Abstract: A disposable insertion instrument for inserting an implant includes a handle assembly, a drive assembly, and a plunger assembly. The drive assembly comprises an inner shaft and a spring received within an outer sleeve. A locking pin and drive lobes on the inner shaft cooperate to reversibly lock the drive assembly in a retracted position. A medical implant may be attached to the instrument via an adapter located at a distal end of the drive assembly. Following insertion of the medical implant into a patient, the disposable insertion instrument may be discarded.

Abstract: An artificial replacement disk assembly comprised of a core in between two endplates. The endplates have outer surfaces that match the surface morphologies of the corresponding vertebral endplates. The endplates may have textured inner surface to form a strong fusion with the core during the fabrication process. The thick solid endplates strongly fused to the core create a very resilient implant. Gripping structures on the endplates may permit easy manipulation of the assembly during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A bone graft delivery system and method for using same to deliver graft material into a surgical site. The method includes the steps of providing a hollow tube configured to receive the graft material, releasably attaching an implant to a distal end of the hollow tube so as to communicate with at least one opening in the distal end of the hollow tube, the implant being configured to receive the graft material delivered through the hollow tube; placing the implant within the surgical site; advancing the graft material through the hollow tube; conveying graft material through the hollow tube into an interior of the implant, whereby the implant is at least substantially filled with the graft material; and discharging the graft material through at least one opening in the implant into the surgical site, whereby the surgical site is at least substantially filled with the graft material.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member including a drive engageable with a first mating surface of a bone fastener. A second member is rotatable relative to the first member and includes an element engageable with a second mating surface of the bone fastener. An actuator is connected with the second member and includes visual indicia of engagement of the element with the second mating surface. Systems, spinal implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A facet screw system and method includes an implant assembly having a screw with a removable head, a locking nut, and a collet. An insertion instrument is used to insert the screw, compress the facet joint, locks the implant, and breaks off the head of the screw providing a lower profile implant.

Abstract: Tools and methods for expanding a precursor hole in a host material to receive a fixture. The precursor hole is enlarged by a rotary tool having helical flutes and interposed lands. The flutes have a negative rake angle. The lands each have a working edge that cuts the host material when the tool is rotated in a cutting direction, and that condenses the host material when the tool is rotated in a densifying direction. The body of the rotary tool has a stopper section that plugs the hole when a certain depth is reached. When the tool is used with a copious wash of irrigating fluid at or below the necessary depth, hydraulic pressure builds inside the precursor hole. The hydraulic pressure can be advantageously exploited in cutting mode to autograft a slurry of host material particles into the sidewalls of the hole and create an incipient densifying crust.

Abstract: Guides, implants, devices, instruments, systems, and assemblies for achieving bone fusion are disclosed. A bone fusion system, including an implant template, a guide wire for insertion through the implant template, a bone plate for receiving the guide wire, and an alignment guide apparatus for coupling to the bone plate. Methods of using a bone fusion system for achieving bone fusion are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant inserter, comprising: a) a elongated central body having a distal end, a proximal end, an outer surface, and a longitudinal throughbore therethrough, b) upper and lower blades, each blade having a distal end portion and a base portion, the base portion of each blade pivotally coupled to the elongated central body, c) a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft is advanceable within the throughbore and rotatable about the longitudinal axis, the shaft having a distal end forming a pusher having an acicular transverse cross-section, d) upper and lower endplates respectively detachably connected to the distal end portion of a respective blade.

Abstract: An inserter for attaching a modular yoke to a bone screw and for providing an indication of attachment, comprises a tubular body having a central lumen, distal and proximal ends, and an attachment portion for releasable attachment to a yoke having a bottom opening for receipt of a head of said bone screw. The inserter includes an inner shaft having a distal end configured to be received into the yoke, the shaft being axially movable within the lumen from first to second axial positions in response to the introduction of the bone screw head into the yoke bottom opening. An indicator button supported by the body is movable in response to axial movement of the shaft from a first indicator position indicating the first axial position of the shaft relative to the body to a second indicator position indicating the second axial position of the shaft relative to the body.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatuses and methods of an expandable fusion device are provided. In one embodiment, an intervertebral implant can be provided, having a first endplate having an upper surface and a lower surface, a second endplate having an upper surface and a lower surface. A first side wall extends from the first endplate and a second side wall extends from the second endplate and are configured to engage one another to provide a selective variable height between the first endplate and the second endplate. The first side wall and the second side wall form a substantially hollow portion substantially enclosed by the first endplate, second endplate and the side walls. The substantially hollow portion is configured to receive bone growth inducing material.

