Abstract: Methods of stabilizing the sacroiliac joint by placing an expandable device in the joint to generate laterally opposing forces against the iliac and sacral surfaces of the SI joint to securely seat the device in a plane generally parallel to the SI joint. The expandable device is coated with or otherwise contains a bone material to promote fusion of the joint. The expandable device used in methods of the present invention can be, for example, an expandable cage, a balloon, a balloon-expandable stent or a self-expanding stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screw for fixing vertebra comprising a cage as a prosthesis which can be extended to be protruded beyond an external diameter of a screw, and improving the drawback from detaching from the spine following surgical procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of performing a minimally invasive posterior spine fusion. More specifically an apparatus with a handle and a forked head on the distal end of the handle is used to grasp implant material and introduce the material to an implant site. The shaft of the apparatus is shaped so as to allow the affixation of a drill guide and drill while simultaneously holding the implant material in the implant site. After removal of the boring tools and assembly of the fusing element, the apparatus can be selectively removed from the implant site. A method of achieving facet joint fusion with near simultaneous fixation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A humeral prosthesis includes a stem component and a partial humeral head component. The partial humeral head component has a configuration that is similar to the curvature of the humeral head to allow the head to reconstruct the anatomy of the damaged humerus. The stem component is threaded and cannulated and engages the partial humeral head component. The stem component is configured to be inserted within the humeral diaphyseal channel.

Abstract: System for inserting an augmentation pin into an augmentation screw, comprising a pin inserter with an axial through-bore and a lateral opening, a pin-magazine with a pin-retainer for an augmentation pin, wherein the pin-magazine may be placed in the lateral opening of the pin-inserter and an augmentation pin in the pin-retainer may be aligned with the axial through-bore. The augmentation pin may be pushed by means of a pusher from the pin-magazine into an augmentation screw, when the augmentation screw is arranged in front of the pin-inserter.

Abstract: The invention features bone screws having a threaded screw body and a screw head attached to one end of the screw body, the bone screw further including: a) an interior channel extending longitudinally through the screw head and through at least a portion of the screw body, wherein the interior channel has a width of less than 5.0 millimeters; and b) a plurality of radially-disposed delivery channels connecting the interior channel to the exterior of the screw body, each delivery channel having exterior openings. The invention further features devices that include a bone screw and a delivery manifold detachably attached to the screw head of the bone screw. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone defect by using a bone screw described herein.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a shank body having an upper head portion with a mating segment and a first partial spherical surface, a retainer structure being mateable with the mating segment of the upper head portion, the retainer structure having a second partial spherical surface such that when mated, the first and second partial spherical surfaces form a spherical ball member, a receiver defining an open channel and having a base with a seating surface partially defining a cavity, the open channel communicating with the cavity, the cavity communicating with an exterior of the base through an opening sized and shaped to receive the shank upper head portion therethrough, and a bushing sized and shaped to fit within open channel and cavity, the bushing having a lower rounded surface engageable with a top surface of the spherical ball member formed by the shank and retainer structure.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a receiver, a shank, an articulation structure for retaining the shank in the receiver and a compression insert for engagement with a longitudinal connecting member such as a rod. The articulation structure includes substantially spherical convex and concave surfaces that slidably engage both shank and receiver surfaces to provide compound articulation between the receiver and the shank. The receiver includes inwardly directed spring tabs engaging the insert and prohibiting rotation of the insert within the receiver.

