Abstract: Cannulated anchors are provided that may be optimally forced in, press fit, screwed in or otherwise installed into tissue with minimal damage to the flexible members or sutures attached thereto. Systems for installing at least one flexible member into tissue include the cannulated anchor, the at least one flexible member capable of being received by the cannulated anchor; and an installer with a driver head insertable into the cannulation of the anchor proximate the trailing end and with an essentially longitudinal cannulation centrally disposed along the axis and sized to accept a guidewire therethrough. Movement of the installer about the longitudinal axis causes corresponding movement of the cannulated anchor such that the outer surface of the cannulated anchor is capable of effecting anchoring into the tissue.

Abstract: A Mini External Fixate device is disclosed in closed operations in order to fix fractures of elbow bone especially olecranon and cure its problems including mal-unions and non-unions, correcting elbow deformities, lengthening the bone length up to 5 cm. The device comprises three curved plates which are connected by a threaded rod. The device may further comprise two half pin consuls which go through each curved plate in one direction. The half pin consuls may extend as far as they are connected to the fracture, while they don't reach the other side of the bone. Half pins may be used instead of full pins in this device. The half pin consuls may be attached to the curved plate by means of a wire fixation bolt. A hinge may be attached to the extreme of the threaded rod.

Abstract: A cannulated compression screw is used as an orthopedic implant and has a threaded distal end with an insertion tip that includes at least one and preferably two, three or four flutes to allow the screw to be self-tapping. Optionally, the screw also includes one or more reverse cutting flutes proximal to the insertion tip. The distal threads are cancellous threads having a generally constant minor diameter and a generally constant major diameter and a generally constant thread pitch. An intermediate portion of the screw is non-threaded and the proximal end includes a compression wedge or taper that has at least one, and preferably two to five flutes that terminate before the top of the screw. The proximal end further includes a radiused bevel to the terminal surface that includes a hexagonal torque driving recess. The diameter of the non-threaded shaft section is constant distal from the compression wedge to the distal tip where it defines the minor diameter of the threaded portion.

Abstract: A low profile bone screw system includes a retainable washer and a low profile bone screw having a smooth conical head for insertion into the washer. The washer has an axial bore with a conical portion for fully seating the screw head and a smooth outer surface shaped like the head of a conventional compression bone screw head. Washer dispensing units are also provided.

Abstract: A method for surface treatment of a pedicle screw including roughening a surface of a pedicle screw by blasting the surface with a Resorbable Blast Media (RBM).

Abstract: A polyaxial screw assembly includes an internal load dampening mechanism for sharing and dampening loads between at least one screw member and at least one rod member interconnected by the assembly. A method of interconnecting the orthopedic screw with the rod includes dampening with a body member interconnecting the screw to the rod.

Abstract: The present application is directed to connectors for attaching a vertebral rod to an anchor. The connectors may include a body with a first channel to receive the vertebral rod and a second channel to receive the anchor. A cradle may be positioned in the body to contact the vertebral rod. The cradle may be pivotally positioned in the body to accommodate a vertebral rod that is at various angular positions within a predetermined plane. A set screw may engage with the body to secure the vertebral rod to the body and the body to the anchor.

Abstract: A bone screw includes an elongate shaft extending longitudinally between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the shaft bounding a first passageway at least partially extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the shaft being comprised of a radiolucent material. A core is disposed within the first passageway of the shaft, the core being comprised of a radiopaque material. A rounded head or a substantially U-shaped collar is either integrally formed with or is rigidly attached to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed are fixation devices that can be utilized to approximate and hold a soft tissue in, at, or near a bony insertion site. Disclosed devices can define an oblong cross-section, and can include ribs defining sharp edges on the periphery of one aspect of the cross section that can tightly fix the device to surrounding bone so as to avoid pull out of the device. Devices can also include ribs defining rounded ridges on the periphery of a second, perpendicular aspect of the cross section that can allow soft tissue or a portion of an approximation device, for instance a soft tissue graft or cellular scaffolding material, to be fixed within a bone without damage to the soft tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fusion or implant, method and system for arthrodesis of a human ankle fusing the distal end of a tibia, talus and/or a calcaneus bone by employing a single anatomically lateral incision to the tibia, fibula, talus and calcaneus region, removing some or all of a fibula in the incision area and attaching the implant to the tibia, talus and/or calcaneus in a generally central area of the ankle. The removed portion of the fibula is morsilized and made into a paste and mixed with an autologous platelet concentrate that is applied as a bone graft to the implant site thereby enhancing the arthrodesis site and enhancing hemostasis.

