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.

Abstract: A shoulder prosthesis includes a metaglene component that has (i) a base with a bearing-facing side, a scapula-facing side, and an external coupling surface interposed therebetween, (ii) an augment attached to the scapula-facing side of the base, and (iii) a post attached to at least one of the base and the augment. The metaglene component has defined therein a passage extending through at least both the base and the post. The metaglene component further having a plurality of fastener holes defined in the base. The shoulder prosthesis further includes a bearing component defining a cavity and including a bearing surface, the cavity defining an internal coupling surface, and the bearing-facing side of the metaglene component being located within the cavity so that the external coupling surface of the base is positioned in contact with the internal coupling surface of the bearing component to form a friction fit connection between the bearing component and the metaglene component.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for establishing a mechanical connection between a medical implant and a tissue part of a patient, a medical implant for use with such an auxiliary device, and a method for establishing such a mechanical connection. To establish a mechanical connection between a medical implant and a tissue part of a patient in a particularly simple manner, an auxiliary device for establishing a mechanical connection between a medical implant and a tissue part of the patient is provided. A securing element establishes a releasable mechanical connection between the auxiliary device and the tissue part. A marking element is configured to allow its position to be determined with the aid of a contactless locating method. A guide body is connected to the securing element and designed to guide the medical implant to the connection site on the tissue part.

Abstract: A poly-axial bone fastener assembly having a collar and a bone fastener can be coaxially locked to prevent poly-axial movements of the collar relative to the bone fastener while permitting the collar to rotate about an axis of the bone fastener, thereby combining the functions and advantages of a poly-axial bone screw and a fixed angle bone screw. Some embodiments of a coaxial locking mechanism may include a c-clip with a locking pin, a c-clip with hooks, a split ring with square corners, a pin that spins inside the collar, pins that travel about a neck of the bone fastener, a coaxially locking top that screws into the collar over a head of the bone fastener, and a top nut that threads onto the head of the bone fastener inside the collar to trap a flange of the collar between a shoulder of the bone fastener and the top nut.

Abstract: Template systems and methods of use are disclosed herein for use in conjunction with corresponding spinal fusion plates. Preferred templates are slotted to allow for use with distractor pins and a distractor. Additionally preferred templates include windows to allow the operating surgeon to have more visibility of the intervertebral area, including the graft. After the appropriate sized template has been placed against the targeted vertebrae, holding pins can be placed into the vertebral bodies to help guide the fusion plate and to compress the intervertebral space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone anchor, and a method of using the same, the bone anchor comprising a hollow cylindrical housing, buttress means attached to the distal end of said cylindrical housing comprising one or more releasable anchors, a threaded rod rotatably placed within the internal space of said housing, said threaded rod is mechanically linked to the buttress means, wherein said anchors are capable of being moved between an open conformation and a closed conformation and vice versa by means of manipulating the proximal end of said threaded rod.

Abstract: A bone screw includes a thread section of tubular construction having a first end and a second end and a tip at the first end. The tubular thread section has a bone thread on its outer wall, which has a plurality of recesses. The bone screw further includes a holding element with a first section for connection to the thread section and a rod-like second section. The rod-like second section protrudes beyond the second end of the thread section in the inserted state of the holding element. The boric screw also includes a stop for limiting the distance of insertion of the holding element in the thread section. The holding element also includes an element at its free end for engagement with a screw-in tool.

Abstract: A porous PEEK implant system which may provide tissue ingrowth throughout the body of the implant. The implant may comprise a solid or porous PEEK core. The porous PEEK implants may be of general shape and size but provide the structure necessary to carry out the function of the implant. The porous PEEK implant pores may be seeded with agents to encourage tissue ingrowth as well as other agents such as antibiotics, anesthetics, analgesics and the like.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to vertebral stabilization systems including polymeric components having improved selective visualization means, methods of improving the selective visualization of polymeric components of a vertebral stabilization system, and methods of using vertebral stabilization systems including polymeric components having improved selective visualization means to monitor the vertebral stabilization systems during their useful life.

