Abstract: Hip tethering devices comprise a femoral implant including a housing that anchors the femoral implant to the femur, at least one spring, and a slider, such that the slider can move relative to the housing via compression and expansion of the at least one spring. A tether has a first end that anchors to the acetabulum, the tether passes through the femoral head, and a second end couples to the slider of the femoral implant, such that the tether spans across the patient's hip joint and relative motion between the slider and the housing allows a limited degree of separation of the femoral head from the acetabulum, while the at least one spring applies a variable tension load to the tether that resists separation of the femoral head from the acetabulum.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a bone screw for use in orthopedic procedures. The bone screw includes a shank portion having a helical thread and a head portion also having a helical thread. The head portion has a reverse frustoconical shape, with the conical taper decreasing in the proximal direction.

Abstract: A method is used to manufacture an anvil of a circular surgical stapler. The anvil includes a head and a coupling feature that extends proximally from the head. The method includes forming each of the head and the coupling feature using at least one metal injection molding process. The method also includes after forming the coupling feature, machining a through bore into the coupling feature that extends completely through the coupling feature along a longitudinal axis of the coupling feature.

Abstract: A surgical procedure for repairing and stabilizing an injured (torn, partially torn, or otherwise injured) cranial cruciate ligament in the canine stifle joint. The procedure strategically implants multiple filaments with increased tensile strength along multiple separate extra-capsular loading pathways that divide and distribute the load on the canine's stifle joint in different planes and directions for greater overall stability and strength of the repair. The filaments are anchored at multiple strategic points to stabilize the canine stifle joint. The repaired stifle joint requires multiple points of failure in the implanted filaments for the procedure to fail.

Abstract: A graft fixation device comprising: a graft separator comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a cavity disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, and at least one guide rib disposed radially outboard of the cavity and extending between the distal end and the proximal end; and an interference screw rotatably mountable within the cavity, the interference screw comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a screw thread disposed intermediate thereof, the screw thread disposed radially outboard of at least a portion of the graft separator and radially inboard of the at least one rib.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to methods and kits for preparing an ACL repair surgical implant, the method including drilling femoral and tibial bone plugs of a tendon graft to create medial to lateral holes, and passing a braided suture around the tendinous portion of the tibial end, through soft tissue, and out the tibial end. Next, an anterior to posterior femoral hole is drilled, and a flat-braided suture is passed through the femoral medial to lateral hole and, using a bent needle, passed through junctions of the femoral bone plug and the tendinous portion and out through junctions of the tibial bone plug and the tendinous portion on both sides of the graft. Ends of the flat-braided suture are crisscrossed through the medial to lateral tibial hole. A bone-to-bone fixation suture assembly is passed through the anterior to posterior femoral hole.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for preparing a graft with at least two implants of biocompatible materials, the graft being folded a plurality of times prior to being used in reconstructing a treatment site. Methods of this disclosure are contemplated for preparing a graft at a site outside of a hospital setting, storing offsite, and/or later transporting to the hospital for use with a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for preparing a graft with at least two implants of biocompatible materials, the graft being folded a plurality of times prior to being used in reconstructing a treatment site. Methods of this disclosure are contemplated for preparing a graft at a site outside of a hospital setting, storing offsite, and/or later transporting to the hospital for use with a patient.

Abstract: A TPLO plate configured to accommodate flexible strands (flexible loops) attached to tissue to be attached to bone. The TPLO plate has one or more suture eyelets, to allow the user (surgeon) to pass a flexible strand through the eyelets and attach/reattach the tissue to the plate at the anatomical location, and to improve the rotational stability of the joint or bone. The eyelets may have various shapes, forms and configurations and may be provided on or within a surface of the TPLO bone plate in any number, depending on the characteristics of the fractured bone or bone segments, or of the plate design. The eyelets preferably receive one or more flexible strands.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing a ligament graft construct for a ligament reconstruction or repair procedure are provided. In general, the described techniques utilize a reinforcement material having at least one suture tail extending therefrom. The reinforcement material is a ribbon or a ribbon-like flattened portion attached to or integrally formed with the at least one suture tail. To prepare a tissue repair construct, the reinforcement material is positioned on a first surface of a graft to extend from an end thereof and the at least one suture tail, coupled to a needle, is repeatedly passed through the reinforcement material and the surface of the graft to a second surface of the graft, and around a side portion of the graft to thereby create multiple suture loops. The tissue repair construct can be formed on each end of the graft.

