Abstract:
An expandable device is introduced into a cancellous bone volume of a vertebral body through a percutaneous access path. The expandable device carries a therapeutic substance. The expandable device is expanded while disposed within the cancellous bone volume to incorporate the therapeutic substance in the cancellous bone volume.
Abstract:
A cannula establishes a subcutaneous path into bone. A tamping instrument having a tamping terminus is sized and configured for manipulation independent of the cannula to enable insertion of the tamping instrument into the cannula, advancement of the tamping terminus in the cannula to urge material residing in the cannula into bone, and withdrawal of the tamping terminus from the cannula.
Abstract:
An expandable structure carried at the end of a catheter tube assembly can be contracted and/or wrapped to present a reduced profile during deployment and/or removal from a targeted tissue site.
Abstract:
An ankle implant for use in ankle arthroplasty in total ankle replacement is provided. The implant includes an upper prosthesis anchored to the tibia and a lower prosthesis anchored to the talus. The lower prosthesis is operable associated with the upper prosthesis. The implant also includes a stem which is rigidly removably connected to the second member. The stem includes a portion for attachment to the calcaneous. The stem is be adapted to be in a first position in the calcaneous when the stem is in a first relative position with respect to the lower prosthesis, and to provide for a second position in the calcaneous when the stem is in a second relative position with respect to the lower prosthesis.
Abstract:
An energy transmitter is introduced into a bone, e.g., a vertebral body, through a percutaneous path. Energy is propagated into the bone by the energy transmitter to create a cavity in the bone. A material is conveyed into the cavity. The material can be, e.g., a bone cement, allograft material, synthetic bone substitute, a medication, or a flowable material that sets into a hardened condition.
Abstract:
Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra. In some embodiments, the prosthesis is attached with a non-invasive support member, such as a clamp. In other embodiments, a translaminar screw may be used for additional fixation.
Abstract:
A method provides a void creation device including an expandable structure adapted to undergo expansion in the cancellous bone volume of a bone selected for treatment. The expandable structure has at least one dimension so that the expandable structure will assume a predetermined shape and size when substantially expanded that compacts only a first volume of the cancellous bone volume to form a void, leaving a second volume of the cancellous bone volume substantially uncompacted by the expandable structure. A filling material is placed within the void through the percutaneous access path.
Abstract:
An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, including a pedicle fixation element; a laminar fixation element; and a facet joint bearing surface having a location adaptable with respect at least one of the pedicle fixation element and the laminar fixation element. The invention also includes a method of implanting an adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis including the steps of determining a desired position for a facet joint bearing surface; and attaching a prosthesis comprising a facet joint bearing surface to a pedicle portion of a vertebra and a lamina portion of a vertebra to place the facet joint bearing surface in the desired position. The invention also provides a facet joint prosthesis implant tool including a tool guide adapted to guide a vertebra cutting tool; and first and second fixation hole alignment elements extending from the saw guide.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for filling a cavity in a patient's body with a material are provided. The apparatus can include a flexible tube, a barrel and a plunger. The flexible tube has a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending from the first end to the second end and operable to hold a material for conveyance through the first end into a cavity. The barrel is in fluid communication with the second end of the flexible tube and includes a lumen configured to receive material for delivery into the flexible tube. The plunger is configured to advance material through the lumen in the barrel and into the flexible tube. In one implememtation, there is substantially a one to one ratio of advancement of the plunger to a volume of material advanced from the rigid first end of the flexible tube.