock plate is in the first position, the reload cannot be separated from the surgical actuating device.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly can include a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a firing system configured to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The firing system can include a firing member configured to relatively position the anvil and the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A strap tie assembly includes a first strap tie including a first base, a first body including a first receiving channel and a first engagement member, and a first strap extending from the first body. The assembly includes a second strap tie including a second base, a second body including a second receiving channel and a second engagement member, and a second strap extending from the second body. The first receiving channel can receive the second strap. The first engagement member can rotate about a first rotation axis to engage the second strap to prevent translation of the second strap away from the first body. The second receiving channel can receive the first strap. The second engagement member can rotate about a second rotational axis to engage the first strap to prevent translation of the first strap away from the second body.

Abstract: A device has been developed to augment the rotator cuff tendon tissue as it proceeds in healing. The device has two purposes: to provide initial stability to the rotator cuff repair site to allow early mobilization of the upper extremity of the patient, and to allow for reinforcement of rotator cuff tendon repairs to increase the likelihood of successful rotator cuff tendon repairs. The device consists of an inter-connected, open pore structure that enables even and random distribution and in-growth of tendon cells. The braided structure allows for distribution of mechanical forces over a larger area of tissue at the fixation point(s).

Abstract: A circular stapler is disclosed. The circular stapler includes a handle assembly, an elongate body, a cartridge assembly, a trocar, and a light source. The elongate body extends from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The cartridge assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongate body and includes a pusher assembly. The pusher assembly is movable to cause staples to be ejected from the cartridge assembly. The trocar is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the cartridge assembly and is longitudinally advanceable to puncture tissue. The light source is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the trocar, and is configured to project a light beam distally of the trocar.

Abstract: A system for delivery and deployment of an occluder includes a handle, an actuating mechanism with a motion amplifier and a sheath positioning mechanism within the handle. A driveshaft of the actuating mechanism extends through the handle, the sheath positioning mechanism, and an attached sheath so as to couple with an occluder deployed via the driveshaft within a body lumen in a patient.

Abstract: Trephine reamers that include a body with a hollow interior sized to receive a femoral component. A distal end of the body includes one or more teeth shaped for cutting the femur. Valleys are positioned between the teeth. The valleys accommodate the cut bone and prevent and/or reduce interference with the cutting teeth. Thus, a single trephine reamer is able to cut a greater amount of bone. Methods of cutting the femur including positioning the trephine reamer over the femoral component, and rotating the reamer such that the teeth cut the bone that extends around the component. The reamer moves along the length of the component during the cutting thus allowing for removal of the component.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a total joint arthroplasty procedure on a patient's damaged bone region. A CT image or other suitable image is formed of the damaged bone surfaces, and location coordinate values (xn,yn,zn) are determined for a selected sequence of bone surface locations using the CT image data. A mathematical model z=f(x,y) of a surface that accurately matches the bone surface coordinates at the selected bone spice locations, or matches surface normal vector components at selected bone surface locations, is determined. The model provides a production file from which a cutting jig and an implant device (optional), each patient-specific and having controllable alignment, are fabricated for the damaged bone by automated processing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering fluid into a body lumen during a medical procedure. A distal end of an apparatus may be introduced into a body lumen, and a valve on the distal end may be opened to deliver fluid through a first lumen into the body lumen, e.g., contrast and/or other diagnostic or therapeutic agents. The valve may be closed, and a procedure may be performed within the body lumen, e.g., using a treatment element carried on the distal end. For example, the treatment element may include a balloon that may be inflated when fluid is delivered through the first lumen with the valve closed. Optionally, a prosthesis, energy source, drug platform, and the like may be carried by the balloon for treating the body lumen. In various embodiments, the valve may be located proximal or distal to the treatment element.

Abstract: An instrument (10) having a tool (15) of a particularly simple design comprises jaws (16, 17) with jaw supports (46) supported by spaced-apart hinges on a shared socket part 18. The hinge axes (27, 28) of the hinges are oriented parallel relative to each other and are at a distance from each other. A slit (24) for precisely guiding a knife (25) may be provided between the two. The jaw supports (46) of the jaws (16, 17) are guided in their own hinges with minimal play and hence in a precise manner. They are held against each other by transverse interlocking means (37), thereby ensuring a simple assembly and precise guiding.

Abstract: In a medical gripping tool with several branches, one branch includes a first flexurally elastic spar, a second flexurally elastic spar, of which the distal end is connected to the distal end of the first flexurally elastic spar, a rib, which is spaced apart from the proximal ends and from the distal ends of the flexurally elastic spars, and a linear guide for coupling the second flexurally elastic spar to the rib, in such a way that a linear movement of the second flexurally elastic spar relative to the rib is possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a completely mechanical laparoscopic surgical instrument which can be disposed of after a single use or which can be sterilized and re-used more than once. The instrument essentially comprises: a gripping zone provided with two gripping elements (2, 3) hinged to one another by means of a pivot shaft (4), a working tool (30) provided with two jaws hinged to one another by means of a pivot shaft, and an actuation mechanism that can transmit movement from the gripping zone to the working tool (30). According to the invention, the tool can adopt multiple positions and/or orientations during its use with the assistance of substantially annular bodies that are coupled to connecting rods associated with the gripping elements.

