Abstract: A method of correcting spinal deformity, which includes locating pharmaceutical-loaded implants adjacent to targeted spinal growth plates, and then eluting the pharmaceutical onto the growth plates. Preferably, the method involves correcting spinal deformity by simply inserting a pharmaceutical-eluting pedicle screw onto the concave side of a scoliotic curve. In some embodiments, the screw has a cannulated internal reservoir that contains a growth-inhibiting pharmaceutical (such as a tetracycline) and at least one fenestration that allows the pharmaceutical to elute onto the vertebral body growth plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to bone compression devices and bone compression systems, and in particular, to bone compression devices and systems for use in connection with vertebrae. The bone compression devices and bone compression systems are disposed, or installed, along at least one bone to maintain the at least one bone in a desired spatial relationship. Broadly, the invention is directed to a bone compression device for placing in communication with at least one bone having a bone radius of curvature, the bone compression device comprising a plate having a pre-formed shape, a deformed shape, and at least one elastic shape therebetween, the pre-formed shape having a preformed radius of curvature less than the bone radius of curvature, the deformed shape having a deformed radius of curvature greater than the bone radius of curvature, and at least one of the at least one elastic shapes having an elastic radius of curvature that substantially corresponds to the bone radius of curvature.

Abstract: Novel compositions, as well as related methods, coatings, and articles, are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a proximal head and a distal shaft configured to engage bone, a receiver member for receiving a spinal fixation element to be coupled to the bone anchor, an insert positioned in the proximal end of the receiver member having a pair of spaced apart insert arms defining a recess therebetween, and a closure mechanism positionable between and engaging the insert arms to capture a spinal fixation element within the recess of the insert and fix the spinal fixation element with respect to the receiver member.

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: A component with an engaging mechanism is disclosed. The component comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured to cooperate with a tool. The proximal end comprises an outer portion configured for cooperating with the tool and an inner portion configured for cooperating with the tool, wherein the inner portion comprises an engaging element configured for cooperating with a distal portion of the tool so that the engaging element provides a temporary engagement between the component and the distal portion of the tool. A system for engaging a component with a tool also is disclosed.

Abstract: A bone bolt assembly is designed for attaching supporting implants between adjacent bones, for holding adjacent bones relative to each other, and for holding together fractured bone fragments. The functions performed by the bone bolt assembly are achieved without the use of bone screws that are implanted into the bone.

Abstract: A device includes an elongated body configured to be coupled to a bone stabilization implant so that, when the bone stabilization implant is mounted to a target bone, the body extends away from the bone stabilization implant at an angle selected so that the elongated body passes into a target portion of bone. The body defines a lumen therein extending to an opening in a distal end of the body. The device also includes a deploying member housed within the lumen of body for movement between a first position and a second position. In addition, the device includes a plurality of wires coupled to the deploying member so that movement of the deploying member through the lumen moves the wires between an insertion position and a deployed position in which the distal ends of the wires penetrate a portion of bone adjacent to the distal end of the body.

Abstract: The invention facilitates the fixation of bone fractures. In a particular embodiment, a method for fixing bone fractures comprises the steps of: inserting a head component coupled to a wire through a first bone portion and anchoring the head component in a second bone portion, inserting a cap over the wire toward the head component until the cap contacts the second bone portion, and applying pressure to the wire using a tensioner to reduce the distance between the first bone portion and the second bone portion. The excess wire beyond the cap can then be removed.

