A device (100) for reaming a bone includes an elongated shaft (102) extending along a first longitudinal axis (101) from a first end to a second end (104), the shaft being sufficiently longitudinally flexible to enable it to be passed through a path having a curvature of a target bone and a reaming head (106) extending along a second longitudinal axis (111) from the second end to a third free end (108), wherein the first longitudinal axis is parallel to and laterally offset from the second longitudinal axis so that, upon rotation of the shaft, the reaming head rotates eccentrically with respect to the first longitudinal axis. The device can be a clavicle reamer. The offset movement of the reamer head and the flexibility of the shaft guides the clavicle reamer along the curvature of the medullary canal and permits it to skive off a cortical wall of the clavicle.
This invention relates generally to an instrumentation and implant system providing minimally invasive vertebral augmentation. The apparatus including an expandable membrane sized and configured to be located within a cavity in a patient's bone and having an interior volume for receiving bone filler material; a delivery cannula in communication with the membrane for providing bone filler material to the membrane; and an evacuation cannula in fluid communication with the membrane for receiving a portion of the provided bone filler material from the membrane.
A vertebral body replacement apparatus includes an outer body member (102) having a first end (110), a second end (112), and an opening (118), and an inner body member (104) having a first end (140), a second end (142), and an inner surface (146) defining an opening (148). The first end (140) of the inner body member (104) is received in the opening (118) of the outer body member (102) such that the inner body member (104) and the outer body member (102) are movable relative to one another. A support member (106) has a first end (160) secured within the inner body member (104) and a second end (142) extending a distance beyond the inner body member (104). The second end (162) of the support member (106) deflects relative to the first end (110) of the outer body member (102) in response to a force applied thereto and returns to a substantially non-deflected condition upon release of the force.
The use of a memory metal mesh stent as a retractor in a lateral approach to the spine. The expanded stent is used as a conduit through which an implant can pass. This advance is predicated upon the appreciation that modern stent implants have diameters that are large enough to accommodate passage of an intervertebral spinal implant therethrough.
The present disclosure relates, at least in part, to a surgical implant and a method for manufacturing the surgical implant. In one embodiment, the surgical implant comprises a metallic substrate; a tantalum interlayer disposed adjacent to the metallic substrate and comprising ?-tantalum and amorphous tantalum; at least one DLC layer disposed adjacent the tantalum interlayer; wherein the amorphous tantalum has a phase gradient increasing from the metallic substrate side to the DLC side; wherein the DLC layer has a hardness value and an elastic modulus value; and wherein the hardness value has a gradient increasing away from the tantalum side; and wherein the elastic modulus value has a gradient from the tantalum side.
A control instrument 100 for a guidewire comprising a first component moveable from a first position, in which the guidewire can move axially relative to the first component, to a second position in which the guidewire is fixed relative to the first component and a second, rotatable, component, wherein rotation of the second component causes the first component to move axially, only when the first component is in its second position, thereby moving the guidewire move axially.
A system is configured to create or enlarge a cavity in a tissue body and generally includes a cannula, a friction reduction covering, and a cavity creation member. The cavity creation member includes an end portion that is configured to transition between a first shape and a second shape that is different from the first shape. In operation, retracting the friction reduction covering relative to end portion causes the end portion to change shape from the first shape to the second shape such that the cavity creation member is configured to create or enlarge a cavity in the tissue body as the second end portion exits the friction reduction member.
A locking member for a bone fixation device can include a locking body that defines an outer surface, an opposed bone contacting surface, and a slot that extends from the bone contacting surface to the outer surface. The locking member can further include at least one locking tooth that extends into the slot and a biasing member that extends into the slot and defines an abutment surface that faces the at least one locking tooth. The slot can be configured to receive a toothed member along an insertion direction and the biasing member can be configured to bias the toothed member toward the at least one locking tooth such that at least one tooth of the toothed member engages the at least one locking tooth of the locking member so as to prevent the toothed member from translating through the slot along a direction that is opposite the insertion direction.
A post that is configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation element that is attached to a bone part can include a post body that is elongate along a first direction and defines a proximal end and a distal end that is spaced from the proximal end along the first direction. The post body can include an internal surface that defines a socket at the distal end. The socket can be configured to receive the head of the bone fixation element. The post can further include a locking member that is disposed within the socket such that when the socket receives the head of the bone fixation element the locking member couples the post body to the bone fixation element. The post body is polyaxially pivotable relative to the head when the post body is coupled to the bone fixation element.