Abstract: A device and method for fixation of bone fractures has a bone screw comprising a shank with a threaded end portion, on the outer surface. The screw has a through bore with two bore portions differing in diameter. A step in the diameter is formed between these bore portions and is located within the end of the screw having the thread. This step in diameter can support a metal insert which in turn supports a polymer pin when the latter if pressurized with a sonotrode in the bone screw. Together with an applied ultrasonic vibration the pressure fluidizes the polymer pin and presses the material through holes configured in the wall of the bone screw and into surrounding bone.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for a bone screw and self-retaining driver. The system includes a mechanism that enables a bone screw to be rigidly attached to a screwdriver for manipulation and transfer of bone fragments and grafts to a fixation site, such as during surgery. The system includes a cannulated bone screw that has a drive connection that engages with a drive structures of a screwdriver. The bone screw also includes a structural connector that securely attaches to or receives an internal shaft or rod of the screwdriver. The internal shaft or rod of the screwdriver can rotate and slide independent of an outer shaft of screwdriver. Accordingly, the internal shaft of the screwdriver can rigidly connect with the bone screw enabling applied torque to the screwdriver to be transferred to the bone screw, without the bone screw falling off of the drive connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fracture fixation device, such as for reducing and compressing fractures in the proximal femur. The fixation device includes an elongate body with a helical cancellous bone anchor on a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device. The device is rotated into position across the fracture or separation between adjacent bones and into the adjacent bone or bone fragment, and the proximal anchor is distally advanced to apply secondary compression and lock the device into place. The device may also be used for soft tissue attachments.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a sinus tarsi implant with an inverted thread profile having a lip or lips at the thread crest. The lips may help hold tissue in-growth and give greater purchase to the implant. The implant may also include voids that traverse threads. The voids may create an open area for soft tissue to grow into. The voids may be relatively small and consequently promote faster tissue in-growth. Thus, the lips and/or voids limit migration. They do this without creating sharp edges or pressure points (or at least limiting such creation) that are typically associated with techniques (e.g., cutting deep negative thread spaces) used to prevent migration. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention limit migration while also limiting patient discomfort. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone anchor which has thread characteristics on the distal shaft adjacent the tip suitable for engaging bone cement and different thread characteristics on the proximal shaft adjacent the head suitable to engage and secure the anchor to natural cancellous and cortical bone. The thread on the distal shaft is designed to engage and secure the anchor to bone cement embedded within the bone without fracture of the bone cement. In particular embodiments, the distal shaft bears two threads which merge to form a single proximal thread on the proximal shaft, the distal threads having half the pitch of the proximal thread.

Abstract: A method is for implanting Bone Screw: screwing into a threaded bore in a distal portion of Implantation Instrument a rear threaded portion of Screw having a front threaded portion separated from the rear portion by an unthreaded middle portion, Screw including a central bore hole therethrough dimensioned to accommodate a guide wire; inserting the wire into a first target portion of bone; inserting Instrument over the wire such that the front threaded portion is adjacent to the first target portion; rotating Instrument to insert the front threaded portion into the first target portion while a locking component is engaged to prevent rotation of Screw relative to Instrument; and rotating Screw with the tool to drive Screw further into the first target portion to a desired depth and out of engagement with Instrument while the component is disengaged to permit rotation of Screw relative to Instrument.

Abstract: A dynamic bone fixation element can include a sleeve elongate along a first direction and a fixation member. The sleeve can define a channel that extends from a proximal end through to a distal end along the first direction. The channel has a first cross-sectional dimension. The fixation member has a head, a shaft extending from the head and elongate along a second direction, and an abutment member extending from the shaft and integral with the shaft, wherein the shaft extends through the channel such that the sleeve is captured between the abutment member and the head. At least a portion of the shaft that is within the channel has a second cross-sectional dimension that is less than the first cross-sectional dimension such that the fixation member is moveable with respect to the sleeve along a direction that has a directional component transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: A method for the long-term delivery of fluids to a bone of a patient includes providing a cannulated bone screw and an insert configured to be coupled to the bone screw. The method further includes creating an aperture in the skin of a patient, inserting the bone screw into a bone of the patient through the aperture, and coupling the insert to the bone screw. The method further includes the steps of providing a fluid source, coupling the fluid source to the insert, and delivering a fluid from the fluid source to the insert.

Abstract: A bone screw, for drawing first and second bone fragments together, includes a shaft having a distal section and a proximal section. The distal section has a first external male screw thread and a minor diameter. The proximal section has a second external male screw thread. A major diameter of the distal section is larger than a major diameter of the proximal section. The bone screw includes a sleeve that has an internal female screw thread configured to mate with the second male screw thread. A distal portion of the sleeve has an outer diameter. The outer diameter is equal to or smaller than the minor diameter of the distal section of the shaft.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes an interference device and a fixation device coupled to the interference device, wherein the fixation device includes a coupling portion and a capturing portion. Other assemblies and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching soft tissue to bone is provided. In general, the apparatus includes an expandable body that is configured to expand into bone, and an expander pin that is adapted to be driven into the expandable body. The device can also include a tissue attachment apparatus that can be used to secure tissue to the device, thereby providing a method for attaching tissue to bone.