Abstract: A method to guide in preparation of a bone relies on an instrument having a shaft with a working end and a stop member. The shaft is free to translate along an axis. Surgical planning data is registered to the bone to determine intra-operative coordinates of the desired axis and depth. The instrument holder is positioned by the bone so the stop member contacts the instrument holder to prevent translating beyond the desired depth. Alternatively, an arm is manipulated to align the instrument with the desired axis. The working end rests on the bone to define a linear separation to the desired depth. By proximally translating the instrument holder to contact the stop member and distally translating the instrument holder along the shaft, the stop member physically stops translating beyond the desired depth. A surgical system for performing the methods is provided; a reamer or impactor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool assembly for extracting a liner from a prosthesis comprising an impactor and a faceplate. The impactor can be configured to receive and transmit a force. The faceplate can be configured to deliver the force from the impactor to the prosthesis to separate the liner from a shell of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention involves a cannula suitable for the implantation of intervertebral implants into the spine area of an animal, particularly humans. The first end of the dynamically expanding cannula includes a rectangular or oval shaped cannula portion formed from a sandwich style assembly. The second end of the dynamically expanding cannula includes a connection assembly for securing the sandwich construction together. Once inserted, a backing assembly can be removed and a flexible expansion member can be displaced by an implant while a slide guides the implant to create a dynamic opening through which the implant travels to the disc space. A lever is supplied as a portion of the expansion assembly for removing the expansion member after insertion of an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: The knee joint prosthesis includes a tibial component and a femoral component. The tibial component has a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface and a first slot passing through the top surface and the bottom surface for accommodating a cruciate ligament. The tibial component has at least one first protrusion disposed on the bottom surface, and the first protrusion has a plurality of first through holes. The femoral component is carried by the tibial component and has a second slot for accommodating the cruciate ligament. The femoral component has at least one second protrusion disposed on a surface thereof opposite to the tibial component, and the second protrusion has a plurality of second through holes. The first protrusion has a first rear and front portions, and a width of the first protrusion gradually becomes thicker from the first rear portion toward the first front portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: A spinal marking system includes a marker having a threaded member and a flexible member connected to the threaded member. The flexible member has a length longer than that of the threaded member. The system also includes a navigation tool having a shaft configured to connect to the threaded member. The navigation tool also includes a navigation array connected to the shaft. The navigation array having a plurality of fiducials that are configured to communicate with a robotic system.

Abstract: An implantable tendon protection system includes a body adapted to be implanted within a bursa overlying a tendon of a patient to protect the tendon. The body may be fixed to the tendon with adhesive, sutures, staples, and/or anchors. A surgical kit is provided with such a tendon protection system and an insertion cannula. Methods of protecting a tendon of a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: Typically, surgical intervention is required to remedy abnormalities of the vocal cords. However, surgical intervention often causes a laryngeal web, or glottic web, to form which impairs the sound quality of the vocal cords. The prosthesis and methods of the invention effectively eliminate regrowth of a laryngeal web after surgery over all other prior art devices and methodologies. During the operative procedure, the prosthesis may be inserted through a surgically created hole in a laryngeal web allowing a laryngeal bridge to assist in holding the prosthesis in position. Following surgery, after the vocal cords heal, the prosthesis may then be removed, and the laryngeal bridge also removed. In the case of an anterior procedure, the prosthesis produces a sharp anterior commissure without any glottic web. The prosthesis and method greatly reduce the recurrence of a laryngeal web.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to spinal treatments and, more particularly, to a trial inserter tool compatible with detachable trial heads for use in spinal surgery. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a system for sizing an implant to be used in posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. The system may comprise a trial inserter tool, wherein the trial inserter tool comprises: a body, wherein the body is an elongated tubular, wherein the body comprises a first end and a second end; an actuation device, wherein the actuation device is disposed on the body between the first end and the second end; and a hooked support member that extends from the second end of the body; and a trial head disposable on the hooked support member.

