Abstract: An orthopedic device includes an implant member with a thru-bore having an entry diameter, an intermediate diameter, and an exit diameter. According to one embodiment the intermediate diameter of the thru-bore is larger than both the entry diameter and the exit diameter. Additionally, the orthopedic device includes a screw assembly configured to be coupled to the thru-bore, including a thread portion and a selectively expandable head portion. The selectively expandable head portion includes both an expandable ring and a pull-lock pin configured to selectively expand the expandable ring as the pull-lock pin is pulled from said screw assembly.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, methods, and kits for the medialization of a vocal cord are described. An embodiment of a medical device comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an elongate body extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The elongate body defines a thread extending from the proximal portion and the distal portion.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a shank to be anchored in a bone or vertebra, a head, and a receiving part receiving the head for connecting the shank to a rod. The shank and the head are separate parts. The head has a bore with a cylindrical inner surface, a ring-shaped groove provided on the inner surface, and at least one slit extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the head. The shank has a first portion for anchoring in the bone or vertebra and a second portion with a cylindrical outer surface adjoining a free end. A projection is provided on the cylindrical outer surface which engages with the ring-shaped groove of the head, when the cylindrical second portion of the shank is inserted in the bore of the head.

Abstract: A method for reducing and fixing fractures, for example, a proximal humeral fracture. A jacking device is releasably attached to a locking plate that presses against an inferior aspect of the head to rotate the head into anatomic alignment. Suture material is stitched into the soft tissue superior to the head and pulls the superior end of the head and guides and steers the head. The suture material is passed through suture holes in the superior end of the plate. The jacking device is positioned to hold the head in an anatomic neck/shaft angle, thereby allowing the head to be fixed to the locking plate. In one such embodiment, a swivel bushing in the plate receives the jacking device and allows the angle of the device to be adjusted as desired. To aid in the fluoroscopic visualization during surgery, a radiolucent retractor is used to avoid blocking the surgeon's view.

Abstract: A surgical ring and related methods for plantar plate reconstruction and other surgical procedures are described. In particular, the described anchoring systems and surgical methods may include an anchor configured to wrap at least partially around a first bone associated with an affected joint, and wrap at least partially around a tissue alongside the first bone. The anchor may be compressed in a number of ways so as to compress the tissue alongside the first bone against the first bone. The anchor may be formed from a compressible material, configured with an open shape, and/or or include mechanically closeable or compressible features, and the like. The anchor may be formed from various materials including non-bioabsorbable, bioabsorbable, and/or superelastic materials. The first bone may be a metatarsal or phalanx and the tissue alongside the first bone may be a ligament, a plantar plate, or similar tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to fastener or fixation members, such as bone screws, for use in orthopedic stabilization assemblies.

Abstract: A locking and lagging bone screw. The screw includes a head having an outer surface which is at least partially threaded and a shaft which is at least partially threaded having a first end coupled to the head and a second end adapted to be fastened to bone. The head of the screw is able to rotate independently of the shaft. Thus, the head of the screw can be locked to a bone plate by using a first driver (e.g., a torx driver) and the plate can be lagged to the bone by using a second driver (e.g., a hex driver).

Abstract: A dental implant adaptor which is particularly suitable for dental crown implantation using a screw-retained protocol has a hollow body that can be mounted on a dental implant. The body includes a crown-receiving portion on which a dental crown can be mounted. The portion has a distal end and a proximal end and includes a first anti-rotation formation to prevent rotation between the adaptor and the crown. The body also has a laterally projecting collar at the proximal end of the crown-receiving portion which, in use, locates on the implant. There is also a second anti-rotation formation shaped for non-rotational engagement with the implant. The crown-receiving portion and collar together have an overall axial length in the range 3.5 mm to 7 mm and the collar has an axial thickness of 1.5 mm or less. Another described is an implant assembly incorporating the adaptor.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an at least partially bioresorbable implant, the method comprising the steps of: providing an at least partially bioresorbable precursor containing a polymeric material; and forming an implant by forging the precursor. An at least partially bioresorbable forged implant containing a polymeric material.