Abstract: A lock pin type central nail device has a hollow screw and a central nail, the external revolution surface of the hollow screw is provided with a first external thread segment, a central hole is arranged in the hollow screw in a axially penetrating manner, and the central nail is adaptively mounted into the central hole of the hollow screw, so that the hollow screw and the central nail (20) are mounted together.

Abstract: A biocompatible interference screw for soft tissue or bone-to-bone fixation comprises a screw body extending from a screw head to a distal tip of the screw. The screw body has an outer surface, and comprises polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) material. Advantageously, the body outer surface has a textured surface finish for substantially improving pull-out strength of the interference screw. The textured surface finish is textured, in preferred embodiments, with a minimum of approximately 16 micro inches of surface roughness. The screw head comprises a tapered square keyhole for receiving a distal end of a driver instrument. The screw comprises a series of threads, which have a relatively smooth profile, in order to prevent graft tissue laceration as the screw is being inserted. The distal tip of the screw body comprises a narrow tip, and a distal end of the screw body is angled inwardly toward the narrow distal tip.

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

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system having a pedicle screw which includes (i) a shaft with external threads and a head segment on one end of the shaft; (ii) a first drive socket positioned in the head segment; (iii) a second drive socket on a shaft end opposite the first drive socket; and (iv) wherein the shaft end opposite the first drive socket has a lesser diameter than the shaft end at the head segment. The system further includes an intervertebral stabilization structure having an elongated body with rotating ring segments attached to each end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A pressurized syringe used to inject a viscous liquid through an adapter attached to a bone filler adapter into a cannulated surgical screw utilizing the cannulated surgical screw as a port to inject bone void filler into a bone void within a bone cavity during the course of a surgical repair to attach, repair and secure broken or separated bone fragments and providing a more secure bone anchor matrix within which the surgical screw is set.

Abstract: An orthopaedic screw having a plurality of regions, at least one of which may be porous. The orthopaedic screw includes a head, a tip and at least one thread. The porosity of the screw of the present invention can vary within the part or region, including changes in pore shape, size and density. These characteristics can vary along the length of the screw axis and/or radially (from the outer diameter to the axis). The orthopaedic screw may further include at least one solid region formed of any implantable polymer, reinforced polymer or metal.

Abstract: Device for selective biological synthesis of a bone tissue including a screw for the stabilization of a fracture or of a porotic bone tissue, wherein said screw is arranged along an axis (X), substantially longitudinal with respect to said screw, and it is constituted by an extended body, from a first end or tip and from a second end or head, wherein at least said extended body and said second end or head include a longitudinal channel, wherein said extended body has at least one hole or slot, wherein said device includes a pin inserted into the longitudinal channel and provided with means for releasable connection with said screw, for reinforcing the device and for the releasable closure thereof.

Abstract: An external fixation assembly includes a plurality of hollow pins that are inserted into a patient's bone. Each pin has an interior bore and a plurality of apertures extending through the pin wall from the bore. The pin may be coupled to a source of vacuum pressure operable to create reduced pressure in the tissue surrounding the pin. A cover is placed around the pin and sealed to provide a fluid-tight enclosure that maintains reduced pressure around the pin. A method for applying external fixation using the fixator pins described above includes the steps of inserting each pin through a skin opening, positioning the pin apertures near selected tissue, covering the skin opening with a sealed enclosure, connecting the pins to a source of vacuum pressure, and activating the source of vacuum pressure to create reduced pressure in the patient's tissue at or near the bone.

Abstract: A bone screw includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a shaft portion. The shaft portion is fixedly joined to the front portion and the rear portion, so as to form an integral bone screw. The Young's modulus of the shaft portion is smaller than that of the front portion and that of the rear portion.

Abstract: Screws for anchoring in cancellous or other low-quality bone are described. One type of screw addresses the problem of extravasation of bone cement when filling an area of low-quality bone. The screw includes an expandable container for retaining bone cement and anchoring the screw in low-quality bone. The screw also includes an anchoring device for holding the screw in place in the bone while it is supplied with bone cement or other appropriate filler. The screw further includes a head for connecting to a rod or other apparatus. A second type of screw uses an expandable container to deform two or more fins to compress cancellous bone and/or anchor in cancellous bone.