Abstract: A stratum to be affixed to bone is disclosed. The stratum has a first surface, a second surface, and at least one hole extending between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the second surface is configured to engage at least a portion of the bone, and wherein the stratum further has a slot in the stratum that extends from the at least one hole to another location on the stratum, and the stratum is further configured to deflect, allowing a fastener to pass at least partially through the hole.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a tapering box-shaped block made of a bone material; and at least one buttress ridge disposed on at least one surface of the tapering box-shaped block. A spinal implant bolt includes a shaft with a cylindrical body, the shaft having a leading end and a trailing end, wherein the trailing end has at least one slot for receiving a screw driver; and a buttress thread dispose on the shaft in a spiral configuration, wherein the buttress thread has a leading flank facing the leading end of the shaft and a trailing flank facing the trailing end of the shaft, the leading flank forms a smaller angle with a longitudinal axis of the shaft than an angle formed between the trailing flank and the longitudinal axis of the shaft, wherein the spinal implant bolt is made of a bone material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a distal interphalangeal (“DIP”) fusion device for connecting a first bone of a patient to a second, adjacent bone of the patient. The device may include an anchor assembly and a compressor assembly. In another embodiment, a separate compressor base assembly is included. In yet another embodiment an access port assembly is included. The anchor assembly is rotationally coupled to one end of the compressor assembly, such that the compressor assembly may rotate about the anchor assembly within a semi-spherical zone (three degrees of rotational freedom) and translate axially (one degree of translational freedom). In an operative position, the anchor assembly is anchored in an intermediate phalanx of a digit of a patient, the compressor assembly is contained in a distal phalanx of the digit, and the distal phalanx is flexed relative to the intermediate phalanx to create a joint angle.

Abstract: A tissue fixation device is provided that is preferably used to secure a ligament or graft within a prepared bone tunnel, for example in ACL replacement. The tissue fixation device generally includes an elongate member having a shaft portion that is adapted to be at least partially disposed within a bone tunnel, and a guide member that forms a portion of the proximal end of the elongate member. The guide member has a graft-seating surface that is effective to seat a graft and to position the graft toward one side of a bone tunnel when the device is disposed within the bone tunnel. The device also includes a graft-retaining member formed on at least a portion of the graft-seating surface.

Abstract: A bone fastener for stabilizing bone fragments includes a single or multiple components coupleable with one another and displaceable to a locked position of the bone fastener.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element provided with a head for receiving a threaded shaft on which a clamping means is to be screwed. A spherical articulation is provided between the bone anchoring element and the threaded shaft to provide the threaded shaft with multiple orientations, and a rotational linkage is also provided between the bone anchoring element and the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A surgical screw that includes a body portion that facilitates bone in-growth from a bone in which the screw is mounted so as to stabilize the screw in the bone. The body portion can have various configurations for facilitating bone in-growth, such as indentations, a roughened surface, such as by acid etching or abrasive media blasting, specialized coatings, such as hydroxyapetite, sintered beads, machined channels, etc. Because the body portion of the screw facilitates bone growth, the screw will be more firmly mounted to the bone so as to have a greater integrity in response to movement of the bone. The type of surgical screw can be any surgical screw that will benefit from being better anchored in bone, such as pedicle screws, long bone screws, cervical fusion screws, tendon anchoring screws, etc.

Abstract: Assemblies for implantation across one or more spinal motion segments to allow for control of the distance between bone anchors. Control of distance between bone anchors may be provided by one inter-anchor element pushing the pair of bone anchors apart and a second inter-anchor element pulling the pair of bone anchors together. Control of distance between bone anchors may be provided through use of dissimilar thread pitch. Compression of intervertebral disc space through controlled movement of a pair of anchored bone anchors towards one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and a method for affixing soft tissue to bones. The system for fixing soft tissue within a bone tunnel comprising a first fixation member having a proximal end and a distal end and a bore extending from said proximal end to said distal end, said first fixation member is adapted for insertion against a first portion of a soft tissue positioned within a bone tunnel, a second portion of said soft tissue emerging from said bone tunnel; a second fixation member adapted to engage said bore of said first fixation member, having means for restraining disengagement therewith and a proximal end; and a third fixation member adapted to engage said second portion of said soft tissue, having means for coupling onto said proximal end of said second fixation member and restraining disengagement therewith.

Abstract: Pedicle screw apparatuses each including a pedicle screw assembly and an attached pedicle screw extender are placed in a true percutaneous manner, thereby overcoming issues resulting from placing pedicle screw assemblies through a retractor. Thus, a retractor can advantageously be built off of the pedicle screw apparatuses, thereby allowing visualization of the spine anatomy directly. Furthermore, such a method for performing surgery ensures ideal placement of the retractor for additional procedures that are often required such as, for example, decompression, interbody device placement, etc.

