Abstract: Methods for temporarily fixing an orientation of a bone or bones. Methods of correcting a bunion deformity. Bone positioning devices. Methods of using a bone positioning device. Bone preparation guides. Methods of using a bone preparation guide.

Abstract: A surgical system for use in correcting hammer toe or otherwise straightening toes or fusing other bones to one another includes a male drill bit and a female drill bit, as well as an absorbable pin. The male and female drill bits are configured to define complementary features from opposed, or facing, ends of bones that are to be fused to one another. The male and female drill bits may also be configured to define channels through the lengths of the bones that are to be fused to one another, with the channels being configured to align and define a continuous channel through the bones when they are assembled. The absorbable pin, which may be absorbed by a subject's body over time, is configured to be positioned in the continuous channel, and may hold the bones in an assembled relationship before and while they fuse to one another.

Abstract: Arthroplasty implants replace an articulating surface of a bone joint such as bone joints of the foot, and is characterized by a three-component device comprising a bone screw, a button, and a cap. The button incorporates knurling on its distal end to fixate onto bone, a center hole, a spherical pocket to mate with the bone screw for stabilization, and a proximal retention structure to mate with the cap. The bone screw incorporates distal bone (cortical) threads or threading, a spherical head, and a drive structure used to insert the bone screw through the hole of the button and into the bone (e.g. a distal segment of the first metatarsal). The cap incorporates a distal mating structure that retains the cap onto the button, a proximal smooth spherical head that mates with the distal surface of the bone (e.g. a phalange bone), and a tang that prevents rotation after implantation.

Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a screwed shaft section for anchoring the pedicle screw in a vertebra, on one axial end of which a shaft head is configured which is coupled in a rotating and/or pivoting manner as well as in a tensile-force transmitting manner to a receiving sleeve for a longitudinal support. The receiving sleeve has a fastening means for selective positional fastening of the receiving sleeve with respect to the shaft section, the fastening means at least consisting of an inlay/pin mounted in the receiving sleeve and acting on the shaft head, and a locking element acting on the inlay/pin. The inlay/pin is configured with attachment points or engagement elements, which are not covered or overlapped by the locking element, for the provisional introduction of a compressive force on the inlay/pin parallel to the locking element.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor with a receiver, a shank, a pressure insert, a retainer for holding the shank in the receiver, and a closure. The receiver having at least one vertically aligned guide on a surface of an interior shank and insert receiving chamber. The insert having at least one shoulder that aligns with the guide and both properly positions the insert relative to the receiver during assembly and prevents the insert from axially rotating relative to the receiver.

Abstract: A screw assembly for a spinal implant comprises a first unit including insertion holes and an inner space, a rod having a side whose outer circumference surface is positioned on the insertion holes of the first unit and another side whose outer circumference surface is positioned on insertion holes of another first unit positioned adjacent to the first unit, a second unit having an upper portion rotatably received in a lower portion of the inner space and a lower portion screwed to a vertebral body, a third unit screwed to an upper portion of the inner space to hold the rod, and a fourth unit positioned between the inner space and the upper portion of the second unit and including a pressure cap seated in the inner space.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element having a head and a shaft, a receiving part having a head receiving portion, a rod receiving portion, and a bore having a bore axis, and a pressure member movable in the bore and having a first surface for engaging the head, wherein the pressure member is movable to a first position where friction between the first surface and the head generates a preload on the head to maintain the shaft at a temporary angular position relative to the receiving part, and wherein the pressure member is configured to engage the receiving part to generate a holding force for holding the pressure member at the first position without a positive lock, and wherein the pressure member is movable in and out of the first position by applying an axial force on the pressure member greater than the holding force.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for fixing bone anchors to bone. In general, the methods and devices can allow for a bone anchor to be fixed to a bone at a desired angle to a receiver member. In an exemplary embodiment, a bone anchor assembly is provided that includes a bone anchor configured to engage bone, a receiver member that polyaxially seats a spherical head of the bone anchor, and a compression member seated within the receiver member, proximally of the head of the bone anchor. The compression member can have a distal end with gripping features thereon configured to create at least one line contact and/or one band contact with the head of the bone anchor, thus providing a firm grip on the head of the bone anchor and reducing a risk of slippage of the bone anchor with respect to the receiver member.

