Abstract: A fixation device for securing tissue to a bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a hollow body defining a longitudinal passage, and a plug configured to be received in at least a portion of the passage.

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 threaded portion has an outer surface having a plurality of threads for engaging a hole formed in the patient's skull. 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 lumen portion to rotate independent of threaded portion.

Abstract: Compression screw apparatuses, systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the compression screw includes a primary screw and a secondary screw. The primary screw includes an at least partially threaded leading portion and an at least partially threaded trailing portion. The secondary screw includes outer threads and has a central opening which is also threaded and adapted for being screwed onto and matingly engaging the trailing portion of the primary screw. Drivers can be used to rotatably control the primary screw and the secondary screw to cause compression of spaced-apart material, particularly for compression of bone fragments across a fracture line.

Abstract: A screw, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tissue injury of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee or osteochondritis dissecans. The screw has a root, a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end, and a thread along at least a portion of the root between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a leading section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a trailing section between the leading section and the root's proximal end, the helical pitch decreases. The substantially constant pitch along the leading section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the screw.

Abstract: A cannulated screw is provided having internal threads in a lumen to accommodate a fortifying screw. The fortifying screw is screwed into the threads in the lumen of the cannulated screw after the cannulated screw has been accurately placed in the bone by following a guide pin or guide wire to the desired location is as is commonly done with cannulated screws. The fortifying screw fortifies the cannulated screw and gives it strength approximately equal to that of a solid screw.

Abstract: A facet screw system for surgical implantation into bone tissue having a shaft, a compression member and a washer. The shaft includes a shaft having a bone engaging portion and a compression member engaging portion. The compression member includes a spherical head portion having a recess for engaging with a driving instrument, and an elongated coupling portion having internal threads for coupling with the compression member engaging portion of the shaft and a washer coupled to the spherical head portion of the compression member and having a plurality of bone engaging protrusions. The washer is adapted to be polyaxially rotatable with respect to the compression member.

Abstract: A generic bone implant, or set of standardized implants, is created based on using a guide device to develop an axis normal to an articular surface of bone and collecting only one or two data points. A generic cutting tool is used to cut the bone to a point where a generic implant can be used. Several improved tools relating to the procedure for using such an implant, as well as methods for using implants consistent with the invention are further described, including: single-axis and biaxial drill guide tools and methods, generic single-axis implant methods and devices, generic biaxial implant methods and devices, tools and methods for holding or delivering an implant, removal or revision tools and methods, digital measuring systems and methods, and set of measuring gauges for determining the appropriate implant dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention relates invention relates to devices and methods for the fixation and stabilization of orthopedic fractures and more specifically to stabilization of compression fractures of spinal vertebrae. The systems comprise cannulated orthopedic screws and mechanical expandable implants introducible through the lumen of such screws. In certain embodiments the cannulated implants are expandable within an intraosseous space to introduce scaffold-like structures such that subsequent introduction of a bone cement forms a composite in situ. The devices and methods are also particularly useful for stabilizing the orthopedic screws.

Abstract: The invention disclosed a multi-axial expandable pedicle screw and an expansion method by using the same. Structure of the screw comprising a hollow screw being spherical shaped end connecting with an adapting piece, which is universal joint structure; an inner wall of the adapting piece connecting a lock bolt through screw threads; the hollow screw with sharp shaped on another end having a bore inside formed hollow structure in its entirety; the bore having taper shaped tip; expansion gaps uniformly setting up two, or three or four or more anterior fins on the hollow screw along its axial direction upward, prolonging from its tip to the bore; the inner needle is disposed in the bore. The invention can reduce the pedicle screw loose and even occurrence ratio of pull-out and increase the stability and reliability and reduce the failure rate of spinal surgeries at the same time. It is also easy to operate, and degree of expansion is of controllable level.

Abstract: A method of performing vertebral facet fusion by lateral approach and related devices. The lateral approach to facet fusion involves identifying the lateral mass and then introducing any of the fixation methods known or described herein laterally at one or more facets through the use of a hollow cannula. A surgical bone staple have a perforated bridge is used across the lateral facet joint where fixation is required. Where fusion is desired, a bone screw have lateral perforations of the shank is inserted through the bridge perforation at the joint to promote fusion. The staple and screw may be used in conjunction with one another or individually. The facet joint may be distracted prior to fixation to increase the foraminal space and decompress the neural structures to relieve pain. The method involves less surgical time, reduced blood loss and discomfort for the patient as compared to the posterior approach.

Abstract: A transfacet-pedicle locking screw fixation assembly includes a plurality of pedicle screws each including threads at a distal end and a connecting receptacle at a proximal end. The connecting receptacle is oriented perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw. A basic transfacet locking screw including threads at least at a distal end has the distal end engaging the connecting receptacle in one of the pedicle screws. The transfacet locking screw may also be interlocked with another transfacet locking screw.

Abstract: It is possible to satisfy all the requirements of minimal invasiveness with maximal permanent result by placing the invented implants (screw). The shape of the screw solves all mentioned technical problems that occurred thus far, i.e. it can be directed through a small gap in the skin by Kirschner's guide-wire (because the screw is hollow-canulated). The screw is larger in body, so a much greater force is needed for it to break. If it does break, it can be removed easier with less lesions to the surrounding bone tissue. At the point of the screw are trisect cuts (on the apex thread) which also make the lesion of the bone lesser as is as it is inserted in its position. Since the head of the screw is bigger and conical, without a narrow part leading to the screw-thread, the screw self-tightens into the bone, which makes the loosening rarer. The loosening is also rarer because of the shape of the screw-thread. The screw has the equal effect throughout the whole time it is implanted in the body.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: Provided is a novel system that includes an anterior vertebral body plate, suture lock bone screws, and an elongated suture lock to provide an interconnection for said bone screws, such that said system can be used for the fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine, the suture lock bone screws being connected one to the other by the elongated suture lock are prevented from unintentionally backing out of said plate. Also provided is a method of stabilizing cervical vertebrae using the disclosed system.