Abstract: A fully threaded, bioabsorbable suture anchor with a suture loop that is disposed internally within the suture anchor. The suture loop is insert-molded into the anchor. The fully threaded design provides improved fixation, while the insert-molded internal suture loop serves as a recessed eyelet for a second (knot-tying) suture.

Abstract: An implant with an interference fit fastener for attaching the implant to a bone. The interference fit prevents backout of the fastener after the attachment. The implant may include a passage with a first end and second end. The passage may include a first interference section between the first and second ends. A fastener with an elongated shape may be sized to extend through the passage to attach the implant to the bone. The fastener may include a second interference section. During insertion of the fastener through the passage and into the bone, the second interference section of the fastener may contact against and modify or be modified by the first interference section of the passage. This modification may create the interference fit between the implant and the fastener that prevents backout. The interference sections may remain in contact or may move apart once the fastener is fully attached to the bone.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion, a receiver, a compression insert and an articulation structure made from at least two discrete pieces. The shank upper portion cooperates with the compression insert to place the retainer in frictional engagement with the receiver. The geometry of the retainer structure pieces corresponds and cooperates with the external geometry of the shank upper portion to frictionally envelope the retainer structure between the capture structure and an internal surface defining a cavity of the receiver.

Abstract: Apparatuses for attaching tissue to bone are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an expandable body defining a bore, an expander pin having a shaft sized to be received in the bore of the expandable body, and an insertion shaft slidingly disposed in the bore of the expandable body and in a bore of the expander pin. The body is configured to expand laterally into and attach to bone when the expander pin is driven into the expandable body. The body includes a proximal main member having a distally extending threaded projection and a harder, distal tip member having a threaded recess in a proximal surface thereof such that the projection is threadedly interengageable with the recess. The expansion of the body by way of the expander pin can occur when the proximal main member and distal tip member are threadedly engaged. The insertion shaft is releasably secured to the expandable body and extends distally beyond the expandable body.

Abstract: Provided is a bone joining device suitable for joining a first bone piece to a second bone piece. Also provided is a method of joining a first bone piece with a second bone piece in a living mammal. The method comprises inserting the above bone joining device between the first bone piece and the second bone piece.

Abstract: Instruments for use with a bone anchoring assembly having plug member are disclosed that allow introduction of the plug member and bone cement or other liquid or pasty material into the bone anchor. The bone anchor includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, a channel extending from the first end to the second end, and a plug member which is insertable into the channel and guidable through the channel for closing the channel 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.

Abstract: A device for use in tissue repair, a method of using the device in a surgical procedure and a method of making the device. The device is an assembly of a cannulated anchor with a cord passed through it, and a stopper to prevent the cord from passing back through the anchor.

Abstract: The disclosed screw assemblies include a screw that attaches onto the bone, a housing member that connects and inter-locks the bone screw to the rod, and one or more locking members that permit immobilization of various components of the assembly relative to one another while still permitting some relative movement. The bone screws and bone screw assemblies described herein permit flexible stabilization of the spine.

Abstract: A system and method of bone fixation are provided for improving the bone growth and stability of the fixated bones. For example, a target site for a bone fixation procedure can be accessed at a facet of a first vertebra using a tissue dilator. Bone material can be disrupting from or at the target site, and a bone fixation device can be installed to fix the first vertebra relative to a second vertebra. The disruption and/or removal of the bone material, such as by rasping facets or a facet joint of the first vertebra and the second vertebra, can tend to promote bone growth. Further, it is contemplated that bone graft material can be inserted at the target site, such as into a joint space formed between facets of the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

Abstract: A bone anchor system anchors a support member to a bone. The bone anchor system comprises a body having a shank adapted for insertion into a hole in the bone. A head is formed on the shank. The head has a support engagement portion adapted to secure the support member to the body. A passage extends from an entry point to an exit point formed in the body. An expandable member has a flexible wall at least partially enclosing an anchoring chamber. The expandable member has an expanded state configured to conform to a cavity in the bone. The anchoring chamber is in fluid communication with the exit point. The expandable member is adapted to expand when a filler material is provided into the anchoring chamber. A portion of the expandable member conforms to the cavity and the body and the support member are substantially anchored to the bone.

