Abstract: A bone fastening system may include a cannulated screw component, a seating component, and a holding component. The screw component may include a screw head arranged in the region of a proximal end of the screw component, and an elongate screw shaft extending from the screw head along a longitudinal axis towards a distal end of the screw component. The screw head may include a proximal surface on a front side facing the proximal end and a distal surface on a back side facing the distal end. A portion of the distal surface may form a contact surface. The seating component may include a central opening having an opening diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the screw shaft and smaller than the maximum diameter of the screw head.

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

Abstract: A device for treating a bone includes (a) an elongate body sized and shaped for insertion into a bone and extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, the elongate body including a channel extending therethrough and a coating along an outer surface thereof, the coating adapted to absorb a selected frequency of light such that, when the selected frequency of light is applied thereto, portions of the coating melt to form a mass; and (b) a first anchor member slidably mountable over the elongate body and movable therealong from a first position at the proximal end of the elongate body to a second position adjacent a bone into which the elongate body has been inserted to cooperate with the mass to fix the elongate body to the bone.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an expandable ring is provided including a continuous ring member having no splits or breaks. According to one exemplary embodiment, the expandable ring is a compliant mechanism configured to expand and contract due to a relative movement of related sections of the continuous ring member.

Abstract: A bone repair system and method for percutaneously fixing a first bone segment to a second bone segment, such as rib bone segments, in a body of a patient include drilling a first hole through the first bone segment and a second hole through the second bone segment, and feeding a first tether through the first hole and a second tether through the second hole, each tether having a proximal end and a distal end. The first and second tether distal ends are withdrawn from the body while the first and second tether proximal ends have not passed through the first and second bone segments, respectively. A reinforcing member, such as a bone plate, having first and second openings, is passed onto the first and second tether distal ends, and the reinforcing member is pulled into engagement with the first and second bone segments guided by the tethers.

Abstract: A connecting device is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, for example to connect a spinal rod and a vertebral screw or hook. The connector generally includes a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, and a grommet member for receiving a bone fixation member. The grommet member is inserted into the receiver member so that the receiver member and grommet member are rotatably connected. One or more disks may be placed between the receiver member and grommet member to assist in locking the device.

Abstract: An implant includes a body having an upper and lower ends, a longitudinal bore defined by a threaded interior surface, and a threaded exterior surface; at least one stabilizer arm associated with a corresponding longitudinal slot in the body, the stabilizer arm being hingedly attached to the body and having a bone gripping protuberance projecting laterally outward therefrom. The stabilizer arm is movable from a first position wherein the bone gripping protuberance is positioned within the bore and a second fully extended position wherein the bone gripping protuberance is positioned outside the threaded exterior surface of the body. The stabilizer arm is resiliently biased to the first position. A camming member is movable through the bore of the body from an initial position to a final position wherein the stabilizer arm is moved to the second stabilizer arm position.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device for anchoring in a bone comprises a hollow shaft having an outer surface including a first portion and a threadless second portion, the second portion having a larger outer diameter and a shorter axial length than the first portion; and a barb carrier having at least two barb elements. The shaft and the barb carrier can be moved relative to each other in such a manner that in a first configuration the barb elements of the barb carrier project beyond an outer surface of the shaft by a distance d1, and in such a manner that in a second configuration the barb elements of the barb carrier project beyond the outer surface of the shaft along the second portion of the shaft by a distance of d2, wherein d2>d1.

Abstract: An improved polyaxial mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism preferably works in conjunction with a bone plate and fixation mechanism, such as a screw, rod, or the like. The improved polyaxial mechanism increases the strength of the locking among the locking mechanism, fixation mechanism, and bone plate. In addition, the improved polyaxial mechanism allows for easy locking among the elements, as well as more difficulty in unlocking the elements. A method for utilizing the improved polyaxial mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pre-assembled orthopaedic implant adapted for improved gas sterilization. The implant includes a first component adapted for assembly with a second component such that a mating surface of the first component is in close proximity with a mating surface of the second component. At least one gas conduit associated with the mating surface of the first component facilitates a sterilizing gas to penetrate into and dissipate from the interface defined by the mating surfaces.

Abstract: Locking screw system includes screw and female threaded receiver that provide for and lock through interference fitting, which may be from major-major and/or minor-minor diameter interference. The system may be embodied as an orthopedic implant or implant component.

