Abstract: A system of devices and methods for use by which one or more target motion segments of the cervical spine are stabilized without any violation of the cortical bone of the target vertebrae. The devices are brought against strategic aspects of these vertebrae, thus permitting the disclosed inventions to achieve secure control of each vertebra. Connecting elements then stabilize the constructs. Preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention are disclosed, along with methods of implantation, and adjunct devices used in the implantation of the disclosed invention.

Abstract: A bone anchor implant assembly configured for surgical implantation into a bone of a patient. The bone anchor implant assembly includes an elongate rod, a separate shank and head, and a closure mechanism configured as a one-part closure or two-part closure. The one-part closure and two-part closure are configured to be interchangeable with each other for closing a channel of the head and locking the assembly and the elongate rod between arms of the head with the closure mechanism.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first member defining an implant cavity and a plurality of adjacent grooves. A first band is configured for disposal within the grooves. A second band is configured for disposal within the grooves. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and includes a head engageable with the first band to provisionally connect the members. The second band is moveable for disposal adjacent the first band to fix connection of the members. Implants, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An extension drive mechanism which enables the intramedullary nails used in the orthopedic surgery in the bone extension nail systems to extend and shorten in the application area and enables the bone to extend or shorten in a controlled manner.

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 than 360° of the adjustable portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dynamic-seal-less self-actuating growing rod system (100) comprising at least one cylindrical static rod (2), at least one piston rod (6), coaxially coupled with said static rod (2) and configured to distract longitudinally out of the static rod (2); at least one fluid source (8) holding at least one sterile biocompatible fluid at a pre-determined pressure; at least one fluid transfer port (10) configured to transfer said sterile biocompatible fluid in said fluid source (8) to at least one fluid receptacle (12) at the same pre-determined pressure, wherein said at least one fluid receptacle (12) is in contact with said second piston end (6b) of said piston rod (6) at a first receptacle end (12a) and is connected to said fluid transfer port (10) at a second receptacle end (12b).

Abstract: A system for correcting a spinal deformity includes an implant fixed to one side of a vertebra and a rod extending along an axis of the spine on a second side of the vertebra. An adjustment member, which may include a reel, is coupled to the rod. A force directing member, such as a cable, extends between the rod and the adjustment member. The force directing member is retractable toward and extendible from the adjustment member. A method of correcting spinal deformity includes providing an implant, a rod, an adjustment member coupled to the rod, and a force directing member extending between the rod and the adjustment member. The adjustment member can be retractable toward and extendible from the adjustment member.

Abstract: A minimally invasive system for retraction, compression and distraction includes a tap having a shaft with threads and a head, a blade having a proximal end and a distal end and a base removably mountable to the proximal end. The tap is configured to form screw threads in a bone. The distal end is mountable to the head. The blade is pivotable relative to the head in a mounted configuration. The blade is configured to facilitate soft tissue retraction in the mounted configuration. The base is configured to manipulate the blade to retract and compress segments of the bone. The base is configured to provide distraction and/or compression using the provisional taps either directly or through the use of blades, insertion devices or tubes. The blades may be used to retract tissue and provide a visual field either independent or in conjunction with the provisional taps, insertion devices or tubes.

Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies are disclosed herein that can provide for improved fixation as compared with traditional bone anchor assemblies. An exemplary assembly can include a bracket or wing that extends down from the receiver member and accommodates one or more auxiliary bone anchors that augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Another exemplary assembly can include a plate that is seated between the receiver member and the rod and accommodates one or more auxiliary bone anchors that augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Another exemplary assembly can include a hook that extends out from the receiver member to hook onto an anatomical structure or another implant to augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Surgical methods using the bone anchor assemblies described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reconfigurable bone adjustment device includes a first member configured for attachment to a first bone fragment, portion, etc., a second member configured for attachment to a second bone fragment, portion, etc., a drive mechanism configured to move the second member relative to the first member, a threaded rod having a proximal end operatively coupled to the drive mechanism and a distal end operatively coupled to the second member so that rotation of the drive mechanism rotates the threaded rod and moves the second member relative to the first member, and a dynamic segment positioned between the first and second members to enable compression of the second member relative to the first member to stimulate bone growth. The dynamic segment may be a silicone/rubber compressible member or assembly, a metallic spring, a non-metallic shock absorbing material or washer, or the like.

