Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for locking a spinal rod in a top loading pedicle screw. In one form, the device includes a slider geometrically shaped to secure the spinal rod in the bone screw in its final resting position. Engagement pins located on the slider mate with notches located on the bone screw that both provisionally, and eventually, lock the spinal rod in the bone construct. The device replaces threaded set screw designs that have been known to incur cross threading problems. Thus, the device can also make spinal rod tightening faster and easier when compared to a threaded set screw.

Abstract: Medical devices having more than one degradation zone or degradation mechanism are used for orthopedic repair devices and soft tissue fixation devices.

Abstract: Medical devices having more than one degradation zone or degradation mechanism are used for orthopedic repair devices and soft tissue fixation devices.

Abstract: A device and method for inserting a vertebral stabilization member is disclosed. The stabilization member is releasably clampable to an insertion device between first and second clamping members at a clamping location spaced from a midline of the stabilization member. The insertion device and stabilization member are deliverable through an access sleeve and the stabilization member is rotatably actuatable to position the stabilization member in relation to a bone anchor.

Abstract: A medical or orthopedic implant, system and method for making the implant having areas that are designed to optimize compressive stress processing by, for example, laser shock peening. The implant is designed by identifying stress areas as processing zones. The processing zones are machined, processed or adapted to have a desired shape or configuration to optimize compression. The processed zones or areas are compressive stressed processed to have a higher density at zones or areas compared to areas that are not compressive stress processed. The implant is finished processed and sterilized and ready for use in the patient.

Abstract: A vertebra implant is provided that includes an elongate body with a first end configured to mate the first end to a first location on a vertebra, and a second end having at least one fastener configured to mate the second end to a second location on a vertebra. The elongate body also includes a deformable portion extending between the first and second ends that has an unexpanded configuration in which the deformable portion is configured to allow a tool to cut bone extending between the first and second ends when the first and second ends are mated to first and second locations on a vertebra, and an expanded configuration in which the deformable portion is deformed to increase a distance between the first and second ends such that a gap is created in the cut bone. The deformable portion is configured to maintain the first and second ends at a fixed distance apart when the deformable portion is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Pedicle screws that can include a pedicle screw body, housing, plurality of clamps, rod, and set screw are disclosed herein. The clamps may be positioned side by side inside the lower portion of the housing. When the rod and set screw are provided in the housing, the set screw applies a force on the rod and the rod engages the plurality of clamps, causing the clamps to frictionally engage a head of the pedicle screw between the clamps.

Abstract: Endosseous implant to be applied to a human or animal bone, wherein the surface of the implant is made from titanium or a titanium alloy, said implant having a smooth or rough surface texture, which is characterized in that said surface has been treated with at least one selected organic phosphonate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or an amide thereof; process for producing said implants.

Abstract: A bone screw includes a head portion and shank portion. The shank portion includes a regularly outwardly expanding threaded portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that include a plate member engageable to the spinal column with an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a coupling member having a post extending through at least one opening of the plate member and an anchor member pivotally captured in a receiver member of the coupling member below a lower surface of the plate member. A locking member secures the plate member to the coupling member. The coupling member includes an extended post with a proximal removable portion. The extended post facilitates placement of the plate member in position relative to the anchor assembly when engaged to the patient and be employed to reduce the plate member toward the anchor assembly when engaged to a vertebra.

Abstract: A spinal fusion implant for insertion between adjacent vertebral bodies has opposed upper and lower surfaces adapted to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies from within the disc space, a leading end for insertion between the adjacent vertebral bodies, and a trailing end opposite the leading end. The trailing end has an exterior surface and an outer perimeter with an upper edge and a lower edge adapted to be oriented toward the adjacent vertebral bodies, respectively, and a plurality of bone screw receiving holes. At least one of the bone screw receiving holes is adapted to only partially circumferentially surround a trailing end of a bone screw received therein. At least one of the bone screw receiving holes passes through the exterior surface and one of the edges so as to permit the trailing end of the bone screw to protrude beyond one of the edges.

Abstract: A prosthesis that mechanically couples with both cancellous bone and cortical bone of a glenoid includes a head portion comprising a rear surface and an articular surface, an anchor member, and a plurality of deformable fins extending radially outward from the anchor member. The anchor member includes a distal end and a proximal end connected to the rear surface of the head portion. The plurality of deformable fins extend radially outward from the anchor member and includes at least a first proximal fin adjacent to the rear surface of the head portion positioned to engage with the cortical bone. The anchor member may also include at least one distal fin located proximate the distal end of the anchor member positioned to engage with the cancellous bone.