Abstract: A family of selectively absorbable/biodegradable, fibrous composite constructs includes different combinations of biostable and absorbable/biodegradable yarns assembled as initially interdependent, load-bearing components, transitioning to exhibit independent functional properties during in vivo end-use. The family of constructs consists of two groups, one group is made of fiber-reinforced composites of high compliance, absorbable matrices of segmented polyaxial copolyesters reinforced with multifilament yarn constructs, which are combinations of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers and at least one absorbable/biodegradable fiber selected from silk fibers and multifilament yarns made from linear segmented, l-lactide copolyesters and poly (3-hydroxyalkanoates, are useful in orthopedic, maxillofacial, urological, vascular, hernial repair and tissue engineering applications.

Abstract: A method of treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, wherein the fibrinogen, the activating compound or both has been reconstituted with a solution containing at least one additive, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.

Abstract: A temporary knee replacement assembly and kit includes a tibial plate that attaches to the tibia, a tibial rod that extends through the plate into the medullary cavity and abuts the plate. A femoral plate attaches to the femur, and a femoral rod extends through the second plate into the femur medullary cavity and abuts the plate. A locking spacer connects the two rods. The spacer may be length adjustable or may be provided in multiple sizes for length selection. One or both of the rods may include a bone cement/antibiotic coating to provide antibiotic treatment to the tissue. The kit may include multiple tibial and femoral rods, multiple tibial and femoral plates, and multiple locking spacers, to accommodate different applications.

Abstract: A low friction resurfacing implant system including a first implant component having a first bearing surface and a first engagement surface. The first engagement surface is located opposite the first bearing surface. The first implant component has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The first implant component includes teeth that extend from the first engagement surface. The teeth are arranged in a plurality of rows. The teeth in adjacent rows are offset from each other.

Abstract: Fixation system for bones with a connection support, at least one bone screw that can be inserted into a through hole of the connection support and a sensor and telemetry system, wherein the sensor and telemetry system is arranged on a separate plate, which can be connected with the connection support.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a first fastener having a planar profile, a second fastener having a concave surface, and a suture that can be manipulated to change a distance between the first and second fasteners. The second fastener has a curvature that substantially matches the curvature of a top surface of a clavicle bone in a direction perpendicular to a long axis of the clavicle bone. A method of treating an acromioclavicular joint injury includes forming axially aligned passages through a patient's clavicle and coracoid process, passing a fastener having a concave surface through the passages, positioning the concave surface of the fastener against a top surface of the patient's clavicle with a long axis of the fastener extending perpendicular to a long axis of the clavicle, positioning a fastener having a planar profile below the patient's coracoid process, and adjusting a suture that couples the fasteners.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for manipulating an anatomical feature within the body of the patient.

Abstract: Bone implantable devices and methodologies permit careful application of biologically active substances and management of bone growth processes. The device includes a body defining a carrier receiving area for locating adjacent bone. Carrier material is located in the carrier receiving area. Substance is delivered onto carrier material through a port. A pathway delivers substance from the carrier receiving area to the bone surface. The body may be in the form of a spinal fusion cage, facet fusion screw, artificial joint, bone fixation plate, interbody graft, IM nail, hip stem, or other bone-to-bone appliances or bone-to-device appliances. In use, carrier is installed in the carrier receiving area of the device. The device is then implanted adjacent a bone. The substance is applied to the carrier for subsequent delivery to the bone. By doping carrier material after device implantation, inadvertent contact of the substance with non-target bone is more easily eliminated.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing orthopedic implant augments having fastener locking mechanisms. The augments include a surface for mating with an implant component and a surface for interfacing with a patient's bone. The fastener locking mechanisms are aligned such that the augment may be locked in a variety of orientations while maintaining close contact with both an implant and a patient's bone. The alignment of the locking mechanisms provides variability and adjustability to the augment to address a variety of bone anatomies and requirements.

Abstract: An expandable bone device including a unitary body extending along a longitudinal axis and including a deformable distal end portion having a collapsed orientation for placement adjacent a spinal structure, the deformable distal end portion including relatively wide, mutually contiguous support surfaces outlined by relatively narrow cutouts, the support surfaces being contiguous with the rest of the unitary body via relatively narrow deformable splines, the deformable distal end portion having an expanded orientation wherein the support surfaces are moved transversely outwards away from and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, and an actuator coupled to the deformable distal end portion and operative to cause movement of the deformable distal end portion between the collapsed orientation and the expanded orientation.

