Abstract: This disclosure discloses a line coupled to a spine of a user at two points such that the line can be movable relative to those two points. The line can be encased by a protective member between those two points. The line can be covered by a compound between those two points. The line can be guided between those two points.

Abstract: An implantable growing rod assembly adapted to be secured along a length of a spine for treating deformities of the spine. The assembly includes a housing, a fixed rod extending along a longitudinal axis away from the housing, and an expansion rod extendible from the housing along the longitudinal axis. A driver assembly is fixed to the housing and adapted to translate the expansion rod along the longitudinal axis. Examples of the implantable growing rod assembly include a smart growing system, and an autonomous growing rod system.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems and methods for reshaping bone are provided. The systems may include an implant body, an actuator coupled to the implant body, a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a biological condition, a transceiver, and a controller. The transceiver may be configured to transmit data associated with the parameter to an external remote control and receive instructions from the external remote control. Finally, the controller is configured to move the actuator in response to the instructions from the external remote control, wherein the actuator adjusts the implant body. The methods may include measuring a parameter indicative of a biological condition; transmitting data associated with the parameter from the implantable device to an external remote control; transmitting instructions from the external remote control to the implantable device; and actuating the bone growth device in response to the instructions from the external remote control.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. An access cannula may be introduced over the first dilator tube. A drill may be inserted through the access cannula and used to perform a foraminoplasty. Surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A fixture (10) to be embedded in a bone (H), comprising: a fixture body (11) through which a central hole (13) penetrates over the entire length thereof; and a cap body (21) which closes an opening on a root end side of the central hole (13). The cap body (21) has a first shaft section (24) to be fitted into the central hole (13). The central hole (13) has a first tapered hole section (14) which decreases in diameter from the root end side toward a top end side, and the cap body (21) has a first tapered shaft section (25) to be fitted into the first tapered hole section (14).

Abstract: A tunable implant, system, and method enables a tunable implant to be adjusted within a patient. The tunable implant includes a securing mechanism to secure the implant in the patient, a actuation portion that enables the implant to move and an adjustment portion that permits adjustment of the implant after the implant has been positioned within the patient. The method of adjusting the tunable implant includes analyzing the operation of the implant, determining if any adjustments are necessary and adjusting the implant to improve implant performance. The implant system includes both the tunable implant and a telemetric system that is operable to telemetrically receive data from the tunable implant where the data is used to determine if adjustment of the tunable implant is necessary. The system also includes an instrument assembly that is used for performing spinal surgery where the instrument assembly includes a mounting platform and a jig.

Abstract: A bone support apparatus includes a first bone connector with a first bone cradle insert configured to contact a patient's bone and constructed of a resilient material, a second bone connector configured to contact a patient's bone, and an adjustable rod assembly having a first end connected to the first bone connector and a second end connected to the second bone connector. The adjustable rod assembly has a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and an expansion member with a first end adjustably connected to the first elongated member and a second end adjustably connected to the second elongated member. The distance between the first bone connector and the second bone connector is adjustable by moving at least one of the first end and the second end relative to the first and second elongated member.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component and a bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component. The assembly further includes a tibial tray. Furthermore, the assembly includes a ligament link operably coupled to the tibial tray or the femoral component via a coupling component. The ligament link extending through the other of the tibial tray or the femoral component to couple to the respective one of the femur or tibia. The ligament link extends between first and second ends and includes an outer wall defining an interior longitudinal passage portion. First and second apertures extend through the wall. The first end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a first adjustable loop, and the second end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a second adjustable loop.

Abstract: This Implant (1) includes, in a known manner, two pieces (2, 3) that are telescopically mobile relative to one another and elements (4) for positioning one piece (3) in a particular position relative to the other piece (2), the two pieces (2, 3) being made from a polymer material. At least one of the two pieces (2, 3) has a plurality of micro-cavities (15, 20, 32) over at least one wide portion of its peripheral wall (5); and the implant includes internal communications (16, 21, 33) in its wall(s) (5, 7, 31) including the micro-cavities (15, 20, 32), connecting all or some of the micro-cavities to one another.

