Abstract: The devices and methods can provide short-term strength and rigidity and long-term stability and support after a bone and/or ligament injury in a single procedure. An orthopedic fixation device may include a body having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween. The body may include a first portion, a second portion and a shaft portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The shaft portion may include one or more bioabsorbable materials. The body may include an internal channel disposed along the length. The device may also include a suture being disposed within the internal channel.

Abstract: Various exemplary systems and devices for knotless anchor insertion and methods of knotless anchor insertion are provided. In general, an inserter tool is configured for knotless anchor insertion in a soft tissue repair surgical procedure. The inserter tool is configured to insert an anchor into a bone of a patient to secure a soft tissue relative to the bone. A suture coupled to the soft tissue is secured relative to the bone by being trapped between an exterior surface of the anchor and a bone surface defining a hole in the bone in which the anchor is positioned.

Abstract: Surgical constructs and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. The soft tissue repair constructs include a fixation device, a flexible strand, and a shuttle/pull device attached to the flexible strand and provided within the body of the fixation device. A splice is formed by pulling on the shuttle/pull device to allow desired tensioning of soft tissue to be fixated or repaired relative to the bone.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a spinal joint with a facet joint replacement. The prosthesis can include a first component having a first articulating surface and a second component having a second articulating surface. The first component is attached to a superior articulating facet and the second component is attached to an inferior articulating facet. The first articulating surface and the second articulating surface articulate with each other and allow for multiple degrees of movement of the facet joint without fusing the joint.

Abstract: Surgical constructs and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. The soft tissue repair constructs include a fixation device, a flexible strand, and a shuttle/pull device attached to the flexible strand and provided within the body of the fixation device. A splice is formed by pulling on the shuttle/pull device to allow desired tensioning of soft tissue to be fixated or repaired relative to the bone.

Abstract: A screw suitable for use specifically in the field of oral dental surgery consists of a bioresorbable material and comprises a drive that can be broken off by means of a predetermined breaking point and/or has a thickened shaft below the contact surface of a cap of the head of the screw.

Abstract: A tightening screw for osteosynthesis, including a screw thread that is arranged along a main axis, and including, at its distal end, a recess that has regular shapes about the main axis which are distributed angularly and are suitable for receiving complementary shapes of a screwdriver engaging therewith; the rear face of the screw is inclined in relation to a transverse plane of the screw, the screw being characterized in that the recess in the screw includes at least one specific shape that is different from the other, regular shapes.

Abstract: An intramedullary pin includes a main body having a proximal boundary and a distal boundary; a curved extension having a degree of curvature of at least 1°, the curved extension being in direct contact with the distal boundary; a distal cap having a cylindrical portion and a rounded portion, the cylindrical portion being in direct contact with the curved extension; a grip element having at least one contour, the grip element being in direct contact with the proximal boundary; and a proximal cap having a flat surface, the proximal cap being in direct contact with the grip element. Also disclosed is a clamp that includes a handle, two blades, a pivot, and a plurality of grasping elements including a notch, at least one protrusion, and a groove, where one or more grasping elements have a contour that is structurally complementary to the grip element in the intramedullary pin. A method of immobilizing a bone fracture using the intramedullary pin and/or clamp is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone manipulator system incorporates a bone manipulator and bone plate that enables two degrees of motion to position a fractured bone, including axial and lateral translation of a bone portion. The bone manipulator system incorporates a bone plate having a plurality of apertures and a bone manipulator having a fastener-arm and a foot-arm for engagement with the bone plate. The fastener coupler of the fastener-arm is configured for rotational engagement with a fastener inserted through one of the apertures of the bone plate and secured into the bone thereunder. The foot-arm has a flared foot end for engagement with a separate aperture of the bone plate. The fractured bone is manipulated by movement of the bone plate by the flared foot end while the bone plate slides and/or rotates about the fastener in the slotted aperture.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a bone screw for use in orthopedic procedures. The bone screw includes a shank portion having a helical thread and a head portion also having a helical thread. The head portion has a reverse frustoconical shape, with the conical taper decreasing in the proximal direction.