Abstract: There is provided an anchoring mechanism/bone anchor comprised of a radiotranslucent material for securing vertebral stabilizing implants to vertebral bone. The anchoring mechanism is preferably a pedicle screw comprised of a fiber material embedded in a radiolucent matrix material.

Abstract: A medical implant includes a bioerodible portion that includes a bioerodible polymer and a bioerodible metal. The bioerodible polymer matrix degrades under physiological conditions to form acidic degradation products. The bioerodible metal degrades under physiological conditions to form basic degradation products. The acidic degradation products and the basic degradation products buffer at least a portion of the medical implant. In one aspect, the bioerodible portion includes a bioerodible polymer matrix and a bioerodible metal within the bioerodible polymer matrix. In another aspect, the medical implant can include a body, a plurality of discrete deposits of the bioerodible polymer on the body, and a plurality of discrete deposits of the bioerodible metal on the body.

Abstract: Sheaths for implantable fixation devices are disclosed. Sheaths have a flexible body with a perforated wall, an open end, a closed end, and a body interior sized and shaped to receive the fixation device.

Abstract: A cannula has a flange and a body with slots extending through the entire flange and into the body. The cannula may also have a longitudinal slot extending its entire length. An obturator used with the cannula may also have a longitudinal slot extending along its length. A surgical method using these instruments includes separating lengths of suture and managing the suture by placing lengths of suture in the slots in the cannula. The cannula and obturator may be used after suture is already in place by placing the suture in the longitudinal slots and then introducing the cannula and obturator to the tissue defect site. The cannula may also be used to deliver a therapeutic implant to the tissue defect site. The instruments and method may be used in mensical surgery.

Abstract: An implantable screw for maintaining space during bone grafting procedures is provided, where the screw has a highly-polished contoured head having a region adapted to support soft tissue, a threaded shaft and a tip adapted to penetrate bone tissue. Also provided, a device combining multiple implantable screws in series in order to increase the available space to grow new bone and a method for implanting the implantable screw. The implantable screws provided may be used in conjunction with bone graft materials and are removable once a desired amount of new bone is generated.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of screws for use in orthopedic surgery, particularly in pediatric patients. In some embodiments, inner and outer implantable members are provided, with the outer implantable member threadable on the inner implantable member to provide compression on two or more bone parts. In some embodiments, screw members are provided with a threaded shaft, and the thread continues into the head of the screw member to enable the thread to remain in pediatric bone.

Abstract: A plate for securing bones together includes an elongate spine having at least one groove spanning along a length of the spine parallel to a central axis of the spine, and a plurality of arms extending laterally from the spine, the plurality of arms comprising at least one arm on a first side of the spine and at least one arm on a second side of the spine.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices usable in the repair of a bone defect are described. A portion of a bone defect is covered with a multilayered membrane that includes a reinforcing layer. A member of the reinforcing member is fastened to an area of bone and soft tissue is secured about the membrane. The membrane facilitates healing of the defect. One membrane comprises a plurality of layers that includes a binding layer and a PTFE layer which has a textured surface and a substantially smooth surface. The textured surface provides a top surface of the membrane and the substantially smooth surface contacts bone.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bone screw and a retention member. The bone screw has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the bone screw includes a threaded portion. The retention member is coupled to the proximal end portion of the bone screw such that movement of the retention member relative to the bone screw is limited. The retention member is configured to deform when moved from a first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly (10) that includes a cannulated pedicle screw (20) having a scalloped shank (24), a swivel top head 30 having inclined female threads (44) in a left and right arm (34, 36) to prevent splaying, a set screw (50) having mating male threads 52, a rod conforming washer (60) that is rotatably coupled to the set screw (50), the conforming washer including reduced ends to induce a coupled rod (80) to bend. A rod reduction system including an inner and an outer cannula (90, 100), the inner cannula (90) including a left and right arm (92, 94) that engage the swivel top head's (30) left and right arm (34, 36) and the outer cannula (100) dimensioned to securely slide over the inner cannula (90) to reduce the rod (80) into the swivel top head's (30) rod receiving area (38).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a modular system for cervical fixation is disclosed. The system comprises a first plate operable to be attached to a first vertebra and a second plate operable to be attached to a second vertebra. A fixation means for connecting the first v-plate to the second v-plate is provided. The fixation means can be any one of a number of devices including a pair of beams that connect to the first and second plate, an attachment plate that attaches the first and second plates and an attachment plate that has an elastic middle portion.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an anchor assembly that can be used for the fixation or fastening of orthopedic devices or instruments to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a variable angle or fixed angle anchor assembly that is able to securely connect the orthopedic device to bone tissue even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the assembly with respect to the device. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an anchor assembly having a locking mechanism that will quickly and easily lock the anchor assembly with respect to the orthopedic device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may prevent or diminish a bone screw from “backing out” from bone. Bone particulate residing in channels of the bone screw may promote bone growth that would reduce the potential of backing out. Furthermore, bone particulate from drilling and tapping functions can cause increased friction. However, by placing bone particulate in channels of the bone screw, potential binding may be reduced resulting in less stress on the screw shaft. Also, breaking of screws during screw insertion may be reduced due to tapering of the screw.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical fastener that can be mounted to a bone of a patient. The medical fastener can include a head portion comprising a recess having a first portion, a second tapered portion extending from the first portion, and a third cylindrical portion extending from the second tapered portion. A threaded body portion can extend from the head portion. The first portion and the second portion can have a Torx geometry or star-shaped configuration. Also disclosed is a driver usable to mount the medical fastener to the bone. The driver can include a tip that is complementary to the recess and an end that enables the driver to mount to a drill or other device that can rotate the driver.

