Abstract: A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw includes a body having a head at one end and a cutting end at an opposite end, the cutting end having a generally flat cutting surface supporting two symmetrical cutting edges which extend from the longitudinal centerline to diametrically opposed thread start points. A recess is formed in the head for receiving an end of an insertion tool. A dual lead thread extends outwardly from the body in a spiral path from the cutting end towards the head. The dual lead thread pitch is tapered towards the cutting end, and transitions to a straight or slightly tapered thread towards the head.

Abstract: An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws. The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws and a clamping instrument configured to clamp the levers.

Abstract: A composite material bone screw comprising an embedded insert. The embedded insert may serve as a thread cutting tool by covering at least one cutting edge of the screw.

Abstract: A system, including methods, apparatus and kits for connecting bones and/or bone portions using a multi-part bone connector with one or more rotating joints is disclosed. A flexible bone fusion apparatus is provided having an anchor and a compressor, each of which engages with a coupler to provide axial and/or linear rotation of the apparatus. Alternatively, a compressor and an anchor may directly join with each other at a shared interface. Tools for installing and compressing the apparatus are provided. Also provided is a method for fusing two bones or bone portions to create a non-linear post-fusion orientation. A further aspect of the disclosure is a method for maintaining thread synchronization of a bone fusion apparatus having a discontinuous thread.

Abstract: A screw system includes a screw and a washer assembly captive to the screw. The washer assembly is polyaxially pivotable relative to the screw. The screw may be freely rotated in one direction relative to the washer assembly, but frictionally binds with the washer assembly when rotated in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alternatively monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle or other similar surgical screw that can be used in a polyaxial manner and then locked or otherwise secured at a desired angle or orientation, i.e. used in a monoaxial manner, prior to engaging a rod or other similar stabilization member with the pedicle or other similar surgical screw. In other words, the present invention provides a pedicle or other similar surgical screw that can be selectively used in either a monoaxial or polyaxial configuration, as is desirable in a particular application or at a particular point of a given surgical procedure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for immobilizing and/or securing bone portions. Particularly, at least one embodiment involves a compact anti-rotation device that can secure adjacent bones and/or bone portions in a manner that prevents or limits relative rotational movement thereof.

Abstract: First and second bone segments separated by a fracture line or joint can be fixated or fused by creating an insertion path through the first bone segment, through the fracture line or joint, and into the second bone segment. An anchor body is introduced through the insertion path. The distal end of the anchor body is anchored in the interior region of the second bone segment. An elongated implant structure is passed over the anchor body to span the fracture line or joint between the bone segments. The proximal end of the anchor body is anchored to an exterior region of the first bone segment to place, in concert with the anchored distal end, the anchor body in compression, to thereby compress and fixate the bone segments relative to the fracture line or joint.

Abstract: An implant for placement in an anatomical structure includes at least two electrodes separated by an insulator, the electrodes being flush with the surface of the implant to allow the implant to be followed up and guided during insertion in the anatomical structure.