Abstract: A method, device and system for modifying the gingival margin of a patient is disclosed. A method includes obtaining an electronic model of the dentition of a patient, determining an incision path along the gingival surface based on the electronic model, generating and fabricating a guide arrangement to assist in cutting the gingival surface of the patient, mounting the guide arrangement to the dentition of the patient, and cutting the gingival surface of the patient with the assistance of the guide arrangement. A guide arrangement includes a mounting portion and a template portion coupled to the mounting portion along the gingival surface of the guide arrangement and positioned to provide a desired incision path. A system includes a three dimensional scanner, a computer system and a fabricating device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic-surgical and electrosurgical system includes an ultrasonic surgical device and an electrosurgical device which supply an ultrasonic signal and a high-frequency signal, respectively, to an ultrasonic/high-frequency treatment instrument capable of performing an ultrasonic treatment and a high-frequency treatment, and a relay device which is built in one of the devices including: a switch detection unit for detecting turn-on/off of a switch unit which performs on/off control of operations of the devices; a switch element for outputting a switch signal which is used for on/off of outputs of the ultrasonic signal and the high-frequency signal to each of the devices in accordance with the detection output; and a control unit for performing on/off control of the switch signal to control at least one of an output timing and an output mode of each of the signals.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from the iliac artery of a patient. The device comprises a flexible, rotatable drive shaft having an elongated proximal portion, an elongated distal portion, and an abrasive element mounted to the drive shaft between the elongated proximal and distal portions of the drive shaft and configured for rapid rotation together with the drive shaft.

Abstract: A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.

Abstract: A scalpel handle for holding a blade includes a handle member and a blade shield for covering the cutting edge of the blade. The blade shield is connected to the handle member for movement relative thereto between a blade-covering position and an out-of-the-way position, and a finger-operable actuator is mounted upon the handle member for movement relative thereto and is connected to the shield so that by moving the actuator between first and second conditions, the shield is moved between its blade-covering and its out-of-the-way positions. An over center spring is interposed between the actuator and the handle member so that upon movement of the actuator into its second condition, the shield is biased into the out-of-the-way position and so that upon movement of the actuator into its first condition, the shield is biased into the blade-covering position.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly and method of use is disclosed. The surgical access assembly comprises an outer sheath and an obturator. The outer sheath and obturator are configured to be delivered to an area of interest within the brain. Either the outer sheath or the obturator may be configured to operate with a navigational system to track the location of either device within the brain.

Abstract: A non-coring needle for use in accessing an implanted medical device is disclosed. The non-coring needle is configured so as to include a compact bevel face relative to standard non-coring needles. In one embodiment, the non-coring needle comprises a hollow cannula that defines a lumen and terminates at a sharpened distal tip. The cannula includes a proximal portion and a bent distal portion. The distal portion defines a bevel face extending proximally from the distal tip, and the bevel face includes the lumen distal opening. The bevel face defines an open angle of at least about one degree with respect to a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the cannula. The bevel face is also laterally offset from the proximal portion of the cannula by an offset distance of no more than about 0.010 inch. A portion of the bevel face is dulled to prevent access port septum coring.

Abstract: An entry guide tube and cannula assembly, a surgical system including the assembly, and a method of surgical instrument insertion are provided. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a cannula having a proximal portion that operably couples to an accessory clamp of a manipulator arm, and a distal tubular member coupled to the proximal portion, the tubular member having an opening for passage of at least one instrument shaft. The assembly also includes an entry guide tube rotatably coupled to the proximal portion of the cannula, the entry guide tube including a plurality of channels for passage of a plurality of instrument shafts, wherein the entry guide tube is rotatably driven relative to the proximal portion of the cannula by rotation of at least one instrument shaft about a longitudinal axis of the entry guide tube.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a portable endoscope. The portable endoscope includes a case configured to enclose at least electrical components of the portable endoscope. The electrical components include a camera configured to capture video content within a body of a patient. The components include one or more lights at least partially encompassing the camera. The one or more lights are adapted to illuminate internal portions of the body of the patient. The components include a transceiver in electrical communication with the camera. The transceiver is configured to receive the video content from the camera and wirelessly transmit the video content to a computing or communications device. The components include a battery configured to provide electrical energy to the camera, the one or more lights, and the transceiver. Each of the electrical components are interchangeable within the case.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and kits for performing endoscopic fusion with neuromonitoring. The endoscopic fusion may be performed, for example, through a cannula providing a portal to the disc space. Throughout various steps in the procedure, neuromonitoring may occur to minimize the possibility of injuring or contacting a nerve.

Abstract: The present invention is a bone growth stimulating and promoting cytokine type biological implant preferably comprising PTH coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the concave side of a scoliotically curved spine in combination with a bone growth inhibiting type biological implant preferably comprising methotrexate or like anti-metabolite coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the convex side of a scoliotically curved spine. The insertion of the biological implant is highly non-invasion, especially as compared to more conventional spine surgical methods, and the biological implant does not decrease spinal mobility or spinal range of motion.