Abstract: A porous substrate or implant for implantation into a human or animal body constructed from a structural material and having one or more regions which when implanted are subjected to a relatively lower mechanical loading. The region(s) are constructed with lesser mechanical strength by having a lesser amount of structural material in said region(s) relative to other regions. This is achieved by controlling pore volume fraction in the regions. A spacer is adapted to define an open-cell pore network by taking a model of the required porous structure, and creating the spacer to represent the required porous structure using three-dimensional modelling. Material to form the substrate about the spacer in infiltrated the scaffold structure formed.

Abstract: In some aspects, the spinal plates of the present disclosure are sized and shaped for use in a spinal level adjacent to a previously treated spinal level. The spinal plates of the present disclosure are generally no-profile or low-profile plates. That is, the spinal plates are sized and shaped for positioning entirely within the disc space between adjacent vertebrae such that the plates either do not extend beyond the outer boundaries of the vertebrae (no profile) or extend only slightly beyond the outer boundaries of the vertebrae (low profile). The spinal plates of the present disclosure are also configured to receive fixation members, such as bone screws, in a hyper-angulated orientation. The hyper-angulated screws facilitate optimal cortical bone purchase or penetration of the adjacent vertebrae to fixedly secure the spinal plates to the vertebrae.

Abstract: A method of conducting a surgical procedure including implanting an anchor into a bone, wherein the anchor comprises a receiving portion and a screw, the screw including a screw head contained within the receiving portion and pivotally engageable with a surface of the receiving portion, and wherein the receiving portion and the screw comprising a different material. The method further includes selecting a rod from a group of rod types and coupling the rod with the receiving portion to stabilize a position of a portion of the spine.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization system for stabilizing a vertebral segment of a spine. The system includes a first vertebral anchor, a second vertebral anchor and a cord. The system may also include a spacer positioned between the first and second vertebral anchor through which the cord extends. The first vertebral anchor is configured to be secured to a first vertebra and the second vertebral anchor is configured to be secured to a second vertebra. The cord is extendable from the first vertebral anchor to the second vertebral anchor. The cord has a variable stiffness through a range of displacement, wherein the stiffness of the cord increases as an applied tensile force on the cord is increased.

Abstract: A bone plate and system is provided. The bone fixation plate conforms to the contour of an irregularly shaped bone and eliminates the need for pre-bending or intraoperative bending of the plate. The bone plate is applied to the bone in a generally flat condition and the process of installing and tightening the bone screws in the prescribed order serves to contour the plate to the underlying bone while providing sufficient strength to effect bone healing. The geometry of the plate allows the plate to follow the contour of an irregularly shaped bone, preventing prominence and patient palpability and streamlining the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A precision kinematic adjustment screw for optical mounts controls the position of the stage plate relative to the base plate so that the position is stable, consistent and reproducible. Use of a spring-loaded spherical member that is free to rotate independent of the screw minimizes friction between the proximal end of the screw and the contact surface of the stage plate and reduces the potential for deformation and/or abrasion of the contact surface.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction.

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 fixation technique is provided whereby a solid metal acetabular cup, such as is used with hip resurfacing implants, or so called “metal on metal” bearings used with traditional total hip replacement, which do use supplemental screw fixation, can achieve immediate fixation to the acetabulum using a acetabular fixation screw, which couples to an acetabular metal cup by way of a precision taper coupling (tapered interference fit) between the fixation screw and the acetabular cup. Under normal loading, the cold weld achieved between the two surfaces is stable, and disassociation between the two metal surfaces can be achieved only with significant force.

Abstract: A polyaxial ball and socket joint that can be locked into a fixed position. The fastening system consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle that operates as a socket for housing an upper retainer ring and a lower split retaining ring. The socket is receptive to the spherical connector which is inserted through the lower split retainer ring causing a momentary displacement thereof which allows for the positioning of the spherical connector between the upper and lower retainer rings.

Abstract: An orthopedic screw that may be used to align and stabilize a bone fracture and a method for using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-axial occipito-cervical connection system that enables an occipital rod to be coupled to a cervical rod in a manner that permits multi-axial, relative movement between the two rods about a predetermined location, such as the heads of the rods. The system includes a locking mechanism that can be actuated to lock the relative positions of the rods. The rods can provide an interconnection between one or more attachments on the skull (such as an occipital attachment) and one or more attachments to the spine (such as spine screws).