Abstract: An implant module for dragging a bone fragment toward a bone is provided. The bone fragment has a first through hole, and the bone has a second through hole. The implant module includes a screw and a stud. The screw has a first section fixed to the bone fragment and a second section provided with a first external thread on its outer surface. The stud is provided with a second external thread on its outer surface for being screwed into the second through hole of the bone. An end of the stud has a screw hole for being screwed with the second section of the screw via the first external thread. A method of repairing avulsion fracture by using the implant module is further provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to locking mechanisms for a fastener (e.g., a bone screw) and associated devices, systems, and methods. According to some embodiments, a lockable bone plate assembly may comprise, for example, a bone plate and a bone screw assembly. A bone plate may comprise, in some embodiments, at least one through hole, the at least one through hole having at least one bone plate hole circumferential recess. According to some embodiments, a bone screw assembly may comprise (a) a bone screw, (b) at least one deployable protrusion, and/or (c) a protrusion driver. The present disclosure further relates, in some embodiments, to methods for bone (e.g., vertebral) fixation. For example, a method may comprise contacting at least a portion of a spine (e.g., cervical spine) of a subject with a lockable bone plate assembly.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, kits, and components, for bone fixation using a pair of slender spanning members to span a fracture outside bone.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a proximal portion including an inner surface that defines a cavity. A carrier is disposed in fixed engagement with the inner surface. A pivoting member is disposed with the carrier and relatively moveable therefrom. A distal portion defines a longitudinal axis and is configured to penetrate tissue. The proximal portion is rotatable relative to the distal portion in a first plane of a body and the pivoting member is rotatable relative to the proximal portion in a second plane of the body. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A suture anchor comprises a tubular body having an axial bore therethrough and having one or more purchase enhancements on an exterior surface of the body adapted to enhance purchase of the body within a bone hole, such as threads. A lateral port passes through the body from the bore to the exterior surface and is formed of a slot entering the body from its proximal end. A length of suture for attaching soft tissue to bone passes down along the exterior surface over the one or more purchase enhancements, over a distal end of the body, up into the bore through and then back out of the bore and up along the exterior surface over the one or more purchase enhancements.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for fixating bones in the foot by aligning the bones in their desired position, inserting a screw in the aligned bones, inserting at least one transverse element near the head or tip of the screw, and tightening the screw to compress the bones. The screw comprises a shaft having first and second ends with spirally wound screw threads beginning near the first end and extending along the shaft. Advantageously, the screw is cannulated and screw threads are formed on an interior surface of the cannulation. Illustratively, the transverse elements may be staples, open-ended washers, or open-ended nuts. Reduction instruments and drill guides used in the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone plate system including a bone plate and a bone screw with an integrated locking mechanism is disclosed. The bone screw includes an elongate member having a threaded shank and a bone screw head that is radially deformable. The integrated locking mechanism sits within the bone screw head and can rotate between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. When the bone screw head is seated within an aperture in the bone plate, rotating the integrated locking mechanism into the locked condition helps to prevent bone screw backout.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes an anchor defining a cavity and an opening to the cavity and an insertion member including a body having a proximal end portion and a flat distal end portion, and a head coupled to the proximal end portion of the body. The insertion member is configured for arrangement within the anchor cavity. A method of tissue repair and other anchor assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for anchoring a portion of material to bone is disclosed. One such method comprises inserting the portion of material through a hole in a fastener, and driving the fastener into the bone such that the portion of material becomes anchored to the bone such that driving the fastener farther into the bone increases tension in the material.

Abstract: A facet screw system and method includes an implant assembly having a screw with a removable head, a locking nut, and a collet. An insertion instrument is used to insert the screw, compress the facet joint, locks the implant, and breaks off the head of the screw providing a lower profile implant.

Abstract: Devices and methods for orthopedic support are disclosed. The device can have a first rigid section hingedly attached to a second rigid section. A tunnel through the bone near the implantation target site can be created. The device can be inserted into and pass through and out of the tunnel to the target site.

Abstract: A bone screw having a screw member possessing a threaded section and a head and a receiving part at the head end for receiving a rod to be connected to the bone screw is provided. The receiving part has on open first bore and a substantially U-shaped cross-section having two free legs provided with a thread. Furthermore, the receiving part has a second bore on the end opposite to the first bore whose diameter is greater than that of the threaded section and smaller than that of the head. On the bottom of the first bore a seat for the head is provided. In order that the screw member can be pivoted to at least one side by an enlarged angle, the edge bounding the free end of the second bore viewed relative to the axis of the first bore is of asymmetric construction.

Abstract: A left-handed bone screw for use in orthopedic spinal surgical procedures. The left-handed bone screw reverses the pitch angle of a conventional right-handed bone screw. In reversing the thread, the present invention permits the left-handed screw to reuse a previously tapped cortical and cancellous bone hole.

Abstract: In order to improve a bone screw with a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and with a head which can be brought into engagement with a bone screw receiving means of a bone plate for the releasable connection of the bone screw to the bone plate, wherein a securing element for securing a connection between the bone screw and the bone plate is provided, wherein the bone screw can be brought from a position of engagement, in which the bone screw is held on the bone plate, into a release position, in which the bone screw can be released from the bone plate, wherein the securing element can be brought from a non-securing position, in which the bone screw can be brought into the release position, into a securing position for securing the connection between the bone screw and the bone plate, in which the bone screw takes up the position of engagement, such that a bone plate can be fixed to bone parts more easily and more securely it is suggested that the securing element be supported on the bone screw so as to be mov

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: First and second bone segments separated by a fracture line or joint can be fixated or fused by creating an insertion path through the first bone segment, through the fracture line or joint, and into the second bone segment. An anchor body is introduced through the insertion path. The distal end of the anchor body is anchored in the interior region of the second bone segment. An elongated implant structure is passed over the anchor body to span the fracture line or joint between the bone segments. The proximal end of the anchor body is anchored to an exterior region of the first bone segment to place, in concert with the anchored distal end, the anchor body in compression, to thereby compress and fixate the bone segments relative to the fracture line or joint. A bony in-growth or through-growth region on the implant structure accelerates the fixation or fusion of the first and second bone segments held in compression and fixated by the anchor body.

