Abstract: Bone fixing devices include (I) a surgical cable having a first end and a second end and (II) at least a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate. The first and second fixing plates are respectively provided with first and second central holes and first and second rings surrounding the first and second holes. The circumference of each fixing plate defines an outer edge of its respective ring and an inner edge of the ring being adjacent to the hole it surrounds. The first fixing plate is in a stacked position on top of the second plate so as to define a gap therebetween with the plates and the holes at least partly overlapping each other. The cable ends follow a continuous trajectory running around and between the plates and through the holes in such way that by drawing the cable ends the cable is tensioned around the bone parts so as to and fixate the same.

Abstract: A surgical cable comprises a core segment, at least one leader segment, and an outer jacket. The core segment is made from a material having a high tensile strength and which is capable of elongation. Each leader segment is arranged axially in tandem with the core segment and comprises a semi-rigid ductile material capable of being manipulated into a desired shape. A plurality of braided fibers form the outer jacket, which surrounds the core segment and at least a portion of the leader segment. The cable is manipulated by means of the leader segments, which are preferably capable of resisting bending in response to head-on compression, thereby enabling the cable to be more easily manipulated around and through anatomical structures.

Abstract: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding a primary passageway, a secondary passageway, and a working passageway. The passageways may be sized to receive two locking portions of a suture such that each of the locking portions can only be moved through the line lock along one direction. The passageways may be symmetrically arranged to receive the two locking portions in symmetrical fashion. The passageways may also be arranged such that two ends of the suture can be drawn in substantially opposite directions to advance the body along the suture. The body may have one or more grooves into which corresponding portions of the suture can be pressed via tension in the suture to enhance locking. The body may have a generally circular profile that facilitates advancement of the body along the suture to tighten the suture against, for example, internal bodily tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating medical conditions affecting the spine using posterior plating techniques wherein two or more motion preservation plates are used to create joints between adjacent lateral masses. Additionally, embodiments of a facet spacer guide can be used to create a pilot hole in a lateral mass to facilitate screw fixation therein.

Abstract: An instrument for tensioning a flexible elongate member in a surgical procedure includes a tensioning mechanism engageable to a portion of the flexible elongate member and operable to apply a tensioning force to the elongate member. The instrument includes a distal end portion at a distal end of the tensioning mechanism that is adapted to allow orientation of the elongate member in a first direction for implantation and to allow the instrument to extend transversely to the implantation orientation during application of a tensioning force. The distal end portion can also include a receptacle to receive a structure at the surgical site to facilitate positioning of the distal end portion at the desired location.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly which may include a bone fixation element, a collet and a flexible line. The bone fixation element may comprise a first and second passageway and at least the first passageway is configured to receive the collet. The flexible line passes through both passageways and is secured through the second passageway. The collet may be advanced into the first passageway causing the collet to circumferentially engage the flexible line fixing it in place. Instrumentation for securing the collet includes a collet driver, a counter torque instrument and a tensioner.

Abstract: A medical device, method and system are provided for stabilizing and/or for fusing bone material, such as vertebra of the spine. The medical device (fusion device) has a pair of clamp members and an optional anchor member that cooperate to securely attach the fusion device to a facet joint of the spine. The fusion device may slide down a guide wire and driven into facet bone material of a facet joint. The clamp members may be pivoted together to grip adjacent bone facets and promote their fusion. Further features include injecting flowable bone fusion material between adjacent bone facets gripped by the device.

Abstract: The process uses micro-machining for forming a prosthetic spinal disc in which one of more springs bias adjacent vertebrae apart and absorb shock. Instead of using conventionally wound springs, the entire prosthesis including the springs are formed by micro-machining a block of material. Imaging, load and other patient data provide the parameters for the prosthesis.

Abstract: A shape-changing anatomical anchor includes an activation means arranged to convert the anchor from a de-activated state to an activated state, and one or more members which extend away from the activation means and thereby change the shape of the anchor when the anchor is activated. The anchor is installed within bone and/or soft tissue when de-activated; when activated, the shape change acts to increase the force with which the anchor is retained within the tissue in which it is installed. Both piloted and non-piloted versions are described.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc for replacing a damaged natural disc includes upper and lower vertebral body engaging surfaces, an exterior wall and one or more generally vertically oriented bone channels of limited cross-sectional area to allow bone to form and fuse into continuous or discontinuous struts between the bodies. The stiffness of the disc, while supporting the bodies, allows the distance therebetween to narrow sufficiently when subjected to a predetermined load such as the patient standing, walking, etc., to transfer sufficient energy to the bone struts to create one or more nonunion joints or pseudoarthrosis at locations along the struts. The disc includes stops to limit the movement thereof to an amount sustainable by the disc without resulting in fatigue failure.