Abstract: The invention relates to a formulation for preparing an antimicrobial lubricious hydrophilic coating, which formulation comprises a hydrophilic polymer; an initiator; particles comprising metallic silver (i.e. Ag°); and a carrier liquid. The invention further relates to an article comprising a hydrophilic coating on a surface wherein the coating comprises a cured hydrophilic polymer and particles comprising metallic silver.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization system. The system can include a spinal stabilization rod and a pivoting collar which can be attached to a vertebra. The pivoting collar can define a bore which has internal surfaces and corresponding contact points. The bore can accept the rod and allow it to pivot about a contact point. The internal surfaces can be structured, shaped, and dimensioned to limit the range of motion of the rod in some or all directions. One portion of the rod can be flexible while another portion of the rod can be flexible. The flexible portion of the rod can engage the pivoting collar and bend within the pivoting collar to provide a greater range of motion.

Abstract: A device for supporting vertebral components of a spinal column includes a first spinal rod, a second spinal rod, and a connection element disposed between the first and second rods. The connection element has a front surface with a rod-receiving opening having a first region sized greater than a cross-section of the second rod, and has a second region sized smaller than the cross-section of the second rod, wherein the first and second rods align in series in an end-to-end manner. A locking member is associated with the connection element that urges the second rod toward the second region in a manner that the second rod frictionally engages with the connection element to restrict removal of the second rod from the connection element.

Abstract: An implant for causing fusion of bones in an ankle is disclosed. The implant, in a preferred embodiment, is a cannulated screw with threads at the leading end and threads at the trailing end having a a tibial component that interacts with the tibia, a calcaneus component that interacts with the calcaneus and a midsection extending between the tibial component and the calcaneus component. The implant is placed in a borehole formed in the tibia, talus and calcaneus and causes the tibia and talus to be moved into compressive contact with each other. As a result, the ends of the tibia and talus that have previously had the cartilage removed down to bloody bone are coapted together to allow fusion. In another embodiment of the invention, a middle threaded portion is placed between the tibial component and the calcaneus component. The middle threaded portion interacts with the talus to help add compressive force to the fusion process.

Abstract: A simple, safe implantable bone screw, and a method for distracting two bone segments, is provided. In general, the bone screw includes a shank having a threaded proximal portion and a distal portion with a major diameter that is less than a minor diameter of the threaded proximal portion. A transitional region of decreasing diameter can be disposed between the threaded proximal portion and the distal portion, and a driver receiving element is preferably disposed on a proximal end of the bone screw. In use, the proximal and distal portions of the bone screw are adapted to engage two segments of bone, and to create a distraction force between the two segments of bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant for use between the vertebrae (8) of the spine as a placeholder for vertebrae or vertebrae parts removed from the spine, having a first implant part (2) and a second implant part (3), which can be adjusted against each other in the direction of the coaxial longitudinal axis thereof for changing the length of the implant (1), and having at least one mounting bracket (10) that can be attached to one of the implant parts (2 and 3), and which faces the adjacent vertebra, and partially overlaps the same. The mounting bracket (10) is formed by a vertebra attachment plate (11) and by a base plate (12) comprising a guide rail (13), protruding from the vertebra attachment plate, and serving for the radial adjustment of the mounting bracket (11) as opposed to the one implant part (2 and 3), wherein a means is associated with the one implant part (2 and 3) for the radial fixation of the base plate (12).

Abstract: A device to attach an elongated member to a bone in a patient with the device including a receiver with arms that are spaced apart that form a channel sized to receive the elongated member, and a groove on an inner surface of at least one of the arms. A shaft may be operatively connected to the receiver and configured to attach to the bone. A securing mechanism is attached to the receiver that includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member may include a bore and a non-threaded exterior that may be configured to engage with the groove to attach the securing mechanism to the receiver. The second member may be sized to fit in the bore and move axially along the bore in a non-rotational manner. The second member may also include a compressible extension sized to fit in the bore when the extension is moved in the bore and to expand to a width greater than the bore when the second member extends outward beyond the bore.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a bone distraction osteogenesis system and associated apparatus and methods that overcome at least some shortcomings of the prior art. According to one representative embodiment, a bone distraction system for distracting a portion of bone from a source bone includes a first anchor portion couplable to an anchor bone and a second anchor portion couplable to a distractable bone segment of the source bone. The system includes a distractor coupling the first anchor portion and the second anchor portion. The overall length of the distractor is decreasable to pull the distractable bone segment toward the anchor bone for distracting the bone segment.