Abstract: Bone anchoring assemblies for use with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques for dynamic stabilization of the spine, together with placement systems for use in such techniques are provided.

Abstract: The osteosynthetic device for the fixation of a bone or bone fragments has a longitudinal axis (6) and comprises a bone screw (1) with a shaft (2) bearing a thread (3), a front end (4) and a rear end (5), said thread (3) having a maximum outer diameter d; and a wing-like blade (7) with a leading end (8) being connected to the front end (4) of the bone screw (1) and a trailing end (9) being connected to the rear end (5) of the bone screw (1). The blade (7) is further provided with a coaxial longitudinal aperture (17) having a length I extending between the leading end (8) and the trailing end (9) and a width w?d. Further the blade (7) is coaxially and rotatably mounted on said shaft (3) of said bone screw (1).

Abstract: A dual-mode closed-loop measurement system (100) for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium (122) is disclosed. A first module comprises an inductor drive circuit (102), an inductor (104), a transducer (106), and a filter (110). A second module housed in a screw (335) comprises an inductor (114) and a transducer (116). The screw (335) is bio-compatible and allows an accurate delivery of the circuit into the muscular-skeletal system. The inductor can be attached and interconnected on a flexible substrate (331) that fits into a cavity in the screw (335). The first and second modules are operatively coupled together. The first module provides energy to power the second module. The second module emits an energy wave into the medium that propagates to the first module. The transit time of energy waves is measured and correlated to the parameter by known relationship.

Abstract: A method for correcting spondylolisthesis from the lateral approach is provided in which a pair of insertion members are inserted laterally into upper and lower vertebrae, a connecting member is affixed to the insertion members, and a rotating force is applied to the connecting member to encourage the upper and lower vertebrae into a desired position relative to one another.

Abstract: A bone anchor including a bone engaging element and an implant engaging element. The bone engaging element includes a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material and extending at least partially along a length of the first portion, and with the second portion of the bone engaging element positioned between the first portion and adjacent bone tissue when the bone engaging element is engaged with the bone to provide an interface with the adjacent bone tissue. In one embodiment, the first portion of the bone engaging element exhibits a first level of rigidity and the second portion exhibits a second level of rigidity less than the first level of rigidity. In another embodiment, the bone engaging element includes external threads, with the second portion of the bone engaging element defining at least a portion of the external threads.

Abstract: Mechanisms for connecting an elongated member for orthopedic support or therapy to bone or other tissue are disclosed. Embodiments may include a receiver member with a channel for accommodating an elongated member such as a spinal rod and a channel for accommodating a bone-engaging member, a bone-engaging member that is insertable into the channel in the receiver member, and a lock member for locking the receiver member, bone-engaging member, and elongated member together. The channels may be variously oriented with respect to each other. Methods for using such embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact device for a bone screw, wherein, in an implanted end state of the arrangement of bone screw and contact device, a first part of the contact device is arranged outside a cavity and a second part is arranged inside the cavity of the bone screw, the parts forming counterelectrodes, and the second part electrically contacts the bone screw while the first part is isolated from the bone screw, wherein the contact device has a cavity with a voltage source whose poles electrically contact each of the first part and second part directly or indirectly. In order to improve such a contact device, particularly in respect of the volume available for electrical components, it is proposed that the first part of the contact device is arranged proximally in an implanted end state of the arrangement of bone screw and contact device.

