Abstract: A nervous system emulator engine includes working computational models of the vertebrate nervous system to generate lifelike animal behavior in a robot. These models include functions representing several anatomical features of the vertebrate nervous system, such as spinal cord, brainstem, basal ganglia, thalamus, and cortex. The emulator engine includes a hierarchy of controllers in which controllers at higher levels accomplish goals by continuously specifying desired goals for lower-level controllers. The lowest levels of the hierarchy reflect spinal cord circuits that control muscle tension and length. Moving up the hierarchy into the brainstem and midbrain/cortex, progressively more abstract perceptual variables are controlled. The nervous system emulator engine may be used to build a robot that generates the majority of animal behavior, including human behavior. The nervous system emulator engine may also be used to build working models of nervous system functions for clinical experimentation.

Abstract: A joint spacer therapeutically maintains separation of bones of a joint. A carriage is slideably retained within the frame and has at least one ramped surface. An actuator screw is threadably engaged with the frame, and rotatably connected to the carriage, to cause the carriage to slideably move within the frame when the actuator screw is rotated. First and second endplates engage the bones of the joint, and each has at least one ramped surface that is mateable with the ramped surface of the carriage, whereby when the carriage is slideably moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates ramped surface slides against the carriage ramped surface to cause the endplates to move along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the frame, to increase the height of the spacer. Piercing elements are connected to the carriage to pierce bone of the joint when the carriage is moved.

Abstract: An apparatus for the approximation of two bones with a first anchor having a proximal end and a distal end configured for insertion into a first hole in a first bone. A second anchor has a proximal end and a distal end configured for insertion into a second hole in a second bone. A flexible link extends between the first and second anchors limiting a spacing from the first anchor to the second anchor when in a deployed configuration. The first hole comprises a first diameter, the second hole comprises a second diameter and the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The second diameter is uniform across the entire length of the second hole.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a spinal fixation system comprising a telescoping spinal rod, as well as methods of its use and a guide tower for use therewith. The telescoping rod can be extended after it has been inserted into the patient below the fascia, which permits it to be extended in the sub-fascial space.

Abstract: Implantable devices for dynamic interconnection between bones, and especially between vertebrae. Some devices include tethering heads that are independent of the bone connecting member (fastener, plate, hook, loop). The devices provide for various types of manipulation of a flexible connection such as a tether, such as by providing an aperture through which the flexible connection is passed and guided, or a post to which a loop of the flexible connection can be attached, or a groove in which a loop of the flexible connection can be placed.

Abstract: A vertebral fixation plate system and a method for its use in a surgical procedure to fuse adjacent spinal vertebrae to each other. A base member is fastened to a spinal interbody fusion device installed in place of an injured spinal disc. The base member is received within a receptacle defined in the vertebral fixation plate and mates with the plate, in a selected one of a plurality of available positions of the plate with respect to the base member, and thus with respect to the adjacent vertebrae between which the spinal interbody fusion device is installed. A locator member defined on the base member or the plate is mated in a locating cavity defined in the other one of the base member or the plate to keep the plate in the selected position.

Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system and method are provided for treating a patient's spinal column, for maintaining preselected spacing and movement between adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column, and for providing overall stability thereto. The system includes interlaminar members positioned in the spaces intermediate a first vertebra and the vertebrae positioned immediately above and immediately below and adjacent to the first vertebra. The interlaminar members are operatively connected to one another by an adjustable support structure and cooperate therewith to maintain the preselected spacing between adjacent vertebrae and to provide overall stability to the spinal column.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system is provided for maintaining preselected spacing and movement between adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column and for providing overall stability thereto. The system includes interlaminar members positioned in the spaces intermediate a first vertebra and the vertebrae positioned immediately above and immediately below and adjacent to the first vertebra. The interlaminar members are operatively connected to one another by an adjustable support structure and cooperate therewith to maintain the preselected spacing between adjacent vertebrae and to provide overall stability to the spinal column.