Abstract: An intersomatic cage, an intervertebral prosthesis, an anchoring device and an instrument for implantation of the cage or the prosthesis and the anchoring device are provided. An intersomatic cage or an intervertebral prosthesis fit closely to the anchoring device, which includes a body of elongated shape on a longitudinal axis, of curved shape describing, along the longitudinal axis, an arc whose dimensions and radius of curvature are designed in such a manner that the anchoring device may be implanted in the vertebral plate of a vertebra by presenting its longitudinal axis substantially along the plane of the intervertebral space, where the anchoring device is inserted, by means of the instrument, through a slot located in at least one peripheral wall of the cage or on at least one plate of the intervertebral disc prosthesis to penetrate into at least one vertebral plate.

Abstract: An interspinous device for impeding the movements of two successive vertebrae (8, 9) of the spinal column. In some embodiments, the device includes two pads (2a, 2b; 11a, 11b; 20a, 20b) whose internal faces (3a, 3b; 12a, 12b) are intended to be pressed against the lateral faces of the spinous processes (6, 7) of the vertebrae (8, 9), and ligaments (4, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d; 17a, 17b, 18, 19; 23, 24) which connect the pads (2a, 2b; 11a, 11b; 20a, 20b) to each other and to the spinous processes (6, 7), so that, during flexion and extension movements of the spinal column with respect to its normal position, the pressures exerted against the lateral faces of the spinous processes (6, 7) by the pads (2a, 2b; 11a, 11b; 20a, 20b) increase as the spinal column moves away from the normal position. Method for making a pad designed for such a device.

Abstract: A polyaxial locking screw system includes a bone plate defining a plate hole with an inner spherical surface and a relatively harder split polyaxial bushing with a outer spherical surface provided within the plate hole for receiving a bone screw. In one embodiment, the plate is formed from titanium alloy, while the bushing is formed from a cobalt chrome alloy. The outer surface of the polyaxial bushing includes a plurality of spikes. When the screw is inserted into the bushing, since the bushing material is considerably harder than the plate material, the forceful expansion of the bushing during screw insertion causes the spikes to penetrate into the inner spherical surface of the hole, thereby increasing the frictional engagement of the bushing to the plate to lock the screw at a desired angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides artificial disc prostheses, methods and instrumentation for implantation and revision thereof. Each prosthesis may comprise superior and inferior end plates and a nucleus positioned between articular surfaces of the end plates. The end plates may have planar bone engagement surfaces with a plurality of self-cutting teeth. The articular surfaces of the end plates may be planar or include a flattened portion. The nucleus includes superior and inferior articular surfaces which may comprise flattened portions such that when the articular surfaces of the nucleus and the end plates are placed in cooperation in a preferred orientation, the flattened and/or planar portions are aligned. Each prosthesis may provide flexion/extension, anterior/posterior translation, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertebral fixing system adapted to be mounted on a vertebra of the spine to connect it to a rod. The fixing system comprises: a connecting part adapted to face the rib and/or the transverse process and to be connected to the rod; an elongate flexible ligature adapted to connect together the connecting part and at least one rib and/or one transverse process; and an adjustable locking screw fastened to the connecting part and adapted to fix simultaneously in position the connecting part relative to the rod and at least one portion of the ligature relative to the connecting part, so as to prevent relative displacement of the rod and the vertebra in opposite directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cerclage arrangement for fixing a bone fracture, comprising a plate that is provided with a number of continuous holes. The pin is equipped with a head with an opening that extends perpendicular to the direction of the pin and is used for guiding a cerclage band or wire therethrough. The cerclage pin (10) encompasses a shaft (15) which is provided with an end that extends through the plate so as to engage into the bone area that is to be fixed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp for securing cables or other elongate members used in surgical fastening procedures. The clamp advantageously applies a clamping force to the cable without direct contact with the cable, thereby reducing abrasion and shear forces applied to the cable. The disclosed clamps have a saddle member, platen or both that are movably mounted with respect to the housing and a lever, in cooperation with a cam surface, that allows the saddle member, platen or both to selectively clamp the cable. The lever may have several locking positions to provide optimum clamping force to different sized cables.

Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, and a superior implant with a superior articular surface. The inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which couples the inferior articular surface with a first end of the inferior strut. A second end of the inferior strut may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable, lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The first end of the inferior strut may be post-shaped, and the second end ring-shaped, and vice versa. The superior implant may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. Inferior and superior implants may be implanted individually, paired on one lateral vertebral side, bi-laterally, and/or in multiple vertebral levels. A crosslink may be secured to one implant and extend across a vertebral sagittal plane to a second implant. A clip may align the articular surfaces during implantation.

Abstract: A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or other portions of the tether structure to stabilize the tether structure and prevent misalignment after implantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal implant for placement between adjacent processes of the human spine. In some embodiments the spinal implant includes a spacer and one or more retention members. In some embodiments, the retention members are fixed relative to the spacer and in other embodiments the retention members are deployable from a first or compact or stowed position to a second or expanded or deployed position. In some embodiments the spacer is expandable from a first size to a second size. In some embodiments the spacer has a tapered body.

Abstract: Spinal prosthetic devices having selectable and/or changeable centers of rotation are disclosed. In one aspect, a spinal prosthesis kit includes a first component, a second component, and a plurality of inserts. The first component has a first articulating surface that includes a first articulating structure. The second component has a second articulating surface with a recessed opening adapted to receive one of the plurality of inserts. Each of the plurality of inserts includes a second articulating structure adapted to moveably mate with the first articulating structure. The second articulating structure is positioned in a different location on each of the plurality of inserts. In some embodiments, the articulating structures are moveably mating projections and recesses. In another aspect, a revisable prosthetic device having a first component, a second component, and an insert is provided.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is provided to allow for an adjustable length tether for use in the spine and other parts of the body. The tether comprises an artificial strand with an eyelet formed in one end, the other end being looped through the eyelet. The other end is then secured with respect to the eyelet by a crimp, the excess length being cut off after the length of the tether has been given an appropriate tension. Alternatively, the eyelet end may be formed around a grommet. The crimp may be separate from the grommet or a part of the grommet. The mechanism by which the length is adjusted in some cases will take advantage of the shape memory properties of alloys such as nickel-titanium.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a bone plate for stabilizing bony structures. More particularly, the invention is directed to bone plates having an elongate body to which an integrated rod is formed. Integrated rod portion may be captured by a bone anchor with a receiving member. The bone plate is movable from a first position to a second position and may have an aperture for lagging the bone plate to the bone.

Abstract: A cutting and forming device includes an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and a housing. The outer sleeve has a longitudinal axis, a front end, a rear end, and a borehole having an borehole axis. The inner sleeve, can be rotated in the outer sleeve's borehole and includes a front end, a rear end, and a borehole having a borehole axis. The housing with a central axis has a front end, a rear end, and a cavity which accommodates the outer sleeve and passes through the housing parallel to the central axis. The front end of the inner sleeve has a circular cutting edge which is concentric with the borehole axis of the inner sleeve, and the borehole at the front end of the outer sleeve has a constriction whose longitudinal axis is parallel to the borehole axis of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for clamping and reclamping an orthopedic surgical cable used in conjunction with an orthopedic implant device, a bone, and/or bone implant or structure. A sequence for a method in accordance with various embodiments the invention includes providing a surgical cable clamp and an orthopedic surgical cable. Next, mounting a portion of the surgical cable to the surgical cable clamp. Next, applying a force to the portion of the surgical cable so that the surgical cable is restrained or secured relative to the surgical cable clamp with a first tension in the surgical cable. Then releasing the force on the extended portion of the surgical cable so that the surgical cable can be repositioned relative to the surgical cable clamp. Finally, applying another force to the extended portion of the surgical cable so that the surgical cable is again restrained or secured relative to the surgical cable clamp.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for clamping and reclamping an orthopedic surgical cable used in conjunction with an orthopedic implant device, a bone, and/or bone implant or structure. Systems and methods provide a clamping body, a clamping mechanism, and a force application member that cooperate to allow tensioning and re-tensioning of a surgical cable.