Abstract: The technology includes an anchor assembly for tissue repair having an open helical coil sleeve and a tip structure. The tip structure includes an aperture for passing a suture and a suture capture member for capturing a suture. The technology also includes an anchor driver for installing an anchor into bone. The anchor driver includes an outer shaft and a sleeve advancement member for advancing the sleeve as well as an inner shaft and a suture capture advancement member for advancing the suture capture member. The technology also includes a system for tissue repair having an anchor assembly and an anchor driver for installing the anchor assembly into bone.

Abstract: A connection tool for a tongue manipulation device system includes a connector for coupling to a tongue advancer tether, a tension meter coupled to the connector, and a tensioner for applying a tension or pulling force to the connector via the tension meter. The tension meter is further configured to indicate when a determined tension or pulling force is applied to the connector such that the tongue advancer tether is kept taut.

Abstract: Driver assemblies are configured to protect a threaded sleeve of an anchor from damage due to over-insertion. An internal spring permits axial retraction of an outer shaft coupled to the sleeve independent of the inner shaft and the handle. Connection members extending along the spring create an axial stop between a drive housing and a center housing of the driver assembly. The drive housing is allowed to travel proximally in response to axial loading against the spring, while travel distally is limited by the engagement between the connection members and receivers on the center housing.

Abstract: A screw anchor assembly is a screw anchor assembly used in spinal screw fixation, and includes a screw having screw threads in a lengthwise direction, and a screw anchor which is inserted into a predefined position of spine, and has anchor threads on an inner surface defining a receiving part into which the screw is inserted, the receiving part being expanded during screw coupling with the screw, wherein the screw anchor includes a plurality of divisions formed along a lengthwise direction, and has overlapping parts between adjacent divisions in the plurality of divisions.

Abstract: A surgical anchor and methods of use are disclosed. A variety of surgical techniques may be practiced to repair torn connections between soft tissue, such as tendons and ligaments, and bone. The surgical anchor simplifies the surgical techniques by channeling repair sutures from the soft tissue through a bore in the surgical anchor and then immobilizing the repair sutures between the surgical anchor and the bone.

Abstract: A bone manipulator system incorporates a bone manipulator and bone plate that enables two degrees of motion to position a fractured bone, including axial and lateral translation of a bone portion. The bone manipulator system incorporates a bone plate having a plurality of apertures and a bone manipulator having a fastener-arm and a foot-arm for engagement with the bone plate. The fastener coupler of the fastener-arm is configured for rotational engagement with a fastener inserted through one of the apertures of the bone plate and secured into the bone thereunder. The foot-arm has a flared foot end for engagement with a separate aperture of the bone plate. The fractured bone is manipulated by movement of the bone plate by the flared foot end while the bone plate slides and/or rotates about the fastener in the slotted aperture.

Abstract: A system for supporting ribs is provided that includes first and second reinforcing members, fasteners, and closure members. Each reinforcing member may be attached to a respective rib via fasteners such that the reinforcing member spans one or more fractures of the ribs. In addition to individually holding the portions of the rib bone together to allow the fracture to heal, however, the reinforcing members may be used on rib pairs such that closure members may be wrapped around or extended between the rib pair in an effort to stabilize the ribs. By providing extended regions configured to receive closure members, healing of the ribs may be promoted and facilitated without creating unnecessary other pain to the patient, as the rounded portions serve to keep the closure members away from the neurovascular bundles associated with the ribs.

Abstract: In the context of bone surgery and in particular arthroscopic surgery, there is frequently a need for the application of “percussive force” to the distal end component(s) of a surgical device, i.e., repetitive percutient or striking force analogous to that of a hammer driving a nail. Disclosed herein are mechanisms and methods for automating and/or controlling the application of such a percussive force so as to avoid the present need in the art for a “third hand”. The present invention addresses the significant and long felt need by providing a powered percussive driver device that may be controlled directly by the primary surgeon.