Abstract: A nerve stimulating bone screw is disclosed and can include a shaft that can have a continuous thread formed thereon and a distal end. A head can be attached to the shaft. Also, the nerve stimulating bone screw can include a first conductor that can extend through the shaft. The first conductor can be insulated and can provide a signal at the distal end of the shaft. The signal can be configured to provide nerve stimulation at the distal end of the shaft of the nerve stimulating bone screw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first and second screw members from the shell in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. The stapling apparatus includes first and second lever arms rotatably joined together at a fulcrum, and the lever arms rotate in opposite directions. First and second cartridges are disposed at the ends of the lever arms. Each cartridge is capable of holding a staple including a bracket, a nail member and an alignment slot.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly for use in spinal fixation surgery is disclosed. The bone fixation assembly has a rod receiving portion, a sliding component, a first locking element, and a second locking element. A method of fixing two vertebrae with respect to each other is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member. The first elongate member has a proximal end portion that includes a threaded portion, and a distal end portion that includes a retention portion. The retention portion of the first elongate member is configured to deform when moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. At least a central portion of the second elongate member is disposed within the first elongate member. The second elongate member has a distal end portion that includes an actuation portion configured to deform the retention portion of the first elongate member from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: A lock screw assembly for use with a pedicle screw assembly comprises a lock screw and an upper saddle. The lock screw includes a fastening tool engaging structure at a first end portion thereof and an upper saddle receiving structure at a second end portion thereof. The upper saddle is engaged with the upper saddle receiving structure of the lock screw in a manner allowing the upper saddle to rotate about a centerline axis of the lock screw. A plurality of intersecting spine rod receiving channels extend through a spine rod engaging portion of the upper saddle in a manner such that an outwardly-extending spine rod engaging structure is provided between adjacent ones of the spine rod receiving channels. Upper and lower surfaces of each spine rod engaging structure are acutely angled with respect to each other and wherein a channel edge defined between the surfaces is sharply pointed.

Abstract: Devices and methods include a multi-axial anchor assembly engageable to a vertebra and a connecting element positionable through a receiver of the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a flexible member between the receiver and an anchor member of the anchor assembly, thereby providing a flexible joint in the anchor assembly for allowing limited movement after primary multi-axial capability between the receiver and the anchor member has been arrested.

Abstract: A clamping device for use with a medical instrument is disclosed. Specifically, a clamping device for use with an intramedullary rod in children and young adults. The intramedullary rod is inserted into the medullary cavity of a long bone and a portion of the rod protrudes. The disclosed clamping device secures the protruding end of the rod, and reduces movement of the rod in all directions relative to the insertion site of the rod.

Abstract: A pedicle screw is provided to be inserted into and fixed to a pedicle of a spinal disease patient, and more particularly, a pedicle screw in which a screw thread of a clamp screw is formed to have dents and protrusions with trapezoid cross-sections so as to form a predetermined gap with a screw thread of a fixing unit having dents and protrusions with rectangular cross-sections when the clamp screw is combined with the fixing unit, and the screw thread of the clamp screw has different pitches to disperse an external impact so as to further firmly combine the clamp screw with the fixing unit.

Abstract: The instant invention is a novel method for definitive pelvic stabilization. The method uses the already established principles of anterior external fixation combined with internal hardware placed in a minimally invasive fashion. Pedicle screws are affixed to the ilia and a rigid, bowed fixation rod is connected between the pedicle screws. Preferably the pedicle screws are attached to the supra-acetabular area of each of the ilium of the pelvis and the fixation rod is bowed anteriorly away from the pelvis.