Abstract: Methods for temporarily fixing an orientation of a bone or bones. Methods of correcting a bunion deformity. Bone positioning devices. Methods of using a bone positioning device. Bone preparation guides. Methods of using a bone preparation guide.

Abstract: The bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle having at least two retainer rings within at least two retaining ring grooves for use in securing the spherical connector to the connecting assembly.

Abstract: Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element.

Abstract: A plug-on module for pushing onto a free end of a shaft formed for implantation in a long bone, comprising a holding body with an axial bore for the shaft at its lower end and a joint head as a part of a joint endoprosthesis, wherein the joint head is offset downwards in the axial direction from the upper end of the holding body sufficiently far and in such a way that the shaft protrudes upwards beyond the joint head. With such a quasi-offset arrangement the range of usage for the plug-in module is extended to cases in which previously a shorter through-going shaft would have been required and therefore a troublesome adjustment operation to exchange the through-going shaft would have to have been carried out.

Abstract: A medical apparatus including a bar with a first attachment loop, a second attachment and a plurality of hooks, wherein the medical apparatus is an arch bar.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cable plugs for securing surgical cable to a bone plate. The cable plugs each have a cable retaining member and a fastening member. The cable retaining members each have a receiving portion adapted to receive a portion of the surgical cable therein. The cable retaining members are first coupled to the fastening members prior to securing the cable plug to the bone plate. The cable retaining member may rotate with respect to the fastening member about 270° along a longitudinal axis of the cable plug when the cable retaining member is coupled to the fastening member. When securing the surgical cable to the bone plate, the cable retaining member is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the cable plug until an axis of the receiving portion is parallel to an axis of the surgical cable. The surgical cable is then placed within the receiving portion, tightened, and crimped to secure the bone plate to the bone.

Abstract: A bionic elastic fixing device relates to orthopedic medical devices, and is used to implement bionic elastic internal fixing for joint dislocation. The device consists of an elastic component (1) and a fixing assembly (2, 3, 4). The elastic component (1) may be multiple strip-shaped elastic mesh pieces, and has the assembly direction being the same as the ligament fibers at the joint required to be fixed. The elastic modulus of the elastic component (1) matches the elastic modulus of the ligament fibers at the joint required to be fixed. Two ends of the elastic component (1) are fixedly connected to the dislocated joint by the fixing assembly (2, 3, 4). The elastic component (1) has the same shape as the ligament fibers at the joint required to be fixed.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a member having first and second opposing surfaces. The member includes an intermediate portion in which the first surface has a recessed surface portion. The intermediate portion defines a hole extending from the recessed surface portion to the second surface. End portions extend from the intermediate portion, and each end portion defines a hole extending from the first surface to the second surface. The member has a tapered surface portion on the second surface. The surgical device includes a second member sized to be received within the recessed surface portion. A method includes locating a tissue fixation device at an opening to a bone hole, and increasing the size of the tissue fixation device by placing the tissue fixation device within a larger device.

Abstract: An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.

Abstract: An orthopaedic fixation system for closing a resection of a body part, including a plurality of anchors located on either side of a resection which separates a body part into adjacent portions, such that there are a set of first anchors on one side of the resection and a second set of anchors on the other side of the resection. A first cable member is wound around and between the first and second sets of anchors, with the cable member extending generally orthogonally across the resection between at least certain pairs of the first and second anchors, with one of the pairs of anchors comprising a node.

Abstract: An implantable fixation system for fusing a joint between a first bone and a second bone. The system may include an anchor, standoff, bolt, and cortical washer. The system may be implanted across the joint along a single trajectory, the length of the system adjustable to provide compressive force between the anchor and the cortical washer. The system may be implanted across a tibiotalar joint with the anchor positioned in the sinus tarsi. A spacing member may be inserted between the two bones and the fixation system implanted to extend through an opening in the spacing member. The spacing member may be anatomically shaped and/or provide deformity correction. An ankle arthroplasty system may include a tibial plate, a talar plate, and a bearing insert. The plates may be anchored to the tibia and talus along a single trajectory. The ankle arthroplasty system may be revisable to a fusion system.