Abstract: An external fixator for mounting to a patient's leg or other anatomy to stabilize bones in the patient's leg or other anatomy includes a first ring including a first plurality a slots therein and a second ring including a second plurality of slots therein. A foot-plate has a generally U-shape and a third plurality of slots therein. A first strut is mounted between the first ring and the second ring. The first strut includes an upper tube, a lower tube, a first telescoping element securing the upper tube to the lower tube and first and second end fittings secured to ends of the upper and lower tubes, respectively. The first end fitting secures the first strut to the first ring and the second end fitting secures the first strut to the second ring.

Abstract: An orthopedic anchoring system for attaching a spinal stabilization system and concomitantly fusing a sacroiliac joint is disclosed that includes a delivery tool and an implant assembly for insertion into a joint space of a sacroiliac joint. The implant assembly may be secured using anchors inserted through bores within the implant body and into the underlying sacrum and/or ilium. The implant body may also include an attachment fitting reversibly attached to a guide to provide attachment fittings for elements of the spinal stabilization system. The implant assembly may be releasably coupled to an implant arm of the delivery tool such that the implant arm is substantially aligned with the insertion element of the implant assembly. An anchor arm used to insert the anchor may be coupled to the implant arm in a fixed and nonadjustable arrangement such that the anchor is generally aligned with a bore within the implant assembly.

Abstract: A bone instrumentation cover or shield has a hollow cap or casing for encapsulating projecting parts of instrumentation installed in a bone, and a fastener portion for securing it to the bone or to parts of the instrumentation. The instrumentation shield or cover is made of medically safe material, in various sizes, and may be a rigid casing or pliable, stretchable, or adaptable with slidable, displaceable or pleated panels to provide a medically safe physical barrier between projecting parts of bone instrumentation constructs and surrounding bone and soft tissues, in order to minimize local irritation or injury and to provide a barrier to ingrowth from bone and/or fibrous tissues. The cap or casing is readily applied over the instrumentation, then cinched, tied or fastened to the instrumentation or adjacent areas.

Abstract: Custom moldable cushions for covering medical implants fastened to a bone are provided. Such cushions inhibit irritation of the surrounding soft tissue by covering the bone-implant interface and by reducing friction caused by movement of soft tissue adjacent the implant. Such cushions may also be employed to spread and absorb forces reducing patient discomfort and risk of injury and infection associated with such implants.

Abstract: Methods of correcting a spinal deformity, including securing a first rod on a first side of a spine, securing an anchor on a second side of a spine, securing a lateral coupling between the rod and the anchor, translating and/or derotating the spine and securing a second rod on a second side of the spine to provide secondary stabilization to the spine.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a minimally invasive spinal column realignment system and method of use. The spinal column realignment system includes at least two fasteners, a member, an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and an instrument. The at least two fasteners are configured for insertion into two adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient. The member is configured to engage the at least two fasteners. The outer sleeve includes a first opening and a second opening and the inner sleeve is configured for insertion through the first opening of the outer sleeve to engage a first fastener of the at least two fasteners and the member. The instrument is configured for insertion through the second opening in the outer sleeve and engagement with the member. A method of using a spinal column realignment system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A distraction system includes a distraction rod having one end configured for affixation to at a first location on patient. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for placement in the patient at a second location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly comprising a magnet, the magnetic assembly secured to a threaded element that interfaces with an opposing end of the distraction rod. The system includes a magnetically permeable member in proximity to the magnetic assembly and covering an arc of less that 360° of the adjustable portion.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and device for treatment of spinal deformity, wherein at least one tether is utilized to maintain the distance between the spine and the an ilium to (1) prevent increase in abnormal spinal curvature, (2) slow progression of abnormal curvature, or (3) impose at least one corrective displacement and/or rotation.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for a pedicle screw system including a bone anchor, linkage rod, tulip, set screw, and detent plate. When the set screw is fully tightened against the detent plate, pluralities of ridges on opposing faces of the detent plate and set screw cooperate by providing catches to prevent unwanted loosening of the set screw, which could lead to unwanted rod slippage and instability in the orthopedic fixation unit.

Abstract: An adjustable occipital plate includes a fixation plate, at least one lateral rod configured to be coupled to said fixation plate, at least one laterally sliding link configured to be coupled to and configured to be compressed around said at least one lateral rod to create a friction fit, and at least one rod connector coupled to said at least one laterally sliding link that is configured to receive at least one posterior cervical rod.

Abstract: Bone plates and bone plate systems are provided in which a bone plate includes a plurality of bone screw holes formed therein and positioned in laterally adjacent pairs. Positioned between the laterally adjacent pairs of bone screw holes are stabilizing strut. The bone plate system can additionally include windows positioned between longitudinally adjacent struts. Transverse bone screw planes can extend across the superior and inferior edges of the bone screw holes and define the minimum longitudinal boundaries of the windows. A guide device adapted for mating with the bone plate is also disclosed.