Abstract: An implant includes a section made of polymer, wherein at least a portion of the section has a layer of a polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material. A method for fixation of a bone plate having several plate holes using the implant includes removing a cover sheet protecting the layer of polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material, activating the layer of polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material with electromagnetic energy or with moisture, introducing the implant into one of the plate holes of the bone plate when the bone plate is positioned on a bone, pressing on an end of the implant in order to contact the activated layer of polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material with the bone underneath the bone plate, and allowing the activated and pressurized layer of polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material to polymerize and/or cross-link and to adhere to the bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for fixation of a bone fracture. The device comprises at least one appliance (1) for placing close to the bone fracture, and fixing elements in the form of pins (2) which are intended to be locked to the appliance (i) in order to fix the bone fracture (3).

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver and retained within the receiver by a retaining structure in the form of an open ring. The receiver has a U-shaped channel for receiving a spinal fixation rod. The shank upper portion is designed to directly frictionally engage the spinal fixation rod when a closure structure operably urges the rod toward the upper portion, fixing the bone screw shank body in a selected angular orientation with respect to the receiver.

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: A bone implant includes a head and a core body extending from the head to a tip. Multiple osteotomy blades extend outwardly from at least a portion of the core body, arranged end-to-end to form a spiral thread. The implant, and particularly the osteotomy blades, are configured to self-osteotomize and channel cut bone between the blades and facilitate bone growth and grafting and integration of the implant to the bone.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for bone fusion are disclosed. In particular, a fixation screw assembly is provided that comprises a bone engagement portion including a shaft and a head member. The assembly also includes a flexible washer member that can be operably attached and secured around the head member of the bone engagement portion. The washer member is polyaxial relative to the bone engagement portion, such that it can assume a variety of angles. The washer member can help prevent back out of the bone engagement portion when the bone engagement portion is implanted into a bone member. The design of the fixation screw assembly can be used in different fusion procedures, including fusion of the sacroiliac joint.

Abstract: A device for treating a facet joint of a patient, the facet joint including opposing, superior and inferior faces. The device includes a superior component and an inferior component each defining an anchoring surface configured to engage bone at a face of the facet joint and an articulating surface. The device is configured for percutaneous insertion into the facet joint, with the articulating surfaces abutting one another in a sliding interface. One or more instruments are included with the device as part of a percutaneous implantation kit, such as a dilator, a guide wire, and a sheath.

Abstract: An intramedullary screw and fixation system for intraosseous bone fusion of the subtalar joint includes a lag screw member, a reamer for reaming an internal surface of each of the calcaneus and talus medullary canals, and targeting guide assembly for alignment with the subtalar joint. The lag screw member includes an elongated body, a first threaded portion at a first end and a bulbous portion at a second end. The targeting guide assembly receives a cutting blade in an elongated rod for reaming the articulating surfaces of the calcaneus and talus intramedullary canals, where the cutting blade is inserted through a percutaneous incision into the elongated rod.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra, a receiving part connected to the shank the receiving part having a first end opposite to the shank and a second end facing the shank, a longitudinal axis passing through the two ends, a bore coaxial with the longitudinal axis extending from the first end through at least a portion of the receiving part and a substantially U-shaped recess for receiving a rod The U-shaped recess forms two free legs extending in the direction of the first end, the legs are provided with an internal thread. A locking device for securing the rod in the receiving part is provided which includes an external thread cooperating with the internal thread.

Abstract: A spinal implantable device may include composite material comprising matrix including PEEK. The PEEK matrix may be reinforced with carbon fibers that amount to at least 60% of the composite material. The carbon fibers are arranged in a substantially parallel arrangement and compressed in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the carbon fibers.

Abstract: A medical implant assembly includes a polyaxial bone anchor having a shank, a receiver, a lower compression insert with planar surfaces for closely receiving an elongate connecting member with planar surfaces and a one-piece closure structure. The connecting member is made from a polymer. The closure structure engages both the connecting member and the insert with the engagement between the closure structure and the insert securely locking the polyaxial mechanism even if the connecting member exhibits creep.

Abstract: A fracture fixation device is described for fixing a bone having a near cortex and a far cortex, comprising a shaft portion configured to span a distance between the near cortex and the far cortex of the bone; a head portion adjoining the shaft portion and providing for engagement of the device with a bone plate, wherein the head portion is integral with the shaft portion; and a threaded front section for engagement of the device with the far cortex of the bone, wherein the device permits motion of the shaft portion relative to the near cortex.

Abstract: A bone screw is provided having first and second threaded portions of different diameter separated by a middle portion that is unthreaded so that the bone screw may be inserted into a pair of adjacent bone fragments and used to compress the fragments together by driving the screw into a hole drilled in the fragments. An installation tool is also disclosed for threadably engaging one end of the bone screw and is used to initially drive the screw into the bone hole. Thereafter, a screwdriver may be inserted through the tool and into engagement with a recess in the bone screw and may be used to drive the screw fully into the bone and to separate the bone screw from the installation tool. A method of installation is further provided.