Abstract: Spinal adjustment system including at least three implant modules, at least one of the implant modules being a first implant module including: means for engaging the first implant module with a first vertebra; and first force application means; characterised in that: the first force application means is adapted to engage with a second implant module engaged with a second vertebra superior to the first vertebra; the first force application means is adapted to also engage with a third implant module engaged with a third vertebra inferior to the first vertebra; and the first implant module includes means of adjusting the force applied to the first vertebra by the first force application means.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device that includes: a longitudinal member having first and second ends and a flexible member interposed between the first and second ends, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engaged by a first bone securing member; and at least one spacer located between the first and second ends, the spacer comprising a resilient element and a ring element encircling at least a portion of the resilient element, wherein the ring element is configured to be engaged by a second bone securing member.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization device for bones or vertebrae is provided which includes at least two bone anchoring elements, at least one connection element, connecting the bone anchoring elements. Each bone anchoring element includes a shank portion to be anchored in the bone or in the vertebra and a head portion to be connected with the connection element. The connection element is at least partly elastic and has at least one loop section. The head portion includes a recess with an opening for inserting the loop section. A securing element is provided for securing the loop section in the recess. The connection element is preferably in the form of an endless loop made of an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A surgical device is used for temporarily stiffening an at least partially flexible intermediate section of a connecting element for a spinal column stabilization system. The connecting element includes a first attachment section for fixing to a first bone fixation device and a second attachment section for fixing to a second bone fixation device. The at least partially flexible intermediate section is arranged between the first and second attachment sections. The intermediate section defines at least one recess configured to enable deformation of the intermediate section. The surgical device includes at least one blocking element which is adapted to be brought into engagement with the intermediate section at least partially with a positively locking connection for temporarily preventing deformation of the flexible intermediate section. An improved spinal column stabilization system includes at least one first bone fixation device, at least one second bone fixation device and a connecting element.

Abstract: A vertebral support device (1) is disclosed, which in various embodiments comprises at least two osseous anchoring implants (2), each designed to be anchored to a vertebra, and at least one linking element (3) fixed to the osseous anchoring implants (2) by fasteners (20) that maintain a fixed angle between the longitudinal axis (L) of the linking element (3) passing through rigid elements (34) of the linking element (3) and the insertion axis (DV) of the implants (2). The linking element (3) includes at least one elastic dampening element (31) that that allows the implant-bearing vertebrae some freedom of movement. The dampening element (31) accommodates the stresses imposed on the linking element (3) during movement of the vertebrae and tends to return the support device (1) to its normal configuration.

Abstract: An elongated rod for insertion into a bowed canal of a bone such as a femoral medulla of a femur bone, wherein the canal is bowed in one plane. The rod has a longitudinal axis disposed on a first plane and one or more cutouts formed in at least a portion of a length of the rod and on opposite sides of the first plane. The rod is flexible along a second plane which is co-planar with the bowed canal plane and which is disposed on the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The system is designed such that the second resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and the first resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions extend away from each other.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization assembly includes a core, typically in the form of a tensioned cord, at least one pair of bone anchors, a spacer surrounding the core located between the bone anchors, at least one elastic bumper and at least one fixing or blocking member. The core is slidable with respect to at least one of the bone anchors, the spacer and the bumper. The bumper is compressed. Bone screws of the assembly include closure structures that lock against the bone screw independent of any fixing or sliding of the core with respect to the bone screw.

Abstract: A device for treatment of spinal deformities or injuries includes: a plurality of rods made of shape memory metal; attachment devices to attach the rods to the vertebrae; and a rod end cover to make it comfortable for the patient.

Abstract: An anti-displacement coil spring-type spine stabilization device includes: a coil spring member made of a spiral spring wire having multiple continuous loops, the coil spring member having the form of an elongated bar; two connection members securely connected with two ends of the coil spring member, opposite end faces of the two connection members being respectively formed with two axially extending sockets; and at least one elastic bar disposed in the coil spring member and axially extending through the coil spring member with two ends of the elastic bar respectively extending into the sockets of the connection members. The coil spring member is made of the spiral spring wire so that two ends of the coil spring member are naturally formed with threads, which can be directly screwed on the connection members without further mechanically processing. This simplifies the manufacturing process to lower the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the normal axis of rotation of the vertebrae is substantially duplicated by the dynamic fixation device. The flexible portion of the dynamic fixation device can include a geometric shape and/or a hinge portion.

