Abstract: An extramedullary bone lengthener and use thereof that is an internal device that does not require nailing. The invention includes a telescoping plate that attaches to the upper and lower portions of the bone via screws; a small motor affixed on or within the plate. This motor, controlled remotely, will controllably lengthen the plate, thus lengthening the bone. The bone will be cut (osteotomy) then the plate will be applied to both ends and fixed to each end with screws. The motor will be controlled from outside by a remote control which will allow the plate to expand causing lengthening of the attached bone.

Abstract: A growing rod adapted to be secured along a length of a spine for treating deformities of the spine. The growing rod comprises a base rod, an extendable rod having a proximal portion that is slidably coupled to the base rod and arranged with a gear rack, and a distraction unit. The distraction unit includes a housing attached to the base rod, a rotatable drive interface accessible by an external driver from outside of the housing, and a drive gear mechanism housed within the housing and coupled to the rotatable drive interface and the gear rack such that rotation of the rotatable drive interface causes linear movement of the extendable rod through the gear rack.

Abstract: A fixation device comprises a first body having a threaded end, a longitudinal axis, and a bore perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A second body is received in the bore. The second body has an exterior thread and an interior passage for receiving a pin or wire. The second body has a wire locking device for retaining the pin or wire. An advance nut engages the exterior thread. The advance nut abuts the first body for moving the wire locking device away from the first body when the advance nut is turned, for tensioning the pin or wire.

Abstract: An external fixation system for the correction of long bone deformities includes an elongate beam element having an engagement feature along a longitudinal edge of the elongate beam element, a connector element secured to the elongate beam and structurally configured to support a first bone anchor extending from the external fixation system, and a movable carriage engaged with the engagement feature along the longitudinal edge of the elongate beam element and selectively movable along the engagement feature of the elongate beam element. The movable carriage is selectively lockable into a position along the elongate beam element. The movable carriage is structurally configured to support a second bone anchor extending from the external fixation system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member, a first coupler, and a second coupler. The elongate member has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a side portion. The side portion of the elongate member has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. The first receiving portion is configured to receive a first support member. The second receiving portion is configured to receive a second support member. The first coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the first support member to help retain the first support member within the first receiving portion. The second coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the second support member to help retain the second support member within the second receiving portion.

Abstract: A long-bone fracture-reduction robot is provided, and includes a machine base; a support slidably connected onto the machine base and able to move up and down; a plurality of electro-hydraulic drivers; and a six-degrees-of-freedom parallel robot arranged on the support, with the motion of the robot in six degrees of freedom hydraulically controllable using the plurality of electro-hydraulic drivers. The long-bone fracture-reduction robot includes two long-bone-fixing frames, one frame being coupled to the support and other being coupled to the six-degree-of-freedom parallel robot. The two long-bone-fixing frames are arranged to be side by side. Each of the two long-bone-fixing frames is fixedly connected to a corresponding mounting-and fixing plate.

Abstract: A method for fusing vertebral bodies comprising the steps of: mounting a first engagement member of a fixation member to a pedicle of a first vertebra and a second engagement member of the spinal fixation member to a pedicle of a second vertebra, the first engagement member having a first extension engaged with an expansion ring, the second engagement member having a second extension engaged with the expansion ring; inserting screws through the first and second engagement members and into the pedicles of the respective first and second vertebrae; rotating the expansion ring in a first direction, thereby distracting the first and second vertebrae; implanting an intervertebral implant between the first and second vertebrae after rotating the expansion ring in the first direction; and rotating the expansion ring in a second direction after implanting the intervertebral implant, thereby compressing the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a fixator body having a first part and a second part that are connected by a joint and having an internally threaded bore extending longitudinally therethrough. A first pair of opposed longitudinally extending slots is provided in the first part and a second pair of opposed longitudinally extending slots is provided in the second part. A first and second pin-holders are received within and threadably engage the internally threaded bore of the first part and the second part, respectively, and are configured to removably hold a first and second sets of one or more bone fixation pins extending through the first and second pairs of opposed longitudinally extending slots, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable device fixed or interlinked to bone, which generates unidirectional movement by a member generating reciprocating motion in the same direction using means allowing unidirectional movement. In the device, the means allowing unidirectional movement comprise means based on friction which make line contact.