Abstract: The invention provides medical devices comprising high-strength alloys which degrade over time in the body of a human or animal, at controlled degradation rates, without generating emboli. In one embodiment the alloy is formed into a bone fixation device such as an anchor, screw, plate, support or rod. In another embodiment the alloy is formed into a tissue fastening device such as staple. In yet another embodiment, the alloy is formed into a dental implant or a stent.

Abstract: A fixation system, including an intramedullary fixation assembly and an instrument for coupling the intramedullary fixation assembly to bones. The intramedullary fixation assembly includes a proximal screw member positioned at a proximal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly, a distal member positioned at a distal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly, where the proximal screw member is slideably coupled to the distal member and makes a fixed angle with the distal member.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system is disclosed. The spinal stabilization system can include at least one anchorage component and a surgical rod. The anchorage component has a superior end, an inferior end, and an axial passage therebetween. The surgical rod is configured to be installed at least partially within the axial passage of the anchorage component. The surgical rod includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. The first end or the second end is adapted to engage the superior end or the inferior end of the anchorage component. Further, the surgical rod is configured to substantially constrain rotational movement within the anchorage component.

Abstract: An implantable elastic material configured for use with bone implants is provided with a wire wound in an axially expanded coil form, with the expanded coil formed into a tight mesh. In some embodiments, the wire is formed from a titanium alloy. Methods of manufacturing the implantable material, and implantable devices comprising the material are also disclosed.

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: An intraosseous fixation assembly for insertion into an osteotomy includes a wedge member for creating a resultant angle in the osteotomy, where the wedge member includes a body portion and a plurality of apertures. The fixation assembly also includes a first member adapted for coupling to the body portion at a first angle and a second member adapted for coupling to the body portion at a second angle, where each of the first and the second angles is at a divergent angle with respect to the body portion. In addition, the plurality of apertures includes at least a first aperture and a second aperture, where the first aperture is adapted for receiving the first member, and the second aperture is adapted for receiving the second member.

Abstract: An insert for receiving a bone screw includes an elongate sleeve having opposed proximal and distal ends and a wall defined by an outer peripheral surface configured for engaging bone and an inner peripheral surface configured for receiving a bone screw extended therethrough. At least one elongate slot is formed in the wall of the sleeve for promoting flexure of the insert. A tool for affixing an orthopedic screw insert within bone tissue includes a socket portion configured and adapted to engage a proximal section of an outer peripheral surface of an orthopedic screw insert. A driver extends distally from the socket portion. The driver is configured and adapted to engage a section of an inner peripheral surface of the orthopedic screw insert distal from the socket portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic fastener is disclosed, with a cylindrical shank having pre-selected diameter, the shank also providing adjacent unthreaded and threaded portions. The threaded portion is configured to secure the orthopedic fastener into cortical bone. The shank further has a thread root transition zone providing a tapered thread root profile between the unthreaded and threaded portions. The thread root transition zone is positioned on the shank such that, when the orthopedic fastener is operably secured into a specimen of cortical bone, the thread root transition zone is located outside of the specimen of cortical bone.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes an outer sleeve having a longitudinal throughbore and defining leading and trailing ends and an insert positionable within the longitudinal throughbore of the outer sleeve. The insert defines at least one suture track for slidably supporting a suture whereby opposed free ends of the suture extend from the at least one suture track through the longitudinal throughbore to extend beyond the trailing end of the outer sleeve to be tensioned and secured relative to the tissue. The outer sleeve may include an external thread for threaded rotation and advancement into the tissue.

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: Disclosed is a bone fixation device of the type useful for connecting two or more bones or bone fragments together or connecting soft tissue or tendon to bone. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal anchor thereon. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device, to accommodate different bone dimensions and permit appropriate tensioning of the fixation device. A sleeve can surround at least a portion of the bone fixation device to promote bone in-growth with or at the bone joint or fracture to facilitate fusion of the bone segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an axial and rotational stopping device for use when creating threads in a predrilled pilot hole or inserting an allograft bony void filler or synthetic implant into a threaded hole. The device can also provide consistent depth control for drilling a pilot hole, tapping the hole to create threads, and implanting an allograft bony void filler or synthetic implant while preventing damage to the threads in the tapped hole that would be caused by continuing to rotate a tap once the depth stop has been reached and the tap can no longer advance in the axial direction, as well as preventing damage to the threads in the tapped hole, the threads on the mating allograft bony void filler or synthetic implant, and the drive features on either the driver instrument or the allograft bony void filler or synthetic implant.