Abstract: Screw mechanisms that securely connect with and contain an elongated support structure are disclosed. Some of these have locking mechanisms as alternatives to conventional set screws. Some of these use ratcheting systems for securing the elongated support structure. Some of these are multi-axial systems. Some of these are alternatives to conventional systems.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a percutaneous bone conduction implant. The implant includes a fixture configured to be anchored in the recipient's skull, and a skin-penetrating abutment configured to interface with the fixture and to permit the abutment to be removably attached to the fixture to form a fixture-abutment assembly. In an embodiment, at least one anti-microbial surface forms one or more surfaces of the formed fixture-abutment assembly located in an interior of the formed fixture-abutment assembly when the fixture is removably attached to the abutment with an abutment screw. The interior is substantially isolated from a surrounding environment of the fixture-abutment assembly.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an orthopedic fastener blocking system that allows for a desirable number of fasteners to be used with an orthopedic device even when the orthopedic device is too small to accommodate a desired number of traditionally located and oriented fasteners or when the accessibility to the device is reduced so that addressing a desired number of traditionally located and oriented fasteners is not possible. The system includes an orthopedic implant and at least first and second fasteners where one of the first and second fasteners prevents the other of the first and second fasteners from uninstalling when the first and second fasteners are in the installed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates a system to be used with an implanting tool having a tip part. The system has a longitudinal axis and comprises a polymeric screw (31) having a head (11) and an adapter between the screw (31) and the implanting tool. The adapter comprises a first part (32) which fits the tip part of the implanting tool. The first part comprises a first element and the system comprises a second element. The first element and the second element are connected to each other with a torque limiting junction having a first maximum torque when the screw is screwed in and a second maximum torque when the screw is screwed off. The shape of the first element and the second element is such that the second maximum torque of the torque limiting junction is greater than the first maximum torque, thus allowing the removal of the polymeric screw (31) from its position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may include a spinal implant that has both an elastomeric element for connecting between two anatomic structures and a limit element wrapped transversely around the elastomeric element along at least a portion of the elastomeric element. The limit element may be separately or in conjunction connected to the two anatomical structures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system and method for stabilizing a segment of a spinal column with a dynamic spinal rod having a shank, a stay, and a casing sized to stretch tightly between components of the dynamic spinal rod and provide a structural connection between the components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing components consisting of magnesium or magnesium alloy by sintering. This process makes it possible, for the first time, to produce components consisting of magnesium or magnesium alloy which provide outstanding elasticity together with a sufficient strength. Materials of this type can be used as biocompatible endosseous implant materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a medical implant that delivers a therapeutic substance. In some embodiments, a component that delivers a therapeutic substance is a cap secured to a portion of a fastener such as a surgical construct, surgical screw, pedicle screw, spinal rod cross-link, or other connection element or device.

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

Abstract: A rod translation device is described that minimizes the wear between a spinal rod and a bone anchor in a spinal implant. In one embodiment, the rod translation device is a sleeve that is slid onto the outside diameter of the spinal rod. At least one compressible member, such as an O-ring, may be placed within the inside diameter of the sleeve to prevent direct contact of the outside diameter of the spinal rod to the inside diameter of the sleeve. Once the spinal rod is secured within the implant any translation of the spinal rod decreases wear debris between the outside diameter of the spinal rod and the pedicle screw.

Abstract: A device for implantation within a bone is provided. The device includes a first end, a second end, and a shaft connecting the first and second ends. The shaft defines a cannulation extending along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The device includes a seal coupled to the shaft, and the seal includes an inner surface facing the cannulation of the shaft. The seal is configured to provide access to the cannulation following implantation of the device within a bone, and the seal is configured to self-seal after access is provided to the cannulation.

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

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

Abstract: A screw for fixation of, for example, a fracture having a hollow shaft, a first outer thread and radial openings at its distal end, and a second outer thread and an inner engagement portion at its proximal end. The second outer thread is adapted to engage with a tissue protection sleeve. The inner engagement portion is adapted to fit to a driving end of a driving tool. By way of this, forces in axial or radial direction may be applied to the screw by the sleeve, and forces in rotational direction may be applied by the driving tool. Therefore, the screw can be installed accurately at the intended site in an object.