Abstract: A TPLO plate configured to accommodate flexible strands (flexible loops) attached to tissue to be attached to bone. The TPLO plate has one or more suture eyelets, to allow the user (surgeon) to pass a flexible strand through the eyelets and attach/reattach the tissue to the plate at the anatomical location, and to improve the rotational stability of the joint or bone. The eyelets may have various shapes, forms and configurations and may be provided on or within a surface of the TPLO bone plate in any number, depending on the characteristics of the fractured bone or bone segments, or of the plate design. The eyelets preferably receive one or more flexible strands.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the repair of a ruptured ligament using a scaffold device are provided. Aspects of the invention, may include a scaffold attached by a suture to an anchor. In aspects of the invention, the anchor may be secured to a bone near or at the repair site.

Abstract: A reinforced graft construct for repairing a tendon or ligament formed by inserting a piece of material, such as suture, through the graft lengthwise. The material may be inserted along only a portion of the graft or along the entire graft. The material may be a reinforcement (reinforcing) material such as suture, tape, weave, or mesh passed lengthwise through the graft (for example, along the center of the graft). The ends of the graft may be whipstitched to provide additional fixation when implanted. The material may be bioabsorbable such that it will resorb away after a period of time in the body.

Abstract: Devices for use in performing external fixation orthopedic surgery are provided. More particularly, a specialized transosseous wire having a rectangular cross-section is provided. The specialized wire is installed using a reciprocating motion. Thereafter, the specialized transosseous wires are affixed to a frame. Methods of using the transosseous wire are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant device for attaching or re-attaching a flexible graft to a bone, comprising: at least a first insert comprising a synthetic osteoconductive and/or osteoinductive material, and a flexible graft, wherein the flexible graft is connected to the at least one insert, particularly prior to surgical implantation of the medical implant device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and inside surfaces of a bone tunnel to secure the tissue within the tunnel. An anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body having compressible tabs with teeth, and a spreader that forces the compressible tabs into an expanded state when inserted into anchor body, facilitating engagement between bone and the teeth of the compressible tabs. Methods are described that enable use of the bone anchoring device to secure a tissue graft into the tibial and femoral bones during anterior cruciate ligament (“ACL”) reconstruction.

Abstract: Removeable and/or revisable fixation devices, systems and methods for repairing bone fractures via a single incision, including odontoid fractures to the C2 vertebral body, which incorporate an anchoring feature that crosses the fracture site to be positioned external to the fractured bone fragment and which provides compressive and radial forces externally to the bone to immobilize the bone fragment(s) for fixation to the main bone structure.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the repair of a ruptured ligament using a scaffold device are provided. Aspects of the invention, may include a scaffold attached by a suture to an anchor. In aspects of the invention, the anchor may be secured to a bone near or at the repair site.

Abstract: A drill pin and a method of fixating tissue to bone is described herein. A method of fixating tissue to a bone with a fixation button is described that includes advancing a drill pin from a first surface of a bone to a second surface of the bone to form a tunnel.

Abstract: A suture anchor system including an anchor, a plug and an inserter. The anchor inserter includes a tubular outer shaft having a cannulation dimensioned to receive an inner shaft. The distal end of the outer shaft cannulation is threaded for engagement with the plug. The anchor includes a longitudinal cannulation formed within the anchor body, including a smooth-sided portion and a threaded portion. An eyelet, dimensioned to receive a suture therein, extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the anchor and intersects the distal portion of the cannulation. The plug is a generally elongated, tubular threaded rod comprising a cannulation adapted to receive a distal end of the inner inserter shaft.

Abstract: Implantable passive engineered mechanisms and a method for implanting such devices in a subject are described. The implantable passive engineered mechanism may be made of or comprise a biocompatible material and is appropriately sized for implantation in a subject. Exemplary implantable passive engineered mechanisms may be selected from a strut, a pulley, a lever, a compliant mechanism, a scissor lift, a tendon network, springs, planetary gears, rigid or soft hydraulics, a linkage system, a cam/clutch system, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the system comprises plural inserts, such as pulleys, levers, and/or tendon networks. Plural inserts may be arranged hierarchically to distribute force differentially from an input to one or more outputs.

Abstract: A method of increasing a pullout force of a threaded fastener in osteoporotic bone includes drilling a hole in the bone. The spacer fabric is impregnated with a bone growth agent. A tube of the spacer fabric is sized to the hole in the bone. The tube of the spacer fabric is inserted in the hole of the bone. The spacer fabric is made from Nitinol wire. A threaded fastener is inserted into a central lumen of the tube of the spacer fabric to provide a rigid structure. The bone is grown into the spacer fabric.

