Abstract: An orthopaedic device for repairing and regenerating cartilage includes a plug configured to be positioned in a hole formed in the cartilage and an anchor configured to support the plug. One or both of the plug and the anchor may be formed from naturally occurring extracellular matrix such as small intestine submucosa. A method for repairing and regenerating cartilage is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit for an intervertebral connection system comprising an intervertebral motion disc and a ligament having: i) a central portion, ii) first and second end portions, and iii) first and second conformable portions.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing a total knee arthroplasty. The method includes making a primary incision near a knee joint of a patient and resecting medial and lateral condyles of the femur of the leg to create at least one femoral cut surface. The resecting step is performed without dislocating the knee joint. The method also includes balancing various ligament tensions to obtain desired tension and moving a femoral component of a total knee implant through the primary incision. The method further includes positioning the femoral component with respect to the at least one femoral cut surface.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the fixation of bone fractures is disclosed. The anchor component includes a tip, cutting threads and mating threads which are inserted into the far cortex of the bone. A wire extends from the anchor component and exits from the near cortex. A cap device includes a tension spring, a ratcheting mechanism, a lever clutch, and/or at least one wedge, wherein the tension spring, ratcheting mechanism, lever clutch, and/or at least one wedge is configured to assert friction against the wire when the cap is translated in one direction, but minimal friction against the wire when the cap is translated in the opposite direction. The cap is threaded over the wire such that the cap is restricted from backwards movement.

Abstract: A transverse connector system for coupling elongate elements to each other in a spinal fixation system. A trans-connector plate with at least one slot-like passage may have top and bottom elongated concave surface configurations. A cylindrical component of a coupling member may be configured to couple with an elongate fixation element by way of a helical slot. A male component on the coupling member may be inserted through the slot like passage and a locking member may be secured thereon to position and orient the coupling member. A second coupling member and locking member may be utilized through a passage in the trans-connector plate, which may be a second slot-like passage. Each locking member cooperates with its respective coupling member to prevent uncoupling, and each may be positioned at a desired lateral position along a slot-like passage.

Abstract: A method for performing minimally invasive surgery to reduce lumbar scoliosis in a patient is disclosed. The method involves performing an orthopedic exercise or maneuver on a patient to reduce scoliosis, and anchoring the ilioposoas muscles to a region of the femur to permanently reduce the scoliosis. During the exercise or maneuver, a lumbar x-ray is taken on both sides of the patient to determine which side the scoliosis reduction is greatest. The side with the greatest reduction is the side where the surgery takes place.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. A pair of fixation elements are adapted to be secured within a vertebra in an orientation that best assures a secure and durable attachment to cortical and/or cancellous bone. Artificial facet joint surfaces are mounted on the fixation elements, either directly or with the aid of a support. The artificial facet joint structure may be carried by an arm. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted for articulation with a complementary natural or artificial facet joint structure. Bilateral prostheses may by coupled by a brace to further secure and stabilize the prostheses.

Abstract: A spine stabilization implant is provided for at least two adjacent vertebrae, the implant comprising at least two anchor plates for being secured to the vertebrae and a resilient member extending there-between to simulate a natural ligament. In one embodiment the anchor plates or staples are provided in pairs so as to engage opposite lateral masses of each vertebrae and, thereby, provide bi-lateral stabilization for the spine. In another embodiment, the pairs of anchor plates include a connector extending over the spinous process. In another embodiment, the pairs of anchor plates include one or more connectors to form an artificial spinous process and lamina.

Abstract: A bone anchoring nail is provided having a threadless shaft with a free end, a head opposite to the free end, the head having a substantially U-shaped recess for accommodation of a rod or a rod-shaped element, a longitudinal bore extending through the shaft and opening towards any one of the head and the free end and a plurality of openings extending through the wall of the shaft and being in communication with the bore. The bone anchoring nail allows quick insertion and reliable fixation enhanced by the in-growth of blood vessels.

Abstract: A medical implant interposable between a first bone and a second bone in order to support the first and second bones substantially joined one to the other, so as to obtain bony fusion of the first and second bones. Also disclosed is a surgical kit comprising an implant and a surgical instrument for bony preparation. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing a medical implant.

Abstract: A percutaneous tower for the orthopedic procedures. The tower can include an outer elongated member, an inner elongated member received within the outer elongated member, a release actuator operable to move the inner elongated member relative to the outer elongated member between first and second positions, and a fastener engagement member coupled to a distal portion of the tower and operable to engage a bone fastener when the inner elongated member is in the first position, and to disengage the bone fastener when the inner elongated member is in the second position.

Abstract: A device for cement augmentation of bone implants that includes a hollow cylinder having an inner diameter, an outer diameter and a longitudinal axis. The hollow cylinder includes an inner cavity, a front end configured and adapted for insertion into a bone, a rear end having a bore hole in communication with the inner cavity, and a shell having at least one perforation. The device also includes a bone implant insertable into the hollow cylinder. The hollow cylinder is adapted and configured to receive unhardened bone cement through the bore hole into the inner cavity.

Abstract: A communication system for safe wireless control of an maneuverable object. A control unit includes an operator for operating the object and a receiver for receiving wireless information. A portable operating unit has a transmitter for transmitting wireless information. The information is divided in time slots, each including a data package. The receiver includes a detector for detecting in a time part of a time slot the presence of the data package and a calculator for calculating upon a reception failure the number of time parts having no presence of the data package following a time slot with presence of the data package. The control unit exercises a control command when a data package with a correct information has been received within a number of time parts just exceeding a full time slot.