Abstract: A rod reducer including a housing defining an opening, a body member defining an opening and a slot, a shaft disposed through the opening of the housing and coupled to the opening of the body member, an anvil including a linkage extending therefrom, the linkage coupled to the body member and the anvil, a plurality of arm members, and a biasing element disposed between the body member and the anvil. A pin of the linkage is slidably disposed within the slot, and the biasing element is configured to bias the anvil distally with respect to the body member. Rotation of the shaft translates into linear movement, relative to the housing, of the shaft, the body member, and the anvil. The arm members are coupled to the housing and movable towards a parallel configuration as the anvil is advanced away from the housing to engage a bone screw.

Abstract: A surgical driver apparatus includes a housing and an inner driver shaft having a proximal end secured within the housing and a distal end extending out from a first side of the housing. The inner driver shaft is configured to rotate with respect to the housing. The surgical driver apparatus further includes an outer driver shaft and an idler driver shaft. The outer driver shaft is positioned coaxial with the inner driver shaft and configured to rotate independently from the inner driver shaft. The idler driver shaft is configured to transmit torque to the outer driver shaft. Additionally, the surgical driver apparatus includes a driver key comprising a driving feature and a counter-driving feature. The driver key is configured to engage a second side of the housing in one of a plurality of orientations configured to rotate the inner driver shaft and/or the outer driver shaft.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a replacement procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the replacement procedure. Force sensing is included to aid in quantifying installation of an implant, particularly a cup into a pelvic bone.

Abstract: The combination of: a) a bone implant having a body with a first portion that overlies an outer bone surface and first and second projections; and b) a bone implant handling instrument comprising: a guide assembly; and an implant advancing assembly. With a part of the bone implant handling instrument bearing against at least one bone part, the bone implant can be guided by the instrument in substantially a straight line in a first direction, while being maintained in substantially a same orientation with respect to the straight line, between a starting position and one operative position. The implant advancing assembly has at least one part that is movable against the bone implant to advance it into the operative position wherein the first and second projections are advanced into one or more bone parts and the first portion of the body overlies an outer bone surface. A method of placing the bone implant is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a spinal implant having a main body, a proximal anchor, a distal anchor, and an internal plunger. The proximal anchor comprises a nut having an internal bore. The distal anchor comprises a plurality of wings having a first closed configuration and a second open configuration. The internal plunger is housed within a central bore of the main body. The distal end of the internal plunger is operatively connected to the first wing and the second wing to selectively move the wings between the first closed configuration and the second open configuration, and vice versa.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a spinal implant having a main body, a proximal anchor, a distal anchor, and an internal plunger. The proximal anchor comprises a nut having an internal bore. The distal anchor comprises a plurality of wings having a first closed configuration and a second open configuration. The internal plunger is housed within a central bore of the main body. The distal end of the internal plunger is operatively connected to the first wing and the second wing to selectively move the wings between the first closed configuration and the second open configuration, and vice versa.

Abstract: A microfracture device for creating small holes in a bone. The microfracture device includes a handle having a body extending along a central longitudinal axis with a proximal end and a distal end; a shaft connected to the distal end of the body, the shaft having a distal tip; wherein the distal tip extends at first angle relative to the central longitudinal axis; a sliding mechanism slidably engaged with a surface of the body and moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration; and wherein the sliding mechanism further comprises a striking surface extending therefrom, wherein the striking surface is positioned at a second angle to the central longitudinal axis that is at least substantially similar to the first angle.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for inserting an implant includes an elongated main body having a proximal handle and a distal portion that selectively couples to the implant. A plunger is slidably engaged in a central passage of the elongated main body configured to fix the implant to the elongated main body by selectively filling the central passage within the distal portion. A hex nut driver is concentrically located about the plunger and elongated main body to deploy an actuation plunger of the implant. The proximal handle portion of the main body includes a staggered path therethrough for accepting a tab of the plunger therein. Advancement and retraction of the plunger tab within the staggered path alternates the insertion instrument between an unlocked position configured to mount the implant on the distal portion of the elongated main body, a locked position configured to lock the implant on the distal portion, and a deployed position configured to secure the implant.

Abstract: An adjustable implant includes a telescopic body with first and second portions in sliding engagement, and a deflectable linkage formed from a first linking segment, an intermediate segment and a second linking segment pivotally interconnected so that adjustment of a length of the telescopic body causes a corresponding deflection of the deflectable linkage. The first linking segment and the second linking segment are formed with projecting features that provide a partial gear engagement between the first and second linking segments such that, during adjustment of a length of the telescopic body and corresponding deflection of the deflectable linkage, pivotal motion of the first and second linking segments relative to the intermediate segment about the first and second pivot axes occurs in a fixed ratio defined by the partial gear engagement.