Abstract: The invention discloses a bionic artificial spinal joint, wherein the spinal joint includes a plurality of fixing units, the fixing units are fixed on a vertebral body, at least two fixing units located on one side of a spine are arranged along the extension direction of the spine and fixed in sequence, and sufficient force can be borne between two adjacent fixing units. The overall micro-motion joint structure formed by two adjacent fixing units is both supportable and bendable. The present application imitates the function of the human inter-process joints, so that the spine equipped with the bionic artificial spine joint can be bent within a certain angle range while maintaining the height of the intervertebral space, thereby avoiding the problem of spinal rigidity after the traditional spine surgery pedicle internal fixation.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, methods, and systems are provided for securing spinal fixation elements to bone. For example, a spinal fixation system is provided that has a receiver with proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the receiver is configured to receive various fixation members, such as spinal rods and set screws, therein. The distal end of the receiver has a hook member that is operably coupled thereto and has an opening that is configured to receive bone therein. The hook member is configured to be secured to bone without penetrating the bone.

Abstract: A rotational correction system includes an implant having first and second sections, the implant having a rotatable permanent magnet disposed in a housing of the first section, the rotatable permanent magnet mechanically connected to a nut operatively coupled to the second section. A keyed portion is interposed between the nut and one or more non-linear grooves disposed on an inner surface of the housing. An external adjustment device having at least one rotatable magnet configured to rotate the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant is part of the system. Rotation of the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant in a first direction effectuates a clockwise change in the rotational orientation of the first section relative to the second section and rotation of the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant in a second direction effectuates a counter-clockwise change in the rotational orientation of the first section relative to the second section.

Abstract: A growing rod for mounting between attachment mechanisms that are secured to anatomical structures of a patient having scoliosis. The growing rod includes an outer housing and an inner housing disposed within the outer housing. The inner housing includes a magnet assembly including a magnet having a first pole and a second pole and a gear reduction mechanism coupled to the magnet. A first rod is secured to the inner housing and a second rod is secured to the outer housing. The gear reduction mechanism reduces an output rotation of the magnet to rotate a driver that operates to move the inner housing along a longitudinal axis with respect to the outer housing.

Abstract: The present invention involves a device and method for restoring intervertebral height and promoting bone fusion to maintain the proper height. The present invention is an interspinous device comprised of two clamps and an elongated element for use in spinal surgery to separate adjacent vertebrae. Once deposited in the intervertebral space, the device effects spinal fusion over time as the natural healing process fuses the bone through and around the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for carrying out a distraction and/or compression of vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A system for correcting a spinal deformity includes an implant fixed to one side of a vertebra and a rod extending along an axis of the spine on a second side of the vertebra. An adjustment member, which may include a reel, is coupled to the rod. A force directing member, such as a cable, extends between the rod and the adjustment member. The force directing member is retractable toward and extendible from the adjustment member. A method of correcting spinal deformity includes providing an implant, a rod, an adjustment member coupled to the rod, and a force directing member extending between the rod and the adjustment member. The adjustment member can be retractable toward and extendible from the adjustment member.

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 than 360° of the adjustable portion.

Abstract: A spinal adjustment system which includes at least three implant modules, wherein each implant module includes: an engagement apparatus for engaging the implant module with a vertebra; and a semirigid, resilient elongated force application means which in use is secured to said engagement apparatus and extends from one implant module to the or each adjacent implant module; wherein: said force application means in use engages said the or each adjacent implant module such that said force application means can slide relative thereto in the plane of the force application means; each force application means in use applies a lifting force to the corresponding implant module and said at least three implant modules together in use apply a rotational force to said system; and the force application means extending from one implant module to an adjacent implant module extends alongside the force application means extending from said adjacent implant module to said one implant module.