Abstract: A ratcheting strut comprising: (a) a ratchet box including a through passage; (b) a first tube sized to extend at least partially through the passage, the first tube including ratchet teeth that engage corresponding ratchet teeth of the ratchet box; (c) a second tube mounted to the ratchet box in parallel with the first tube, the second tube operatively coupled to a second fixation adapter; and (d) a threaded rod operatively coupled to a nut and a first fixation adapter, the threaded rod repositionably mounted to the first tube, where the nut is operatively coupled and repositionable with respect to the first tube.

Abstract: The automatically lengthening implant includes: a body defining internally an axial housing that opens out, at one end, via a mouth and that presents, at its opposite end, a narrowing of section forming an abutment face on the body; an annular plug that is fastened to the mouth of the body and that presents a stop face facing towards the abutment face; at least one rod that is engaged through the annular plug and the body; and a split ring that is mounted on the rod and that is housed in the axial housing of the body. The abutment face and the stop face present shapes that are chamfered, one reentrant and the other projecting, such that the split ring expands on being pressed against the chamfered face of projecting shape and compresses onto the rod when it is pressed against the chamfered face of reentrant shape.

Abstract: A length-adjustable IM nail system includes a telescoping IM nail with proximal and distal bodies. An inner magnet within the proximal body is connected to a threaded rod which, in turn, is connected to the distal body. The threaded rod passes through a threaded block which is connected to the proximal body. The position of the distal end of the threaded rod is fixed with respect to the distal body, but may rotate freely within this fixed position. An actuator is also disclosed that includes a pair of rotating magnets disposed in an angular relationship with each other and the axis of the IM nail and the patient's limb. Rotation of these outer magnets in the same direction results in rotation of the inner magnet and threaded rod and a telescoping axial movement of the threaded block and proximal body with respect to the distal body.

Abstract: A post that is configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation element that is attached to a bone part can include a post body that is elongate along a first direction and defines a proximal end and a distal end that is spaced from the proximal end along the first direction. The post body can include an internal surface that defines a socket at the distal end. The socket can be configured to receive the head of the bone fixation element. The post can further include a locking member that is disposed within the socket such that when the socket receives the head of the bone fixation element the locking member couples the post body to the bone fixation element. The post body is polyaxially pivotable relative to the head when the post body is coupled to the bone fixation element.

Abstract: An external fixation connection rod that allows for rapid and gradual length adjustment. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes an inner sleeve received within a telescopic rod to allow for rapid adjustment of an overall length of the fixation connection rod. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes an adjustment mechanism to allow for gradual adjustment of the overall length of the fixation connection rod by lengthening or shortening a threaded elongated member within the inner sleeve, and the adjustment mechanism includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member, and a spring. Distal translation of the first rotation member relative to the second rotation member allows the adjustment mechanism to move from a first, locked position to a second, unlocked position, allowing the first rotation member and the second rotation member to rotate about the inner sleeve and the threaded elongated member during gradual adjustment.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for use in distracting and compressing fractures of any of a variety of bones. In particular, the tool has a pair of engaging arms, one arm having a hook element to engage a bone plate connected to one side of a fracture, and the other arm having at least one recess for engaging a head of a bone screw or guide wire connected to the other side of the fracture. Actuation of the tool causes the opposing bone segments of the fracture to be pushed apart or drawn together, depending on whether the tool handles are squeezed together or pulled apart. The tool may have a scissors joint that allows the ends of the tool to maintain a parallel alignment during operation, thus reducing the chances for misalignment of the bone segments during operation.

Abstract: A coordinate mapping system is provided for locating a defect in a bone. The system comprises a positioning instrument for controlled delivery of a device to a target site, the instrument comprising a main body and a rail extending from the main body, the rail including a series of indicia corresponding to predefined grid lines, and a template configured to overlay an image of a bone having a defect at the target site, the template including a predefined grid for determining a set of coordinates to locate the target site using the positioning instrument. A method of accessing a target site near a defect in a bone using the radial coordinate mapping system is also provided.

