Abstract: An embodiment of a bone plate comprises a main body which is fixed to a side of the fracture and having a hole in which a connecting element is inserted for purposes of this fixation procedure; a movable part which is associated with the main body, is fixed to the other side of the fracture and having a hole in which a connecting element is inserted for purposes of this fixation procedure and being moveable with respect to the main body; a displacement mechanism enabling movement of the movable part relative to the main body, on the center of which it is positioned; a locking element which stops operation of the displacement mechanism, thereby restricting the movement of the movable part; and a displacement element which is associated with the displacement mechanism for controlling thereof externally.

Abstract: A porous containment device for implanting into the interior volume of a targeted vertebral body for use in restoring the anatomy of the targeted vertebral body. The porous containment device is expandable from an insertion configuration to an expanded configuration via, for example, a bone filler material. The porous containment device includes an enlarged proximal portion, an enlarged distal portion, and a narrower central portion located between the enlarged proximal and distal portions. The porous containment device includes at least one pore positioned between a midline of the narrower central portion and walls of the enlarged distal and proximal portions. The porous containment device may include one or more air or fluid evacuation pores to permit air or fluid to escape and internal or external constraints to form the narrower central portion. In addition, a cannulated sleeve may be used to insert the porous containment device.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.

Abstract: Methods and instruments are provided to allow access to a surgical site through a small incision while optimizing visualization of the patient anatomy. The instrumentation provide for the retraction of soft tissue, creation of a working envelope below the skin, and access to intervertebral discs and/or the surrounding bony structures for the purpose of performing various operative procedures including discectomy, laminectomy, and other spinal fixations. One set of disclosed instrumentation provides for the targeting of placement and trajectory of spinal fixation devices while reducing the number of instruments necessary needed to pass through the surgical incision. Another instrument disclosed herein allows for the compression of the intervertebral space through a very small incision. The instrument profile is minimized by using the same instrument that is used for tightening of the pedicle screws as one of the active components of the compression instrument.

Abstract: The sacral-iliac joint between an iliac and a sacrum is fused either by the creation of a lateral insertion path laterally through the ilium, through the sacral-iliac joint, and into the sacrum, or by the creation of a postero-lateral insertion path entering from a posterior iliac spine of an ilium, angling through the sacral-iliac joint, and terminating in the sacral alae. A bone fixation implant is inserted through the insertion path and anchored in the interior region of the sacrum or sacral alea to fixate the sacral-iliac joint.

Abstract: A laterally deflectable asymmetric implant for implanting into a body may comprise a deflectable piece having distal and proximal ends and assuming a straightened insertion state. The backbone may abut or interconnect with said deflectable piece at the distal end of the deflectable piece. In a fully deflected state the implant may define an asymmetric shape, e.g. a D-shaped loop, defining an at least partially enclosed volume. The deflectable piece may comprise a sequence of segments interconnected at effective hinges. Longitudinal pressure applied to the proximal end of the deflectable piece (or applied to the backbone in an opposite direction) may cause relative longitudinal movement between the backbone and the proximal end of the deflectable piece and may generate outward horizontal movement of the deflectable piece away from the backbone. In one embodiment, the implant is implanted using lateral access into an anterior zone of a vertebra and deployed posteriorly.

Abstract: An unloading dynamic intervertebral device comprising a first bar and a second bar configured for providing an even, steady and adjustable decompression of the intervertebral interspinous space and for maintaining the distance between at least two vertebrae. The first bar may comprise a guideline with an elongated gap formed therein. The second bar may comprise a guide having at least one tang interposed within the elongated gap of the first bar, such that the first bar and the second bar are rotationally and slidably connected with each other about the tang. An end of the first bar and an opposing end of the second bar may comprise shaped bearings configured for bony elements of the spine. The first and second bar may be movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An implantable fixation system for fusing a joint between a first bone and a second bone. The system may include an anchor, standoff, bolt, and cortical washer. The system may be implanted across the joint along a single trajectory, the length of the system adjustable to provide compressive force between the anchor and the cortical washer. The system may be implanted across a tibiotalar joint with the anchor positioned in the sinus tarsi. A spacing member may be inserted between the two bones and the fixation system implanted to extend through an opening in the spacing member. The spacing member may be anatomically shaped and/or provide deformity correction. An ankle arthroplasty system may include a tibial plate, a talar plate, and a bearing insert. The plates may be anchored to the tibia and talus along a single trajectory. The ankle arthroplasty system may be revisable to a fusion system.