Abstract: A bottom-loading multi-axial bone anchor apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiver member, a crown member, a bone anchor and a retaining member. The receiver member defines an upper opening and a lower opening, which may form part of the same opening, a channel, and a groove. The crown member and bone anchor are loaded into the lower opening of the receiver member, and the retaining member fits around the bone anchor and into the groove in the receiver member. The bone anchor is capable of multi-axial positioning with respect to the receiver member. An elongated member is placed in the channel of the receiver member, contacting the crown member, and a compression member is applied via the upper opening. The compression member presses down on the elongated member, which presses down on the crown member and locks the bone anchor between the crown member and the retaining member.

Abstract: A screw sheath is provided for advancing a pedicle screw from outside a patient to the vertebra during minimally invasive spinal surgery. The sheath includes an elongate tubular construct having an open proximal end, a tapered distal tip with an open end. The conical tip can be deformed or reconfigured when subject to the axial force of the pedicle screw being advanced into the pedicle or by manual operation of the operator. The pedicle screw is advanced through the sheath to the pedicle and retained by the tip of the sheath. Then a driver is used to advance the screw through the sheath and into the vertebra.

Abstract: System and methods are provided that include a plate member engageable to the spinal column with an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a coupling member having a post extending through at least one opening of the plate member and an anchor member pivotally captured in a receiver member of the coupling member below a lower surface of the plate member. A locking member secures the plate member to the coupling member.

Abstract: A tissue extender includes a ring defining a proximal end opening to engage a head of a subcutaneous screw, a first extender portion coupled to the ring at a proximal end of the first extender portion, and a second extender portion coupled to the ring at a proximal end of the second extender portion. The first extender portion includes a first coupling portion disposed at a distal end of the first extender portion, and the second extender portion includes a second coupling portion at a distal end of the second extender portion. The first and second extender portions define two side openings disposed on opposite sides of the tissue extender. The distal ends of the first and second extender portions together define a distal end opening. The first coupling portion engages the second coupling portion when the tissue extender is in an extended state. The distal end opening is larger in the extended state than in an unextended state.

Abstract: A bone fastener assembly and a method of stabilizing a bone using such an assembly are presented. The bone assembly includes a bone fastener and a connecting member for holding a stabilizing member, such as a rod or plate, mounted together via an armature that allows the connecting member to be offset from the longitudinal axis of the bone fastener and optionally also permits the bone fastener to pivot relative to a longitudinal axis of the assembly and the connecting member swivel about the longitudinal axis of the assembly. By allowing the connecting member to be offset and independently swivel about the longitudinal axis of the fastener, the bone assembly of the current invention allows for an unprecedented degree of freedom in positioning an interconnecting rod to that assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a screw, an actuator and a spacer. The screw has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The distal end portion of the screw is configured to be threaded into a bone tissue. The proximal end portion of the screw has a surface. The actuator is threadedly coupled to the screw, and has an actuation surface defining a line substantially non-parallel to and substantially non-normal to a longitudinal axis of the screw. The spacer has a first surface substantially parallel to and in contact with the surface of the proximal end portion of the screw. The spacer has a second surface substantially parallel to and in contact with the actuation surface of the actuator. The actuator is configured to move the spacer relative to the screw between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A device is formed by a discontinuous process into a bone screw, plate, or fastener, wherein the device has a degree of polymer alignment and strength, and upon reheating above glass transition temperature of the polymer, the device remains dimensionally stable, as it maintains its dimensions, strength, and degree of polymer orientation. In practice of the present invention, the polymer slug is pressed into the die cavity by the actuation of ram press, causing the slug to conform to the die cavity.