Abstract: A device according to the invention for deflecting mechanical oscillations, at an oscillation receiver location may be set into oscillation along a first axis, and transmits such an oscillation into an oscillation along a second axis at an oscillation output location, wherein the first and the second axis form an angle to one another. The device in characterized essentially by the fact that it includes an elongate, bent oscillation element, on whose one end a coupling-in point and at whose other end a coupling-out point is arranged, wherein the device is designed in a manner such that the oscillation element oscillates transversally at the coupling-in point and at the coupling-out point, when the oscillation receiver location is subjected to an oscillation.

Abstract: A system for communicating fluid to or from a bone includes an insert. The insert includes a shaft extending between proximal and distal ends of the insert, a fenestration, and an expandable portion coupled to the shaft. The shaft is cannulated along at least a portion of the shaft between the proximal and distal ends. The fenestration is disposed along the cannulated portion of the shaft. Outer surfaces of the expandable portion are configured to expand laterally outward to increase the cross-sectional area of the expandable portion orthogonal to the shaft.

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: Methods of reducing device drag on implantable articles are disclosed herein. The methods include coating the contact surfaces of implantable articles with bioabsorbable lubricating coatings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopaedic implant including a base device having a device surface and a fixation material attached to at least one portion of the device surface. The fixation material is configured to provide a minimally sufficient adhesive force to resist natural pull out caused by forces acting on the base device after implantation and bone growth. Also provided is a method of manufacturing an orthopaedic implant. A base device with a device surface is provided and a minimally sufficient adhesive force, that can resist natural pull out caused by forces acting on the base device after implantation and bone growth, is determined. A proper amount of fixation material sufficient to provide an adhesive force equal to the minimally sufficient adhesive force is determined and fixation material is applied to the device. When the proper amount of fixation material is applied to the device surface, application is stopped.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an obstructive sleep apnea event are disclosed herein. The systems and methods may use an electrical output generating ionic polymer metal composite sensor attached to a region in an airway passage in an oral cavity. The electrical output may be wirelessly transmitted as a signal for indication of an obstructive sleep apnea event. The signal may be further analyzed for treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea event.

Abstract: The instant invention is a novel method for construct for temporary or definitive pelvic stabilization. The method uses the already established principles of anterior external fixation combined with internal hardware placed in a minimally invasive fashion. Fixation means are affixed to the ilia and both a rigid, subcutaneous anteriorly bowed elongated plate and a subcutaneous posterior plate are connected between the fixation means.

Abstract: Implantable devices for the surgical treatment of bone, and particularly to a bone defect at a joint region, and even more particularly at the subchondral bone level of the joint region, are disclosed. The implantable devices may be formed of a bone material, and configured to serve the dual functions of providing mechanical strength and structural integrity to the area to be treated, while also facilitating the dispersal of a flowable material in the same area. Associated delivery tools are also provided.

Abstract: A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes an anchoring element having scar tissue located in an inframandibular region, and a tongue implant having at least one arm extending therefrom, whereby the tongue implant is implantable in a tongue with the at least one arm being connectable with the anchoring element for coupling the tongue implant with the anchoring element. In one embodiment, the anchoring element includes a first implant part such as a flexible layer implantable in the inframandibular region and the scar tissue is formed on, in, and/or around the first implant part. The tongue implant is coupled with the anchoring element and/or the scar tissue through the at least one arm. The length of the at least one arm may be adjusted for shifting the tongue anteriorly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating an internal bone fixation device from an introducer are disclosed herein. A device for separating an internal bone fixation device from an introducer includes a functional portion having an outer shaft surrounding and controlling operation of a cutting mechanism; and a control portion having an actuating mechanism for initiating activation of the outer shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and devices and methods that facilitate insertion and retrieval of the same. In one embodiment, disclosed is a tissue tensioner that includes an elongate flexible tether having a first end and a second end, a bone anchor configured to be connected to a patient's mandible, a tissue ingrowth implant configured to be implanted in a patient's tongue and connected to the second end of the tether, and an adjustment mechanism configured to be held by the bone anchor adjacent the patient's mandible and configured to receive the first end of the tether and configured to adjust tension in the flexible tether between the patient's mandible and tongue. Various anchors, tethers, securement mechanisms, and adjustment mechanisms that can be used with glossal and palatal remodeling systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A kit including an artificial implant for insertion between two adjacent vertebrae along a coronal plane.