Abstract: A compression plate kit that allows for manual compression of a bone discontinuity includes a bone plate, two or more reduction fasteners in the form of screws or pins, for example, and a compression clamp. The compression clamp can include engagement members configured to engage the reduction screws or pins, thereby allowing a practitioner to compress a bone discontinuity by manually closing the compression clamp. One or more implementations of a kit of the present invention can provide a practitioner with physical or tactile feedback during the compression of a bone discontinuity, and thus, provide the practitioner with the ability to better control the compression and spacing of bone portions during a reduction. One implementation of the kit includes a coupler for coupling the upper portions of the reduction fasteners together for selective fine tuning adjustments.

Abstract: A nucleus pulposus replacement is described that includes a containment balloon that can sequester synthetic and/or tissue engineered fill material(s) in the nucleus pulposus region of the IVD thus mitigating migration and expulsion of the fill materials. The containment balloon can be formed of a biocompatible material that includes the structural proteins elastin and collagen. The containment balloon is joined to a closure device that can be used to deliver a fill material, e.g., a hydrogel, to the interior of the containment balloon following implantation of the replacement device in the intervertebral disc area.

Abstract: Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, derotation apparatus and systems that can be used to reduce the rotation of vertebral bodies. Derotation apparatus that may comprise a tube assembly comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed over the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve may have a distal end for attachment to an implant. The tube assembly may further comprise a handle assembly. The tube assembly may further comprise a ball joint assembly disposed between the tube assembly and the handle assembly. The ball joint assembly may comprise a ball joint configured for attachment to a coupling rod. The ball joint assembly further may comprise a reducing extension below the ball joint, the reducing extension being sized to fit in a central bore of the inner sleeve. Orthopedic fixation devices comprising a ball joint are also disclosed.

Abstract: An insertion handle for medical implants includes a handle with an elongate shaft extending therefrom and connection means for the implant disposed at the end of the shaft opposite the handle. The connection means includes a pivotable attachment for the implant that is controlled remotely from the handle. Both angle of the implant with respect to the handle and shaft as well as the attachment may be separately controlled and adjusted. Remote angular adjustment facilitates insertion of implants in to small surgical sites because the orientation of the implant may be repeatedly, remotely adjusted as the implant is inserted. Connectors may also be provided at the engagement surface between the handle and implant in order to provide communication with the implant or surgical site. The connectors also may serve as torque bearing members to avoid the need for separate torque bearing means such as keyways and the like.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and method for assuring that connection regions (e.g., threaded regions) of stabilization devices are clear of bone filling materials such as bone cements. A stabilization device may be referred to as a bone stabilization device or an anchor, and may be a self-expanding device configured for insertion into bone. One exemplary clearing device is configured as a plunger-type device for clearing the connector region by scraping and/or rubbing the surface of the connector region. A clearing device may include a handle, a rod and a connector end that is configured to mate with the connector of a stabilization device. The connector end may include one or more scraping surfaces (e.g., edges) and may include a vacuum port for removing material such as scraped bone cement.