Abstract: A method for locating a material having thermoplastic properties in pores of bone tissue includes providing a pin having the material having thermoplastic properties and a core, wherein the material having thermoplastic properties is arranged on the circumferential surface of the core constituting an outer region of the pin. An opening is provided in the bone tissue, and the pin is positioned at least partly in the opening. The outer region of the pin is then impinged with mechanical vibration energy for a time sufficient for liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, and, in a liquefied state, pressing it into the pores of the bone tissue surrounding the opening. The vibration energy is stopped for a time sufficient for re-solidification of the liquefied material, and then the core is removed.

Abstract: A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable from a first circumference to a second circumference through axial compression of segments of the device, particularly once the device has been properly situated within a vertebral space. The interbody/intravertebral body device is characterized by a plurality of axially stacked, individual segments that are provided on a central insertion and deployment rod. Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference.

Abstract: A method for locating a material having thermoplastic properties in pores of bone tissue includes providing a pin having the material having thermoplastic properties and a core, wherein the material having thermoplastic properties is arranged on the circumferential surface of the core constituting an outer region of the pin. An opening is provided in the bone tissue, and the pin is positioned at least partly in the opening. The outer region of the pin is then impinged with mechanical vibration energy for a time sufficient for liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, and, in a liquefied state, pressing it into the pores of the bone tissue surrounding the opening. The vibration energy is stopped for a time sufficient for re-solidification of the liquefied material, and then the core is removed.

Abstract: A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable from a first circumference to a second circumference through axial compression of segments of the device, particularly once the device has been properly situated within a vertebral space. The interbody/intravertebral body device is characterized by a plurality of axially stacked, individual segments that are provided on a central insertion and deployment rod. Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference.

Abstract: An embodiment of a bone stabilization and distraction system of the present disclosure includes a light-sensitive liquid; a light source for providing light energy; a light-conducting fiber for delivering the light energy from the light source to cure the light-sensitive liquid; a delivery catheter having a proximal end in communication with the light-conducting fiber and the light-sensitive liquid, an inner lumen for passage of the light-conducting fiber, and an inner void for passage of the light-sensitive liquid; and an expandable body removably engaging a distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the expandable body has a closed end, a sealable open end, an inner cavity for passage of the light-sensitive liquid, an external surface and an internal surface, and wherein the expandable body has an insertion depth with a fixed dimension, a width with a fixed dimension, and a thickness with a changeable dimension.

Abstract: A bone structural device including a plurality of bone structural segments (40), wherein adjacent bone structural segments (40) are pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis, and the bone structural segments (40) are expandable in height, which is in a direction generally parallel to the pivot axis.

Abstract: An embodiment of a bone stabilization and distraction system of the present disclosure includes a light-sensitive liquid; a light source for providing light energy; a light-conducting fiber for delivering the light energy from the light source to cure the light-sensitive liquid; a delivery catheter having a proximal end in communication with the light-conducting fiber and the light-sensitive liquid, an inner lumen for passage of the light-conducting fiber, and an inner void for passage of the light-sensitive liquid; and an expandable body removably engaging a distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the expandable body has a closed end, a sealable open end, an inner cavity for passage of the light-sensitive liquid, an external surface and an internal surface, and wherein the expandable body has an insertion depth with a fixed dimension, a width with a fixed dimension, and a thickness with a changeable dimension.

Abstract: Medical implant at least partially consisting of a polymer, where: A) It consists only partially of one or several polymers compatible with the body, which are at least partially containing a colored substance, a reflecting coating or a self-colored; or B) It consists wholly of one or several polymers compatible with the body, whereof only a part contains a colored substance, a reflecting coating or a self-colored; or C) it comprises one or several polymers compatible with the body, which are at least partially coated with a color layer or a reflecting layer, or D) It presents at least a part of a polymer without a coating, which is capable of receiving appropriate colored substances if put in contact with color containing body fluids, so that E) The colored or color containing polymers (A), or those polymer layers that border on the reflecting coatings (A), the color substance receiving coatings (D) or the coatings consisting only of a color layer can be warmed-up and softened by electromagnetic radiation,