Abstract: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding a primary passageway, a secondary passageway, and a working passageway. In one embodiment at least a portion of the working passageway is disposed between the primary passageway and the secondary passageway such that a geometric line segment extending between the primary passageway and the secondary passageway intersects with working passageway. A line extends through the primary passageway, the secondary passageway and then through the working passageway such that a relative compression section of the line is formed between the primary passageway and the secondary passageway. The compression section of the line selectively biases against a portion of the line extending out of the working passageway so as to selectively lock the line to the body when the line is tensioned against the body.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant is described for surgical implantation in a hand of a patient comprising an elongate flexible member (24; 32; 51) for passing snugly around a surgically exposed bone (21) of the hand, the elongate flexible member (24; 32; 51) having first and second end portions (25, 27; 35, 36; 54, 55) at opposite ends thereof, the first end portion (25; 35; 54) of the elongate flexible member (24; 32; 51) being provided with slot defining means (26; 34; 56) defining a slot for receipt of the second end portion (27; 36; 55) of the elongate flexible member (24; 32; 51), and locking means (-; -; 65) to secure the second end portion (27; 36; 55) to the first end portion (25; 35; 54) after insertion of the second end portion (27; 36; 55) in the slot.

Abstract: A suture retainer has an upper or cover section and a lower or base section which cooperate to define passages through which portions of a suture extend. Projections on the cover section of the retainer extend into recesses on the base section of the retainer. A center projection on the base section extends between the two projections on the cover section. The projections cooperate with surfaces on body sections of the cover and base section of the retainer to position and grip portions of the suture. The retainer may be moved along the portions of the suture while the retainer is gripped by an applicator assembly. The applicator assembly is operable to apply energy to the retainer to bond end portions of the projections on the cover section to bottoms of recesses in the base section of the retainer.

Abstract: An instrument for tensioning a flexible elongate member in a surgical procedure includes a tensioning mechanism engageable to a portion of the flexible elongate member and operable to apply a tensioning force to the elongate member. The instrument includes a distal end portion at a distal end of the tensioning mechanism that is adapted to allow orientation of the elongate member in a first direction for implantation and to allow the instrument to extend transversely to the implantation orientation during application of a tensioning force. The distal end portion can also include a receptacle to receive a structure at the surgical site to facilitate positioning of the distal end portion at the desired location.

Abstract: The bio-absorbable bone tie with convex head is an elongated band having a convex head portion and is used for securing fragments of a fractured bone together. The elongated band portion includes a plurality of notches defined therein. The convex head portion has a convex shape with smooth, rounded edges and includes a channel or slot to receive a segment of the elongated band portion. At least one lock tooth extends into the channel or slot to engage the notches in the band and prevent the band from slipping back out of the channel, similar to a ratchet and pawl mechanism. The bone tie is constructed of a bio-absorbable material, such as polylactic acid. The leading end of the bone tie is the same color as the receiving opening of a corresponding inserter tool to minimize confusion when installing the bone tie with the inserter tool.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly comprising: a bone screw with an externally threaded shank having a head integrally formed at the proximal end and defining a cannula extending through the head and shank. An internal thread formed on the surface defining the inner cannula to receive an anchor bolt having a threaded portion, and a head defining plurality of throughgoing wire receiving holes.

Abstract: A filament retaining washer for mounting about the shank of a bone screw deployed in a bone whereby to retain the filament to the bone, the filament retaining washer comprising a structure having a screw hole extending therethrough for receiving therein the shank of the bone screw deployed in the bone, whereby to secure the structure to the bone, the screw hole defining a first axis, and the structure having a filament hole extending therethrough for receiving a filament therein so as to retain the filament to the structure, the filament hole defining a second axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing soft tissue, such as tendons, to bone, which permit a suture attachment that lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface. Advantageously, the suturing material between the soft tissue and the bone anchor is secured without the need for tying a knot. The suture attachment to the bone anchor involves the looping of a length of suture around a pulley within the bone anchor, tightening the suture and attached soft tissue, and clamping the suture within the bone anchor. The bone anchor may be a tubular body having a lumen containing a plurality of suture-locking elements that clamp the suture therein. The locking elements may be thin and C-shaped. One or more locking plugs attached to separable actuation rods displace axially within the lumen and act on the locking elements to displace them radially.

Abstract: Method for tying together objects, in particular for fixing bone parts by a surgical cable comprising the steps of laying the surgical cable, having two end parts, around at least part of the objects to be tied together, in particular the bone parts to be fixed, exerting a force on the end parts bringing the cable under a tension required for the fixing of the bone parts and locking the tensioned cable against the influence of forces acting counter to the exerted force.