Abstract: A disc distraction device comprising a first pedicle screw having a mounting end and a head end, a second pedicle screw having a mounting end and a head end, a rigid interconnection member coupled proximate the head end of both the first and second pedicle screws, and a spring member coupled to the first and second pedicle screws closer to the mounting ends of the pedicle screws than the rigid interconnection member.

Abstract: A connecting element for a spinal column stabilization system includes a first attachment section for fixing to a first bone attachment device, a second attachment section for fixing to a second bone attachment device and an at least partially flexible intermediate section. The intermediate section is arranged between the first and the second attachment section and is in the form of a strip-like, winding leaf spring element having at least one recess. A desired spring stiffness is maintained as precisely as possible, especially in the intermediate section independently of possible manufacturing tolerances arising from the manufacturing process. At least one of the two leaf spring element surfaces of the leaf spring element includes at least one stiffness-modifying element. The connecting element may be part of an improved spinal column fixation system and made by an improved method of manufacturing a connecting element.

Abstract: A flexible stabilization device for dynamic stabilization of bones or vertebrae is provided comprising a rod construct including a rod made of an elastomeric material the rod having a first connection section, a second connection section and a third section therebetween, the first and second connection sections being connectable with a bone anchoring device, respectively, and a sleeve provided on at least a portion of the third section of the rod such that at least the first and second connection sections are exposed.

Abstract: A fixing structure of bone screws and a connecting rod for a minimally invasive surgery contains: a rigid sleeve having a receiving space, two slots, and a through hole, the receiving space and the through hole being defined on two ends of the rigid sleeve, and the two slots being formed on two opposite sides of an outer wall of the rigid sleeve and communicate with the receiving space; a flexible column being circular and retained in the receiving space of the rigid sleeve. Thereby, a complete rigid limitation and partial flexible limitations generate between at least one bone screw, hence only a tiny opening is cut in the minimally invasive surgery to facilitate surgery recovery and to lower infection risk.

Abstract: A rod-shaped implant element is provided for connecting at least two bone anchoring elements. Each bone anchoring element includes an anchoring section to be anchored in the bone and a receiver member to be connected to the rod-shaped implant element. The rod-shaped implant element includes, a longitudinal axis, at least one first length of a rigid section that is configured to cooperate with and be received in the receiver member, a second length of a flexible section adjacent to the rigid section, a bore coaxial to the longitudinal axis and extending through the rigid section and the flexible section, and a core accommodated in the bore, the core having two opposite ends. At least one end of the core is freely movable in the bore when said flexible section is extended or compressed in a direction of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spinal support devices and, more specifically, to a flexible member having variable flexibility for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. The flexible member generally includes a first material having a first portion including a first material having a first elasticity and a second portion including a second material having a second elasticity greater than the first to provide the flexible member with a variable flexibility.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device that includes: a longitudinal member having first and second ends and a flexible member interposed between the first and second ends, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engaged by a first bone securing member; and at least one spacer located between the first and second ends, the spacer comprising a resilient element and a ring element encircling at least a portion of the resilient element, wherein the ring element is configured to be engaged by a second bone securing member.

Abstract: An intramedullary drug delivery device is disclosed and can be inserted within a bone canal of a bone. The intramedullary drug delivery device can include a housing. A drug delivery region can be established along the housing. Also, the drug delivery region can be configured to substantially span a fracture within the bone.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the normal axis of rotation of the vertebrae is substantially duplicated by the dynamic fixation device. The flexible portion of the dynamic fixation device can include a geometric shape and/or a hinge portion.