Abstract: System, including methods and devices, for bone fixation with a pin and a collar. In exemplary embodiments, the system may comprise a pin configured to be inserted into a bone, and a deformable collar to retain the pin in the bone. The collar may be configured to be operatively disposed on the pin such that the collar extends more than halfway and less than completely around the pin. The pin and the collar may have complementary surface features that discourage sliding of the collar along a long axis of the pin. In some embodiments, the collar may be configured to be operatively disposed on the pin at a plurality of discrete, alternative axial positions along the long axis of the pin. The pin may be cut to a desired length.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and a method for affixing soft tissue to bones. The system for fixing soft tissue within a bone tunnel comprising a first fixation member having a proximal end and a distal end and a bore extending from said proximal end to said distal end, said first fixation member is adapted for insertion against a first portion of a soft tissue positioned within a bone tunnel, a second portion of said soft tissue emerging from said bone tunnel; a second fixation member adapted to engage said bore of said first fixation member, having means for restraining disengagement therewith and a proximal end; and a third fixation member adapted to engage said second portion of said soft tissue, having means for coupling onto said proximal end of said second fixation member and restraining disengagement therewith.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing orthopedic surgical procedures to treat a patient are presented herein. The orthopedic anchoring system may include an implant assembly and a delivery tool to perform the orthopedic surgical procedure. The implant assembly may include an implant outer layer, an implant body situated within the implant outer layer, and a fastener attached to a locking element of the implant body. The delivery tool may include a targeting arm, a fastener guide removably attached at a first end of the targeting arm and an implant guide removably attached to a second end of the targeting arm. The delivery tool may maintain a fixed spatial relationship between a longitudinal axis of the fastener and a longitudinal axis of the implant outer layer and implant body. The orthopedic anchoring system may be used to perform orthopedic surgical procedures related to joint reinforcement or immobilization.

Abstract: A load sharing rip-stop construct and technique for soft tissue repair, particularly rotator cuff repair. A suture tape is inserted through the soft tissue (rotator cuff) at a first location. At least one suture anchor is inserted into bone, adjacent the soft tissue, the anchor being loaded with at least one length of an suture with two ends. The ends of the suture are passed through the soft tissue at a second location which is medial to the first location, and secured in bone at the second location with an anchor. The suture tape is then passed over the soft tissue and secured into the bone at a third location which is lateral to the first and second locations. The suture tape acts as a “rip-stop,” not only providing resistance to tissue cutout for the suture, but also enhancing load distribution.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and method for assuring that connection regions (e.g., threaded regions) of stabilization devices are clear of bone filling materials such as bone cements. A stabilization device may be referred to as a bone stabilization device or an anchor, and may be a self-expanding device configured for insertion into bone. One exemplary clearing device is configured as a plunger-type device for clearing the connector region by scraping and/or rubbing the surface of the connector region. A clearing device may include a handle, a rod and a connector end that is configured to mate with the connector of a stabilization device. The connector end may include one or more scraping surfaces (e.g., edges) and may include a vacuum port for removing material such as scraped bone cement.

Abstract: A reinforcing implant for the lamina of a vertebra includes a transverse support, one anchoring device for the right-hand side and one anchoring device for the left-hand side of the lamina of the vertebra. An expansion element with a guide device and cheek elements is provided, the cheek elements being mounted to be longitudinally movable along the guide device. Bearing surfaces for the lamina are formed on outer faces of the cheek elements directed away from each other, and a return stop for the cheek elements is provided. At least one of the cheek elements is provided with an aligning device for modifying the orientation of its bearing surface relative to the guide device. In this way, a secure anchoring of the reinforcing implant on the resected surfaces produced during a laminectomy can be achieved, with precise adaptation of the reinforcing implant to the actual anatomical conditions following the laminectomy.

Abstract: Expandable fixation assemblies, expandable cranial fixation assemblies, and expandable intervertebral implant assemblies are provided for securing structures to bone and for securing bones and/or bone segments with respect to each other. An expansion member can be moved through at least a portion of an expandable fixation body, thereby causing expansion of the expandable fixation body, such that bone engagement features of the expandable fixation body engage surrounding structure, such as bone.

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 graft fixation device comprising a sheath having a body that defines an inner longitudinal bore and a member for insertion within the bore. The sheath includes at least two projections movably connected to the sheath body by a distal hinge. The distal hinge causes the projection to pivot inwardly as the sheath is placed in a bone tunnel, and to be displaceable radially outwardly of the sheath body upon insertion of the member within the bore.