Abstract: A greater trochanter re-attachment device for use in transfemoral revision surgery which comprises a bracket adapted to be attached to a femoral prosthesis with which it is to be used. The bracket has adjustable clamping elements adapted to extend from the brackets and pass around the segment of bone containing the greater trochanter and which when secured in position holds the greater trochanter in position in relation to the femoral prosthesis.

Abstract: A bracing device for bracing segments of bones together, includes a cylindrical barrel for receiving the segments of the bones therein, and one or more fasteners engaged through the cylindrical barrel for engaging into the segments of the bones, and to retain the segments of the bones together. The segments of the bones are normally formed beside the fracture portions of the bones, and may be solidly received and retained within the cylindrical barrel. The cylindrical barrel includes one or more orifices to receive the fasteners, and/or one or more openings to receive the newly grown bone tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element for fixing a first bone fragment (5.1), notably an ankle-bone fragment in ankle joint fractures, to a corresponding second bone fragment (5.2). Said element comprises an elongated spreading part (2) and a fixing part (1) which can be introduced into aligned holes (4, 6) in the bone fragments (5.1, 5.2). The fixing part has a proximal first section (1.1) designed to be introduced into the first bone fragment (5.1) and an adjoining distal second section (1.2) designed to be introduced into the second bone fragment (5.2), as well as a hollow cavity (3) extending substantially along its full length. The fixing part (1) is configured such that it can be fully introduced into the holes (4, 6); by proximal introduction of the spreading part (2) into the hollow cavity (3) at right angles to its longitudinal direction can be spread open by wedge action at least in the area of its two ends so as to be joined to the corresponding bone fragment (5.1, 5.

Abstract: An instrument for tensioning a flexible elongate member in a surgical procedure includes a tensioning mechanism engageable to a portion of the flexible elongate member and operable to apply a tensioning force to the elongate member. The instrument includes a distal end portion at a distal end of the tensioning mechanism that is adapted to allow orientation of the elongate member in a first direction for implantation and to allow the instrument to extend transversely to the implantation orientation during application of a tensioning force. The distal end portion can also include a receptacle to receive a structure at the surgical site to facilitate positioning of the distal end portion at the desired location.

Abstract: A tissue anchoring system includes a tissue anchor affixed to an end of a cable and supported for insertion on a delivery device, the manipulation of which permits placement of the anchor on a far side of the tissue. A tensioning, crimping and cutting tool designed for use along the cable's longitudinal axis, thus reducing the number of incisions required. A suture anchoring system is also described for introducing a loop of suture into a surgical site and anchoring it, for instance, across a tear in soft tissue.

Abstract: A sternal closure device comprising impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surrounding a patient's sternum with each structure having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, and an end portion. The receiving structure further incorporates a resiliently tensioned catch member with angularly disposed teeth like structures positioned to receive and position a plurality of receiving structure projection members when inserted therein. The catch member further serves as a stabilizing structure for the entire apparatus with stabilization facilitated via an easily removed single screw like structure markedly facilitates quick release of the apparatus positioned and secured.

Abstract: An instrument and method for applying a suture of stiff but bendable material, such as wire, to broken bone for closing and holding the break. Also, the instrument and method are for pulling and holding two items together with a tie. The instrument has two parts movable relative to each other for pulling the items or bone together and for twisting the suture onto the bone to hold it together. The suture is strung onto the instrument on the exterior thereof without having the suture extend through the instrument interior, so the surgeon can guide the suture and accurately string it. A crank is applied to twist the suture after the suture has been initially secured to the bone to hold the bone together.

Abstract: In order to provide an implant for fixing adjacent bone plates, in particular cranial bone plates, which has an inner abutment element by means of which a separation gap between the bone plates can be overlapped at a bone plate inner side and has an outer abutment element for overlapping the separation gap at a bone plate outer side lying opposite the bone plate inner side and which is easy for a surgeon to use and by means of which the bone plates may be securely fixed, it is proposed that at least one tension band is guided displaceably through the outer abutment element, by means of which, when a tensile stress is exerted, the inner abutment element and the outer abutment element are mutually braceable, and that the at least one tension band is fixable on the outer abutment element.