Abstract: An intervertebral stabilization device and method is disclosed. The device preferably includes a planar spring enclosed within a housing. The housing is joined to an articulation component at either end, and the articulation components have couplings connectable to anchoring components which are securable to adjacent vertebrae. The planar spring can flex and retract providing relative motion between the adjacent vertebrae. The articulation components are ball and socket joints which allow the entire assembly to flexibly follow the curvature of the spine. A fusion rod with articulation components and couplings at either end may be substituted for the spring device. The couplings enable interchangeability between a fusion rod assembly and spring assembly, so that dynamic stabilization can occur at one vertebral level and fusion at the adjacent vertebral level. An overhung spring assembly with a sideways displaced housing which allows for a shorter pedicle to pedicle displacement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical device is used for temporarily stiffening an at least partially flexible intermediate section of a connecting element for a spinal column stabilization system. The connecting element includes a first attachment section for fixing to a first bone fixation device and a second attachment section for fixing to a second bone fixation device. The at least partially flexible intermediate section is arranged between the first and second attachment sections. The intermediate section defines at least one recess configured to enable deformation of the intermediate section. The surgical device includes at least one blocking element which is adapted to be brought into engagement with the intermediate section at least partially with a positively locking connection for temporarily preventing deformation of the flexible intermediate section. An improved spinal column stabilization system includes at least one first bone fixation device, at least one second bone fixation device and a connecting element.

Abstract: A stabilization device for stabilizing bones of a vertebra includes a first rod, a second rod, a rod connector connecting the first rod and the second rod, the rod connector comprising a receiving portion for receiving the first rod and a fixation element for fixing the first rod in the receiving portion, wherein in the receiving portion a rod contacting surface is provided and wherein the contour of this rod contacting surface has deviations from the contour of the surface of the first rod. The rod connector allows to connect a flexible rod, for example made of an elastomer material, with a rigid rod, made for example of a metal.

Abstract: A disc distraction device comprising a first pedicle screw having a mounting end and a head end, a second pedicle screw having a mounting end and a head end, a rigid interconnection member coupled proximate the head end of both the first and second pedicle screws, and a spring member coupled to the first and second pedicle screws closer to the mounting ends of the pedicle screws than the rigid interconnection member.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization system for use with a spinal motion segment includes a first bone anchor assembly, a second bone anchor assembly, a resilient element, and a sheath. The resilient element includes an end portion engageable with the first bone anchor assembly and a resilient portion engageable with the second bone anchor assembly. The resilient element provides resilient resistance when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved toward one another and provides no resistance and is separable from the second bone anchor assembly when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved away from one another. The sheath surrounds the resilient portion and articulation surface of the second bone anchor assembly.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization device is disclosed. The device includes a dual spring member comprising an outer spring and an inner spring that have approximately equal working lengths. The dynamic stabilization device is also configured so that the dual spring member does not undergo stresses greater than an effective fatigue limit that is related to a fatigue limit of the spring. Methods for treating a deformity of a spine using a dynamic stabilization device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthosis for correcting spinal deformities by urging spinal vertebrae toward a vertical axis. The orthosis includes a series of retaining clamps fixed onto the spinous process of said vertebrae, each of said retaining clamps having guides for retaining at least one elastic rod.