Abstract: A device for repairing a bone fracture that is inserted intrafocally and deployed to properly position the facture. The device includes an implant inserted intrafocally as a low profile fold and is then deployed to positione the fracture.

Abstract: A sternal closure clamp device assembly for securing and retaining longitudinally divided halves of a sternum, the assembly having at least two sternal clamps retained by clamp receiving members, the clamp receiving members being joined by a linking assembly whereby the distance between the clamps can be adjusted and fixed.

Abstract: Provided is a dynamic bone anchor comprising an anchor member (1, 1?, 1?) having a tubular body defining an anchor axis (C), the anchor member comprising a plurality of barb elements (13), wherein each barb element (13) is moveable between a first position adjacent to a surface of the tubular body and a second position farther from the surface of the tubular body than the first position and wherein at least a portion of a free cutting edge (13c) of the barb elements is inclined at an angle corresponding to a helical angle that extends for at least one full turn around the anchor axis (C), and wherein the anchor member is made at least partially of a first material that comprises a Ni—Ti based shape memory alloy; and a longitudinal core member being at least partially provided in the tubular body and having a first portion (23, 23?, 23?; 3, 3?) that is not connected to the anchor member such that the anchor member is movable relative thereto and a second portion (25, 22a) that is connected to the anchor mem

Abstract: A dynamic bone anchor is provided comprising an anchor member (1, 1?, 1?) having a first end (11) and a second end (12) and a tubular section (13) between the first end and the second end, a longitudinal axis (L) extending from the first end to the second end, an outer surface and a bone engagement structure (14) for engaging the bone in at least a portion of the outer surface; and a longitudinal core member (2, 2?, 2?, 2??) being at least partially provided in the tubular section (13) and being connected to the anchor member at a second portion (22a) of the core member and having a first portion (21a) that is not connected to the anchor member and that is movable with respect to the anchor member, characterized in that the core member is made at least partially of a first material that comprises a Ni—Ti based shape memory alloy, preferably the first material is Nitinol.

Abstract: Assemblies for implantation across one or more spinal motion segments to allow for control of the distance between bone anchors. Control of distance between bone anchors may be provided by one inter-anchor element pushing the pair of bone anchors apart and a second inter-anchor element pulling the pair of bone anchors together. Control of distance between bone anchors may be provided through use of dissimilar thread pitch. Compression of intervertebral disc space through controlled movement of a pair of anchored bone anchors towards one another.

Abstract: A dental implant assembly comprises an elongated tubular body adapted for securement within a bore in a jaw bone of a patient. The body has an expandable bottom portion. The expandable bottom portion has an outer thread on an outer surface. The outer thread has a major diameter that gradually increases from a first major diameter near a bottom end of the body to a second major diameter near a top end of the bottom portion. The top end of the bottom portion is located between the bottom top ends of the body. An expander at least partially extends into the bottom end of the tubular body. The expander is configured to be advanced from a first position in which the bottom portion of the body is not expanded to a second position in which the expander forces the bottom portion of the body to expand.

Abstract: An implantable internal dynamic splint device that replaces or augments the function of a muscle that is antagonized at a joint by a functional muscle is described. The device comprises an elastic body, a first tissue-attaching component adapted to be attached to a bone, and a second tissue-attaching component adapted to be attached to a bone or a soft tissue. Also disclosed is a method for treating muscle function deficiency using the internal dynamic splinting device. The method comprises the steps of making an incision at a target site on a subject, attaching the first tissue-attaching component of the internal dynamic splinting device to a first bone, attaching the second tissue-attaching component of the internal dynamic splinting device to a second bone or a soft tissue, and closing the incision. A method for compensating muscle function deficiency on a side of a joint using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthesis for use with a tissue repair system is capable of expanding during implantation into the tissue. The prosthesis can include a driving portion and a base portion. The driving portion helps drive the prosthesis into a tissue during a first stage of implantation. The base portion is configured to expand or splay open during a second stage of implantation. The prosthesis may include a hole for receiving a portion of a suture thread.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating bones wherein the devices include a generally elongated implant that has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an intermediate portion therebetween. The implant also includes a lumen extending therethrough. The intermediate portion includes a configuration for engaging bone structure to substantially immobilize the implant within the bone structure. The intermediate portion also includes openings therein that are in communication with the lumen.