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: A cannular bolt that is used to inject a bone marrow paste into a vertebra, to stabilize vertebrae and has a body and a set screw. The body is screwed into the vertebra and has an outer end, an external thread, a coaxial channel and a crown bracket. The crown bracket is mounted around a shaft and is formed on the outer end of the body, and has two wings protruding from the outer end of the body, corresponding to each other and having an inner thread. The set screw is mounted in the bracket to fasten the shaft to the crown bracket. The crown bracket takes less space than the bracket of a conventional cannular bolt and is not easily obstructed by the spinous processes of vertebrae.

Abstract: The invention provides a bioabsorbable screw (1), suitable for use in orthopaedic surgery, and having cavities (8) disposed on the surface of the shaft. In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, grating (or abrading) means are provided, and the screw shaft may be hollow, to assist eves biodegradation of the screw. The use of low melting point polymers (particularly caprolactone) further allows the screw to be melted in-vivo, producing increased fixation strength.

Abstract: A suture anchor assembly with an anchor and a driver locatable in an axial longitudinal opening in the anchor, the driver having a through hole at its distal end. A suture is provided extending through the opening and outside of the anchor at its distal end, and passing proximally along longitudinal grooves on the outside of the anchor. Once the anchor has been inserted into a body, the driver can be withdrawn providing a loop of suture extending from the opening, plus the suture ends extending from the grooves.

Abstract: A helical screw dilator system and method including a helical screw dilator having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial length, the helical screw dilator including a piercing tip at the distal end; a threaded dilation portion operably connected to the piercing tip along the axial length, the threaded dilation portion having an outer surface increasing in circumference with distance from the distal end and having threads disposed about the outer surface; and a shaft between the threaded dilation portion and the proximal end and a guidewire lumen through the center to guide the system to its destination.

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 aspect, the present disclosure relates to a surgical device including an anchor body having an opening, the anchor body having a copolymer composition including polylactide-co-glycolide and calcium carbonate, wherein the calcium carbonate comprises more than 30% but less than 40% of the weight of the composition; and a flexible member passing through the opening, wherein deformation of the device occurs at body temperature. The present disclosure also relates to an oriented polymer material having a copolymer composition including a polylactide-co-glycolide and calcium carbonate, the calcium carbonate comprising more than 30% but less than 40% of the weight of the composition, wherein the material changes shape upon introduction to an environment having a temperature that is lower than a relaxation temperature of the material. A method of repairing soft tissue and other surgical devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for knotless fixation of tissue. A swivel anchor having a rotatable implant is used to capture suture for surgical tissue repair without requiring suture knots. The implant may be provided with a conical metal tip which is self-punching and avoids the need for pre-drilling a hole in bone. The implant includes a closed aperture to allow free sliding of a suture strand. The swivel anchor is secured in a hole in bone by advancing a fixation device, such as a cannulated interference screw, over the body of the implant.

Abstract: A system and methods for performing spinal fixation, including a spinal fixation system with at least rod member having shaped ends, at least two pedicle screws capable of receiving the shaped ends of the rod member, and a system for percutaneously introducing the rod member and pedicle screws to perform spinal fixation.

Abstract: A two-part screw system for use in bone repair and joint replacement includes a first portion and a second portion capable of mating with the first portion. The first portion includes a thread for engaging cancellous bone within a portion of a bone on one side of a fracture. The second portion is coupled to a retention mechanism that couples a portion of the bone on opposite sides of the fracture to a portion of the bone having the first portion of the two-part screw.

Abstract: An adjustable jacking implant useful in orthopedic surgery and associated methods are disclosed. The implant may be used to adjust the position of bones or other structures with respect to one another. In one embodiment, the implant may include a jack base, a jacking segment and a compressible spacer or sleeve. The implant may be inserted through a single stab or puncture entry. Jack base is placed in a first portion of a vertebra via a hole in an adjacent vertebra, in one embodiment, and the jacking segment is placed in the adjacent vertebra and connected to the base. After being connected, the depth of the adjustable portion of jacking segment in its vertebra determines the spacing between portions of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An interference screw comprising: an open helical coil having a proximal end and a distal end aligned along a longitudinal axis and defining an internal volume, with the internal volume communicating with the region exterior to the open helical coil through the spacing between the turns of the open helical coil; and at least one runner disposed within the internal volume and connected to multiple turns of the open helical coil.

Abstract: A cannulated driver including an elongate body having an internal wall defining a longitudinal bore extending substantially the entire length of the elongate body. A cannulated bone screw including a threaded shaft, a head, and a longitudinal bore extending entirely through the threaded shaft and the head of the cannulated bone screw. In one exemplary embodiment, the exterior surface of the head of the cannulated bone screw may include an indentation formed therein. The indentation may be any shape, such as a semi-circular shape. The indentation may be configured to mate with a corresponding projection on the internal wall of a cannulated driver to rotationally lock the cannulated bone screw relative to the cannulated driver.

Abstract: A pedicle screw and rod system for minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery that allows for ease of placement of a fusion rod on the heads of pedicle screws. The system includes extender tubes having a bore extending therethrough. The bore includes a cylindrical portion and a key portion. A slot is formed in the tube along the length of the tube and is open to the bore. The pedicle screws are threaded into the vertebra and the extender tubes are coupled to the heads of the screws so that the slots face each other. The rod is positioned in the slots and is slid down the bores to be coupled to the heads of the pedicle screws. Bolts are slid down the tubes and threaded to the heads of the pedicle screws to secure the rod thereto, and the extender tubes are removed.