Abstract: Techniques and reconstruction systems for tissue repairs employing a Z-shaped button with a flexible strand or loop (which may have a fixed or adjustable length). The Z-shaped button has a distinctive Z-shape or an S-shape configuration, that allows a smaller length button to achieve comparable contact area as with a longer length button. The Z-shaped button allows for truncated flipping distance yet permits maximum cortical bone contact. The continuous loop/Z-shaped button construct may be used for fixation of bone to bone, or of soft tissue to bone.

Abstract: A method of performing at least one surgical procedure is disclosed. The method includes: preparing a patient for a first surgical procedure; making a first incision through the skin of the patient in accordance with the first surgical procedure; exposing a target area for the first surgical procedure through the first incision; performing a step of the first surgical procedure on the target area for the first surgical procedure; placing a protective pad with a fluid pocket between a vulnerable anatomical part and the target area for the first surgical procedure; and closing the first incision in accordance with the first surgical procedure with the protective pad between the vulnerable anatomical part and the target area. A protective system for facilitating revision surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve. Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted to restore the normal angular relationship of the vertebrae adjacent to that disc space. An extended outer sleeve having extended portions capable of maintaining the vertebrae distracted in their normal angular relationship is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve cooling tissue (e.g., localized cooling of tissue), and in particular applying therapeutic hypothermia to the spinal canal, tissue disposed within the spinal canal, and/or nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. In some embodiments, tissue can be cooled by clamping a cooling instrument to a bone or implant that is proximate to the tissue. The cooling instrument can define a chamber through which a chilled fluid, expandable gas, or other coolant means can be circulated, delivered, or activated to cool adjacent tissue. The degree of cooling can be regulated using a controller, which can be configured to increase or decrease the cooling effect based on any of a variety of measured or predicted physiological or thermodynamic properties. Methods are disclosed for utilizing cooling instruments and for carrying out various treatment regimens that involve cooling tissue using such instruments.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for manipulating an anatomical feature within the body of the patient.

Abstract: A composition for the induction of bone growth is disclosed. The composition includes a substrate, bone growth protein, and sources of calcium and phosphate. The composition is acidic which promotes high activity of the bone growth protein. The calcium and phosphate sources can be provided as an acidic calcium phosphate salt. Also disclosed are methods of the making the composition and methods of using it.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a variety of spinal implants.

Abstract: An anchor-in-anchor fixation system is provided for securing underlying structure, such as bone. The fixation system includes a linkage that defines first and second bores, a first bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone, and a head that is configured to attach to the linkage in the first bore, and a second bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone and a head that is configured to attach to the linkage in the second bore.

Abstract: Embodiments may include an attachable fastener, which may include a bondable material that may be secured to the end of an end effector. Vibration may be tuned to occur at a distal end of the fastener. Accordingly, the fastener may be used to generate heat at a distal point of contact. If the contact surface contains bondable material, that material may be softened. If the fastener includes bondable material at the point of contact, that material may also be softened by heat produced by vibration at the contact area. A hard implant or another polymeric material may function as the anvil.

Abstract: Anatomic points within the body are projected outside the body through the use of extenders (180, 182, 188). The projected points may then be used for measurement, or to facilitate the selection or configuration of an implant that is positioned proximate the anatomic points using a slotted cannula (143). Such an implant may be a rod (270) for a posterior spinal fusion system. Pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) may be implanted into pedicles of the spine, and may then serve as anchors for the extenders. The extenders (180, 182, 188) may have rod interfaces (214, 216, 218) that receive the rod (270) in a manner that mimics the geometry of the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) so that the selected or configured contoured rod (270) will properly fit into engagement with the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148).