Abstract: Kerrison-style rod reducers, inline-style rod reducers, and related methods of using the disclosed rod reducers for holding a spinal implant and seating a fixation rod in a rod-receiving portion of the spinal implant are provided for herein. The disclosed rod reducers can also be configured for applying a set screw or other closure mechanism to secure the rod within the rod-receiving portion of the spinal implant. The disclosed embodiments can be easy to use, not require significant force to operate, and be efficient, thereby reducing the time and expense necessary to perform spinal surgery. The disclosed rod reducers can be readily dissembled, thereby making these surgical instruments easy to clean and sterilize.

Abstract: Kerrison-style rod reducers, inline-style rod reducers, and related methods of using the disclosed rod reducers for holding a spinal implant and seating a fixation rod in a rod-receiving portion of the spinal implant are provided for herein. The disclosed rod reducers can also be configured for applying a set screw or other closure mechanism to secure the rod within the rod-receiving portion of the spinal implant. The disclosed embodiments can be easy to use, not require significant force to operate, and be efficient, thereby reducing the time and expense necessary to perform spinal surgery. The disclosed rod reducers can be readily dissembled, thereby making these surgical instruments easy to clean and sterilize.

Abstract: A modular bone fixation implant includes a center post having exterior bone engaging features and configured to be implanted within a bone. The center post includes an aperture at an outer end of the center post. One or more interchangeable modular components may be placed within the bone and anchored to the aperture of the center post. Interchangeable modular components may include staples, bone plates, and spacers, each having at least a first end including a post engaging arm sized and shaped to seat within an interlocking feature of the aperture. A locking screw is provided to anchor all components to the center post when the interchangeable modular components have been placed.

Abstract: Spinal implant trials are provided having various configurations and sizes that aid the selection of spinal implants having similar configurations and sizes. A surgeon during surgery can insert various configurations and sizes of the spinal implant trials into a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient to enable the selection of a spinal implant configured and sized to fit the patient's disc space. Fluoroscopic images can be used in aiding the selection of an appropriately configured and sized spinal implant corresponding to one of the spinal implant trials. The spinal implant trials include features that reveal on the fluoroscopic images whether the spinal implant trials are properly located and oriented in the disc space and include features corresponding to different sizes of spinal implants also revealed on the fluoroscopic images.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for trajectory guidance during surgical procedures, for example, monitoring and identifying a desired trajectory of surgical access devices and implants for the purpose of preventing unintended injury to surrounding tissues, such as nerves, blood vessels, cartilage, or bone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: An insertion device for deploying an implant includes an elongated main body having a distal locking portion for coupling to the implant and a proximal handle portion. The main body defines a central passage and the distal locking portion has outer ridges and slots to allow the outer ridges to flex radially inward when mounting to the implant. A plunger slides in the central passage for movement between an unlocked position for mounting the implant on the distal locking portion, a locked position for locking the implant on the distal locking portion, and an insertion instrument deployed position for deploying the actuation plunger to move the blades from the stowed position to the deployed position. A spike cap drive rotatably mounts on the main body having a socket end for engaging a drive nut on the implant to, in turn, move the spike cap.

Abstract: A system and method for improving installation of a prosthesis which may include assembly of a modular prosthesis. Devices include prosthesis installation tools, prosthesis assembly tools, site preparation systems, and improved power tools used in implant site preparation, the tools including a secondary motion that preferably includes an ultrasonic vibration.

Abstract: There is provided a patient specific access retractor for use in surgery, for example, minimally invasive spinal surgery. There are also provided methods of using the access retractor in surgery.

Abstract: An inserter connects to an implant which has two rotatable actuators for adjusting two different parameters of the insert. The inserter has a handle and a frame extending from the handle. A hollow tube is supported by the frame and has an end that can be connected and disconnected from the implant when the tube is rotated. A stem is passed through the tube, and another stem is supported by the frame. Each of the stems has an end that is connectable to an actuator of the implant, and an opposite end connectable to a tool driver. When the tool driver rotates a stem connected to the implant, a parameter of the implant is changed. The stems can be removed for cleaning or for replacement with a different type of stem. The two parameters can be a height of different sides of the implant.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a replacement procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the replacement procedure. Force sensing is included to aid in quantifying installation of an implant, particularly a cup into a pelvic bone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing correction of one or more maladies or conditions of the spinal column of a living being. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an implant delivery instrument and an implant for use therewith. In one variant, the implant delivery instrument includes a non-detachable distraction member for distraction of the disc space and a track for slidable delivery of an implant to the distracted disc space. In another variant, the implant delivery instrument includes a detachable distraction member for distraction of the disc space and a track for slidable delivery of an implant to the distracted disc space. In the latter variant, the distraction member is co-implanted in the disc space with the implant.