Abstract: The present application is directed to pedicle-based posterior stabilization members and methods of stabilizing vertebral members. The stabilization members generally include a body with first and second connector sections. The first connector section is configured to connect to a pedicle of a first vertebral member. The second connector section is configured to contact an adjacent vertebral member. The second connector section may be positioned at an end of the body, or an intermediate section away from the end.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system for surgical implantation in the spine having a bone fastener. The bone fastener is provided with a head portion and a shaft portion. A housing is also provided with a recess defined by sidewalls and an opening for receiving the head portion of the bone fastener. A seating element is disposed within the housing and positioned over the head portion of the bone fastener. An elongate rod is positioned on the seating element within the recess of the housing. The system also includes a cap capable of engaging with a top portion of the housing and capturing the elongate rod within the recess of the housing when the cap is rotated. The bone fastener articulates in a single plane with respect to the housing and the seat element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone screw which can be used for fixation and/or fastening of prosthetic devices or instruments to bone tissue whose structure or dimensions differ from one region to another. In particular, the present invention provides a bone screw which is designed to optimize purchase in both the cancellous and cortical regions of a vertebral body. In an exemplary embodiment, the bone screw has a distal portion and a proximal portion in which the diameter of the thread on the proximal portion of the screw is greater than the diameter of the thread on the distal portion of the screw.

Abstract: A threaded suture anchor formed of a material comprising polyether-ether ketone (PEEK) has a suture loop that is disposed internally within the suture anchor. The suture loop can extend through a substantial length of the anchor body with the ends of the suture loop secured at the distal end of the anchor and the proximal end of the loop being flush with or recessed just below the proximal surface of the proximal end of the anchor. The anchor body can be threaded and have a tapered distal portion.

Abstract: A fastener assembly including an existing polyaxial pedicle screw that has been previously installed in a spinal structure, the polyaxial pedicle screw including a polyaxial head to which a prosthetic member is secured, a fastening portion fastened to the polyaxial head over the prosthetic member, and a connector element that extends from the fastening portion, the connector element being connected to another spinal structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a minimally invasive surgery pedicle screw system, including: a plurality of slotted guides that are selectively inserted through one or more surgical incisions; a plurality of pedicle screws selectively coupled to the plurality of slotted guides that are selectively secured to one or more bony anatomical structures; a pendulum mechanism selectively translatably and pivotably coupled to one of the plurality of slotted guides; and a connecting rod selectively translatably and pivotably coupled to one of the plurality of slotted guides; wherein the pendulum mechanism is selectively coupled to the connecting rod. The connecting rod is selectively secured to one or more of the plurality of pedicle screws.

Abstract: A vertebral plate assembly is configured to be attached to an existing plate assembly for fixation of at least a first vertebrate to a second vertebrate in a spinal column. The existing plate assembly fixates the second vertebrate to one or more other vertebrae in the spinal column. The vertebral plate assembly includes a vertebral plate having a length along a central axis extending between a first end and a second end. The second end is sized to sit on at least a portion of one end of the existing plate assembly.

Abstract: A spinal spacer for engagement between vertebrae includes a body extending between a substantially contoured first end surface and a second end surface to define side surfaces and opposing top and bottom vertebral engaging surfaces substantially symmetrical about a centerline axis. At least one opening defines a hollow inner body and includes first and second intersecting openings extending through the top and bottom vertebral engaging surfaces. The second intersecting opening extends through the side surfaces. The second end surface includes at least one aperture formed therethrough in communication with the hollow inner body. A screw opening is defined through at least one plate insert configured to be removably coupled to the second end surface to substantially align the screw opening with the at least one aperture. The bone screw is configured to be threadingly secured within the at least one plate insert.

Abstract: A new Intra-spinal decompression implant is introduced that comprises of two plate attachments to a titanium metal implant that fits between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in the lower back, decompressing the neuro elements. The invention has a number of new design features including: double axis adjustable side plates, stepped conical tipped body and piercing tips on side plates, among many mentioned in this disclosure, that improves the quality of the surgery and the result for the patient. More examples are given in this application.

Abstract: A system adapted to be implanted in a patient to stabilize a spinal column of the patient comprises an anchoring plate having a shape generally conformal with at least a portion of a lamina associated with a targeted vertebra of the spinal column. The anchoring plate is securable to the targeted vertebra by two or more screws. A mounting bracket adapted to receive an secure a rod is connected with the anchoring plate.

Abstract: An implant for filling and/or distracting a body region, particularly a non-soft tissue cavity, has a plurality of segments wherein at least two of the segments are flexibly connected. The segments have a crush-strength sufficient to create and/or maintain the distraction of two or more non-soft tissue body surfaces, and to maintain the stability of the body region. The implant may be inserted into a cavity by an applicator having a cannula with a distal opening, and a rotary driver for applying force to move the implant within the cannula.