Abstract: A retraction device comprises at least one retracting blade and a pedicle screw. The retracting blade has a distal end having at least one projection with a passage for engaging a retention pin. The pedicle screw has a threaded body and a movable head. The movable head has at least one recess with a channel that can be aligned with the passage of the projection.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for bone fixation are presented. In one aspect, presented herein is a screw for bone fixation, an insertion tool, and a method for stabilization across a bone joint of the spine. The bone screw has an elongate shank defining an internal longitudinal passage. The screw has an external threaded surface and a tapered distal end. The insertion tool engages the head of the screw and is used to drive the screw into the desired bone joint.

Abstract: A cannulated compression screw is used as an orthopedic implant and has a threaded distal end with an insertion tip that includes at least one and preferably two, three or four flutes to allow the screw to be self-tapping. Optionally, the screw also includes one or more reverse cutting flutes proximal to the insertion tip. The distal threads are cancellous threads having a generally constant minor diameter and a generally constant major diameter and a generally constant thread pitch. An intermediate portion of the screw is non-threaded and the proximal end includes a compression wedge or taper that has at least one, and preferably two to five flutes that terminate before the top of the screw. The proximal end further includes a radiused bevel to the terminal surface that includes a hexagonal torque driving recess. The diameter of the non-threaded shaft section is constant distal from the compression wedge to the distal tip where it defines the minor diameter of the threaded portion.

Abstract: A bone screw has a screw head and a threaded shank. An axial bore into which a plurality of radial bores set at a distance from each other open, extends through the threaded shaft. The axial bore is open at the screw head side end, and the radial bores are also open at the radially outer end. The axial bore is closed in an axial direction in the area of the end of the screw shank that lies opposite the screw head.

Abstract: A medical implant assembly includes a polyaxial bone anchor having a shank with an upper portion, a receiver, a retainer for holding the shank upper portion in the receiver, a lower compression insert with surfaces for closely receiving an elongate connecting member and a closure structure that may independently engage the lower compression insert to lock the shank with respect to the receiver while selectively not locking the elongate member. Projections or splines of the shank upper portion mate with holding pockets on the retainer. The bone anchor includes a shank upper surface exclusively engaging the lower compression insert that is spaced from the retainer, the retainer and shank being configured for polyaxial motion with respect to the receiver prior to locking.

Abstract: Surgical fasteners that combine mechanical and osteogenic means of fixation to maximize in vivo stability and long-term performance. The fastener generally includes a head and a shaft. The fastener is fenestrated and includes a channel that leads into one or more openings along the shaft. Bone void filling materials is delivered through the channel to the shaft to improve anchoring. In one embodiment, the osteogenic means comprise a coating applied to the fastener to improve bony apposition. The fastener with combined mechanical and osteogenic means provides initial, immediate anchoring and long term anchoring.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for bone screw fixation. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices provide a bone fixation device that includes a receiving head having a recess adapted to seat a spinal rod therein and a shank extending distally from the receiving head. An anti-rotation mechanism can be located distal of a distal end of the receiving head and around a proximal portion of the shank, and it can be configured to interact with bone to prevent rotation of at least a portion of the bone fixation device relative to the bone.

Abstract: A method of performing a computer-assisted orthopaedic procedure includes securing a sensor support instrument to the patient's bone. A number of sensors are secured to the support instrument. A computer-assisted orthopaedic surgical instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical bone screw includes an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, a threaded portion on the circumference of the body, and a passage extending between the proximal and the distal ends of the body. An electrical conductor is disposed in the passage between the proximal and the distal ends of the screw body. The conductor has a first terminal at the proximal end and a second terminal at the distal end. The conductor and both of the terminals are electrically insulated from surrounding portions of the screw body. When the screw is driven into bone tissue and a stimulating current is applied to the first terminal, the current is directed substantially through the conductor to flow into tissue adjacent to the second terminal at the distal end, without shunting by other tissue that surrounds the screw body.

Abstract: An orthopedic screw system. The screw system comprises an outer member and an inner screw. The outer member has a longitudinal inner channel that defines an interior sidewall and is provided with screw threads on its exterior and interior sidewalls. An inner screw has threads constructed and arranged to engage with those on the interior sidewall, such that the inner screw may be secured within the inner channel. When secured within the inner channel, at least a portion of the length of the inner screw extends beyond the outer member. Methods of installing the orthopedic screw system into osteoporotic or otherwise weakened bone are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised generally of a curved assembly for use in reattaching bone segments created by fracture or for mating bone fragments in other reconstructive procedures. The present invention further comprises a curved drill to create the hole into which the curved screw is attached. Preferably, the curved screw and drill of the present invention are designed such that they can be used singularly or in combination with a bone plate to support bone fragments and prevent them from moving with respect to the plate.