Abstract: A fixation system configured to releasably secure an orthopedic implant to a bone. The orthopedic implant has at least one lumen extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion configured to extend through cortical portions and into cancellous portions of the bone. The fixation system includes a flowable biomaterial that flows through the lumen into the cancellous portion of the bone in an expanded configuration with at least one dimension greater than a corresponding dimension on the orthopedic implant located generally along a pull-out direction of the orthopedic implant. An insert is positioned in the lumen and in engagement with the flowable biomaterial located in the cancellous portion of the bone, such that the orthopedic implant is detachable from the biomaterial in the cancellous portion of the bone to facilitate subsequent removal of the orthopedic implant from the bone.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed to systems, apparatuses, devices and methods for vertebral and spinal correction. In some embodiments, an expandable implant is provided which may be inserted inside the vertebral body and/or between two vertebrae, for instance, for maintenance and/or restoration of a space therein or there between. In certain embodiments, the implant includes a mechanical resistance that prevents the expandable implant from contracting once it has been expanded. Methods of treatment and methods of use of such implants for the alleviation of back pain (for example) are also provided herein.

Abstract: A dilator for adapted to implant a graft in a bone. The dilator includes a hollow frusto conical configuration having a distal and proximal end, a continuous tapered outer surface extending from said distal end to said proximal end of said dilator, the continuous tapered outer surface configured to engage a bone in order to radially expand the bone outwardly as the dilator is advanced into an opening, one end of dilator having a cross-section less than the cross-section of the opening for insertion into the opening, and the other end of the dilator having a cross-section greater than the cross-section of the opening so that insertion of the body member in the opening expands the opening.

Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include at least one guide member for guiding a distraction device to a location between layers of spinal tissue. The guide member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is adapted for insertion between the tissue layers and defines a shape of a desired support structure. The distraction device is slidably mounted on the guide member for advancing the distraction device distally along the guide member for insertion of the distraction device between the tissue layers. The distraction device substantially conforms to the shape defined by the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure that separates, supports or both separates and supports the tissue layers.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a pair of pivotally coupled operating handles and working distal ends connected thereto configured to engage bone fixation elements. A toothed ratchet member is arranged across the handles and includes a first and second tooth rack. The first tooth rack includes a plurality of teeth angled in a first direction and the second tooth rack includes a plurality of teeth angled in a second direction. The ratchet member is rotatable with respect to the handles to selectively present the first or second tooth rack to a pawl disposed on one of the handles. The handles are operable for closing or spreading movement via selective engagement of the pawl with the first or second tooth rack, which correspondingly closes or spreads the working distal ends. A method for operating the tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compression and distraction shaft assembly used to apply compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. An hourglass-shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. Distraction pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position. Compression pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position.

Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An o-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a device for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture is provided. The device comprises a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is for containing a first bone cement component. The second chamber is for containing a second bone cement component. A valve is in fluid communication with the first and second chambers. A first and a second plunger are respectively within the first and second chambers and are configured to actuate within their respective chambers. When the valve is in a first position actuating the first plunger advances the first bone cement component into the second chamber to form the bone cement mixture.

Abstract: Compression-distraction spinal fixation systems, and methods of performing compression-distraction spinal fixation, are provided that include screw-rod constructs having a ratcheting mechanism. Bone screws of the screw-rod constructs can have a pawl that engages ratchet teeth on the rod of the screw-rod construct. The bone screw can be unidirectionally ratcheted along the length of the rod to apply compressive or distractive forces. Tools for manipulation of the screw-rod constructs are also provided, which tools include distal tips configured to engage the bone screws.

Abstract: An inflatable bone tamp for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes an inner shaft that incorporates a longitudinally extensible section. The predetermined longitudinally extensible section permits greater control over the elongation of the inflatable portion of the inflatable bone tamp, thereby allowing performance characteristics to be tailored to specific procedures and/or situations. The predetermined longitudinally extensible section can be implemented in various ways, such as a spring, elastomer, or mechanical linkage, among others.

Abstract: A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.

Abstract: A fixation system configured to releasably secure an orthopedic implant to a bone. The fixation system including at least one expandable member that is inserted through the lumen and positioned in cancellous bone near the distal portion of the orthopedic implant. A delivery tube delivers a flowable biomaterial to the expandable member. The expand fixation structure includes at least one dimension greater than a corresponding dimension on the orthopedic implant to secure the orthopedic implant in the bone. An insert is secured in the lumen to releasably attach the fixation system to the orthopedic implant. The expandable member is detachable from the orthopedic implant to facilitate subsequent removal of the orthopedic implant from the bone.