Abstract: A modular dynamic pedicle screw system including anchoring device having a threaded shank for anchoring within a vertebra, an intermediate element and a head portion configured to receive and secure a rigid or non-rigid stabilization rod. The threaded shank, the intermediate element and the head portion of the anchoring device are cannulated to permit percutaneous implantation of the device. The intermediate portion is designed to be removable from the threaded shank portion subsequent to implantation of the anchoring device to enable substitution of another intermediate element having different dynamic characteristics. The dynamic stabilization system includes an adjustable torque limiting device that is interchangeable between a tap device and a screw driver.

Abstract: A medical device and apparatus comprising a primary anchor component comprising a circular end comprising a first opening; a primary shaft extending from the circular end and comprising a second opening; a primary tip end positioned opposite to the circular end; and an angled passageway connecting the first opening to the second opening. The angled passageway comprises means for engaging the notch causing the secondary shaft to bend at the notch. The apparatus further comprises a secondary anchor component insertable through the primary anchor component, wherein the secondary anchor component comprises a threaded end; a secondary shaft extending from the threaded end and comprising a notch that permits the secondary shaft to bend; and a secondary tip end positioned below the notch. The secondary tip end extends out of the second opening when the secondary anchor component is inserted into the primary anchor component.

Abstract: A modular anchoring device including a threaded shank for anchoring within a vertebra, an intermediate element and a head portion configured to receive and secure a rigid or non-rigid stabilization rod. The threaded shank, the intermediate element and the head portion of the anchoring device are cannulated to permit percutaneous implantation of the device. The intermediate portion is designed to be removable from the threaded shank portion subsequent to implantation of the anchoring device to enable substitution of another intermediate element having different dynamic characteristics.

Abstract: A joint resurfacing system for repairing defects in the articular surface of bones in the foot. The system includes a hemiarthroplasty implant for the talus resulting in minimal removal of the underlying bone. The implant device comprises a first curved surface and a second curved surface, with the second curved surface coupled to an articular surface of a talus bone via a dynamic fixation device.

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 modular anchoring device including a threaded shank for anchoring within a vertebra, an intermediate element and a head portion configured to receive and secure a rigid or non-rigid stabilization rod. The threaded shank, the intermediate element and the head portion of the anchoring device are cannulated to permit percutaneous implantation of the device. The intermediate portion is designed to be removable from the threaded shank portion subsequent to implantation of the anchoring device to enable substitution of another intermediate element having different dynamic characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides screw holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion rigidly coupled to the spacer portion through a coupling means, wherein the plate portion contains screws holes for receiving screws. A screw back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate portion and prevents the back out of screws from the screw holes.

Abstract: A spinal fixation assembly for connecting an elongate member along a region of a spinal column with a plurality of fasteners is disclosed. The spinal fixation assembly comprises a threaded fastener having a first threaded end region and a second end region configured to receive an elongate member, such as a rod. A locking member is included for securing the elongate member within the second end region. The second end region and the locking member include elastomeric members that contact the elongate member to allow for a degree of dynamic movement.

Abstract: An arthrodesis implant is for a finger joint of a hand of a patient. The arthrodesis implant may include an extramedullary proximal anchor including a first member having a fastener-receiving passageway therethrough to receive a fastener to anchor the first member to an extramedullary portion of a proximal bone of the finger joint of the hand of the patient. The arthrodesis implant may also include an intramedullary distal anchor having a second member for being anchored within an intramedullary portion of a distal bone of the finger joint of the hand of the patient, and a coupling for securing the first and second members together.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant system includes an orthopaedic implant implantable at a selected location within a corporeal body. The implant includes a first structural material and a second structural material. The first structural material is non-resorbable relative to the corporeal body and is different relative to the second structural material. The implant is an internal fixation device.

Abstract: The present application is directed to self-locking surgical fasteners. The fastener generally includes a shaft section, a head section, and one or more locking members. The locking members may be located within the head section. A first portion of the locking members may extend beyond an outer surface of the head section, and a second portion of the locking members may extend into a hollow interior of the head section. A tool used to insert the fastener into the patient engages a receiver portion of the fastener. As the insertion tool engages the receiver, the tool may contact and exert a force on the locking member such that the first portion of the locking member may be retracted within the head section. Upon disengaging the insertion tool from the receiver, the locking member may return to the position extending outward beyond the outer surface of the head section.