Abstract: A porous surgical implant constructed of a nonbiodegradable polymer that is molded to form an omnidirectional vascularization frame. The frame defines a porous external surface and a plurality of internal longitudinally extending capillaries of a substantially constant porosity throughout the implant. The internal capillaries are in fluid communication with the external porous surface and thereby configured to absorb a fluid adjacent the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for the regeneration of bone by three-dimensional callus distraction. The invention further relates to the use of such devices and to methods for three-dimensional callus distraction.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis (1) is proved which includes an elongate housing (3) having a drive (5) secured through a threaded drive shaft (7) to an extension shaft (9) therein, the drive (5) operable to cause the extension shaft (9) to move axially with respect to the body, and the extension shaft (9) and housing (3) configured to be securable to a bone to act as a prosthetic replacement for removed bone. The drive (5) is operable in a step-wise fashion through a control circuit (50) which includes an inductive coil (52). The control circuit (50) is configured to provide a predetermined output upon receiving power through the inductive coil (52) and is hardwired. An operating system for the endoprosthesis (1) is also provided and includes an external operating unit which supplies an alternating magnetic field to the internal inductive coil (52) and which is controlled by a microcontroller.

Abstract: A mosaic implant conformable to a curved surface, comprising first and second implant sections coupled along a beam portion extending across a length of the implant, each of the implant sections having a plurality of biocompatible mosaic plates, and a plurality of wires which interconnect the plates with one another. The mosaic implant is configured to be deformable such that at least a portion of the mosaic implant is conformable to a curved surface, with the beam portion providing structural support which resists inward deformation of the curved portion of the implant. A kit for forming a mosaic implant is also provided, along with a method for correcting a bone defect in a patient.

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

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods. Devices expand linearly to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies of the spine.

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

Abstract: A prosthesis for a joint includes a stem for engagement with a bone. The stem includes a surface defining a bore. The prosthesis further includes a joint component. The joint component includes a bearing surface for articulating engagement with at least one of a natural opposing joint component and a prosthetic opposing joint component. The prosthesis further includes a mounting element. The mounting element includes a proximal portion for engagement with the joint component and further includes a substantially solid articulating portion having a contiguous periphery. The substantially solid articulating portion is configured to facilitate articulating movement of the substantially solid articulating portion within the bore when the contiguous periphery is not forcefully engaged with the bore, and the substantially solid articulating portion and the bore are configured to fixedly couple the mounting element to the stem when the contiguous periphery is forcefully engaged with the bore.

Abstract: A system for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a cannula, a surgical instrument for use through the cannula, and a remote positioning system to adjust the relative position between the surgical instrument and the cannula. By allowing a physician to perform the minimally invasive surgical procedure at a distance from the patient, the remote positioning system minimizes the radiation exposure of the physician while still providing accurate control over the procedure.

Abstract: A trial implant system includes a stem component and an articulating component forming part of a joint of a patient. A trial mounting assembly mounts the articulating component to the stem component at variable relative angular positions. The trial mounting assembly includes an expandable ball portion and an expansion element configured to expand the ball portion upon rotation of the expansion element. In an expanded state, the ball portion contacts a cavity within the stem at three points of contact to fix the center of rotation of the ball portion at a pre-determined location within the stem. The stem cavity defines an inwardly projecting circumferential lip that bears against ball portion as it expands to ensure the three-point contact.

Abstract: An adjustable tibial trial insert includes an upper plate having an upper articular surface and a lower plate. A height-adjustment mechanism of the insert is coupled to and positioned generally between the upper plate and the lower plate and is configured to move between a closed position where the upper and lower plates are adjacent each other and an opened position where the upper and lower plates are spaced-apart from each other in order to adjust a height or thickness of the insert.

