Abstract:
Materials and methods for repairing or replacing an intervertebral disc or disc nucleus using natural biological tissue. The tissue may be used alone without an additional core material, or it may be used to encapsulate an elastomeric or hydrogel core. When used alone the tissue may be rolled, folded, braided, or layered to provide a solid plug of natural biological material. When used to encapsulate an elastomeric or hydrogel core the tissue acts as a constraining jacket to support the core. The natural tissue implants may further include a drawstring to assist in folding the implant when the device is implanted in an intervertebral disc space. Multiple units of the natural tissue implants may be used together.
Abstract:
An interbody osteogenic fusion device (110) is provided that includes a rigid elongated central element (112) and a pair of opposing bone engaging members (116, 118). The device promotes fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae. In one aspect, a cylindrical end cap (114) is coupled to one end of the central element (112). The opposing bone engaging members (116, 118) are configured to contact and support the adjacent vertebrae. The opposing bone engaging members (116, 118) are coupled at opposite sides of the central element (112) and extend from the end cap (114) to the other end of the central element (112). The central element (112), cylindrical end cap (114), and bone engaging members (116, 118) define opposite cavities (117, 119) for containing osteogenic material.
Abstract:
An interbody osteogenic fusion device (10) is provided that includes opposite end pieces (11, 12) with an integral central element (13). The end pieces are sized to maintain the height of an intervertebral disc space. The central element has a much smaller diameter so that the osteogenic fusion device forms an annular pocket around the central element. An osteogenic material is disposed within the annular pocket (24) between the opposite end pieces. In one embodiment, the osteogenic material constitutes a collagen sheet (30) soaked in a solution containing a bone morphogenetic protein. The osteogenic fusion device is configured so that the osteogenic material is in direct contact with the adjacent vertebral bone.
Abstract:
Spinal spacers (20) are provided for fusion of a motion segment. The spacers include a load bearing member (21) having a wall (22) sized for engagement within a space between adjacent vertebrae to maintain the space and an effective amount of an osteogenic composition (30) to stimulate osteoinduction. The osteogenic composition includes a substantially pure osteogenic factor in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment the load bearing member includes a bone graft impregnated in an osteogenic composition. In another embodiment, the osteogenic composition (30) is packed within a chamber (25) defined in the graft. Any suitable configuration of a bone graft is contemplated, including bone dowels, D-shaped spacers and cortical rings. 00000
Abstract:
Ultrasonic devices and methods are provided that diagnose one or more pain generators. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic devices and methods are utilized to map one or more pain generators at or near the spine so that appropriate diagnostic and treatment methods can be performed.
Abstract:
Injection shut off valve devices and methods are provided for limiting flow and pressure from a pharmaceutical composition on injection. In some embodiments, the injection shut off valve is coupled to a syringe and can be used to monitor and avoid maximum pressures that can cause damage on injection.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods for augmenting bone formation by administering isolated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) within a matrix provided. By adding calcium and/or phosphate ions to the matrix, one may foster greater bone regeneration.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods for augmenting bone formation by administering isolated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) within a matrix provided. By adding calcium and/or phosphate ions to the matrix, one may foster greater bone regeneration.
Abstract:
Drug depot delivery devices and methods are provided for delivering one or more drug depots in close proximity to the nerve of a patient with or without repositioning the cannula. The device includes an electronic monitor for detecting the proximity of the tip of the cannula to a nerve. In some embodiments, a method of delivering a drug depot is provided by detecting the nerve and delivering the drug depot near the nerve.
Abstract:
The invention provides an instrument and methods for minimally invasive surgical scaling and/or planning procedures, thus reducing patient recovery time. Furthermore, the present invention overcomes the shortcoming in the prior art of inadequately preparing the diseased site or creating an aerosol by providing a device that is more mechanically abrasive by way of utilizing a rotational mechanical action of a plurality of bristles.