Abstract: A band of biocompatible and/or bioabsorbable material is provided including threads on one or both of its ends. An area adjacent a spinal disc is accessed, and the band of material is wrapped around the disc to stabilize the disc and/or to facilitate healing. An elongate member is inserted around a posterior region of the disc, e.g., through tubular guide members. An end of the band is connected to a distal end of the elongate member, and the elongate member is pulled back around the disc to direct the band around the disc. The band is secured around the disc overlapping vertebrae adjacent the disc. Optionally, a relative location of the vertebrae is adjusted relative to the disc before wrapping the band around the disc, for example, using a fork member or traction. Energy may also be applied to the disc to enhance healing.

Abstract: A device for the reduction and stabilisation of broken bone parts, such as those deriving from a fracture, that is particularly suitable for veterinary use. The device comprises a tubular band (1) as the main element, to be applied around the bone at the point of fracture or discontinuity, that is made of a metallic material and provided with a longitudinal aperture, equipped with multiple substantially pointed protrusions (2), distributed along its inner surface, for gripping the said broken bone parts. The tubular band (1) is sufficiently malleable to be wrapped tightly around the broken bone parts with the use of flexible cerclage elements, which are secured transversally around said tubular band and housed in external transverse grooves (3).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for clamping and reclamping an orthopedic surgical cable used in conjunction with an orthopedic implant device, a bone, and/or bone implant or structure. At least one apparatus and system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention include a clamping body adapted to positioning within a patient's body; and a clamping mechanism adapted to securing an orthopedic cable to the clamping body, creating a first tension in the orthopedic cable, releasing the tension in the orthopedic cable, and re-securing the orthopedic cable relative to the clamping body to secure another tension in the orthopedic cable. A sequence for a method in accordance with various embodiments the invention includes providing a surgical cable clamp and an orthopedic surgical cable. Next, mounting a portion of the surgical cable to the surgical cable clamp.

Abstract: A resorbable, flexible implant in the form of a continuous macro-porous sheet is disclosed. The implant is adapted to protect biological tissue defects, especially bone defects in the mammalian skeletal system, from the interposition of adjacent soft tissues during in vivo repair. The membrane has pores with diameters from 20 microns to 3000 microns. This porosity is such that vasculature and connective tissue cells derived from the adjacent soft tissues including the periosteum can proliferate through the membrane into the bone defect. The thickness of the sheet is such that the sheet has both sufficient flexibility to allow the sheet to be shaped to conform to the configuration of a skeletal region to be repaired, and sufficient tensile strength to allow the sheet to be so shaped without damage to the sheet. The sheet provides enough inherent mechanical strength to withstand pressure from adjacent musculature and does not collapse.

Abstract: A spine fixing device includes a main hooked seat, two extension hooks, and two fastening members. The main hooked seat is provided with a main hooked portion, two extension arms, and two fastening rods for fastening two fixation rods of the prior art. The extension hook is provided at one end with a curved portion, and at other end with an adjustment portion which is fastened with one of the two extension arms of the main hooked seat by one of the two fastening members. The device is retained in the back of one spinal segment such that the main hooked portion is inserted into a portion of the spinal canal of the spinal segment, and that the extension arms embrace the spinal projection of the spinal segment, and further that the curved portions of the extension hooks catch two different portions of the spinal canal of the spinal segment from the opposite direction.

Abstract: A surgical cable system and method for securing surgical cable around a portion of a human element (e.g., bone) are described. The surgical cable system may include a connector and a tensioner. The connector may be adapted to hold a pin, positionable within the connector, such that the pin may secure the cable within the connector. The pin may be repositioned, after securing the cable, to allow the cable, to move freely through the connector. The cable may be oriented within the connector such that the ends of the cable are either perpendicular or parallel with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the tensioner is adapted to vary the tension of the cable. The cable may be passed through the connector, around a portion of a human bone, and back through the connector. The cable may be tensioned by use of the tensioner and secured into position within the connector. The connector may include a locking portion for engaging a protrusion formed on the pin.

Abstract: A filament retaining washer for mounting about the shank of a bone screw deployed in a bone whereby to retain the filament to the bone, the filament retaining washer comprising a structure having a screw hole extending therethrough for receiving therein the shank of the bone screw deployed in the bone, whereby to secure the structure to the bone, the screw hole defining a first axis, and the structure having a filament hole extending therethrough for receiving a filament therein so as to retain the filament to the structure, the filament hole defining a second axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first axis.