Abstract: The longitudinal implant is fastened to bones on either side of a damaged area through a connecting device. Said implant is comprised of a filament or fiber composite material and said connecting device is made of a material harder than said longitudinal implant. The longitudinal implant is preferably made of a carbon filament composite material, wherein the filament are encapsulated in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: An orthopaedic screw having a plurality of regions, at least one of which may be porous. The orthopaedic screw includes a head, a tip and at least one thread. The porosity of the screw of the present invention can vary within the part or region, including changes in pore shape, size and density. These characteristics can vary along the length of the screw axis and/or radially (from the outer diameter to the axis). The orthopaedic screw may further include at least one solid region formed of any implantable polymer, reinforced polymer or metal.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw having a bone implantable shank, a head and a retaining ring. The retaining ring includes an outer partial hemispherical surface and an inner bore with radially extending channels and partial capture recesses. The shank includes a bone implantable body with an external helical wound thread and an upwardly extending capture structure. The capture structure includes at least one spline which extends radially outward and has a wedged surface that faces radially outward therefrom. The capture structure operably passes through a central bore of the retaining ring while the spline passes through a suitably shaped channel so that the spline becomes positioned above the head at which time the shank is rotated appropriately and the shank is drawn back downwardly so that the spline engages and seats in the capture recess.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a rod and anchor devices that include a bone engaging fastener having a head defining a spherical socket. A ball insert is placed within the socket and rotated so that the ball insert is juxtaposed with the socket. The anchor device further includes a yoke defining a yoke channel for receiving the rod and a stem engaged to the ball insert captured within the socket. A sleeve disposed between the yoke channel and the fastener head supports the rod. A set screw is operable to clamp the rod against the sleeve and draw the insert into engagement within the socket. A friction element in the form of a wave spring is disposed between the yoke and the fastener head is configured to releasably retain the yoke in at least one discrete position relative to the fastener.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing spinal stabilization rods. One embodiment provides an instrument including a body (defining a threaded slot for receiving the spinal stabilization rod), an alignment feature, and a flange (for mounting the instrument on a bone anchor), each of which can correspond to portions of the bone anchor. The alignment feature can align the threads of the instrument and bone anchor to form substantially continuous threads. The alignment features can be a pin and a hole oriented radially with respect to the instrument. An actuator can actuate the instrument alignment features toward, or away from, the instrument body. An actuator slot can correspond to the instrument slot. The threads of the instrument slot can include a thread diameter transition portion. In some embodiments, the instrument threads can include an anti-splay feature which mitigates reaction moments arising from the reduction of the spinal stabilization rod.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing spinal stabilization rods. In one embodiment, a method can include attaching a collar to a boney structure. The collar can include a body and an extension, each including arms further defining threaded slots. A separation member can couple the body and the extension to each other. The method can include reducing the rod using the collar and separating the extension from the body by applying a torque to the extension. The separation of the extension from the body can be accomplished with one substantially continuous motion and can leave tissues adjacent to the collar substantially undisturbed. The arms of the extension can be prevented from splaying, thereby mitigating a moment during the reduction of the spinal stabilization rod through the extension. Thus, the separation member can transmit tensile forces and certain amounts of torques between the body and the extension.

Abstract: An anti-torsion spine fixation device includes an elongated member spanning from one vertebra to another and connected to each vertebra. The anti-torsion spine fixation device may span more than one vertebral level, but is fixed bilaterally to the most cephalad and caudad vertebrae.

Abstract: A periarticular bone plate for the internal fixation of a fractured, proximal tibia of a surgical patient includes a shaft member connected to a head member, a top surface, a bottom surface, a posterior edge, an anterior edge and a plurality of holes extending between the top and bottom surfaces for receiving fasteners for attaching the plate to the bone. The head member is offset relative to the shaft member in each of a frontal and sagittal planes of the proximal tibia.

Abstract: A dynamic spine stabilization component suitable for use in stabilizing of the spine. The component is selectably attachable to a bone anchor for implantation in a bone of the spine. The dynamic spinal stabilization component includes a deflectable post connectable to a bone anchor. Deflection of the deflectable post is controlled by a compliant member. The force/deflection properties of the deflectable post may be adapted to the functional requirements and anatomy of the patient. The dynamic spinal stabilization component, when secured to a bone anchor, provides load sharing while preserving range of motion and reducing stress exerted upon the bone anchor and spinal anatomy.

Abstract: A driver including a handle, lever, swivel cap, shaft, and a tip mechanically connected to the lever configured to engage a screw. Engaging the lever causes the tip to either compress or expand so as to lock the screw to the driver. According to one exemplary embodiment, the cap can be translated releasing the lever, thereby releasing the screw from the tip. According to one embodiment, the cap is a swivel cap allowing for jeweler style use. Advantages of the present system and method, according to various embodiments, include a tip compressing a feature that is within an outer diameter of the screw allowing a driver, or a portion thereof, to have a maximum diameter equal to or smaller than the maximum diameter of a screw.