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention may include a medical device. The medical device may include a flexible tube, an elongate member configured to cut tissue and extend from the flexible tube, and a cauterizing member configured to cauterize tissue and to move relative to the elongate member and the flexible tube. The cauterizing member may substantially surround at least a portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: Anatomic points within the body are projected outside the body through the use of extenders (180, 182, 188). The projected points may then be used for measurement, or to facilitate the selection or configuration of an implant that is positioned proximate the anatomic points using a slotted cannula (143). Such an implant may be a rod (270) for a posterior spinal fusion system. Pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) may be implanted into pedicles of the spine, and may then serve as anchors for the extenders. The extenders (180, 182, 188) may have rod interfaces (214, 216, 218) that receive the rod (270) in a manner that mimics the geometry of the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) so that the selected or configured contoured rod (270) will properly fit into engagement with the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148).

Abstract: A dynamic tissue holding device is disclosed for dynamically holding two tissue portions in contact with one another. The device comprises a biasing spring having a relatively low profile, and a band adapted for extending about the tissue portions to be held together. The band has a first end for attachment to a first attachment portion on the biasing spring and a second end for attachment to a second attachment portion on the biasing spring. The band establishes a path of tension along its length and extending linearly between the two ends of the band. Advantageously, more than one-half of the biasing spring is disposed outside of the path of tension when the dynamic tissue holding device is in place and holding the two tissue portions together.

Abstract: An implant system comprising a functional implant (5, 6) that fulfills a medical function, particularly a bone implant, which is formed at least in part of a metal material that can be degraded by the body (2) of the implant wearer, as well as a control device (7) for controlling the degradation behavior of the functional implant (5, 6). The control device (7) has a counter-electrode (10) to the functional implant (5, 6), and a voltage source (8) for making available a polarization voltage (?U) between functional implant (5, 6, 15) and counter-electrode (10), to control the degradation behavior of the functional implant (5, 6).

Abstract: A device is provided including a rotating portion that can be attached to a plate affixed to a first bone forming a joint and a portion that can be affixed to a second bone of the joint. The device is placed internally in order to prevent pin tract problems and to stabilize the joint while allowing motion of the joint along its natural trajectory. Additionally, a method for using the device is provided that includes attaching the rotating portion to a plate attached to a first bone forming a joint, and attaching the fixable portion to a second bone of the joint.

Abstract: An implantable screw for maintaining space during bone grafting procedures is provided, where the screw has a highly-polished contoured head having a region adapted to support soft tissue, a threaded shaft and a tip adapted to penetrate bone tissue. Also provided, a device combining multiple implantable screws in series in order to increase the available space to grow new bone and a method for implanting the implantable screw. The implantable screws provided may be used in conjunction with bone graft materials and are removable once a desired amount of new bone is generated.

Abstract: Orthopedic implants having improved strength and imaging characteristics are provided. The implants can comprise an inner core member that is encased at least in part by an outer encasing member. The inner core member can be formed of a first material that imparts improved strength to the implant, while the outer encasing member is formed of a second material that imparts improved imaging characteristics to the implant. Alternatively, the implants can include a single-piece member formed of a first material that is coated by a coating layer of a second material.

Abstract: A posterior spinal fusion system may include a plurality of cannulas that mate with cages polyaxially coupled to pedicle screws. The cannulas maintain access to the pedicle screws to facilitate percutaneous insertion of a fusion rod into engagement with the cages. Each cannula has a pair of blades that may be held together by an abutment member that at least partially encircles the blades. Each abutment member abuts the skin to define a variable subcutaneous length of the corresponding cannula. Each abutment members is also lockably removable from the corresponding blades to enable the blades to pivot with respect to the connecting element to a position in which they can be withdrawn from the connecting element. The blades of each cannula are spaced apart to provide first and second slots of each cannula, through which the fusion rod can be percutaneously inserted.

Abstract: A trackable medical instrument for use in a computer assisted image guided medical and surgical navigation systems that generate images during medical and surgical procedures, includes a guide member having an emitter array for being tracked by the system and a drive shaft contained within the guide member having a proximal and a distal end, the drive shaft being rotatable within the guide member while being fixable axially inside the guide member, the proximal end of the drive shaft having a first connector for interchangeably receiving at least one drive source, and the distal end having a second connector for interchangeably receiving at least one instrument tip.