Abstract: An implantable, adjustable prosthesis includes a first component which may be moved relative to a second component by use of a transcutaneous control signal. A method of operating such a prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for selecting modular neck components for hip implants based on independent variables associated with physical characteristics of the implant, including leg length, offset, and anteversion. During surgery, the surgeon may be confronted with a need to change a preoperatively-chosen modular neck. For example, the surgeon may desire a change in at least one of the variables, e.g., leg length, offset, and/or anteversion. The present method allows the surgeon to quickly and easily select a different modular neck based on an evaluation of one of the variables without requiring reevaluation of the other variables. The method may include preoperative planning in which a template including a grid coordinate system is used.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for replacing a portion of a bone making up a joint. The prosthesis is adapted, intraoperatively, to optimize the anatomical alignment of the prosthesis in the joint. In particular, a jig is used to identify the axis of rotation of the joint intraoperatively and to align a portion of the prosthesis with the identified axis. The angle of the head of the prosthesis is adjusted to optimize contact with the appropriate corresponding portions of the joint, at which point the position of the head is fixed to prevent further rotation of the head relative to the remainder of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An embodiment of a bone stabilization and distraction system of the present disclosure includes a light-sensitive liquid; a light source for providing light energy; a light-conducting fiber for delivering the light energy from the light source to cure the light-sensitive liquid; a delivery catheter having a proximal end in communication with the light-conducting fiber and the light-sensitive liquid, an inner lumen for passage of the light-conducting fiber, and an inner void for passage of the light-sensitive liquid; and an expandable body removably engaging a distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the expandable body has a closed end, a sealable open end, an inner cavity for passage of the light-sensitive liquid, an external surface and an internal surface, and wherein the expandable body has an insertion depth with a fixed dimension, a width with a fixed dimension, and a thickness with a changeable dimension.

Abstract: A humeral prosthesis includes a stem component and a head component joined by an inclination component. The inclination component is provided with an opening that is designed to accommodate a pair of expandable tabs extending from a side of a plate. The plate is also provided with a taper extending opposite to the pair of expandable tabs. Inclination angle, radial offset, and version are adjustable and are separately and independently set and fixed.

Abstract: An implant for a spinal column and a method for inserting the same into a patient is disclosed. The implant includes an elongated body positionable in a spinal disc space. The body comprises a first body member and a second body member that each include at least one wedge extending into an interior cavity. A front bracket is connected with a leading portion of the first and second body members and a rear bracket connected with a trailing portion of said first and second body members. The brackets allow the first and second body members to move between an expanded state and an unexpanded state. An expansion component is positioned within the interior cavity when the implant is in an expanded state and the implant is then positioned in an unexpanded state. The expansion component includes at least one inverted wedge in engagement with the wedge of the first and second body members. The inverted wedge is operable to cause the first and second body members to expand way from one another to the expanded state.

Abstract: A system for treating bone fractures includes a tubular implant and a means for compressing the tubular implant. The tubular implant is configured to expand from a reduced configuration to an expanded configuration. The expanded configuration has a greater diameter than the reduced configuration. The means for compressing the tubular implant causes the tubular implant to expand from the reduced configuration to the expanded configuration thereby fixating a bone fracture.

Abstract: A growing prosthesis comprising a joint replacement part, a prosthesis stem, a stem-anchoring element, and an element with corresponding drive provided for the lengthening of the growing prosthesis. The element provided for the lengthening of the growing prosthesis is a spindle element arranged in the stem-anchoring element.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a first implant component implantable into a first bone portion, a second implant component implantable to a second bone portion and a third implant component comprising a shape-memory polymer. The second implant component is telescopically coupled to the first component. The third implant component is held between the first and second components. The third implant component passively expands from a first dimension to a second dimension during a selected time interval after implantation.

Abstract: A system and method for trialing a modular hip replacement system permits evaluation and replication of the anatomic anteversion rotational angle of the femur. In one embodiment, a femoral hip implant kit includes at least one distal implant and a plurality of femoral heads, each of the plurality of femoral heads having a diameter different from the diameter of the other of the plurality of femoral heads. The kit includes a proximal trial housing with a bore within the housing, the bore configured to receive a portion of the distal implant, a collet located within the bore, the collet including an outer wall portion extending between a top surface portion and a bottom surface portion, a collapsing member for engaging the portion of the distal implant and for forcing the top surface portion of the collet toward the bottom surface portion of the collet along a first axis.