Abstract: Locking mechanisms and methods of fixation, such as the fixation of a fixation device like a bone screw and of a rod to the spine. The locking mechanism includes a body, a rod seat and a set screw. The rod seat is configured to separate into two pieces when the rod exerts force on the top portion of the washer and the set screw limits movement of the washer toward the bottom of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An implantable screw system for maintaining horizontal and/or vertical space during bone grafting procedures is provided, the screw comprising: a contoured head having a region adapted to support soft tissue and permit bone growth; a threaded shaft and a tip adapted to penetrate bone tissue; and where one screw contains a threaded chamber for engaging a second screw for additional space maintenance; wherein the screw(s) comprises cortical bone material. Methods of implanting one or more screws during bone grating procedures are disclosed.

Abstract: The present application is directed to set screws used with fasteners to capture and engage an elongated member. The set screws include a body sized to attach to a receiver of the fastener. A deformable member may be attached to an end of the set screw and provides for the set screw to more fully engage the elongated member to prevent potential damage to the elongated member and prevent the set screw from backing out of the fastener. In one embodiment, just the deformable member contacts the elongated member. In another embodiment, the deformable member and the body contact the elongated member. In yet another embodiment, a contact member is attached to the deformable member to contact against the elongated member.

Abstract: A posterior spinal fastener is disclosed for insertion into a vertebra of a mammalian body, the vertebra having posterior elements and a vertebral body. The fastener includes an elongate member adapted for insertion into the vertebra. The elongate body has an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The anterior portion is arcuate in shape for placement in the vertebral body. The posterior portion has a length so as to be accessible at the posterior elements of the vertebra when the anterior portion is disposed in the vertebral body. A method of use of the posterior spinal fastener is also disclosed, in which the posterior spinal fastener is introduced into the vertebra at the posterior elements and arcuately extended into the vertebral body.

Abstract: A device for fixing vertebral has developed that is comprising: a constrainer having a constraint base and a constraint mount forming two lateral cutouts for receiving a connecting rod; an anchor having a screw for installing into the vertebral, a stem to be inserted into the constrainer, and an annular ring; a pivot having an insertion hole, a plurality of slits extended from a mouth of insertion hole, a snap-fitting groove forming on the inner peripheral surface for snapping-fit to the annular ring: and a constraint nut having a male thread formed on outer peripheral surface, and a hexagonal recess on the head for rotating by a tool. When the constraint nut is rotated clockwise, the constraint members and connecting rod are depressed against the peripheral seat to be immobile. But, the counterclockwise rotation of constraint nut makes the constraint members releasing and the pivot is free to swivel with respect to the anchor.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system having cylindrical bodies, plates, transverse members and resilient inserts for coupling a rod to bone fasteners. A first resilient insert may be positioned on a first rod. A cylindrical body, plate or transverse member may be positioned on the first resilient insert such that the first resilient insert is in a passage. A second resilient insert may be positioned on a second rod and positioned in the cylindrical body, plate or transverse member. The resilient inserts are advanced into the cylindrical body, plate or transverse member to lock the resilient inserts in place and couple the rods.

Abstract: A bone anchor includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, a bore extending from the first end to the second end, and a plug member which is insertable into the bore and guidable through the bore for closing the bore at the second end. The bone anchor is suitable for minimally invasive surgery in such a way a guide wire can be guided through the bone anchor and after the bone anchor has been anchored in the bone the plug member is inserted to close the open end of the bone anchor. A bone cement or a pharmaceutical substance can be introduced into the bone anchor.

Abstract: A trans-vertebral and intra-vertebral plate and a rectangular cage with a slot for the plate of spinal fixation device are for neutralizing intervertebral movement for the spinal interbody fusion. The rectangular cage with a vertical or oblique slot is inserted into the intervertebral space from the lateral or anterior side of the spinal column and then the plate is inserted through the slot of the cage and hammered into and buried inside two adjacent vertebral bodies, to achieve three-dimensional intervertebral fixation.

Abstract: A spine stabilization may include a rod and bone fastener assemblies. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Each bone fastener may have a threaded shank and a head. Each collar may have a first end with a cavity for accommodating the bone fastener and a second end having a channel for accommodating the rod. The channel may have a first portion for positioning the rod. The channel may have a second portion for advancing the rod, wherein rotating the collar advances the rod in the channel.

