Abstract: A spinal implant is provided having an elongate member with a longitudinal axis and threads extending over at least a portion of the outer surface thereof. The implant includes a stabilization feature associated with the elongate member that is selectively configurable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration in which the stabilization feature is oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. Also, at least a portion of the implant can include a fusion-promoting bioactive material. In another aspect, the invention includes methods for providing stabilization within a facet joint by delivery of an articulating intra-facet screw.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes an elongated first section having a distal end. A flexible member has an outer surface and defines an inner cavity configured for disposal of the distal end of the first section. An elongated second section defines a longitudinal axis and includes a wall that defines an interior cavity configured for disposal of the flexible member such that the distal end of the first section is disposed within the interior cavity of the second section. The outer surface of the flexible member engages the wall in a configuration such that the first section is pivotable to a plurality of axial orientations relative to the longitudinal axis of the second section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone screw set for fixing two bone fragments, especially for treating a scaphoid bone fracture or a scaphoid bone pesudoarthrosis, comprising a first bone screw (1) and at least one second bone screw (2). The first bone screw (1) is preferably embodied as a compression screw, and the first and second bone screws (1, 2) comprise interacting engagement means for fixing the second bone screw (2) in a position, in relation to the first bone screw (1), wherein at least part of the second bone screw protrudes from the cross-section of the first bone screw (1).

Abstract: An orthopedic fastener is designed to attach an implant to bone in such a manner that, until the fastener is tightened, the implant may be rotationally adjusted against the bone. The implant may have a semispherical bone apposition surface that permits polyaxial rotation of the implant against the bone. The orthopedic fastener has an interpositional member and a compression member. The interpositional member may be a split ring with a conical exterior surface that mates with a conical surface of the implant. The compression member has a threaded bore that engages a proximal end of a fixation member implanted in the bone such that, in response to rotation of the compression member, the interpositional member is sandwiched securely between the implant and the compression member. The conical surface of the implant compresses the interpositional member about a semispherical surface of the compression member, thereby restricting rotation of the implant.

Abstract: A horizontal-transvertebral curvilinear nail-screw (HTCN) including a body portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is opposed to the second end; and a head at the first end of the body portion, wherein the body portion has a predetermined curvilinear shape and includes a pointed tip at the second end of the body portion, and a method of surgically implanting universal horizontal-transvertebral curvilinear nail-screws (HTCN) into a plurality of adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A bone anchoring element is provided which has a shaft for anchoring in a bone. The shaft includes a tubular body having two open ends. At least one barb element is connected to the shaft. The barb element is cut into the tubular body. The barb element includes a free end and a base connecting the barb element to the shaft. The barb element has a first portion adjacent to the base and a second portion adjacent to the free end. The second portion is inclined relative to the first portion in a direction off said shaft.

Abstract: This equipment includes: bony anchoring members whereof at least one includes a proximal threaded stud for receiving a nut and a base portion for anchoring to a vertebra; one or two linking rods to be connected to the anchoring members and be attached to the vertebrae thereby parts for connecting the linking rod(s) to the anchoring members, and extension pieces for engaging on the proximal stud(s) of the anchoring member(s) for running down connecting parts on the stud(s) until they rest on the proximal zone(s) of the base portion(s) of the anchoring members. The stud of at least one anchoring member and the extension piece used therewith include positioning elements.

Abstract: A bone treatment device comprises a shaft having a tubular wall, a lumen extending within the tubular wall, openings through the tubular wall, and anchoring elements adjacent the openings that can be deployed out of the openings in the presence of an actuating force within the shaft lumen. The bone treatment device may further comprise an actuator configured to be received within the shaft lumen to deploy the anchoring elements out of the openings.

Abstract: A fracture fixation system is provided for a fracture of a head portion of a long bone which has subchondral bone defining a convex articular surface. The system includes a plate element positionable on the long bone substantially opposite the head portion of the long bone and on a first side of the fracture, and a post element extending from the plate and into the head portion and across the fracture. A support structure for supporting of the subchondral bone of the articular surface is coupled to the post.

Abstract: A medical device and apparatus comprising a primary anchor component comprising a circular end comprising a first opening; a primary shaft extending from the circular end and comprising a second opening; a primary tip end positioned opposite to the circular end; and an angled passageway connecting the first opening to the second opening. The angled passageway comprises means for engaging the notch causing the secondary shaft to bend at the notch. The apparatus further comprises a secondary anchor component insertable through the primary anchor component, wherein the secondary anchor component comprises a threaded end; a secondary shaft extending from the threaded end and comprising a notch that permits the secondary shaft to bend; and a secondary tip end positioned below the notch. The secondary tip end extends out of the second opening when the secondary anchor component is inserted into the primary anchor component.

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: A convertible threaded compression device connects a bone fragment to an anchor bone for a healing duration. The compression device has a distal bone penetration section which is advanced into the bone and a proximal bone exterior section. The proximal bone exterior section is longer than the bone penetration section. The bone penetration section includes a distal bone anchor section which threadingly engages the anchor bone, and a proximal fragment section which fits within the overbore created by the bone anchor section. A compression engagement on a distal end of the bone exterior section provides a compression shoulder. The shoulder makes substantial contact with an exterior surface of the bone fragment, biasing the bone fragment toward the anchor bone with a controlled compression force. The compression engagement enables the device to be easily removed from the healed fracture without damaging surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A locking or fastener system for joining or attaching a first workpiece spaced apart from a second workpiece. A threaded opening is provided in the first workpiece for receiving a screw/collar combination. The screw has a threaded end and a head end. The screw head is rotatingly attached within a cavity within the collar. External threads on the wall of the collar cooperate with the threads in the opening in the first workpiece. When the collar is secured to the first workpiece, the screw may be rotated to engage the second workpiece. By using a wrench having an outer body with extending blades and an inner rod having a screw face, the collar and screw may be tightened to join two spaced-apart workpieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical/dental devices for fixing bone fractures, anchoring of bones, or anchoring of prosthetics to bones. The device generally relates to molly bolts, expandable screws, or devices/screws with expansion or locking mechanisms. More particularly, the present invention concerns an implant assembly which includes a tubular body portion that can be positively secured within a bore in a bone or prosthetic by expander mechanism at both ends of the tubular body portion.

Abstract: System for determining the properties of tissue parts of a living organism, comprising an optoelectronic measuring device (10) and an attachment device (20) which is opaque to light and surrounds a measuring window (28) through which determinations are carried out. The device (20) has one or several components (26) for reproducibly attaching the measuring device (10) in a direction toward a first surface of the tissue. Other subject matters of the invention are an attachment device (20) and a method for determining the properties of tissue parts with the aid of the claimed system.