A surgical instrument is described that is configured to apply a force to first and second surfaces to secure the first surface relative to the second surface during fixation of the first and second surfaces.
The use of red or near infrared light upon neurons of the lumbar plexus that are in distress due to retraction-induced ischemia. The surgeon may protect nerves made ischemic in the surgery by: a) making an incision in a patient, b) inserting an access device into the patient through the incision to at least partially create a path to a spine of the patient, and c) irradiating nervous tissue adjacent the path with an amount of NIR or red light effective to provide neuroprotection.
A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a receiver member for receiving a spinal fixation element to be coupled to the bone anchor, a compression member positioned within the receiver member, and a closure mechanism including an outer set screw and an inner set screw. The outer set screw delivers a distal force to the compression member to fix the bone anchor relative to the receiver member. The proximal surface of the compression member has a shape configured to restrict deformation of the compression member arms including motion of the compression member arms relative to each other. The distal surface of the outer set screw has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the proximal surface of the compression member.
An anchor-in-anchor fixation system is provided for securing underlying structure, such as bone. The fixation system includes a linkage that defines first and second bores, a first bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone, and a head that is configured to attach to the linkage in the first bore, and a second bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone and a head that is configured to attach to the linkage in the second bore.
A spine derotation system (10) includes bone fixation elements (12), fixture members (14), clamps(16) and stabilizers (18, 24). The clamps can collectively lock together multiple proximal ends of bone fixation elements extending from one lateral side of the spine. The stabilizers may include clamp stabilizers that are configured to couple together two or more clamps to each other so as to facilitate derotation and alignment of multiple vertebrae of a patient's spine. The stabilizers may also include fixture stabilizers that are configured to couple together two fixture members on the same vertebra to facilitate derotation.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
An expandable implant for inserting within a skeletal space is provided, and a method for using the implant to expand the skeletal space. The implant is preferably designed to be inserted into an intervertebral space to replace at least part of an intervertebral disc between adjacent vertebral bodies. The expandable implant contains at least one first expansion compartment and at least one second expansion compartments, which compartments can be inflatable balloons that are inflated by a catheter. Inflating the first expansion compartment expands the implant in a first direction and inflating the second expansion compartment expands the implant in a second direction.
An articulating driver having a ball-in-socket joint. The driver may include a driver tip having a spherical head, a retention cap having a domed surface to mate with the spherical head, an input shaft, a spring disposed in an end of the input shaft and in a recess of the retention cap opposite that of the domed surface, and a housing that receives the input shaft, the spring, the retention cap and the spherical head. The housing may have a tapered end to positionally retain the spherical head therein. In another aspect, the driver may include a driver tip coupled to the input shaft that includes an interface to engage a screw. A bushing may engage the driver tip at one end and receive the screw at the other end to retain the screw within the driver.
The present disclosure relates to a saw 100, comprising a drive 110, a first blade 220 configured to oscillate about an axis perpendicular to a plane defined by a surface of the first blade 220, a second blade 240 configured to oscillate about an axis perpendicular to the plane in a direction opposite to that of the first blade 220, and wherein gearing 120, 140 is provided between the drive 110 and the first and second blades 220, 240 to reduce the speed of oscillation of the blades. A saw blade, a connection mechanism for connecting a blade to a saw and associated methods are also provided.
A device, kit and method for the correction of spinal deformity using an anterior approach. The device comprises a screw-head platform (102), wherein the screw-head platform (102) comprises a primary recess (112) for receiving a primary rod (114), and a main vertebral body screw (104) rotatably connected to the screw-head platform (102).
A bone fixation element includes a threaded head and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, an outer surface of the head being one of carburized and nitrided and including a first groove extending into an outer surface of the head along a path interrupting the threading and extending along an angle counter to an angle of the threading.
The present disclosure relates to a spinal implant (lOOC). The spinal implant may be used for lateral insertion into an intervertebral disc space. For example, the spinal implant may include a spacer body (102) to which a plate (106) is fixed. The intervertebral spacer body may include a pair of opposite sides (104) having a pyramid-shaped teeth (118) to fuse to bone. The plate defines at least one upper and lower borehole (110F1, 110F2) that each receives a screw (108). Each screw attaches the plate to a vertebral body between which the intervertebral spacer body is inserted. The boreholes may include locking threads (112) that are adapted to lock the screws into place by engaging complementary locking threads of head of the screw.