Abstract: Orthopaedic devices are disclosed. The devices include a part that is made of extracellular matrix material that has been hardened. One method of hardening the extracellular matrix is to comminute naturally occurring extracellular matrix and dry the comminuted material. The hardened extracellular matrix material can be machined to form a variety of orthopaedic devices.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a receiver, a shank, an articulation structure for retaining the shank in the receiver and a compression insert for engagement with a longitudinal connecting member such as a rod. The articulation structure includes substantially spherical convex and concave surfaces that slidably engage both shank and receiver surfaces to provide compound articulation between the receiver and the shank. The receiver includes inwardly directed spring tabs engaging the insert and prohibiting rotation of the insert within the receiver.

Abstract: A cranial bolt secured to a skull of a patient includes a threaded portion and a lumen portion. Threaded portion has an inner surface forming a central passageway which extends throughout the threaded portion. The inner surface includes a connector mating with the lumen portion. The lumen portion includes a stem portion that enters the central passageway and engages the mating connector. A fluid tight seal is formed between the inner surface of the threaded portion and the stem portion. At least two lumens are disposed through the stem portion and the base portion. The lumens have a proximal end opening outside the skull and a distal end opening inside the skull. One embodiment includes sensor lumens diverging from the centerline and another allows the lumen portion to rotate independent of the threaded portion.

Abstract: A collapsible bone screw for healing bone fragments across a bone fracture includes an externally threaded inner screw member and an externally threaded outer screw member. The inner screw member is initially screwed into an inner bone portion. An unthreaded portion of the outer screw member is movably joined to the inner screw member. The outer screw member is screwed until it gains purchase in an outer bone portion. As impaction occurs over time, the collapsible bone screw apparatus may shorten in length as the two screw members slide, telescope or otherwise axially move toward each other to shorten the overall length, thereby preventing any portion of the screw apparatus from protruding out of the bone. A bone screw kit of multiple inner and outer screw members are provided as well as a method of surgically fastening bone fragments.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition for implantation in a patient, comprising surface-functionalized nanodiamonds and at least one biodegradable biocompatible polymer. The present invention also includes a surgical fixation device for use in a patient.

Abstract: A self-expanding bone screw anchor assembly adapted to allow the screw body to engage the bone and the anchor to attach thereto. The anchor assembly is adapted to be universally deployed with a variety of installation tools.

Abstract: A bone screw is described which includes a one-piece threaded screw body composed at least partially of a rigid foam. The screw body is headless and includes a bore extending therethrough to define a cannula and thereby providing the screw body with an annular shape defining a radial wall thickness. At least a central portion of the screw body is formed of the rigid foam which defines a matrix having a plurality of inter-connected pores therein. The inter-connected pores are disposed throughout the complete radial wall thickness of the screw body from an outer surface of the screw body to an inner surface thereof within the cannula, such as to permit bone in-growth through the complete radial wall thickness of the annular screw body. The inter-connected pores and the cannula thereby respectively allow bone in-growth through the complete radial wall thickness and the full axial length of the screw body.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body member having an upper portion with an internal drive and, alternatively, a laterally extending alignment rib or fin. The bone screw assembly also includes a lockable receiver coupling member, an open retainer ring member having a slit or gap and a compression insert member. An inset conical or cylindrical surface on the shank upper portion frictionally engages a similarly shaped inner surface of the retainer ring. The receiver includes a restrictive lower opening that allows for uploading the shank upper portion and compressed retainer ring into the receiver cavity, but prevents passage of the retainer ring out of the receiver once the ring inner surface engages the conical surface of the shank upper portion.

Abstract: A bone screw is created, with a thread section (1) with a tip (6) at a first end and a head (8) for engaging with a screwdriver at the opposite second end, which serves as traction element to connect shattered or split off parts of bones to one another. So that fusion of the screw with the bones can take place, the thread section (1) is constructed as tubular and its wall has a plurality of recesses.