Abstract: A bone fixation device adapted to be coupled to bone anchors that allows movement of rods to permit a screw-rod construct to lengthen in response to bone growth without necessitating post surgical installation adjustment of the device. The bone fixation device includes a locking mechanism that is operably associated with a housing to allow relative movement of a rod and a housing in a first direction and inhibiting relative movement of the rod and the housing in a second direction.

Abstract: A distractor device (10) may include a tubular body (13) being internally threaded (19), a first foot plate (11) extending from the tubular body, and an internal post (14) in the tubular body. The internal post may include a first portion (16) having a first diameter being externally threaded (26) to cooperate with the internally threaded tubular body, and a second portion (17) coupled to the first portion, having a second diameter less than the first diameter, and also being externally threaded (18). The tubular body may include a longitudinal slot extending from adjacent the first foot plate. The distractor device may include a second foot plate (20) extending through the longitudinal slot and for threadingly coupling to the externally threaded second portion of the internal post. The second portion may include a tool interface (15) on a distal end thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for expanding an intradiscal space between opposing vertebral bodies by expanding an expandable interbody fusion device and establishing an osteoconductive path between the opposing vertebral bodies through the device during expansion. The device is expanded by introducing at least one intermediate element between an upper element and a lower element to achieve ligamentotaxis. Each of the upper element, intermediate element and lower element comprises a region of porous biocompatible material coated or impregnated with material having relatively high osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. During and upon expansion the regions are stress loaded by the opposing vertebral bodies to promote fusion between the vertebral bodies through the device.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of visualization, wherein a 2D transformed image is generated based on 3D image data. A corresponding computation unit, a system including a computation unit and a displaying unit, a medical imaging device, and a computer program are also disclosed. The method of visualization of an embodiment includes receiving 3D image data representing at least a portion of a spine and a plurality of ribs; and generating a 2D transformed image based on the three-dimensional image data, the 2D transformed image representing the plurality of ribs and the portion of a spine in a straightened configuration, and the angle of rotation of at least one of the ribs around its long axis being selected from a plurality of angles. Selecting an angle of rotation from a plurality of angles allows selecting the perspective for viewing the ribs in the 2D transformed image.

Abstract: A bilateral dynamic external distractor is disclosed for the treatment of complex fracture luxations of the PIP of the hand. The distractor comprises two setscrews, one left proximal guide block, one right proximal guide block, two threaded rods, two distal guide blocks, and two optional alignment guide clips. The left and right distal guide blocks each comprise a threaded passage, and the first threaded rod extends between the right proximal guide block and the right distal guide block, and the second threaded rod extends between the left proximal guide block and the left distal guide block. Furthermore, rotation of the first and second threaded rods causes the left and right distal guide blocks to move relative to the left and right proximal guide blocks along an axis of the first and second threaded rods.

Abstract: Described herein are external fixation systems for correcting bone deformities in adjacent bones or fragments thereof. The systems herein include first and second elongate rods that translate with respect to one another via rotation of an actuation member at an end of one of the rods. At least one housing is coupled along a length of one of the rods. The at least one housing includes at least one pin clamping member for clamping an end of a fixation pin therein. When the at least one pin clamping member is in an unlocked state, the fixation pin can rotate in polyaxial directions. When in a locked state, the angle of fixation wire with respect to the rods is set. The locked and unlocked state of the at least one pin clamping member is determined by the positing of a fixation member with respect to the housing it is coupled to.

Abstract: A distractor device for distracting a jaw bone divided by osteotomy into an anterior segment and a posterior segment. The distractor device comprises a body, an expansion member adapted to extend relative to the body, a first fixing member extending from the expansion member and having a first mounting portion adapted for mounting to one of the anterior and posterior segments, and a second fixing member extending from the body and having a second mounting portion adapted for mounting to the other of the anterior and posterior segments. In this embodiment, one of the first and second fixing members is shorter in length than the other fixing member, and a distance between the first and second mounting portions being adjustable by movement of the expansion member relative to the body to distract the jaw bone in use.

Abstract: A bone anchor including a first fastening system for fastening a support member to the anchor, and a second fastening system for fastening the anchor to a bone. The second fastening system includes first and second clamping jaws defining between them a slot for receiving a bony part of the bone. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw so as to clamp the bony part between the first and second jaws. A locking mechanism is provided for maintaining the second jaw in a fixed clamping position with respect to the first jaw.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.