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes a bone plate, bone anchors, temporary fixation members, and forceps. The temporary fixation members are configured to be inserted through apertures in the bone plate and into underlying bone segments that are separated by a bone gap. The forceps are configured to apply a force to the temporary fixation members that causes at least one of the underlying bone segments to translate with respect to the other bone segment, thereby reducing or distracting the bone segments without interfering with final fixation by screws of bone segments.

Abstract: An instrument includes a distraction mechanism having a proximal end and an opposed distal end. The distal end includes opposed first and second end members. A first vertebral endplate spreader includes a proximal spreader section mounted to the first end member of the distraction mechanism. The first spreader also includes a distal spreader section operatively connected to the proximal spreader section for lateral movement relative to the proximal spreader section. A second vertebral endplate spreader is mounted to the second end member of the distraction mechanism. The distraction mechanism is configured and adapted to distract the spreaders apart and to retract the spreaders together along a distraction axis. The distal spreader section of the first spreader is configured to move relative to the second spreader in a lateral direction relative to the distraction axis for correction of vertebral alignment, as in treatment of spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, and the like.

Abstract: An inserter can be used to implant a distractible intervertebral body fusion device into a disc space and expand the device. The inserter includes a shaft frame and a drive shaft assembly for expanding the device and a support shaft assembly for stabilizing the device extending distally from the shaft frame. A drive housing can be operably connected to the shaft frame and extend outwardly from shaft frame distal of a proximal end of the shaft frame. Drive housing can have an internal passage that provides access into the shaft frame to a proximal end of the drive shaft assembly. An actuation tool can be disposed with the drive housing with a distal end extending through the access into the shaft frame to interface with the proximal end of the drive shaft assembly such that activation of the actuation tool rotates the drive shaft assembly to expand the device.

Abstract: A surgical device for pressing and retaining adjacent bones against one another comprising a compression brace and separate fasteners. The compression brace has at least two fastener retaining portions. Each fastener retaining portion has a fastener hole therethrough for receiving a fastener, such as a screw or pin. A pair of bridge members are positioned between the fastener retaining portions, and are spaced apart from one another to form a compression opening. The compression bracket can include a plurality of fastener retaining portions and a plurality of compression openings. In some embodiments, the fasteners are maintained in a substantially fixed relation with the fastener retaining portion. The brace is installed on adjacent bones such that a fastener engages each bone. The compression opening is spread apart to draw the fasteners toward one another, and thereby compress the adjacent bones together.

Abstract: Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.

Abstract: A compression and distraction shaft assembly applies compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. An hourglass-shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. Distraction pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position. Compression pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position.

Abstract: A minimally invasive system and method for vertebral body augmentation includes an expandable containment device, a chassis including an interior cavity for at least partially enclosing the expandable containment device, a first guidewire, a working cannula, a second guidewire having at least a partially flexible distal end portion and a sleeve for introducing bone filler material through a cannulated passageway of the sleeve and into an interior cavity of the containment device. The containment device preferably includes a plurality of pores for directing the outflow of bone filler material anteriorly within the vertebral body. The containment device and chassis are left interior to the vertebral body subsequent to height restoration and augmentation of the vertebral body.

Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of interlocking expansion members or wafers. The like-configured wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. One of the interlocking features includes a plurality of prongs projecting from an upper surface of the wafers and into a recess defined in the lower surface of an adjacent previously inserted like-configured wafer. The prongs and recesses are configured to prevent retrograde movement of each new wafer in a direction opposite the direction of insertion. Other interlocking features prevent movement in the direction of insertion, transverse to the insertion direction and vertically within the stack.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for displacing tissue within the body, wherein the apparatus includes two or more attachment members selectively displaceable with respect to each other via a driving member. The driving member preferably is rotatable and is caused to rotate by a magnetic actuator that can be activated by a magnetic field from outside the body.