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 double-headed pedicle screw is provided. The double-headed pedicle screw includes a threaded shaft portion and a plurality of yoke assemblies supported by the threaded shaft portion. Each of the yoke assemblies includes a recess configured to receive a portion of a rod, alignment structure, or immobilization structure therein. Each of the yoke assemblies is configured for pivoting movement relative to the threaded shaft portion independent of the pivoting movement of the other yoke assemblies.

Abstract: Hydraulically expandable spinal rods and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The spinal rod may include a piston rod, a static rod, and a hydraulic pressure chamber for accepting hydraulic fluid and causing the piston rod to move in an expansion direction relative to the static rod. Upon connection of the piston and static rods to a patient's spinal column, the hydraulic spinal rod may be expanded to aid in correction of an underlying spinal deformity.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for quick to setup and play multi-player activities or games which can be used with a group of people to provide for an interactive experience. The games require no advance software download and the systems and methods are designed to handle a large number of players going through the steps of signing in and playing in a very short window of time. As such, they are very useful to provide for interactive experiences in breaks of activity at a large venue such as a sports arena or concert hall.

Abstract: A system and method for the manipulation and insertion of an osteosynthesis clip (100, 200, 300) is provided. The system includes an osteosynthesis clip and an instrument (10). The osteosynthesis clip includes a base (103, 104) having first and second portions, a thickness, and first and second flanges (107, 108) that extend from the base in which the flanges also have a thickness. The instrument of the system includes a distal end (14) and at least a jaw (80), extending from the distal end. The jaw is dimensioned to receive one of the thicknesses of the base and at least one of the flanges. The jaw is movable to a plurality of jaw positions relative to the distal end.

Abstract: A spinal device including a variable-length member including a ratchet mechanism that has an operative configuration that allows a change in length of the variable-length member in one direction and prevents a change in length of the variable-length member in an opposite direction, wherein the variable-length member includes polyaxial-joint attachment members for attachment to bone, which permit pivoting movement of the attachment members about more than one pivoting axis, characterized by a force applicator operative to adjust or advance the ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A system for correcting a spinal deformity includes an implant fixed to one side of a vertebra and a rod extending along an axis of the spine on a second side of the vertebra. An adjustment member, which may include a reel, is coupled to the rod. A force directing member, such as a cable, extends between the rod and the adjustment member. The force directing member is retractable toward and extendible from the adjustment member. A method of correcting spinal deformity includes providing an implant, a rod, an adjustment member coupled to the rod, and a force directing member extending between the rod and the adjustment member. The adjustment member can be retractable toward and extendible from the adjustment member.

Abstract: A spinal management system includes a stabilizing member adapted to extend substantially longitudinally along a target region of a spine tending to exhibit a defective curvature and a set of stabilizing anchors adapted for fixation to vertebrae and to receive the stabilizing member to secure the stabilizing member against substantial transverse translation relative to the vertebrae. The system also includes a first correction anchor adapted for fixation to a vertebra, a second correction anchor adapted for fixation to a vertebra, and a connection between the stabilizing member and the first correction anchor and between the first and second correction anchors adapted such that when the connection is tensioned a compressive force is selectively exerted between the first and second correction anchors.

Abstract: A method for correcting a spinal deformity is provided. A spinal implant for correcting a spinal deformity includes a multipoint connector that connects to at least one vertebra of a spine at a plurality of locations and a force directing device that applies a force to the vertebra through the multipoint connector. The force directing device may include a rod which extends generally along an axis of the spine and a force directing member which is adjustably coupled to both the rod and the multipoint connector and which applies a corrective force to the at least one vertebra.

Abstract: A spinal anchor assembly for securing a spinal fixation element has an anchor element adapted for attachment to bone. The anchor element has an opening for receiving a spinal fixation element and side walls on opposed sides of the opening with a plurality of inferior surfaces defined on the side walls. A twist-lock closure closes the opening and captures the spinal fixation element. A locking element can be provided on the closure element and the anchor element. The locking element can be configured so that when the closure element is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the locking element engages to deter the closure element from twisting back to the open position.