Abstract: A simple yet effective adjustable laminoplasty implant and procedure includes a member positioned within or through a hole formed through a spinous process, and an elongated element is provided with a medial end coupled to the member and a lateral end configured for engagement with a bone mass fixation device. The elongated element may be a bent rod. The rod may have a medial end with a cross-section that is smaller than that of the lateral end. The member positioned within or through a hole formed through a spinous process may be a sleeve with angled endcaps. The endcaps may include bone-engaging teeth. Alternatively, the sleeve may have a central bore and barbs that engage with surrounding bone when an elongated member is inserted in the bore. The mass fixation device may a pedicle screw. The pedicle screw may be configured to receive a transverse rod. Alternatively, the mass fixation device may itself be a rod. Method of performing a laminoplasty In accordance with the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for treating vertebral fractures with one or more bone pins. In one embodiment of a method, a fractured vertebral body may be accessed through a pedicle portion and an opening may be created therethrough. One or more bone pins may be inserted through the opening. In one embodiment, at least one of the inserted bone pins is inserted to extend across a fracture zone with a proximal portion of the pin engaging a first bone segment and a distal portion engaging a second bone segment. The pin or pins may be manipulated to immobilize the first and second portions of the fractured vertebra.

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: A medical device that includes a cannulated needle, a first knotting element portion releaseably engaged with the needle, a second knotting element portion also releaseably engaged with the needle, a knotting element deployment actuator that abuts the second knotting element portion, and an anchor deployment actuator in communication with the interior of the needle, wherein the knotting element deployment actuator and anchor actuator are slidably manipulable from a proximal handle of the device, and held in a coaxial relationship with each other. The first knotting element portion may be releaseably engaged by means including shearing posts and adhesives, and the second knotting element portion may be releaseably engaged by means including detents and adhesives.

Abstract: The pedicle screw (1) for intervertebral support elements (3) consists of a shaft (10) and a head (2) comprising at least two parts (20, 22). The head is formed as a securing means for at least one support element (3). Each support element consists of a piece of a cable-like band (31) and a cylindrical support body (30) with an axial lumen (31? containing the band. The band is securable outside end surfaces (32) of the support body in the head. The head is formed with a contact surface (23) via which a pressure stress can be exerted on the support body in the band direction, and indeed using the band and in cooperation with a further pedicle screw.

Abstract: A receiver body for an elongated spinal fixation element includes a housing portion with one or more flanges extending outwardly. In one embodiment, the receiver body includes first and second flanges extending outwardly from the housing portion. The housing portion includes first and second slots that form a passage through the housing portion. Each flange has a circular perimeter edge and a chamfered section, the chamfered section having a notched undercut for engagement with an instrument. In another embodiment, the receiver body includes a housing portion having a circular flange with a first chamfered section and a second chamfered section diametrically opposite the first chamfered section. The first chamfered section has a first aperture that opens out beneath the flange, and the second chamfered section has a second aperture that opens out beneath the flange. The first and second apertures form diametrically opposed pivot-attachment points for an instrument.