Abstract: A ligament assembly (2) comprising a resilient element (20) connected to a bone anchor (4) and a ligament (18), the resilient element (20) acting m a cantilever and resisting toads transmitted between the bone anchor (4) and the ligament (18) by virtue of the resistance to bending of the resilient element. The ligament (18) may comprise an artificial ligament (18) which is adapted to replace a human or animal ligament. The resilient element (20) may comprise a spiral spring and may act as a biasing element/shock absorber operatively coupled to the artificial ligament (18) to control the effective stiffness of the artificial ligament (18). Consequently, the resilient element (20) enables an effective stiffness of the artificial ligament (18) to be achieved that more closely approximates the stiffness of a natural ligament.

Abstract: Methods and devices for positioning and securing ligament grafts are provided. In general, the devices and methods utilize an implant having a particular outer surface profile and a bone tunnel having a complementary profile to provide a form fit between the implant and bone that utilizes friction to position and secure a ligament graft within the bone. Such an implant can be used in conjunction with a variety of ligament grafts, including hamstring ligament grafts. In addition, an “outside in” approach can be utilized with the implant to minimize the risk of damaging adjacent tissue during an operation and provide enhanced surgeon control. The devices and methods can be utilized in connection with repairing or replacing ligaments in a variety of joints, but can in some embodiments have particular utility in cruciate ligament reconstruction procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elongate guide element (22) for guiding an implant (1) along a tunnel (17) in a bone (12, 14) and for securing the implant within the tunnel. One exemplary guide element comprises: first end and second ends (24, 26); a pair of support apertures (42) for receiving a support element (3) for the implant, the support apertures being spaced apart in a direction along a main longitudinal axis (28); a saddle (46) extending transverse to the longitudinal axis, one of the pair of support apertures being disposed between the saddle and the first end and the other between the saddle and the second end. The support element extends through one of the pair of support apertures, at least partly around the saddle and then through the other aperture. The guide element has a generally planar bone facing surface (48) and a second opposite surface (50).

Abstract: Various exemplary methods for attaching soft tissue to bone are provided. In general, a soft tissue can be attached to a bone of a patient using a collapsible suture and a suture anchor. In at least some embodiments, attaching a soft tissue to bone includes use of a suture anchor and a collapsible suture in the form of a collapsible loop. In at least some embodiments, attaching a soft tissue to bone includes use of a suture anchor and a collapsible suture that is cinched with a cinchable knot.

Abstract: An arthroscopic tenodesis kit, includes a guide including an elongate member having a length with a distal portion having one or more spring arms configured to open toward a free end of the distal portion of the guide to directly and releasably engage a tendon. The kit also includes an inserter having an elongate cannulated body having an interior bore having a blind end and an open end configured to slidingly receive the guide. The body of the inserter has a length that is shorter than the length of the guide, so that the distal portion of the guide remains spaced from the bore when the guide is fully received within the bore.

Abstract: The technology includes an anchor assembly for tissue repair having an open helical coil sleeve and a tip structure. The tip structure includes an aperture for passing a suture and a suture capture member for capturing a suture. The technology also includes an anchor driver for installing an anchor into bone. The anchor driver includes an outer shaft and a sleeve advancement member for advancing the sleeve as well as an inner shaft and a suture capture advancement member for advancing the suture capture member. The technology also includes a system for tissue repair having an anchor assembly and an anchor driver for installing the anchor assembly into bone.

Abstract: A method for securing a strand to a fixation member for arthroscopic fixation, wherein the fixation member includes a channel on an exterior surface and an aperture therethrough. The method includes passing a strand having first and second ends through a flexible sleeve, passing the sleeve through the aperture of the fixation member in a first direction, tensioning the strand, and pulling the sleeve in a second direction different than the first direction to secure the sleeve to the fixation member without tying the strand on the fixation member.

Abstract: A surgical staple (714) for inserting into one or more bone parts (10, 12) comprises a plate (718), a first screw (748) and a second screw (748). The plate (718) includes a first end (768F), an opposed second end (768S), a first aperture (742) that is positioned near the first end (768F), and a second aperture (742) that is positioned near the second end (768S). Additionally, the plate (718) is curved along a length of the plate (718) from the first end (768F) to the second end (768S). The first screw (748) extends through the first aperture (742). The second screw (748) extends through the second aperture (742). Further, the first screw (748) and the second screw (748) are angled toward one another when the surgical staple (714) is in a relaxed configuration.