Abstract: A sternal closure clamp device for securing and retaining longitudinally divided halves of a sternum, and its method of use, the device having a pair of body members each having engagement members adapted to abut the sides of the sternal halves, and at least one rib extension member having rib retaining members and attached to at least one of said body members, such that the rib extension member can be secured to a rib to reduce the force being applied directly to the sternal halves.

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: An implant for treating a bone includes an outer sleeve extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough and an inner element sized and shaped to be slidably received within the lumen of the outer sleeve, the inner element extending longitudinally from a proximal end received within the lumen to a distal end including a bone-engaging element, the implant movable between an expanded configuration in which the inner element is in a distal-most position relative to the outer sleeve and a shortened configuration in which the inner element slides proximally relative to the outer element.

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 fixation augmentation device (FAD) comprising a generally tubular body having a first end and a second end, said body having an opening adapted to receive a screw therein; a collar attached to the first end of said body, said collar having a non-circular shape and having an opening which is aligned with the opening in said body; and at least one flange disposed at the second end of said body, wherein said at least one flange is extendable from said body in response to a screw being inserted into the hole of said body.

Abstract: A bone screw includes a head portion and shank portion. The shank portion includes a regularly outwardly expanding threaded portion.

Abstract: A surgical device for treating the pathology of flat feet, the device comprising an outer casing; and an expansion member suitable for moving inside said outer casing in a compression direction, for causing said outer casing to expand radially; the surgical device being provided with non-return check means shaped to allow the expansion member to move in the compression direction towards an operating position inside the outer casing and to oppose movement of the expansion member in the reverse direction once said operating position is reached, so as to prevent the expansion member from being expelled.

Abstract: A surgical tensioning device for dynamically holding two tissue portions in contact with one another comprises a resilient body having a plurality of spring elements, and a plurality of stop members for limiting travel of the spring elements in order to control energy stored or delivered by the spring elements. A length of suture is also provided, wherein a first end of the suture is connected to the resilient body at a first attachment point and a second end of the suture is connected to the resilient body at a second attachment point. In one embodiment, the stop members contact one another to limit compression of the spring elements. When the suture is placed in tension, the spring elements move to an extended configuration and the stop members move apart, creating gaps between ends of each of the stop members.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method comprises disposing a portion of a flexible fastening band into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion. The portion of the flexible fastening band having a substantially uniform shape configured to substantially compliment a shape of the first bone portion and a shape of the second bone portion. The method further includes inserting the portion of the flexible fastening band into a fastener and advancing the portion of the flexible fastening band through the fastener until the first bone portion and the and the second bone portion are stabilized.

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: Systems for reducing a fracture in a bone, comprising a bone plate and a polyaxial fastener. In some examples the head of the polyaxial fastener has a deformable portion. As a fastener is inserted into an opening of a bone plate, threads located within the opening deform the deformable portion to secure the fastener in place at a desired angle within the opening. The head of the fastener also includes a bottom portion that bears against a portion of the opening to move the bone plate relative to the underlying tissue. A securing member or other structure may be included at the interface of the head and the deformable portion to secure the deformable portion to the head. At least one flute may be included on the deformable portion that provides a lead-in for the threads within the opening to cut into the deformable portion.

Abstract: An engagement mechanism for a sternal clamp, the mechanism allowing for an open status where the clamp may be lengthened or shortened, a closing status where the clamp may only be shortened, and a locked status where the clamp cannot be lengthened or shortened, and wherein the device can be disposed in the locked status in differing overall lengths.

Abstract: A fixation device for treating an epiphyseal fracture, comprises a shaft extending longitudinally along a central axis from a first end to a second end configured to slidably engage a bone implant opening and a having a maximum radius r and a spherical head element attached to the first end of the shaft and having a radius R>r, the spherical head element configured to be inserted into a fragmented portion of bone such that the fragmented portion rotates about the spherical head element relative to the central axis of the shaft.