Abstract: A bone fragment wire connects a bone fragment to an anchor bone for a healing duration. The bone fragment wire has a distal bone penetration section which is advanced into the bone and a proximal bone exterior section. The proximal bone exterior section is longer than the bone penetration section, and thus extends substantially out of the bone during healing of the bone. The bone penetration section includes a distal bone anchor section which threadingly engages the anchor bone, and a proximal fragment section of small diameter. The fragment section fits within the overbore created by advancing the bone anchor section through the bone fragment, and thus extends through but does not positively engage the bone fragment. A compression engagement on a distal end of the bone exterior section provides a compression shoulder. In one embodiment the compression engagement is provided by a threaded compression nut, while in another embodiment the compression engagement is permanently affixed to the bone wire.

Abstract: An implant for use in bone fixation, includes combination of the two materials: metal and plastic. The implant defines several passages with axles (3) running through the implant, which are suitable for receiving a bone fixation device, such as a bone screw. The passages are provided with a peripheral perimeter, which is made of a different materiel than the material of the implant surrounding the perimeter. The implant is, on the one hand, not too rigid and, on the other hand, does not present problems as regards the screw-implant interface.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imagable fiducial locator head, an integral bone screw, and an integral divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example includes a fluid/gel-absorbing coating or cover into which a magnetic resonance (MR) imagable fluid is introduced, thereby permitting both CT and MR imaging. Protective caps and collars may be used to protect the fiducial marker from mechanical impact and/or to guide the fiducial marker during affixation. A bull's-eye or other template is used to select a center of a substantially spherical fiducial marker head on an image, such as for use during patient registration.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a bone fracture comprises an intramedullary rod extending through a first bone segment of a fractured bone. A lag screw assembly extends through a first transverse aperture in the rod, while a control member extends through a second transverse aperture longitudinally offset from the first aperture. The lag screw assembly includes a lag screw engaged to the second bone segment and a locking sleeve mounted over a proximal portion of the lag screw. The locking sleeve defines a groove aligned with the second aperture. The control member includes a distal portion penetrating the bone segments, an intermediate portion configured to engage the second aperture and an enlarged head configured to slidably engage the groove. The groove includes a terminus that contacts the head of the control member after a predetermined amount of lateral migration of the lag screw as the fracture collapses.

Abstract: A spinal fixation assembly has a bone screw with head having a continuously curved spherical outer surface. The curved surface nests in a split annular bushing having a plurality of segments curving around the screw head. The bushing has an outward extending flange that fits into a recess in a socket in a fixation plate. The plate has at least three legs which extend from ends of a cross-member to form one of an H shaped, X shaped or A shaped configuration. Each socket is curved to rotatably receive rotation of the bushing. The socket recess is larger than the bushing flange to allow the bushing to tilt a predetermined amount depending on a thickness of the outward extending flange.

Abstract: A spinal rod implantation system may be used with pedicle screws to be secured to respective pedicles of a patient's spine, each pedicle screw having a spinal rod channel therethrough. The system may include extenders each including an inner member having a distal end, and an outer member surrounding the inner member and being slidable relative thereto to permit removable coupling of the distal end to a respective pedicle screw. The inner and outer members may include respective features defining a first joint permitting at least partial relative rotation to provide a first degree of rotational freedom. The system may further include extender heads each pivotally coupled to a proximal end of a respective outer member to define a second joint providing a second degree of rotational freedom. A spinal rod insertion assembly may be coupled to the extender heads for guiding the spinal rod through the spinal rod channels.

Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis system configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared acetabulum includes an acetabular shell, an augment component, and a fastener configured to couple the acetabular shell and the augment component together.

Abstract: A posterior dynamic spinal stabilization system having a sock or sleeve as the ligament to join a split rod so that during flexion, the ligament becomes taut to create an elongation limit, and during extreme extension, the upper and lower bumpers come together, thereby preventing further extension.

Abstract: A percutaneous facet fixation system minimally invasive, reproducible, efficient, and effective. Capable of immediate stabilization of a facet joint complex, the instrumentation and methods may be used with C-arm and/or endoscopic visualization.

Abstract: A bone anchoring assembly includes a bone anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra, and a receiving part for receiving a rod. The assembly includes a rod made at least partly of a material which exhibits a material flow under pressure. The receiving part includes a channel with an approximately U-shaped cross-section with two free legs, a first locking element cooperating with the legs to secure the rod in the channel, and a second locking element cooperating with the first locking element and acting independently from the first locking element onto the rod. A pin-shaped projection is provided at the second locking element which comes into contact with the rod when tightening the second locking element, and at least one pin-shaped projection is provided in the channel which comes into contact with the rod when tightening the first locking element.