Abstract: An instrument includes a sleeve extending between proximal and distal ends. The sleeve defines a passageway. The distal end defines an engagement portion including an engagement surface extending from a first end to a second end. A peg extends outwardly from the first end. An opening that is in communication with the passageway extends through the second end. A knob is coupled to the proximal end. A shaft includes a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The distal end of the shaft includes a mating portion. The mating portion extends through the opening. The proximal end of the shaft is coupled to the knob. The knob is rotatable relative to the sleeve to rotate the shaft relative to the sleeve. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least a first cavity and a second cavity. The cavities are oriented to implant fasteners in alignment with an oblique surgical pathway relative to a bilateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an anterior portion of an intervertebral space of the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal-correction system having (i) a receiver including a base and opposing arms extending proximally from the base forming a rod-receiving cavity, (ii) a pair of extender tabs, each extender tab having threaded inner walls for receiving threads of a setscrew, (iii) a pair of tab extenders each being connectable releasably to one of the extender tabs, (iv) a cap instrument connectable releasably to the tab extenders, and (v) a pair of breakoff sections, each connecting one of the extender tabs to one of the receiver arms, and each being readily breakable for separating the extender tab from the receiver arm. The distal base defines a bonescrew cavity to receive a bonescrew head so that the head can move relative to the base. Each receiver arm has threaded inner walls for receiving setscrew threads. The rod-receiving cavity has geometry corresponds to geometry of the setscrew and a spinal-correction rod.

Abstract: The present application is directed a Joint Revision Surgery Apparatus which includes a blade guide block which has a plurality of blade guide slots and a central cavity. The blade guide block central cavity is positioned over the trunnion end of the existing prosthesis to be removed and secured to the prothesis. Straight, curved and compound curved knife blades are guided by the blade guide slots to cut the prothesis free. The securing of the guide blade block support apparatus against the femur is accomplished by the means of a male threaded T handle screw or male threaded eyebolt threading into one of the female threaded orifices in the blade guide block frame. The guide blocks in varying sizes and configurations, straight and curved knifes blades and related accessories may be sold as a complete kit. The Joint Revision Surgery Apparatus facilitates rapid, efficient and complete removal of an existing prosthesis during joint revision surgery.

Abstract: An implantable tendon protection system includes a body adapted to be implanted within a bursa overlying a tendon of a patient to protect the tendon. The body may be fixed to the tendon with adhesive, sutures, staples, and/or anchors. A surgical kit is provided with such a tendon protection system and an insertion cannula. Methods of protecting a tendon of a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application provides a tool for minimally invasive surgical procedures. The tool includes a first and second portion where each portion has an outer blade and an inner blade that is slidable along the outer blade. A removable connector connects the first and second portions. When removed, the first and second portions are separated by a gap extending the length of the tool.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods used to customize the length of fasteners used during orthopedic surgeries, comprising creating a hole of the desired depth in a bone, measuring the depth of the hole using a depth measuring device, calculating, using the depth measuring device, the optimal length dimension of the fastener, transferring the calculated fastener optimal length dimension to a fastener cutting device, inserting a fastener having a length exceeding the optimal length dimension into the fastener cutting device, and cutting the fastener to the optimal length dimension using the fastener cutting device.

Abstract: A surgical coupling member includes a shaft defining an axis and including at least one thread having an external thread form. The external thread form having a leading flank and a trailing flank. The external thread form defines a pitch and a crest, the crest having a width in a range of about 35% to about 50% of the pitch of the external thread form, wherein the leading flank and the trailing flank are angled in a proximal orientation relative to the thread axis, and wherein the external thread form is configured to interlock with an internal thread form of an implant receiver. Systems, spinal constructs, implants and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system comprising a medical instrument (e.g. cup implant, 3) and a holding device (2) that interacts with said medical instrument to form a sealable cavity within the combined arrangement of components. An impaction device (1) is also provided, preferably which provides means to allow fluid to be expelled from the cavity but which prevents further fluid from entering the cavity.

Abstract: Provided is a novel rod reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rod contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided.