Abstract:
An implantable fixation system for fusing a joint between a first bone and a second bone. The system may include an anchor, standoff, bolt, and cortical washer. The system may be implanted across the joint along a single trajectory, the length of the system adjustable to provide compressive force between the anchor and the cortical washer. The system may be implanted across a tibiotalar joint with the anchor positioned in the sinus tarsi. A spacing member may be inserted between the two bones and the fixation system implanted to extend through an opening in the spacing member. The spacing member may be anatomically shaped and/or provide deformity correction. An ankle arthroplasty system may include a tibial plate, a talar plate, and a bearing insert. The plates may be anchored to the tibia and talus along a single trajectory. The ankle arthroplasty system may be revisable to a fusion system.
Abstract:
A system for accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate the spine. The location may be at the L4-L5 vertebral level, and the curved path may lie in a plane oblique to the transverse, coronal and sagittal planes of the spine, and avoid the iliac crest. A targeting post may be inserted adjacent the spine to determine the location, and a guide member may be inserted to establish the curved path. A micrometer assembly may adjust a cephalad-caudal displacement between the post and the guide member. One or more intermediate cannulas may be inserted over the guide member to dilate tissues prior to insertion of the main cannula. An interbody device may be implanted into an intervertebral space through the cannula.
Abstract:
A system for accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate the spine. The location may be at the L4-L5 vertebral level, and the curved path may lie in a plane oblique to the transverse, coronal and sagittal planes of the spine, and avoid the iliac crest. A targeting post may be inserted adjacent the spine to determine the location, and a guide member may be inserted to establish the curved path. A micrometer assembly may adjust a cephalad-caudal displacement between the post and the guide member. One or more intermediate cannulas may be inserted over the guide member to dilate tissues prior to insertion of the main cannula. An interbody device may be implanted into an intervertebral space through the cannula.
Abstract:
An implantable bone anchor assembly for fixing an elongated member such as a spinal rod may include a bone anchor, a coupling head configured to receive the bone anchor and the elongated member, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may provide compressive force to simultaneously fix the position of the elongated member and lock out polyaxial rotation of the bone anchor relative to the coupling head. The locking mechanism may include an engagement member with an oblique surface configured to slide along an oblique surface of the coupling head into engagement with the elongated member. The bone anchor may comprise a head portion and a threaded portion which may be coupled with the coupling head and joined together during manufacture. The assembly may further include a pin and/or a collar to retain the bone anchor. The bone anchor may be side-loaded into the coupling head.
Abstract:
Interspinous implants including a spacer configured to fit between first and second adjacent spinous processes of a human spine, to maintain a minimum separation between the spinous processes. An implant also includes a fixation portion coupled to the spacer, in which the fixation portion engages at least one spinous process to hold the spacer in a stable position relative to the spinous process. An implant may be monolithic, non-fillable, and may be inserted between the spinous process from a lateral approach. The fixation portion may be configured as a bracket which can substantially encircle the spinous process, or as flanges which engage lateral sides of the spinous process(es). The spacer may be resilient, and may be expandable along the anterior/posterior direction between the spinous processes. An implant may provide resilient resistance during extension, and/or a uniform extension stop between the spinous processes.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for advancement of a spinal rod in a spinal implant, wherein the apparatus includes a body and a handle (1) attached to the body. A shaft (7) is slidably attached to the body, the shaft (7) is coupled to the handle and has a first end adapted to engage the spinal rod. At least one retractor blade (33) is attached to the body and the spinal implant. The operation of the handle results in the shaft (7) persuading the spinal rod in the spinal implant. The force exerted by the shaft (7) on the spinal rod is limited to a pre-selected force. The apparatus can also be operated in a non-limiting mode when a reduction retractor blade (33) is used.
Abstract:
Pedicle screws are designed to provide polyaxial coupling to pedicles of a vertebra. Intermediate pieces (80) are attached to the pedicles screws (140, 142, 148) and receive extender shafts (180A, 182A, 188A). Extenders (180A, 182A, 188A) are inserted in the intermediate pieces (80). The extenders (180A, 182A, 188A) project the anatomic points located in the cages (152) outside the patient's body to facilitate proper contouring of a rod. An alignment linkage (310) is used to ensure that the extenders (180A, 182A, 188A) are parallel to each other. The alignment linkage (310) includes a linkage frame (312), an articulating linkage (314) and a locking member (316). The articulating linkage (314) has all rotational degrees of freedom and thereby adapts to any varying trajectories of the extenders and distance between the extenders. The alignment linkage (310) includes a locking member (316) with a pop-up indicator. The pop-up indicator notifies the users when the locking member (316) is tightened with two of the extenders in non-parallel configuration.
Abstract:
Total ankle arthoplasty with a tibial plate (100), a talar plate (300) and a middle or core component (200). The ankle arthroplasty may allow for varus or valgus accommodation through the use of a core component with various medial and lateral heights in varus and valgus orientations. In addition the resurfacing of the talus is accomplished with a talar plate with a curved orientation that is congruent to one surface of the core component to allow for appropriate ankle manipulation.
Abstract:
A line lock system may include a line (24) routed through a plate (11). The plate may have an elongated body with a plurality of passageways (14a- 14d). The line is routed to form at least one one-way slide so no knots are required. The system may include filaments (4, 4) routed through the passageways of the plate or around a dogbone feature (3, 4) of the plate. The filaments may be used to toggle the plate after passage through a hole to prevent withdrawal of the plate back through the hole. The system may include a line lock stabilizer or counter- tension tool to stabilize the line lock as the line is adjusted. The system may include a compression limiter to selectively reduce compression in the one-way slide to facilitate adjustment of the line. The line lock stabilizer, counter- tension tool, or compression limiter may be a filament.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a compression and distraction shaft assembly used to apply compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly (20) and shaft B assembly (22) are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum (38). The polyaxial fulcrum (38) allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly (20) and shaft B assembly (22) - Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. A hour glass shaped bore (54) for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly (20) and the shaft B assembly (22). A distraction pliers (60) having cylindrical tips (70, 90) is used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles (62, 64) are pressed to impart appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae they are locked in this position. A compression pliers (110) having cylindrical tips (120, 150) is used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles (112, 114) are pressed to impart appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae they are locked in this position.