Abstract: An implant includes a body having an upper and lower ends, a longitudinal bore defined by a threaded interior surface, and a threaded exterior surface; at least one stabilizer arm associated with a corresponding longitudinal slot in the body, the stabilizer arm being hingedly attached to the body and having a bone gripping protuberance projecting laterally outward therefrom. The stabilizer arm is movable from a first position wherein the bone gripping protuberance is positioned within the bore and a second fully extended position wherein the bone gripping protuberance is positioned outside the threaded exterior surface of the body. The stabilizer arm is resiliently biased to the first position. A camming member is movable through the bore of the body from an initial position to a final position wherein the stabilizer arm is moved to the second stabilizer arm position.

Abstract: A pre-assembled orthopaedic implant adapted for improved gas sterilization. The implant includes a first component adapted for assembly with a second component such that a mating surface of the first component is in close proximity with a mating surface of the second component. At least one gas conduit associated with the mating surface of the first component facilitates a sterilizing gas to penetrate into and dissipate from the interface defined by the mating surfaces.

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 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: The present invention is directed generally to a bio-medical system(s) and method(s). More specifically, some embodiments may include system(s) and method(s) used in medical treatment(s). Various embodiments may include medical system(s) and method(s) that may use an anchoring mechanism and screw (bolt, etc.) arrangement that increases the strength of attachment. Some embodiments may further include, for example, an anchoring mechanism that expands upon insertion of a screw (bolt, etc.) into an opening. Some embodiments may include, for example, a system(s) and method(s) for improvement of structural tissue (e.g., bone, cartilage) fixation and safety. Further, some embodiments may also include, for example, an anchoring mechanism and screw (bolt, etc.) system that may be utilized in orthopedic procedures. Still some embodiments may further include system(s) and method(s) providing improved screw fixation and enhanced stabilization in structural tissue or fracture repair.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns an anchoring system for fixing a ligament graft in a bone tunnel. The invention concerns a hollow socket (1) to be anchored in the bone tunnel for passing through relay bands or suture. The socket has a cylindrical outer wall (6), a cylindrical or tapered inner wall (6?) and two orifices (11, 12), the inner wall being capable of enclosing and locking the bands via the action of a locking member inserted in the socket. The outer wall (6) is provided with means to be secured to the bone tunnel (32), for example a screw thread fitted to the bone anchoring device.

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

Abstract: A spinal mobility preservation apparatus and methods are disclosed. The spinal mobility preservation apparatus may include a proximal body, an intermediate body, a distal body, and an expandable membrane. The proximal body and the distal body secure the mobility preservation apparatus to adjacent vertebral bodies. At least one of an intermediate body and an expandable membrane secure the proximal body to the distal body and provide a degree of support to a spinal motion segment defined by the adjacent vertebral bodies. A single proximal body and an expandable membrane may also compose a spinal mobility preservation apparatus. The proximal body secured to one of a superior or an inferior vertebral body and the expandable membrane extending into the intervertebral disc space to support the spinal motion segment.

Abstract: A washer for use with a bone screw in the reduction and fixation of bone fragments includes a frusto-conical body having a leading end, a trailing end, an exterior surface and an interior surface. A central bore defined by the interior surface for insertion of a bone screw extends longitudinally through the washer. The interior surface is tapered resulting in the central bore's diameter being larger at the trailing end than at the leading end. The washer, when used in combination with a compression bone screw, improves seating of the bone screw head in the bone and results in enhanced compression.

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

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an expandable ring is provided including a continuous ring member having no splits or breaks. According to one exemplary embodiment, the expandable ring is a compliant mechanism configured to expand and contract due to a relative movement of related sections of the continuous ring member.

Abstract: A device serves for introducing an anchor element into a bone. A loop of a thread extends laterally from said anchor element. Said device comprises an elongate body having a distal end which can be inserted into said anchor element in a rotationally locked manner. A distal end portion of said elongate body has at least one cutting for inserting said loop protruding laterally from said anchor element. Said cutting being designed in such a way that said loop when inserted into said cutting is prevented from falling laterally away. Said elongate body further has a longitudinally extending recess in an area of said cutting. Said recess is designed as an opening extending right through said elongate body, such that said loop inserted into said cutting can be gripped from the outside.