Abstract: Apparatus and devices for adding an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. In one arrangement the additional spinal construct extends an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an inline rod connector in a minimally invasive or preferably, percutaneous procedure. In another arrangement, the ipsilateral extension of an existing spinal construct uses an offset rod connector for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.

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: A reduction jack for placing a spinal rod within a rod channel of a bone fixation screw includes a mounting stem having a tubular body, a plurality of teeth disposed on the body, a pair of legs projecting from the body, and catches disposed on the legs for engaging the bone fixation screw. A reduction sleeve at least partially encircles the mounting stem. A gear assembly is mounted on the reduction sleeve and engages the teeth on the body such that manipulation of the gear assembly facilitates movement of the reduction sleeve along the mounting stem. A first pawl is pivotably mounted to the reduction sleeve and resiliently biased against the teeth on the body, the first pawl being pivotable between a first position where the first pawl engages the teeth on the body and a second position wherein the first pawl does not engage the teeth on the body.

Abstract: A spinal correction system for implantation in a patient, the system including a reciprocating adjuster and/or a resistance adjuster coupled to a stabilizing member, for example. The resistance adjuster includes a potential energy drive, a slide unit, and a resistance unit. The reciprocating adjuster includes a piston unit, a transfer unit coupled to the piston unit, and a return mechanism.

Abstract: A flail chest stabilizing device to permit transportation of injured patients that finds effective use in battlefield and emergency medical settings.

Abstract: A bone anchor coupler assembly is configured to couple a bone anchor to a spine stabilization member, and includes a coupler body and an angular adjustment member movably coupled to the coupler body.

Abstract: A transverse rod connector includes an elongate member having first and second ends and first and second connection members. The first and second connection members are connected with first and second ends, respectively. The first and second connection members are configured for multidirectional positioning with respect to the elongate member. The first and second connection members are each dimensioned to be selectively and releasably secured to a bone anchor.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device that includes a first engagement member. The first engagement member includes a first body and at least one extension. The first body includes a first aperture for receipt of a fastener. The at least one extension extends outwardly from the first body. Also included in the device, a second engagement member including a second body and a threaded extension that extends from the second body. The second body includes a second aperture for receipt of a fastener. Further, an expansion ring including a first end and a second end is included. The first end includes a threaded surface in threaded communication with the threaded extension. The second end is in rotatable communication with the at least one extension of the first engagement member. Where a torque is applied to the expansion ring, the second engagement member moves with respect to the first engagement member.

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 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 spinal management system includes a stabilizing member adapted to extend substantially longitudinally along a target region of a spine tending to exhibit a defective curvature and a set of stabilizing anchors adapted for fixation to vertebrae and to receive the stabilizing member to secure the stabilizing member against substantial transverse translation relative to the vertebrae. The system also includes a first correction anchor adapted for fixation to a vertebra, a second correction anchor adapted for fixation to a vertebra, and a connection between the stabilizing member and the first correction anchor and between the first and second correction anchors adapted such that when the connection is tensioned a compressive force is selectively exerted between the first and second correction anchors.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating an intervertebral space. A device is provided that extends from the middle of at least one vertebral body to the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae. The device allows nutrients, such as bone marrow, blood, etc., to migrate from the vertebral body to the disc space to help promote fusion of the two adjacent vertebral bodies. The device can be tubular, perforated and can be made of an absorbent or wicking material that is able to promote the nutrients to travel through the apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable rod for spinal corrective surgery is provided that includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member, each having rod portions couplable to one or more bone connecting elements and expansion portions slideably movable with respect to one another. A plurality of holes in each expansion portion are alignable with one another to choose the length of the adjustable rod and a locking element is inserted through a pair of aligned holes to couple the first and second elongate members and secure or fix the length of the expandable rod.