Abstract: A spinal column implant for elastic stabilization of vertebrae, includes a pedicle screw and an elastic rod which is anchored in a frictional fashion in a receptacle of pedicle screws by means of a filling piece, and a clamping element. The frictional connection is supported additionally by an indirect form-fit portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible spine stabilization and/or vertebral replacement system and having one or more flexible segments within a spinal element. The flexibility is created through the use of at least one circumferential slot formed in the spinal element. One or more fasteners are connected to the distal and proximal attachments and secured to the vertebra. The spinal element can have an elastomeric material in any or all of the following combinations: filling at least one of the at least one slot; at least a portion of the inside core; encompass at least a portion of the exterior diameter. Vertebral replacement is achieved by securing the spinal element to healthy inferior and superior vertebra through use of securing members.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra, a rod for connecting at least two anchoring elements, the rod being made of an elastic material. The bone anchoring device further includes a receiving part being connected to the shank for receiving the rod, a seat for the rod being provided in the receiving part the seat having a rod contacting surface, and a locking device cooperating with the receiving part for fixation of the rod in the seat. The locking device includes a rod contacting surface, wherein the rod contacting surface of the seat and/or the rod contacting surface of the locking device includes an engagement structure for engaging the rod, the engagement structure having an asymmetric cross section.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system including a cord extendable between first, second and third vertebral anchors. A first length of the cord includes a first set of intermingled filaments, and a second length of the cord includes a second set of intermingled filaments. The first set of intermingled filaments includes a first subset of filaments and a second subset of filaments, and the second set of intermingled filaments includes the first subset of filaments of the first set of intermingled filaments and a third subset of filaments different from the second subset of filaments of the first set of intermingled filaments. When secured to the first, second and third vertebral anchors, a first portion of the cord may be tensioned a first amount and a second portion of the cord may be tensioned a second amount different from the first amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spinal support devices and, more specifically, to a flexible member having variable flexibility for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. The flexible member generally includes a first material having a first portion including a first material having a first elasticity and a second portion including a second material having a second elasticity greater than the first to provide the flexible member with a variable flexibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dynamic stabilization system (DSS) having at least one rod having a ring formed therein (“the spring”) and a pair of pedicle screws adapted for fixation to separate vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spinal support devices and, more specifically, to a flexible member having variable flexibility for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. The flexible member generally includes a first material having a first portion including a first material having a first elasticity and a second portion including a second material having a second elasticity greater than the first to provide the flexible member with a variable flexibility.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate core and an outer sleeve. The core is of one-piece construction, elastic, and includes end portions for attachment to the bone anchors. The outer sleeve may include compression grooves. The sleeve surrounds the core and extends between the pair of bone anchors, the sleeve being compressible between the bone anchors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a spinal construct for stabilizing a segment of a spinal column with a flexible spinal rod having one or more flexible components that articulate longitudinally and change curvature along at least a portion of their length in response to normal physiological loads.

Abstract: A flexible stabilization device for dynamic stabilization of bones or vertebrae is provided comprising a rod construct including a rod made of an elastomeric material the rod having a first connection section, a second connection section and a third section therebetween, the first and second connection sections being connectable with a bone anchoring device, respectively, and a sleeve provided on at least a portion of the third section of the rod such that at least the first and second connection sections are exposed.

Abstract: A stabilization device includes a first bone anchoring element, a second bone anchoring element, and a rod-shaped element for connecting the first and the second bone anchoring elements. The rod-shaped element includes a curved section, that undergoes an elastic deformation under the action of a force acting on the rod-shaped element via an anchoring element. The rod-shaped element and the anchoring elements are arranged so that deformation occurs when a force acts in a main direction of motion of bone parts or vertebra relative to each other, whereas a deformation is suppressed when a force acts in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the main direction of motion.

Abstract: A vertebral stabilization assembly for stabilizing a vertebral segment. The assembly includes a vertebral anchor, a first stabilization member, a second stabilization member, and a threaded fastener. A post of the first stabilization member is configured to be positioned in a first socket of the head portion of the vertebral anchor and a post of the second stabilization member is configured to be positioned in a second socket of the head portion of the vertebral anchor. The threaded fastener is configured to threadedly engage a threaded opening of the head portion such that when the threaded fastener is threaded into the threaded opening, the threaded fastener engages both the post of the first stabilization member and the post of the second stabilization member.

Abstract: A dynamic spine stabilization element of a spine stabilization assembly includes first and second spinal rod segments that are coupled to one another via a connector. The connector allows movement of a spinal rod segment with respect to the coupling device and/or with respect to another spinal rod segment. This provides limited angulation (e.g. bending) between spinal rod segments allowing for limited movement of the vertebra connected by the present dynamic stabilization element. The connector may allow pivoting motion of the rod segments relative to the coupling device and relative to the other rod segment such as pivoting motion of one rod segment in a first plane and pivoting motion of the other rod segment in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane. The connector may also be bendable or flexible. In this form, the connector allows limited flexing, bending or angulation as between the associated spinal rod segments during use.

Abstract: A spinal rod includes a rod tube formed of a biocompatible material, a spring rod formed of a biocompatible material and having a spring rod portion disposed in the rod tube, the spring rod portion axially movable within the rod tube whereby application of an axial force on the spring rod portion creates axial movement of the spring rod relative to the rod tube causing the spring rod and the rod tube to flex and arch, and a spacer ring radially disposed between the rod tube and the spring rod.