Abstract: A method of supporting a defect in the tissue of a living being includes the steps of: a) providing a delivery instrument that includes an elongated instrument, at least one barrier element, and a plurality of connecting members; b) inserting the elongated instrument into the tissue at or near the defect; c) deploying the barrier element from the delivery instrument into tissue at or near the defect, the barrier element having at least one connecting member attached thereto; d) extending at least one passage means from the delivery instrument; e) engaging at least a portion of the at least one connecting member with the at least one passage means, whereby the at least one passage means causes the at least one connecting member to pass through the tissue, and f) withdrawing the elongated instrument from the tissue, thereby deploying and securing the barrier element to support the tissue.

Abstract: An internal bracing system is disclosed for stabilizing a joint such as the knee, shoulder, ankle or the like. The internal bracing system includes an extra-articular tension band mechanism and an anchor assembly therefore. The internal bracing system adds substantial control to unstable joints which is effective in limiting the pathological joint motions and internal slippage. The anchor anchoring assembly designed to affix a tethering device to various bony structures which form a joint, for the purpose of providing stability. The anchor assembly includes an anchor and a set screw. A double helix thread/chamber structure between the anchor and set screw securely holds the tether without binding.

Abstract: A bone screw having a screw member possessing a threaded section and a head and a receiving part at the head end for receiving a rod to be connected to the bone screw is provided. The receiving part has on open first bore and a substantially U-shaped cross-section having two free legs provided with a thread. Furthermore, the receiving part has a second bore on the end opposite to the first bore whose diameter is greater than that of the threaded section and smaller than that of the head. On the bottom of the first bore a seat for the head is provided. In order that the screw member can be pivoted to at least one side by an enlarged angle, the edge bounding the free end of the second bore viewed relative to the axis of the first bore is of asymmetric construction.

Abstract: A flexible obturator configured to dilate soft tissue without abrading the adjacent bone surface area. The flexible obturator consists of at least one flexible strand (for example, flexible wire, suture or similar malleable flexible material) that is overmolded with a material that allows the device to bend/flex in multiple planes. The overmolded material has an increasing taper to provide graduated dilation through soft tissue.

Abstract: An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.

Abstract: A bone fusion device includes a first anchor for insertion into a hole formed in a first phalange, and a second anchor for insertion into a hole formed in a second phalange. A rod includes a handle and a distal end, with the distal end being associated with each of the first anchor and the second anchor. The rod includes a breakaway portion between the handle and the distal end allowing the handle to be manually separated from the distal end.

Abstract: A locking element is configured to be used with a polyaxial bone anchor, and is substantially cylindrical with a bottom side facing a head of the bone anchor, a top side opposite to the bottom side, and a surface portion with an external thread. The locking element has a first recess at the bottom side for accommodating at least a portion of the head, and a second recess at the top side for engagement with a driver. The second recess is located outside the center of the top side. The head has a portion with a largest diameter, and a first level L1 is defined by the highest point of a circle with the largest diameter drawn around the head, and a second level L2 is defined by the bottom of the second recess, L2 being at a level not higher than L1.

Abstract: The present invention includes a surgically implantable device, system, and method of use thereof for the internal compression or distraction of, for example, bone fractures, fusions, and osteotomies. More specifically, the surgical device comprises a bridge with one or more adjustable anti-reversing portions. The adjustable anti-reversing portion(s) may be located in a symmetrical or asymmetrical manner on the bridge between the device's legs. The adjustable anti-reversing portion(s) allow for stronger compression of the bone at a known amount of compression. The adjustable anti-reversing portion(s) can also maintain the device's legs in closer proximity to one another for greater compression or maintain the device's legs apart from one another for distraction. The surgical device can also comprise cannulated or grooved legs. A system and method of use is also described.