Abstract: A system for installing a labral graft includes placing anchors into a bone thereby immovably coupling the anchors to the bone, coupling a suture to at least one of the anchors, coupling sutures to a graft, using the sutures coupled to the graft to manipulate the graft into position and tightening the sutures, thereby coupling the graft to the bone. Additionally, the system also includes a graft installation funnel having a tapered funnel body and an annular space within the tapered funnel body that is capable of retaining a graft and easing installation of the graft. Further, the system for installing a labral graft includes a graft preparation device including a block with a longitudinal recess, the longitudinal recess having a cross section that mimics the natural shape of a tissue that is to be replaced by a graft, and suture slots.

Abstract: There is disclosed a customizable system and methods of use for manufacturing and testing a variety of pre-sutured allograft tendon constructs sutured according to a variety of stitching patterns and featuring a variety of tissue lengths and types. One embodiment includes a triple-channel base having first, second, and third longitudinal channels extending between first and second ends of the base, as well as a plurality of tendon-manipulation accessories. Each of the tendon-manipulation accessories includes a locking-base assembly for selectively securing the accessory to the base such that the multiple tendon-manipulation accessories may be secured to the triple-channel base in a variety of custom arrangements suitable for preparing the variety of pre-sutured constructs and/or for pre-tensioning or testing the variety of the pre-sutured constructs. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ligament assembly comprising a first ligament anchor (9) connected to a second ligament anchor (14) by a ligament (18) a resilient element (40) being associated with the first ligament anchor (9) and a ligament tension adjuster (44, 50) being associated with the second ligament anchor (14). The resilient element (40) may be disposed within the first ligament anchor (9) and the ligament tension adjuster (44, 50) may be disposed within the second ligament anchor (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic implants having a fenestrated hollow shell and a biologic core. These design features provide an improved interface between the implant and the surrounding tissue, aiding fixation, and provide a vehicle for applying new bone healing and enhancing modalities, such as gene therapy, tissue engineering, and growth factors.

Abstract: A system and method for making an orthopedic repair by fixing a soft tissue graft to bone, utilizes an implant including a body wedge having first and second outwardly expandable wedge portions, a wing portion having outwardly expandable wings, and a deployment member which is movable distally into the implant to deploy the wedge portions and the wings into an expanded deployed orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and inside surfaces of a bone tunnel to secure the tissue within the tunnel. An anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body having compressible tabs with teeth, and a spreader that forces the compressible tabs into an expanded state when inserted into anchor body, facilitating engagement between bone and the teeth of the compressible tabs. Also described is an inserter tool that can be used to insert the anchor into bone and move the spreader within the anchor to expand the anchor and capture the tissue between the anchor and the bone. Methods are described that enable use of the bone anchoring device to secure a tissue graft into the tibial and femoral bones during anterior cruciate ligament (“ACL”) reconstruction.

Abstract: A drill pin and a method of fixating tissue to bone is described herein. A method of fixating tissue to a bone with a fixation button is described that includes advancing a drill pin from a first surface of a bone to a second surface of the bone to form a tunnel.

Abstract: An implant system for implantation at a joint, the implant system including an implant device which includes a body portion having first and second ends, and a first elongate member, extending from the first or second end of the body portion. The implant system also includes a corresponding fixation device for securing the first elongate member to a subject, and the fixation device includes at least one latching element, the first elongate member includes at least one cooperating element, the at least one cooperating element being capable of cooperating with the at least one latching element of the fixation device in use.

Abstract: A ligament assembly (2) comprising a resilient element (20) connected to a bone anchor (4) and a ligament (18), the resilient element (20) acting m a cantilever and resisting toads transmitted between the bone anchor (4) and the ligament (18) by virtue of the resistance to bending of the resilient element. The ligament (18) may comprise an artificial ligament (18) which is adapted to replace a human or animal ligament. The resilient element (20) may comprise a spiral spring and may act as a biasing element/shock absorber operatively coupled to the artificial ligament (18) to control the effective stiffness of the artificial ligament (18). Consequently, the resilient element (20) enables an effective stiffness of the artificial ligament (18) to be achieved that more closely approximates the stiffness of a natural ligament.

Abstract: Devices for use in performing external fixation orthopedic surgery are provided. More particularly, a specialized transosseous wire having a rectangular cross-section is provided. The specialized wire is installed using a reciprocating motion. Thereafter, the specialized transosseous wires are affixed to a frame. Methods of using the transosseous wire are also disclosed.