Abstract: Spinal stabilization systems are disclosed having spanning portions extending between and securable to pedicle screw assemblies, the spanning portions have stiffness characteristics that may be variable or selectively adjustable, and/or have non-linear behavior with respect to force versus distortion. Additionally, the systems may utilize a plurality of spanning portions in which two or more of the spanning portions have different stiffness characteristics.

Abstract: A connection system is provided that joins a revision fixation plate to a previously implanted skeletal fixation plate. In one form, the system allows the previously implanted plating system to be revised without disturbing the original implant components. In one aspect, the connection includes joining the revision fixation plate to a previously implanted fastener. In another aspect, the revision fixation plate is directly joined to a previously implanted fixation plate. In yet another aspect, the connection includes forming a dynamic relationship between the previously implanted plating system, the revision fixation plate, and the affected vertebrae. In one form, the dynamic relationship enables movement between the previously implanted plating system and the affected vertebrae and in another form, the dynamic relationship enables movement between the previously implanted plating system and the revision fixation plate.

Abstract: An adjustable rod for spinal corrective surgery is provided that includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member, each having rod portions couplable to one or more bone connecting elements and expansion portions slidably moveable with respect to one another. A plurality of holes in each expansion portion are alignable with one another to choose the length of the adjustable rod and a locking element is inserted through a pair of aligned holes to couple the first and second elongate members and secure or fix the length of the expandable rod.

Abstract: A posterior vertebral stabilizer has a resilient member such as a linear spring, which operates in tension and compression. The resilient member may be kept straight by a stabilization rod extending through the spring, or by a telescoping assembly that encases the resilient member. The ends of the stabilizer are attachable to pedicles of adjacent vertebrae so that the stabilizer adds stiffness to control flexion and extension of the vertebrae. Two such stabilizers may be used, and may be connected together by a crosslink designed to limit relative rotation of the stabilizers. Thus, the stabilizers may restrict axial rotation and lateral bending between the vertebrae, while permitting stiffened flexion and extension. Such stabilizers help provide the stiffness of a healthy intervertebral disc. In the event that fusion of the joint becomes necessary, a set screw or other component may be used to further restrict flexion and extension.

Abstract: A growing rod for mounting between attachment mechanisms that are secured to anatomical structures of a patient having scoliosis. The growing rod includes an outer housing and an inner housing disposed within the outer housing. The inner housing includes a magnet assembly including a magnet having a first pole and a second pole and a gear reduction mechanism coupled to the magnet. A first rod is secured to the inner housing and a second rod is secured to the outer housing. The gear reduction mechanism reduces an output rotation of the magnet to rotate a driver that operates to move the inner housing along a longitudinal axis with respect to the outer housing.

Abstract: An adjustable rod for spinal corrective surgery is provided that includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member, each having rod portions couplable to one or more bone connecting elements and expansion portions slidably moveable with respect to one another. A plurality of holes in each expansion portion are alignable with one another to choose the length of the adjustable rod and a locking element is inserted through a pair of aligned holes to couple the first and second elongate members and secure or fix the length of the expandable rod.

Abstract: A spinal device (10) including a variable-length member (12) including a ratchet mechanism (14) that has an operative configuration that allows a change in length of the variable-length member (12) in one direction and prevents a change in length of the variable-length member (12) in an opposite direction, wherein the variable-length member (12) includes polyaxial-joint attachment members (32) for attachment to bone, which permit pivoting movement of the attachment members (32) about more than one pivoting axis, characterised by a force applicator (40) operative to adjust or advance the ratchet mechanism (14).

Abstract: A spinal device including a variable-length member including a ratchet mechanism that has an operative configuration that allows a change in length of the variable-length member in one direction and prevents a change in length of the variable-length member in an opposite direction, wherein the variable-length member includes polyaxial-joint attachment members for attachment to bone, which permit pivoting movement of the attachment members about more than one pivoting axis, characterized by a force applicator operative to adjust or advance the ratchet mechanism.