Abstract: Surgical anchoring systems and methods are employed for the correction of bone deformities. The anchoring system and its associated instrument may be suitable for surgical repair of hallux valgus, tarsometatarsal sprains, ankle ligament reconstruction, spring ligament repair, knee ligament reinforcement, acromioclavicular sprains, coracoclavicular sprains, elbow ligament repair, wrist and hand ligamentous stabilization or similar conditions. The anchoring system may include a fixation system for anchoring two or more sections of bone or other body parts and a system for aligning of one section relative to another section.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to implantable devices for the treatment of hallux valgus. More specifically, the various embodiments include devices having dynamic tensioning components or heat shrinkable components configured to urge two metatarsals together to treat a bone deformity.

Abstract: An implant suitable for being anchored with the aid of mechanical vibration in an opening provided in bone tissue. The implant is compressible in the direction of a compression axis under local enlargement of a distance between a peripheral implant surface and the compression axis. The implant includes a coupling-in face which serves for coupling a compressing force and the mechanical vibrations into the implant, which coupling-in face is not parallel to the compression axis. The implant also includes a thermoplastic material which, in areas of the local distance enlargement, forms at least a part of the peripheral surface of the implant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting malformed joints, in particular the “hammer toe” contraction of the proximal interphalangeal joint. The disclosure comprises a two-component implant: a proximal phalanx component and a middle phalanx component. An endosseous stem on each component is inserted axially into the end of a respective host bone and, after insertion, the components are attached. The attached components are held together in various ways, for example a detent arm/aperture mechanism. Each component can be cannulated to allow for the passage of a kirschner wire, if necessary, to stabilize adjacent joints such as the proximal interphalangeal joint. The bones of the treated joint can be set to form a desired angle by adjusting the angle formed by the corresponding endosseous stems.

Abstract: A receiving part for receiving a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part body including a rod receiving portion with a channel for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the head receiving portion having an open end and being flexible so as to allow introduction and clamping of the head, the head receiving portion having an exterior surface with a tapered portion; and a locking ring around the head receiving portion and including an interior surface with a curved portion configured to engage the tapered portion of the exterior surface of the head receiving portion to clamp the head.

Abstract: Red light implants for delivering red light to spinal implants to enhance osteointegration.

Abstract: The present invention is a new technology that addresses some of the deficiencies of current fracture fixation technology used in surgical procedures. It involves the use of a polymeric cored braided suture held in place by anchors implanted on each side of a fracture. The anchors must be secured into the bone while yet maintaining very high tensions in the suture during the deployment process. The polymeric cored braided suture is tensioned so as to compress the fracture and hold it in place, functioning as though it has sewn the bone fragment back together. This provides the rigid fixation of the fracture that is essential for primary healing to occur. Simultaneously, the tension preload provides compression which maintains fixation in the face of tensile and shear loads applied to the bone as a result of movement and weight bearing.

Abstract: Apparatuses for attaching tissue to bone are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an expandable body defining a bore, an expander pin having a shaft sized to be received in the bore of the expandable body, and an insertion shaft slidingly disposed in the bore of the expandable body and in a bore of the expander pin. The body is configured to expand laterally into and attach to bone when the expander pin is driven into the expandable body. The body includes a proximal main member having a distally extending threaded projection and a harder, distal tip member having a threaded recess in a proximal surface thereof such that the projection is threadedly interengageable with the recess. The expansion of the body by way of the pin can occur when the proximal main member and distal tip member are threadedly engaged. The insertion shaft is releasably secured to the expandable body and extends distally beyond the expandable body.

Abstract: A pedicle screw construct includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, and a collet. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The collet is positioned atop the head of the pedicle screw. The collet and pedicle screw are inserted into the coupling. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the collet and coupling assembly. The collet and the coupling each have a saddle that is adapted and configured for receiving a rod member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cannulated bone screw system including a screw with a threaded portion, a non-threaded portion, and a first plurality of teeth spaced apart from a screw head; and a washer with an interior portion with a second plurality of teeth and an opening and an outer portion with a plurality of spikes. The first plurality of teeth are on an inferior convex surface; wherein the second plurality of teeth are on a superior concave surface; and wherein the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth are operable to mate to prevent the screw from backing out of the washer while allowing the cannulated bone screw system to conform/pivot in order to accommodate different bone morphologies.