Abstract: An instrument for engaging a bone anchor may include a first implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end and a second implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end. The second implant engaging member may be integrally connected to the first implant engaging member by a pair of opposed integral spring members located proximal to the distal ends of the first and second implant engaging members. Manipulation of the proximal ends of the first and second implant engaging member can cause each of the distal ends to rotate about the pair of opposed spring members to engage at least a portion of a bone anchor. A rod adjusting tool may be connectable to the bone anchor engaging tool and may be axially adjustable relative to the bone anchor tool to adjust a spinal rod relative to the bone anchor.

Abstract: The present invention describes an intramedullary nail for use in orthopedic surgery for the fixation of bone fractures and fusion sites. The nail employs one or more internal loaded springs, biocompatible elastic or rubber bands, or other mechanism that provides continuous dynamic compression across the healing site throughout the healing process. By altering the size, tension and/or number of the internal compression devices, the amount of compression may be customized on a case-by-case basis. Further, the slots within the nail for its attachment can be utilized to create a torsional force when desired. The nail can have a cross-sectional shape that prevents its rotation. A system and method of use is also described.

Abstract: A combination of a first assembly for guiding resection of a femur and tibia of a knee joint and a second assembly including femoral and tibial knee components. The combination of the first assembly and the second assembly provides optimal placement and positioning of the femoral and tibial knee components to achieve near-normal knee kinematics and tension. The preparation for and placement of the prosthetic knee components provides medial-pivoting kinematics mimicking that of the natural knee thereby promoting improved outcome for the patient.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for increasing the stiffness of an intervertebral disc between vertebral bodies. The method includes providing a syringe with a needle approximately in the range of 16 to 25 gauge; providing a material having a first stage with a first viscosity adapted to flow through the needle, the material having a second stage with a second viscosity greater than the first viscosity, the second stage material having a stiffness in a range of 1.0-5.0 MPa; testing the annulus fibrosus of the disc to ensure that the annulus fibrosus has sufficient continuity so as to retain the first flowable stage material when subsequently injected into the disc; inserting the needle into the annulus fibrosus; injecting the first stage material into the disc; and permitting the first stage material to become the second stage material so as to form a load bearing implant in the disc.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for treating vertebral fractures with one or more bone pins. In one embodiment of a method, a fractured vertebral body may be accessed through a pedicle portion and an opening may be created therethrough. One or more bone pins may be inserted through the opening. In one embodiment, at least one of the inserted bone pins is inserted to extend across a fracture zone with a proximal portion of the pin engaging a first bone segment and a distal portion engaging a second bone segment. The pin or pins may be manipulated to immobilize the first and second portions of the fractured vertebra.

Abstract: A bone distractor assembly configured to distract first and second bone segments on opposite sides of a bone gap is provided. In one embodiment the distractor assembly includes a distractor having a first coupler and a second coupler, a first footplate releasably coupled to the first coupler, a second footplate releasably coupled to the second coupler, and a locking mechanism releasably coupling the first and second footplates to the first and second couplers. The first and second footplates releasably are each configured to attach to bone. The locking mechanism includes a tube, wherein removal of the tube releases the first and second footplates from the first and second couplers.

Abstract: A joint between two bone segments is fused by passing an elongated, rectilinear bone fusion device over a guide pin across the joint and into tight engagement within bores formed in the bone segments, to thereby restrict movement of the elongated bone fusion device across the joint. The elongated, rectilinear bone fusion device also provides bony in-growth within the bores along the exterior surface of the bone fusion device.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes first and second support members movably coupled to one another to provide variable spacing between distal portions of the support members. A first engagement element is attached to the distal portion of the first support member and extends generally along a first axis, and a second engagement element is attached to the distal portion of the second support member and extends generally along a second axis. At least one of the engagement elements includes an articulating portion articularly engaged with a mounting portion to provide multi-axial movement therebetween to thereby vary an angular orientation of the first axis relative to the second axis. An indicator extends between proximal portions of the support members and includes multiple indicia corresponding to variable distances between the first and second axes adjacent the engagement elements to provide an indication corresponding to a select distance between the first and second axes adjacent the engagement elements.

