Abstract: A device and method of attaching an elongated rod to different vertebral members to form a spinal fixation system. The device comprises a securement member having a first section that is positioned within the vertebral member. A second section extends laterally outward from the first section. A receiving member is mounted to the second section to receive the elongated rod. Receiving member includes a receiver for receiving and attaching to the second section. The receiving member is laterally movable along the lateral section for positioning the elongated rod relative to the spine of the patient. The length of the second section provides for mounting the first section at a variety of anatomically conducive locations on the vertebral member while supporting the elongated rod.

Abstract: A drill guide for use in securing a spinal fixation plate to a spine is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the drill guide generally includes a support member having first and second arms mated thereto. Each arm includes a proximal end and a distal end having at least one barrel coupled thereto and defining a lumen for receiving a tool. One or both arms can be slidably movable along the support member to allow the distance between the arms to be adjusted. In use, the arms can be adjusted to engage a spinal fixation plate and to position the barrels on each arm in alignment with bores formed in the fixation plate. The drill guide can then be used to drill, awl, tap, and insert implants, such as spinal screws, into the vertebral bodies to attach the fixation plate thereto.

Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for positioning one or more implants into a spinal disc space. The instruments and methods have application in an anterior lateral approach to the disc space between the L4 and L5 vertebrae. The instruments include a distractor, a housing, a guide member to facilitate positioning of the housing, and a partition member engageable to the housing to facilitate positioning of one or more implants into the disc space.

Abstract: A method and device for inserting an implant of synthetic material or healthy bone or cartilage into a bone or cartilage defect of unknown depth. The device includes an inner shaft within a hollow outer shaft. One end of the inner shaft of the device is suitable for inserting into the bone or cartilage defect in order to determine the depth, while the other end of the outer shaft is suitable for holding an implant. The implant is cut to fit the defect once its depth has been determined and then inserted into the defect. A cutting device for cutting the implant is disclosed. Also disclosed is an implant capsule loader for inserting an implant into the delivery device.

Abstract: A graft preparation board that enables an exact tensioning of soft tissue grafts. The graft preparation board allows the amount of tensile load to be easily determined so that the operator can precisely control the amount of tension to be applied. The graft preparation board also enables higher tensions to be placed on graft tissues to be used in surgery.

Abstract: A slider 37 having a rod-pressing portion 35 for pressing a rod 23 into a rod-engaging recess 25 is movably provided on a holder body 27 having the rod-engaging recess 25. The holder body 27 includes a pressing state holding mechanism for relatively moving the slider 37 with respect to the holder body 27 to hold the rod 23 in a state in which the rod 23 is pressed against the rod-engaging recess 25 by the rod-pressing portion 35. The pressing state holding mechanism includes a screw rod movably, detachably and threadedly engaged with a screw hole formed in the holder body 27. A tip end of the screw rod 45 and the slider 37 connected to each other such that they permit rotation of the screw rod 45 with respect to the slider 37 but move integrally with respect to the holder body 27, and the slider 37 can be attached to and detached from the slider 37.

Abstract: An implant for fixation of a bone includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a longitudinal axis defined between the proximal end and the distal end. A plurality of blades are disposed on the shaft, and are helically twisted about the longitudinal axis. At least one of the blades has a variable blade width that increases in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A mechanism for coupling the implant to a second fracture fixation implant may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: An improved acetabular impactor, especially suitable for use in minimally invasive hip surgeries, is disclosed. The impactor is simple in design and operation and spatially optimized. In particular, the impactor is designed to remotely detach the acetabular shell from the impactor using one handed operation and have the capability to be used with different sized acetabular shells.