Abstract: A vertebral prosthesis is adapted to be implanted adjacent a spinal disc prosthesis. According to one embodiment, the vertebral prosthesis includes a shaft and an endplate coupled to one end of the shaft. The endplate is adapted to be implanted adjacent a disc prosthesis, thereby obviating the need to fuse the endplate to an adjacent vertebral body.

Abstract: A growing prosthesis comprising a joint replacement part, a prosthesis stem, a stem-anchoring element, and an element with corresponding drive provided for the lengthening of the growing prosthesis. The element provided for the lengthening of the growing prosthesis is a spindle element arranged in the stem-anchoring element.

Abstract: A modular humeral head system includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. A hemispherical socket formed on one end of the inner surface and threads formed on the other end of the inner surface. A cap is attached at the threaded end of the housing. The cap has one or more threaded holes that run from the top surface to bottom surface of the cap. A screw may be inserted in each hole. The modular humeral head system also includes an intermediate piece having a hemispherical head at one end of a tapered shaft. The tapered shaft is inserted in a humeral stem. The hemispherical head and the hemispherical socket form a ball and socket coupling. A trial head may be impacted on the housing. The trial head has one or more holes that are aligned with the screws inserted in the cap.

Abstract: A modular humeral head system includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. A hemispherical socket formed on one end of the inner surface and threads formed on the other end of the inner surface. A cap is attached at the threaded end of the housing. The cap has one or more threaded holes that run from the top surface to bottom surface of the cap. A screw may be inserted in each hole. The modular humeral head system also includes an intermediate piece having a hemispherical head at one end of a tapered shaft. The tapered shaft is inserted in a humeral stem. The hemispherical head and the hemispherical socket form a ball and socket coupling. A trial head may be impacted on the housing. The trial head has one or more holes that are aligned with the screws inserted in the cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for the regeneration of bone by three-dimensional callus distraction. The invention further relates to the use of such devices and to methods for three-dimensional callus distraction.

Abstract: An adjustable tibial trial insert includes an upper plate having an upper articular surface and a lower plate. A height-adjustment mechanism of the insert is coupled to and positioned generally between the upper plate and the lower plate and is configured to move between a closed position where the upper and lower plates are adjacent each other and an opened position where the upper and lower plates are spaced-apart from each other in order to adjust a height or thickness of the insert.

Abstract: An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface, a proximal end and a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said surface and define a geometry of an expanded spacer. Preferably the spacer is adapted to be inserted between two spinal vertebrae of a human.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: An implantable, adjustable prosthesis includes a first component which may be moved relative to a second component by use of a transcutaneous control signal. A method of operating such a prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining and adjusting the optimal relative position of several functional surfaces of a condyle or of a socket of a human or artificial joint, especially for use with an endoprosthesis for the human knee joint, is provided. The apparatus is furnished with a compartment that is moveable by means of a sliding guide relative to a receptacle that can be detachably affixed to a human joint or bone region. A reference position of the compartment—relative to the receptacle—resulting from the posterior-anterior and/or medial-lateral motion of the knee joint can be established using by a marking having a scale.

Abstract: A system and method for trialing a modular hip replacement system permits evaluation and replication of the anatomic anteversion rotational angle of the femur. In one embodiment, a femoral hip implant kit includes at least one distal implant and a plurality of femoral heads, each of the plurality of femoral heads having a diameter different from the diameter of the other of the plurality of femoral heads. The kit includes a proximal trial housing with a bore within the housing, the bore configured to receive a portion of the distal implant, a collet located within the bore, the collet including an outer wall portion extending between a top surface portion and a bottom surface portion, a collapsing member for engaging the portion of the distal implant and for forcing the top surface portion of the collet toward the bottom surface portion of the collet along a first axis.

Abstract: An implantable, adjustable prosthesis includes a first component which may be moved relative to a second component by use of a transcutaneous control signal. A method of operating such a prosthesis is also disclosed.