Abstract: A spinal screw assembly adapted to be secured to a vertebrae for providing securement across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a substantially spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion, and an engagement surface in the head portion for driving said screw into the vertebrae, and a body member comprising a tower portion having an open top, a break-away section for manipulation of the screw upon implantation into the vertebrae, a base body at a proximal region of the body member and a break zone which acts as a transition between the base body and the tower portion. A resealably securable setscrew within the body member secures and fully contains the rod within said assembly. The break-away section remains completely outside a wound and is removed or broken off once the screw has been fully assembled inside the vertebrae.

Abstract: An elongate inserter has a distal end releasably connected to an expandable interbody fusion device and a proximal end including a trigger actuator. The interbody fusion device comprises a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are movable in an expansion direction relative to each other in the intradiscal space. The inserter includes a lifting platform and an elevator that define cooperatively engaging ramps and ramps surfaces that upon operation of the trigger actuator cause the superior and inferior endplates to move relatively away from each other. A driver is supported by the inserter for pushing an insert into the expanded device between the superior and inferior endplates.

Abstract: An instrument for multilevel compression and distraction of vertebrae in a spinal column includes a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, a linking member, and a coupler. The first arm includes a distal end with a first aperture for receiving a first screw extender that attaches to a first vertebra. The second arm includes a distal end with a second aperture for receiving a second screw extender that attaches to a second vertebra. The third arm includes a distal end with a third aperture for receiving a third screw extender that attaches to a third vertebra. The linking member pivotally links proximal ends of the first, second, and third arms. The coupler positions the distal ends of the first arm and the second arm relative to the third arm to compress and distract the first vertebra and the second vertebra relative to the third vertebra.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for use in distracting and compressing fractures of any of a variety of bones. In particular, the tool has a pair of engaging arms, one arm having a hook element to engage a bone plate connected to one side of a fracture, and the other arm having at least one recess for engaging a head of a bone screw or guide wire connected to the other side of the fracture. Actuation of the tool causes the opposing bone segments of the fracture to be pushed apart or drawn together, depending on whether the tool handles are squeezed together or pulled apart. The tool may have a scissors joint that allows the ends of the tool to maintain a parallel alignment during operation, thus reducing the chances for misalignment of the bone segments during operation.

Abstract: A vaginal manipulator includes a shaft and a head. The head includes a central plate having a distal end connected to the shaft, an expansion plate coupled to and configured to move radially away from the central plate, and a door having a constrained end and a free end. The constrained end of the door is hinged to the central plate and the free end of the door is configured to move away from the central plate. When the vaginal manipulator is inserted into a vagina, the expansion plate is movable relative to the central plate to displace an anterior wall of the vagina and the door is movable relative to the central plate to displace a posterior wall of the vagina into a trans-abdominal line of sight.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for creating channels within bone. One method for treating bone generally includes traversing an elongated member through cancellous bone of a vertebral body along a first generally non-linear path and then retracting the elongated member, thereby leaving a generally non-linear channel. The elongated member then is traversed through the cancellous bone along a second generally non-linear path, which second path does not completely coincide with the first path and then retracted along the second generally nonlinear path, thereby leaving a second generally non-linear channel. Optionally, bone filler material is deployed into the channels.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a first rod, a second rod, and connector. The first rod has a first end configured to be connected to a first bone, a second end opposed to the first end, and a longitudinal axis that passes through the first and second ends. The second rod has a first end configured to be connected to the second bone, a second end opposed to the first end. The second rod is parallel to the longitudinal axis and non-coaxial with the first rod, and at least a portion of the second end of the second rod overlaps the second end of the first rod. The connector connects the second end of the first rod to the second end of the second rod, and is configured to urge the first rod and the second rod in opposed directions that are parallel to the longitudinal axis.