Abstract: The device according to the invention, for reducing a fracture, in particular a fracture at bone epiphyses, comprises: an osteosynthesis plate with an elongated body part prolongated by a single-piece head part, said head part including at least some orifices adapted for “poly-axial” assembly of fastening screws, a targeting guide type device fitted with through-orifices adapted for acting as a guide to said fastening screws, means for drilling orifices with a set of suitable drill bits, a first drilling guide suitable to cooperate with one of said orifices of the plate head, to allow the drilling into the bone of a pre-drill-hole by a “poly-axial” type technique, and a second drilling guide adapted for co-operating with one of the orifices of said targeting guide positioned on said plate head so as to enable the realisation of a pre-drill-hole in the bone by a “mono-axial” type technique.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ceramic dental implants having a surface for improving osseointegration, wherein the following process steps are performed for preparing such surface: —preparation of a ceramic blank having a surface; —treating at least one partial area of the surface of the ceramic blank by an ablating process that produces a surface roughness of the surface that corresponds to a treatment by sand blasting under a blasting pressure of from 1.5 bar to 8 bar and with a grain size of the blasting media used for sand blasting of from 30 ?m to 250 ?m; —followed by a chemical treatment of said at least one partial area of the surface of the ceramic blank treated with the ablating process; —followed by a thermal treatment of the blank whose surface has been subjected to said ablating and chemical treatments at temperatures of >125° C. > A ceramic body obtainable by the process according to the invention is also described.

Abstract: A fixture which is intended to be screwed firmly into bone tissue. The fixture includes a generally cylindrical anchoring portion provided with an external screw thread. The anchoring portion includes a cavity which extends from the insertion end of the anchoring portion. A number of slots which connect the cavity with the outside of the anchoring portion extend from the insertion end of the anchoring portion. Each slot is delimited by a leading slot wall and a trailing slot wall, the leading and trailing slot walls rotating in the direction defined by the screw thread when screwing in the anchoring portion. At least the radially outermost part of the trailing slot wall defines an angle with the radial direction and is inclined obliquely forward from within and outward in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A dynamic screw assembly includes a screw head having a pair of diametrically opposed arms, a slot between the arms, an inwardly curved bottom portion, an outwardly protruding and expandable bulbous end extending from the inwardly curved bottom portion and an opening positioned through the bulbous end, a bumper mechanism adjacent to the screw head that adjusts an angle of the screw head to a desired location in the dynamic screw assembly, a fixation component coupled to the bumper mechanism, a saddle connection positioned in the opening and engaging the screw head and the fixation component, a longitudinal member positioned in the slot and a blocker coupled to the screw head and the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A dynamic screw assembly includes a fixation component that connects to a vertebral body, the fixation component includes at least one inlet to allow a lubricant to pass inside the fixation component, a ring member coupled to the fixation component, a stopper sealing at least one inlet, a coupling member includes an inwardly curved bottom portion and a bulbous end extending from the inwardly curved bottom portion, a bumper mechanism coupled to the fixation component and the coupling member, a longitudinal member coupled to the coupling member, and a blocker that retains the longitudinal member in the coupling member. The bulbous end includes at least one groove that houses the lubricant, and at least one slot to allow the bulbous end to fit into the fixation component and to limit a range of angulation of the coupling member with respect to the fixation component.

Abstract: A medical device that is at least partially formed of a novel metal alloy, which novel metal alloy improves the physical properties of the medical device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ulnar osteotomy plate for use in an ulnar shortening osteotomy. The ulnar osteotomy plate includes an elongated metallic plate having tapered ends, wherein the plate is concave in a direction perpendicular to a main axis. The ulnar osteotomy plate further includes a plurality of holes along the main axis, wherein the plurality of holes includes a substantially elliptical hole with a beveled interior edge located on a first side of the plate and a threaded hole located on a second side of the plate. A first screw is inserted into one end of the elliptical hole and further into an ulna underneath the plate, wherein the first screw includes a beveled edge underneath a head. A second screw is inserted into the threaded hole and further into the ulna, wherein the second screw includes a portion of the shaft near a head to be threaded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and structure of deformable alloys on the basis of magnesium with an optimum combination of mechanical properties (strength, plasticity) and a resistance to corrosion, including in vivo. Alloys of the new group possess an excellent formability at room temperature, high corrosion stability in sodium chloride solution, excellent heat resistance and can be used in various technical applications, particularly in vivo as a structural material for stents.

Abstract: A method of assembling a bone anchor assembly is presented. The bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor and housing configured to receive the bone anchor and a longitudinal member. The bone anchor is inserted into a passage in the housing and material is swaged to retain the bone anchor in the housing. The material that is swaged is a portion of the housing or additional material added to the assembly.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a variable angle connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.

Abstract: A method of treating the spine of a patient involves inserting anchors into vertebrae and connecting the anchors to a longitudinal member via housings. After insertion of the anchors, the housings containing a longitudinal member are positioned over the anchors and fastened.