Abstract: A fixation robot enables the alignment of fractured bones in orthopaedic operations, wherein it includes the following: a fixed retainer jaw connected to one piece of the fractured bone, a moving retainer jaw connected to the other piece of the fractured bone and a motion transfer assembly providing motion to the moving retainer jaw.

Abstract: In general, various embodiments of the present invention comprise an external fixation device, an internal fixation device, and a lower extremity stabilizer. The external fixation device is connected to the lower extremity stabilizer and the external fixation device is adjustably connected to the internal fixation device. The internal fixation device is capable of being attached to at least one bone in a patient's foot, ankle, and/or lower extremity.

Abstract: A telescopic strut for use with an external fixator comprising an axially extending rod; an axially extending tube moveably recurring the rod for varying the length of the rod and tube combination along a longitudinal axis; the tube having first and second ends, the second end having a pin extending therethrough; a locking system mounted on the tube first end for adjusting the position of the rod in the tube and fixing the length of the rod and tube combination; a coupling element having a tubular sleeve with a threaded outer surface mounted on an outer surface of the second end of the tube, the sleeve having two diametrically opposed slots receiving the pin and an adjustment element threadably mounted on the sleeve outer surface for axial movement along the axis, the adjustment element having a surface contacting the pin to limit the movement of the pin in the slots.

Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An o-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.

Abstract: Orthopaedic device (10, 110, 210, 310) for correcting deformities of a long bone (11), comprising a bar (12), extended along an axis (Y-Y) and intended to be placed alongside the bone (11), at least a first clamp (14, 214, 314) for a first group of osseous screws (16) and a second clamp (18, 19, 118) for a second group of osseous screws (20, 22), removably mounted on said bar (12), wherein the first of said clamps (14, 214, 314) is placed onboard a support base (21, 221, 321) in turn mounted on said bar (12), and angularly movable in relation to the support base around a given rotation axis (X-X, X?-X?, Z-Z) by means of a rotary coupling, characterised in that said rotary coupling comprises a male element (35; 235, 236, 237, 238, 239; 333, 334) associated with the first clamp (14, 214, 314) and having a surface at least partially cylindrical, and a corresponding female element (36; 130; 250, 254, 255; 336, 337) associated with the support base (21, 221, 321) and having a surface at least partially cylindrical

Abstract: A telescopic strut has an axially extending rod and a tube receiving the rod for varying the length of the strut along a longitudinal axis. The tube has first and second ends, the second end has a pin extending therethrough. A locking system is mounted on the tube first end for adjusting the position of the rod in the tube and fixing the length of the strut. A coupling element having a tubular sleeve with a threaded outer surface is mounted on an outer surface of the second end of the tube. The sleeve has two diametrically opposed slots receiving the pin and an adjustment element mounted on the sleeve outer surface for axial movement along the axis. The adjustment element has a surface contacting the pin to limit the movement of the pin in the slots.

Abstract: A surgical clamping device is provided for receiving distal ends of handles having bone attachment members disposed thereon in a recess disposed in the surgical clamping device. When an adjustment mechanism is in a first state, the distal ends of the handles are able to pivot and, optionally, to move axially within the recess of the surgical clamping device. When the adjustment mechanism is placed into a second state by adjusting the adjusting mechanism, the surgical clamping device applies a clamping force to the distal ends of the handles such that they are fixed within the recess of the surgical clamping device.

Abstract: A dilator that facilitates implantation of an interspinous spacer is provided. The dilator includes a proximal portion and a tapered distal portion interconnected by an elongated body portion. The tapered distal portion is ideally suited for splitting ligamentous tissue for creating a posterior midline pathway through the supraspinous ligament as well as for distracting the adjacent spinous processes. Two oppositely located and longitudinally extending channels or grooves are formed in the outer surface of the dilator for stabilizing the dilator with respect to the spinous processes. An accompanying cannula together with the dilator form a system for the distraction of the adjacent spinous processes, stabilization of the spinous processes with respect to the system and creation of a working channel for the implantation of an interspinous spacer.