Abstract: A universal method for the repair of bone, ligament and tendon comprises the use of combinations of stabilizers, crimps and optionally anchors to position, provide compression and to promote healing.

Abstract: A device (1) for use in the surgical treatment of a patient suffering from funnel chest characterized in that it comprises a plate adapted to be fitted underneath the skin of the patient, and further characterized in that, in use, said plate can be attached to the patient's sternum and the curvature, length and width of the plate being such that the plate extends on both sides of the sternum and on the outside of the patient's thorax and is supported by the ribs to hold up the sternum.

Abstract: Surgical fasteners, including tacks are disclosed for fastening a surgical mesh to underlying tissue during surgical procedures to repair body tissue, such as in hernia repair. Such tacks can include a head, a elongated body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, and an anchoring element on an outer surface of the body portion for inhibiting the removal of the tack from the mesh and body tissue.

Abstract: A dynamic bone anchor is provided comprising a longitudinal core member (2, 2?, 2?, 2??) having a first end (21) and a second end (22) and a longitudinal axis (L) extending through the first end and the second end; at least one tubular segment (3, 3?, 3?) provided on the core member, the tubular segment having an outer bone engagement structure (31); wherein in a first configuration the at least one tubular segment is movable on the core member along the longitudinal axis; and wherein in an optional second configuration, the at least one tubular segment is fixed relative to the core member. Two or more tubular segments may be provided.

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: 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: In one embodiment, a bone-fastening system includes a handle, a barrel assembly connected to the handle, and a bridge assembly connected to the barrel assembly. The bridge assembly may be configured to receive a first connector element and a second connector element in axial alignment with the first connector element so as to receive a fastening element between the first and second connector elements. The system may also include a control configured to, upon actuation, approximate the first connector element and the second connector element so as to apply compressive pressure to bone portions positioned between the first connector element and the second connector element. A drive mechanism configured to advance the fastening element through the bone portions and connect the first connector element with the second connector element to fasten the bone portions under compression may also be provided with the system.

Abstract: Atraumatic fasteners involving flexible membranes and tensioning means can be used in conjunction with one or more plates, other fastener types of other materials, particularly locked cannulated screws-plate interfaces providing improved capture and restraint of articular and/or juxta-articular bone fragments. A method of securing bone fragments includes securing or capturing a fragment, at least in part, with an atraumatic foldable and/or expandable device which can be inserted “inside out”, that is, the expandable form is inserted through a channel which has been created in the bone or tissue, from the opposite side of the bone or tissue fragment.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone anchor device is disclosed that includes, in one embodiment, a receiver member, an anchor member and a retaining member. The retaining member may retain the anchor member at least partially in the receiver member. In certain embodiments, the anchor member may have a groove in a head for accommodating part of the retaining member, and/or a multiple lead thread.

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

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a distal interphalangeal (“DIP”) fusion device for connecting a first bone of a patient to a second, adjacent bone of the patient. The device may include an anchor assembly and a compressor assembly. In another embodiment, a separate compressor base assembly is included. In yet another embodiment an access port assembly is included. The anchor assembly is rotationally coupled to one end of the compressor assembly, such that the compressor assembly may rotate about the anchor assembly within a semi-spherical zone (three degrees of rotational freedom) and translate axially (one degree of translational freedom). In an operative position, the anchor assembly is anchored in an intermediate phalanx of a digit of a patient, the compressor assembly is contained in a distal phalanx of the digit, and the distal phalanx is flexed relative to the intermediate phalanx to create a joint angle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in certain aspects, unique methods and systems for connecting orthopedic components. In some forms, a male-type projection of a first orthopedic component is securely lodged within a female-type aperture in a second orthopedic component. In one embodiment, the projection, while received through a proximal entryway in the aperture, includes a first longitudinal region with deformed surface elements that provide a first securing zone within the aperture and a second longitudinal region with deformed surface elements that provide a second securing zone within the aperture. The first securing zone is located proximate the distal end of the projection, and the second securing zone is located proximate the proximal entryway of the aperture.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for connecting bones and/or bone portions using a bone connector with a pivotable joint.