Abstract: Instrumentation for treatment of the spine, including an elongate member having a deformable distal end portion at least partially formed of a flexible and preferably elastic material. The distal end portion has an initial configuration for placement adjacent a vertebral body and a deformed configuration defining at least one outwardly extending projection for displacement of at least a portion of the vertebral body. The elongate member preferably comprises a rod member, a sleeve member and an actuator mechanism for imparting relative linear displacement between the rod and sleeve members to effect outward deformation of the distal end portion of the sleeve member. In one embodiment, the instrumentation is used to compact cancellous bone to form a cavity within a vertebral body. In another embodiment, the instrumentation is used to reduce a compression fracture. In yet another embodiment, the instrumentation is used to distract a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A system for registering an orthopedic implant in a computer assisted navigation system. The system includes a plurality of differently sized implants which may be the femoral component or hip stem of a prosthetic hip joint. A registration device is engageable with each of the implants in a predefined relative position. The registration device also includes at least one reference element registerable in the computer assisted navigation system. A second reference structure also having at least one reference element registerable in the computer assisted navigation system is detachably secured to the implant. The relative positions of the reference elements located on the registration device and second reference structure differs for each of the plurality of implants and thereby allows the navigation system to determine the nominal size of the implant. The relative position and orientation of the implant relative to the second structure can also be calibrated using the registration device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a grip, a reference structure and an alignment head and method of using. The reference structure has at least one reference element that is registrable in a computer assisted navigation system. The reference element may be a reflective structure for use in an optical tracking system, wire loop for sensing a magnetic field, or other suitable device. The alignment head has a substantially planar alignment surface and may also have a plurality of outwardly extending projections or an electrocautery electrode disposed along an edge of the alignment surface and extending parallel to the alignment surface. The projections may be engaged with an anatomical structure to hold the alignment head in a desired position as the alignment surface is used as a guide to mark the anatomical structure. The disclosed instrument may be used when resecting a femur to prepare the femur to receive the femoral component of a prosthetic hip joint.

Abstract: A device for processing vertebral members having a spacer, a delivery device, and a deployer. The spacer includes at least first and second members with the first having at least one angled section and a contact surface, a second member having at least one angled section and a contact surface. The delivery device is attached to at least one of the first and second members. The first and second members being movable relative to one another for the angled sections to contact and expand the height of the device. The device is positionable between a first closed orientation having a first height, a second open orientation having a second height greater than the first height, and gradations therebetween. Methods of spacing vertebral members using the spacer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a method for ensuring correct insertion of the components of a femoral prosthesis, i.e. a prosthesis stem with a ball head and a cup with recess for receipt of the ball head, is described. The system comprises a tool for controlling the mutual angle between the prosthesis stem and the cup in addition to a positioning system for definition of a reference system and for determination and adjustment of the offset and length of the leg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining meniscal size and shape for use in designing therapies for the treatment of various joint diseases. The invention uses an image of a joint that is processed for analysis. Analysis can include, for example, generating a thickness map, a cartilage curve, or a point cloud. This information is used to determine the extent of the cartilage defect or damage and to design an appropriate therapy, including, for example, an implant. Adjustments to the designed therapy are made to account for the materials used.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of determining a surgical patient's pelvic position and inputting that position into a computer via a tracking system, suitable for use in navigating partial or total hip replacement surgery. The patient is first aligned with anatomical reference points in relation to corresponding locating features on a patient positioner. The positions of index features on the patient positioner are then acquired via a tracking system. Based on the positions of the index features and their known relationship to the locating features, the locations of the anatomical reference features are calculated and a pelvic plane is defined therefrom. The invention also includes a surgical tool for mounting a trackable target to a human bone, suitable for fixation to a human femur. This tool includes a removable bone clamp and a releasable coupling member, integrated with said removable bone clamp.

Abstract: A method for determining the proper configuration of a fixator or other medical device to correct a given deformity by solving the simultaneous equations representing the kinematic chain for the device. One skilled in the art would appreciate that x-rays, clinical evaluations, or a combination of both may be used to determine the distal and proximal mounting characteristics, including the use of digital x-rays with images from an imaging device to reduce or eliminate the needs for a physician to take measurements. The technique can be expanded to other medical evaluations. Additionally, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the method of the present invention could be written as one or more sets of instructions stored on a computer-readable medium that could be executed by a computer.

Abstract: Instrumentation and methods are provided for performing image-guided spinal surgery using an anterior surgical approach. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a surgical navigation reference device, mounting the reference device to bone at a location remote from the spinal column and in a substantially fixed position relative thereto, accessing a portion of the spinal column from an anterior direction, and performing an image-guided surgical procedure on the spinal column using an anterior surgical approach. In another embodiment, the mounting of the reference device comprises anchoring the reference device to a portion of the patient's pelvic bone, and more specifically the anterior region of the iliac crest. In a further embodiment, the image-guided surgical procedure comprises a spinal implantation procedure wherein a spinal implant is inserted into an intervertebral opening formed along the lumbar region of the spinal column using an anterior surgical approach.

Abstract: An intervertebral distraction tool has a clamshell head with upper and lower halves, each having a curvate outer surface and a flat inner surface. The distal side of the head is hinged so that the head opens and closes from the proximal side of the head. The hinge is a separating hinge that allows the halves to not only angulate with respect to one another about the hinge axis, but also to vertically separate from one another at the hinge. A distraction separator has decreasing taper at its distal end and a longitudinal bore that accommodates the elongate shaft of the trial so that the separator can be moved longitudinally relative to the shaft. Upon forward movement of the separator, the tapered upper and lower surfaces engage the flat inner surfaces of the head, causing the halves to angulate about the hinge axis of the head, thereby opening the head.

Abstract: A tool, system and method for separating connected orthopaedic components are disclosed. The system includes two orthopaedic components that are connected end to end. One of the orthopaedic components has a notch that receives a cam carried by the tool. The notch and cam are sized and shaped so that when the cam is turned, the cam forces the two components apart. The invention is particularly useful when Morse tapers are used to connect the components. The invention can be used with the modular orthopaedic implants as well as with modular trials used intraoperatively. The cam can be removably mounted on the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for attaching an element securely to a body, in particular to a bone, wherein the device comprises at least one movable holding element enabling the device to be tensed against the body, as well as a system for attaching an element securely to a body comprising a connecting element which may be attached to the body.

Abstract: An aiming device for a locking nail has a first portion detachably connectable with the exposed end of the nail. An aiming arm is connected to the first portion, which, in turn, is connected to an accommodation arm portion which runs approximately parallel to the nail. The accommodation portion has at least one transverse bore for receiving a guiding sleeve. The accommodation portion being provided with a locking portion which is movable in relation to the accommodation portion against a spring force, with the transverse bore being approximately aligned towards an opening in the locking portion. The transverse bore and the opening being disposed such that when the locking portion is relaxed an accommodated guiding sleeve is held slightly clamped and the sleeve is freely movable in a position locking upon a movement of the portion against the spring force.

Abstract: A surgical device (1) for bone surgery comprising a body (2) able to be gripped by the user and a tip (3) mounted at the head of the body and set in vibration at a modulated ultrasonic frequency to operate on bone tissue, the surgical device (1) being particularly suitable for oral surgical procedures such as bone sampling, excision of cysts, third molar extraction, preparation of alveolar sites, creation of an opening into the maxillary sinus (Caldwell Luc), elevation of the maxillary sinus by the crestal route and orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures such as osteoplasty, ostectomy and osteotomy.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conditioning and pre-tensioning soft tissue grafts during joint repair surgery, such as during repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The inventive apparatus is advantageously adapted and configured so as to enable a surgeon to independently apply a desired tensile load onto individual strands of a multiple-stranded soft tissue graft, such each of a pair of ham strings. The inventive methods advantageously ensure that each strand of a multiple-strand soft tissue graft is adequately tensioned so as to both “condition” the graft to prevent subsequent stretching, relaxation or elongation following surgery, which can destabilize the joint, and pre-tension each strand of the graft to a desired amount so that each significantly contributes to the strength and stability of the joint, thus resulting in a stronger and more durable joint.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treating mammalian intervertebral discs. A preparation of cross-linked collagen is injected under pressure into the intra-discal space. The intervertebral distance in injected discs is immediately increased by the treatment. At least some mechanical properties of the treated vertebral column are preserved or partially restored. The method may be used to relieve back pain in patients, to increase patient height and to stabilized the spinal column. The therapeutic method may result in at least a partial regeneration of the nucleus pulposus, and/or development of cartilaginous or fibrocartilaginous tissues or dense fibrous tissues.

Abstract: A locking nail for treating fractures of tubular bones has at least one cross-bore is provided at one end for the reception of a bone screw. The nail has a female thread at the end with the cross-bore for connection to a nail retention screw. The nail has an anti-rotation feature to anti-rotationally secure the rotational position of a joining sleeve which joins a targeting apparatus relative to the locking nail.

Abstract: Instruments and techniques separate or spread adjacent bony structures by inserting a distal spreader assembly into the space between the adjacent bony structures and actuating the spreading members with a proximal actuator assembly.

Abstract: A prehension device for grasping an implant, implanting the implant and manipulating the implant including prehension means intended to cooperate with receiving means, wherein the prehension means has a form shaped like an arc of a circle, the peripheral edges of which are provided with at least one peripheral chamfer. The invention also pertains to a surgical instrument equipped with a prehension device and to an implant equipped with a prehension device.

Abstract: A bone graft forming guide for providing a bone graft and a method of forming a bone graft. The guide includes a main body including a holder for holding a graft material and guide containing a pattern generally corresponding to the desired shaped of the bone graft. The forming guide may include a hole guide containing a plurality of hole guides arranged in a pattern generally corresponding to the desired shape of the bone graft. The forming guide may further include a cutting guide containing a pattern corresponding to the desired shape of the bone graft.

Abstract: A targeting instrument that consists of an indicating surface that is a planar body that can be placed so as to lie on the skin of a patient or placed in a cavity in the patient where an operation is being performed by a surgeon, so as to align the operation site with the target being operated on by the surgeon. The targeting instrument can be dimensioned to match the size and shape of the cannula or the desired size of the surgical exposure and can include a stencil configuration to allow the surgeon to inscribe the target area on the skin of the patient. The targeting instrument may include a handle. The method of use is to insert the targeting instrument in the location where the target of the operation is and to hone in on the target with the use of an imaging device. In one method of use this will align the target, select the entry incision and allowing the surgeon to make an accurate and minimally sized incision.

Abstract: A template of artificial bone to be used in an operation is selected among a plurality of different templates of artificial bone and the selected template of artificial bone is input. Operating plan information is input through a keyboard and a mouse. The selected template and the operating plan information are displayed as an image.

Abstract: An instrument for filling cavities in a body, such as a cavity within a reamed out spinal disc, with beads includes a cyclical agitator that functions to prompt the introduction of one bead at a time through the fill tube to prevent clogging and to promote compaction within the cavity.

Abstract: A device and method of loading a bone anchor into a bone-anchor inserter does not apply force on the leading point, the distal cutting edges or threads of the bone anchor. The bone-anchor loading device may, for example, include a main body including a gripping portion and, projecting therefrom, an elongated bone-anchor receiving member having a receiver fitting at a distal end thereof; an elongated sleeve coaxially disposed over the anchor-receiving member and configured for slidable translation thereover; and an interference fitting causing engagement between the sleeve and the anchor-receiving member when the sleeve is translated to an interference position with respect to the main body, the engagement further causing the receiver fitting to deform to releasably secure a bone anchor.

Abstract: A spinal fixation implant system for correction and fixation of the human spine to facilitate an anatomically correct fusion. The spinal fixation system may include a connector, a spinal rod, a spinal fixation component, a sleeve, and a fastener. The spinal fixation component preferably includes a fixation device such as a hook or screw for securing the spinal rod to vertebrae of the thoracic or lumbar spine. The spinal fixation component preferably includes a threaded end on its top that is adapted to receive the fastener. The fixation component may include a body having a tapered cavity for engaging the receiving end of the connector. Tightening of the fastener preferably downwardly translates the sleeve over the fixation component body to force the connector through the tapered cavity, which compresses the receiving end about the spinal rod to fixably connect the spinal rod and the spinal fixation component.

Abstract: An expandable structure made from an elastomer material is preformed to a desired geometry by exposure to heat and pressure. The structure undergoes controlled expansion and further distention in cancellous bone, with controlled deformation and without failure.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat at least two vertebral bodies in a spinal column. The systems and methods make use of first and second tool assemblies operable to treat an interior region of, respectively, a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body in the spinal column. The systems and methods provide directions for operating the first and second tool assemblies to treat the first and second vertebral bodies, at least for a portion of time, concurrently.

Abstract: A connection assembly for a spinal implant system having a novel interface element having an internal stop that limits rotation of the spinal implant rod and associated members with regard to the spinal implant bolt and associated members allowing the implant system to initially assume a position that approximates its final adjusted position and allows the assembly's size to be reduced without sacrificing its mechanical strength; a compressible member located between the interface elements that ensures free rotation of the spinal implant rod and its associated members in relation to the spinal implant bolt and its associated members until a proper position has been obtained and allows an initially secured system to be repositioned without additionally separating the interface element's locking structures; and components provisionally secured to prevent disengagement during transportation and handling that can be engaged during installation utilizing minimal force with common hand tools.

Abstract: The invention relates to a subcutaneous, intramuscular coupling for a rigid transcutaneous implant, which can be anchored intra-corporally in a bone stump (10) and which has an extra-corporal coupling device (18) for an exoprosthetic standard element. The coupling (1) consists of a flexible material and has a socket (7), which surrounds and secures the implant (2), in addition to an intra-corporal coupling sleeve (3) in the form of a concertina, which forms a sealed connection with the sleeve (7) at the proximal end, by means of a moulded attachment (4), in such a way that a gap with a minimum width (s) is maintained between the interior wall of the concertina and the exterior wall of the sleeve (7). A flexible lattice network (5) is located at the distal end of the concertina and an additional lattice network (6), with a higher elasticity modulus, is attached to the distal end of said additional network.

Abstract: A spinal adjusting device having a base plate assembly with an upper plate assembly coupled thereto, the base plate assembly configured to permit the upper plate assembly to drop a predetermined distance when subjected to a predetermined force. The base plate assembly includes a coupling mechanism having a drop assembly that enables adjustment in the amount of predetermined force required to drop the upper plate assembly onto the base plate. A patient is placed with their neck supported at the vertebra adjacent to the vertebra in need of repositioning. The patient's cervical spine and skull are flexed or extended with sufficient force to cause the entire upper assembly to drop, facilitating repositioning of the target vertebrae.

Abstract: Devices are disclosed for occluding defects in an annulus fibrosis to prevent conditions such as disc herniation and recurrent disc herniation. The preferred embodiments comprise an intradiscal component having a width greater than the width of the defect and a height less than the intervertebral spacing, and an extradiscal component physically coupled to the intradiscal component, the extradiscal component having a height greater than the intervertebral spacing. The components most preferably each comprise two outwardly extending arms, of equal or unequal length, oriented transversely with respect to one another. The arms of the extradiscal component are preferably of sufficient length to overlap at least a respective portion of the adjacent vertebrae. The invention further anticipates a body disposed between the intradiscal and extradiscal components to at least partially consume the defect.

Abstract: A clamp for an external fixation device includes a basic body fitted with a first, continuous borehole for receiving a longitudinal support and a second, continuous borehole disposed perpendicular to the first borehole and partly intersecting it for receiving a tension bolt. The tension bolt includes a transverse borehole for receiving a bone fixation device, such as a bone pin, and further includes threading at one free end for engagement with a nut that forms a stop against the basic body. Tightening of the nut on the tension bolt permits the bone fixation device to be held against the basic body. An additional, threaded borehole is provided in the basic body, terminates in the second borehole, and receives a fixation screw. The diameter of the tension bolt can be less than the diameter of the second borehole and the fixation screw can be used to position the tension bolt so that it lies across a portion of the first borehole and bears tangentially against the longitudinal support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brace installation instrument placement that is mounted to anchors secured in an animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position a brace in a position more proximate the anchors. The brace can be indexed for insertion at a predetermined orientation with respect to the installation instrument. Methods and techniques for using the installation instrument are also provided.

Abstract: Substrates such as soft tissue bone plates are secured to a bone with a reabsorbable or metallic split rivet bone fastener. The split rivet bone fastener consists of two rotatably connected elongate pins: a pivoting pin and a locking pin, rotatably connected to one another by a transverse pivot pin. Each elongate pin comprises a proximal head portion, a distal leg portion and a body portion therebetween. The pivoting pin and the locking pin each have a transverse cylindrical cavity in the body portion thereof which houses the pivot pin. The pivoting pin and the locking pin each have a semicylindrical groove extending from the head portion thereof to the transverse cylindrical cavity which grooves form a cylindrical lumen when juxtaposed. In a preferred embodiment, a substrate fastener such as a suture is affixed to the pivot pin with the two opposing ends of the suture extending proximally through the cylindrical lumen to project outwardly from the head of the fastener.

Abstract: A connection assembly between a spinal implant rod and a vertebral anchor. The assembly has a longitudinal member, a housing, a rod interface washer, and a compression member. The longitudinal member has an aperture at one end and a wedge at the other. The housing has a passageway to accept the shank of a bone screw and a bore to accept the wedge. The bore is open to the passageway so that when the wedge is pulled from the bore it pushes against the shank of the bone screw, trapping the bone screw between the wedge and the sidewalls of the passageway. Threading a setscrew into the aperture presses a spinal rod against the washer, presses the washer against the housing, and pulls the wedge against the shank of the bone screw. Further tightening of the setscrew then locks the bone screw and rod together.

Abstract: A universal external device for the protection of the emerging portion of a surgical pin (6) of any diameter used, includes a protective element (1) provided with an axial cylindrical through bore (2) in which is disposed a resiliently deformable insert (5) adapted to receive the projecting end of the pin (6), as well as a locking screw (4) disposed in a tapped hole (3) which opens into said bore (2). The resiliently deformable insert (5) is cylindrical, of a shape and size adapted to those of the axial cylindrical bore (2) which has a distal abutment (2a), the insert (5), under the force of the pressure of the screw (4), deforming and trapping the pin (6) disposed in the insert (5) to prevent any risk of becoming embedded.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating interlocking intramedullary nails comprises a slide device which is disposed at the near end of the nails and is capable of adjustment in various directions. The slide device is provided with a locking structure, a locating rod, or drilling guide sleeve. The relative positions of the near end and the far end threaded holes of the interlocking intramedullary nails of various hole intervals and specifications are adjusted by the slide device in accordance with the body size of a patient under treatment. The drilling position of the drilling guide sleeve can be attained with precision and speed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device, system, and method for protecting orthopedic pins used to fixate fractured bones that protrude through a patient's skin, post-operative dressing or cast from multidirectional contact with external objects. One aspect of the device comprises a rigid upper body that is configured and arranged to encompass and protect the orthopedic pins and a conformable lower body, e.g., a plurality of flexible legs, for removably attaching the rigid upper body to a surface surrounding the protruding pins. One aspect of the system comprises the device in combination with an attaching device, which removably attaches the conformable lower body to the surface surrounding the orthopedic pins. One aspect of the method includes the steps of configuring and arranging a rigid upper body to encompass and protect the orthopedic pins and removably attaching the conformable lower body to a surface surrounding the orthopedic pins.

Abstract: A cartilage fragment removal device and method permits the removal of articular cartilage fragments, without undue risk of harm to the healthy cartilage surface. The device consists of a brush attachment located at the end of a shaft, which shaft is in turn coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism imparts a desired brushing motion to the brush attachment, the bristles of which are brought into contact with the articular cartilage fragment during an arthroscopic procedure so as to cause the fragment's removal. The removed fragment is then suctioned from the joint cavity, preferably using a suction tube that is integral to the cartilage fragment removal device.

Abstract: A method of stimulating bone regeneration in a local area of a bone in a subject requiring same, comprising the step of applying to said local area of said bone an effective vacuum for an effective length of time.

Abstract: A device and method are used in fortifying an intervertebral disc having an annulus fibrosis with an inner wall. According to the method, a hole is formed through the annulus fibrosis, and a collapsed bag is inserted into the disc through the hole. The bag is inflated, or allowed to expand within the disc space, then filling with one or more biocompatible materials. The hole in the annulus fibrosis is then closed. In one preferred embodiment, the bag includes an inflatable bladder or balloon which is filled with a gas or liquid to expand the bag. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the bag includes a self-expanding frame that assumes a collapsed state for introduction into the disc space and an expanded state once inserted through the hole in the annulus. The self-expanding frame is composed of a shape-memory material, for example.

Abstract: A device and method of loading a bone anchor into a bone-anchor inserter does not apply force on the leading point, the distal cutting edges or threads of the bone anchor. The bone-anchor loading device may, for example, include a main body including a gripping portion and, projecting therefrom, an elongated bone-anchor receiving member having a receiver fitting at a distal end thereof; an elongated sleeve coaxially disposed over the anchor-receiving member and configured for slidable translation thereover; and an interference fitting causing engagement between the sleeve and the anchor-receiving member when the sleeve is translated to an interference position with respect to the main body, the engagement further causing the receiver fitting to deform to releasably secure a bone anchor.