Abstract: A suspensory fixation device has an elongated anchor member adapted to be transversely situated at the exit of a bone tunnel. A graft supporting loop member formed of a pair of parallel suture limbs extending from a bight portion is suspended transversely from the anchor member and has a loop length which is adjustable so the graft ligament can be supported in the bone tunnel at varying distances from the anchor member. When a graft ligament is attached to the saddle end of the loop member, the length of the loop member may be shortened by simply pulling distally on the pair of limbs at one end of the loop member to pull the graft ligament into the bone tunnel a predetermined distance or until it bottoms out at the floor of the bone tunnel. When tension is applied to the loop member by the graft pulling the loop proximally, the bight portion of the suture automatically locks the graft supporting loop member in place.

Abstract: Implantable passive engineered mechanisms and a method for implanting such devices in a subject are described. The implantable passive engineered mechanism may be made of or comprise a biocompatible material and is appropriately sized for implantation in a subject. Exemplary implantable passive engineered mechanisms may be selected from a strut, a pulley, a lever, a compliant mechanism, a scissor lift, a tendon network, springs, planetary gears, rigid or soft hydraulics, a linkage system, a cam/clutch system, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the system comprises plural inserts, such as pulleys, levers, and/or tendon networks. Plural inserts may be arranged hierarchically to distribute force differentially from an input to one or more outputs.

Abstract: A graft fixation device comprising: a graft separator comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a cavity disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, and at least one guide rib disposed radially outboard of the cavity and extending between the distal end and the proximal end; and an interference screw rotatably mountable within the cavity, the interference screw comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a screw thread disposed intermediate thereof, the screw thread disposed radially outboard of at least a portion of the graft separator and radially inboard of the at least one rib.

Abstract: A suture anchor is disclosed having an outer body with an axial bore which receives and inner body for rotation. Suture passes between the inner body and outer body and rotation of the inner body wraps the suture thereabout locking the suture thereto. Rotation of the inner body also effects radial expansion of at least a portion of the outer body to engage to anchor into a bone hole.

Abstract: Pathologies of joints arising from improper force distributions are addressed by displacement of targeted connective and muscle tissues surrounding the joint in order to realign force vectors and alter moment arms loading the joint.

Abstract: Implantable assemblies for manipulating energy transferred by members defining an anatomical joint, and methods of implanting and using. The members of the anatomical joint collectively define a path of motion. An assembly includes a first component configured to be attached to a first member of the anatomical joint; a second component configured to be attached to a second member of the anatomical joint; and a joint joining the first and second components. The first component includes a first flex member and the second component includes a second flex member. The first and second flex members are configured to flex to absorb energy transferred by the members of the anatomical joint.

Abstract: A device has been developed to augment the rotator cuff tendon tissue as it proceeds in healing. The device has two purposes: to provide initial stability to the rotator cuff repair site to allow early mobilization of the upper extremity of the patient, and to allow for reinforcement of rotator cuff tendon repairs to increase the likelihood of successful rotator cuff tendon repairs. The device consists of an inter-connected, open pore structure that enables even and random distribution and in-growth of tendon cells. The braided structure allows for distribution of mechanical forces over a larger area of tissue at the fixation point(s).

Abstract: The disclosure describes implantable medical products, that include dry or partially hydrated biocompatible biostaples suitable for ligament repairs or replacements comprising collagen fibers that may be configured to expand in situ after implantation to frictionally engage a bone tunnel wall or bone sleeve to thereby affix the construct in the bone tunnel.

Abstract: An arthroscopic tenodesis kit, includes a guide provided by an elongate member having a length with a distal portion having a plurality of angled slots configured to directly and releasably engage a tendon. The kit also includes an inserter with an elongate cannulated body having an interior bore having a blind end and an open end configured to slidingly receive the guide. The body of the inserter has a length that is shorter than the length of the guide, so that the distal portion of the guide remains spaced from the bore when the guide is fully received within the bore.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for a graft fixation device for fixing a graft member within a bone tunnel. In one embodiment, a graft fixation device is provided having a radially expandable sheath adapted to be disposed within a bone tunnel, and a sheath expander adapted to be received within the radially expandable sheath to expand the sheath and thereby anchor a graft between the sheath and the bone tunnel. In an exemplary embodiment, the graft fixation device is particularly useful to affix a graft within a femoral tunnel.