Abstract: A ratcheting strut comprising: (a) a ratchet box including a through passage; (b) a first tube sized to extend at least partially through the passage, the first tube including teeth that engage corresponding teeth of the ratchet box; (c) a second tube mounted to the ratchet box in parallel with the first tube, the second tube operatively coupled to a second fixation adapter; and, (d) a threaded rod operatively coupled to a nut and a first fixation adapter, the threaded rod repositionably mounted to the first tube, where the nut is operatively coupled and repositionable with respect to the first tube.

Abstract: The present application discloses embodiments related to an external bone fixation device configured to correct bone deformities or repair bone injuries. The device can include a plurality of bases configured to be attached to portions of a bone and a plurality of struts configured to be adjustable in length to change the position and orientation of the plurality of bases and the attached bone portions.

Abstract: An external fixator system comprising at least two fixation plates which are arranged at a distance to each another, at least one adjustable length having a first end region and a second end region which are in connection with the fixation plates and at least one actuation unit to adjust the length of the strut in order to adjust the distance and/or orientation between the fixation plates. The actuation unit is in a fixed connection with at least one of the fixation plates as well as with at least one of the end regions of the respective strut in order to connect the strut with the fixation plate. The actuation unit comprises a feedback unit which provides the user with a feedback concerning the degree of the actuation.

Abstract: A method of applying compression between a distal bone portion and a proximal bone portion using an orthopedic device is provided. Methods may include inserting the orthopedic device through the proximal bone portion and into the distal bone portion, where the orthopedic device includes a core and a sleeve. The method may include fastening the core to the distal bone portion and fastening the sleeve to the proximal bone portion. The method may include applying compression between the distal bone portion and the proximal bone portion. The method may include maintaining compression between the distal bone portion and the proximal bone portion with a pawl member. Methods may also include allowing for dynamic compression between the distal bone portion and the proximal bone portion after the initial compression has been achieved and maintaining the dynamic compression between the distal bone portion and the proximal bone portion with the pawl member.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a first rod, a second rod, and connector. The first rod has a first end configured to be connected to a first bone, a second end opposed to the first end, and a longitudinal axis that passes through the first and second ends. The second rod has a first end configured to be connected to the second bone, a second end opposed to the first end. The second rod is parallel to the longitudinal axis and non-coaxial with the first rod, and at least a portion of the second end of the second rod overlaps the second end of the first rod. The connector connects the second end of the first rod to the second end of the second rod, and is configured to urge the first rod and the second rod in opposed directions that are parallel to the longitudinal axis.

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: The present devices, systems and processes can simultaneously reduce a malady of the foot, ankle, and/or lower extremity and provide compression and stabilization through the use of a combined internal fixation device, external fixation device and a lower extremity stabilizing device. The various embodiments of the system are capable of providing adequate compression in the medial, central and/or lateral columns and/or sides of the foot, ankle, and/or lower extremity, as well as treating Charcot neuroarthropathy, fractures, revisional foot and combination of ankle surgeries. The external fixation device and/or lower extremity stabilizer can be removed after a certain period of time, leaving the internal fixation system within the body for prolonged stabilization and maintenance of the arthrodesis site(s).

Abstract: A head fixation device in the form of a skull clamp comprises an opening device having an actuator positioned along an upright portion of the skull clamp near where a pin assembly contacts a patient's head for stabilization. The opening device can be actuated such that the relative distance between arms of the skull clamp can be opened, closed, or adjusted. The opening device is substantially positioned within one of the arms of the skull clamp. In some versions the skull clamp further comprises an attachment feature having an offset configuration.

Abstract: An external fixation connection rod that allows for rapid and gradual length adjustment. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes an inner sleeve received within a telescopic rod to allow for rapid adjustment of an overall length of the fixation connection rod. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes an adjustment mechanism to allow for gradual adjustment of the overall length of the fixation connection rod by lengthening or shortening a threaded elongated member within the inner sleeve, and the adjustment mechanism includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member, and a spring. Distal translation of the first rotation member relative to the second rotation member allows the adjustment mechanism to move from a first, locked position to a second, unlocked position, allowing the first rotation member and the second rotation member to rotate about the inner sleeve and the threaded elongated member during gradual adjustment.

Abstract: This invention is a minimally-invasive device, including bone-moving members and motion-measuring members, that can help surgeons to obtain objective, quantitative information concerning spinal flexion, extension, lateral bending, decompression, compression and torsion in order to select the best therapy for each patient. The prior art does not offer surgeons the opportunity to objectively and independently measure each of these movements. As a result, currently there is tremendous variation concerning which therapies are selected for which conditions. It is very unlikely that quality is being optimized and costs are being best managed with such high variation in practice patterns. This variation may be greatly reduced by the availability of objective information concerning spinal motion from this device. In this manner, this device can help surgeons to select the optimal therapy, to improve the quality of care, and to reduce the risk and expense of unnecessary spinal procedures and hardware.

Abstract: A rotational correction system includes an implant having first and second sections, the implant having a rotatable permanent magnet disposed in a housing of the first section, the rotatable permanent magnet mechanically connected to a nut operatively coupled to the second section. A keyed portion is interposed between the nut and one or more non-linear grooves disposed on an inner surface of the housing. An external adjustment device having at least one rotatable magnet configured to rotate the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant is part of the system. Rotation of the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant in a first direction effectuates a clockwise change in the rotational orientation of the first section relative to the second section and rotation of the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant in a second direction effectuates a counter-clockwise change in the rotational orientation of the first section relative to the second section.

Abstract: A device for electromechanically and/or electro-pneumatically positioning a fractured bone having a first clamping unit adapted for attachment to the bone by at least one first bone fastener, a second clamping unit adapted for attachment to the bone by at least one second bone fastener, and at least one of: (i) a translation component operatively driven by a translational driver for relative translational movement of one clamping unit with respect to the other along a translational axis; (ii) an angulation component operatively driven by an angulational driver for relative angulational movement of one clamping unit with respect to the other along an articulation axis; and (iii) a rotational component operatively driven by a rotational driver for relative rotational movement of one clamping unit with respect to the other along a rotational axis.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for correcting osseous development deficiencies at orbital level in persons includes a halo-like structure for fixing to a cranium, a union plate between the halo-like structure and the distractor, and the orbital distractor itself, which is supported by the halo-like structure and fixed to the orbit.

Abstract: This invention is an implantable device that enables non-invasive post-operative adjustment of the motion dynamics between two members of the human skeletal system. It may be used for dynamic stabilization of the spine. This device includes: a flowable substance; a reservoir implanted into the human body that contains this flowable substance wherein movement of moving portions of this reservoir causes the flowable substance to flow; and an energy-transducing mechanism wherein this mechanism transduces energy from a flow of the flowable substance into changes in the motion dynamics between the two members of the human skeletal system. This device may be used for: (1) non-invasive post-implantation customization of the device to reduce back pain for a particular patient; (2) non-invasive gradual adjustment of the device to correct spinal deformities; and (3) real-time adjustment to optimize spinal motion dynamics as the patent engages in different activities.

Abstract: A multi-plane bone distraction system including an elongated member with an anchor, slot, rail and anchoring means for use as a distraction device in cutting and either lengthening or shortening a bone. The system is capable of being anchored to one or more bones.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for fixating bone parts includes a set of one or more bone fixation pins for engaging a bone piece, an elongated fixator body having an internally threaded bore extending longitudinally therethrough, a pair of opposed longitudinally extending slots in the fixator body, and a pin-holder received within the fixator body and configured to removably hold the set of one or more bone fixation pins. The pin-holder is longitudinally movable within the fixator body for controlling the position of the set of bone fixation pins within the fixator body. The fixator body also can be configured to removably hold a second set of one or more bone fixation pins at a location fixed along the fixator body.

Abstract: A ratcheting strut comprising: (a) a ratchet box including a through passage; (b) a first tube sized to extend at least partially through the passage, the first tube including ratchet teeth that engage corresponding ratchet teeth of the ratchet box; (c) a second tube mounted to the ratchet box in parallel with the first tube, the second tube operatively coupled to a second fixation adapter; and (d) a threaded rod operatively coupled to a nut and a first fixation adapter, the threaded rod repositionably mounted to the first tube, where the nut is operatively coupled and repositionable with respect to the first tube.