Plate-based fixation system having dual anchors. The plate can include cams. The plates can have a banana-shape. The plates can be adapted to receive a polyaxial bone screw. The plates can be jointed so as to be height-adjustable.
PlA method of contouring spinal rods, and systems therefor. The surgeon uses image guided surgery instruments to identify the locations of the screw heads through which the rod will pass. These locations allow a computer to form a best fit line that corresponds to the shape of a rod that can pass through the screw heads. This best fit line is then displayed on a projection table from both its coronal and sagittal views. The surgeon then shapes the rod using these 2-D images as a template.
A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
A61B 17/56 - Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
A device for reducing a bone fracture includes (a) a first arm extending from a handle at a proximal end to a distal end having a first substantially spherical tip; (b) a second arm extending from a handle at a proximal end to a distal end having a second substantially spherical tip, the second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm; and (c) an insert removably attachable to the first or second tips. The insert includes a connection mechanism lockingly engaging the first or second spherical tips. Also, the insert includes a first face sized and shaped to be seated over a target portion of skin in an operative configuration. The first face has a first substantially planar portion and a second substantially curved portion attached thereto. The first and second portions define a contour conforming to a contour of skin's target portion.
A tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) system (100) is configured to maintaining a tuberosity (30) in an advanced position relative to a tibial body (23). The TTA system includes an implant (104), a spacer (102), and a spacer fixation member (128).
A delivery system (100) for bone fixation includes (a) an injection gun (101) having a handle (102) and (b) an elongated cartridge (108) coupled to the handle. The cartridge has a distal portion configured and dimensioned for insertion to a target area within a bone. The cartridge has a channel extending therethrough between a proximal end and an opening at the distal end and housing an injectable material therein. A first portion of the cartridge has a first heating element maintaining the injectable material within a first target temperature range. A second portion of the cartridge has a second heating element maintaining the injectable material within a second target temperature range.
A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices
A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
B05C 17/00 - Hand tools or apparatus using hand-held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
C09J 9/00 - Adhesives characterised by their physical nature or the effects produced, e.g. glue sticks
26.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING THE POSITION AND ORIENTATION OF AN IMPLANT USING A MOBILE DEVICE
Methods and apparatus for providing an overlay image of an implant during a surgical procedure using a mobile computing device are provided herein. The implant may include radio-opaque internal markers adjacent to and defining edges of the implant. The method may include: capturing an image of a imaging display device screen; estimating a pose of the implant based on the relationship between the 2-D positions of the radio-opaque internal markers and the 3-D positions of the radio-opaque internal markers; retrieving or generating a 3-D model image of the implant at the determined pose using the 3-D implant data; and overlaying the 3-D model image onto the image of the implant. The captured image may include the implant and at least two of the radio-opaque internal markers being visible as fiducial markers within the image. The fiducial markers may be 2-D positions of the radio-opaque internal markers in a 2-D plane.
An housing for a medical device includes an insert configured for removable insertion into the housing, outer dimensions of the insert conforming to inner dimensions of the housing to prevent movement thereof within the housing. The insert comprises first and second planar walls connected to one another and having first and second openings extending therethrough, the first and second walls being movable between an open configuration in which the first and second walls are separated from one another and a closed configuration in which the first and second walls are folded to contact one another such that the first and second openings are aligned to define a medical device receiving cavity configured to house a medical device, wherein, in the closed configuration, the first and second walls apply a frictional clamping force to a packet containing the medical device to prevent movement of the medical device relative to the inlay.
A61B 19/02 - Protective casings or covers for appliances or instruments, e.g. boxes or sterile covers; Instrument tables or cupboards; Doctors' bags
A61F 2/00 - Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
B65D 5/42 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper - Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
B65D 5/50 - Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
B65D 77/02 - Wrapped articles enclosed in rigid or semi-rigid containers
A measuring device 1 configured to receive a drill bit 3, and determine the relative displacement of the drill bit 3, is disclosed. The measuring device 1 is configured to be deployed proximate to the material to be drilled, reset, and subsequently determine the relative displacement of the drill bit 3. The measuring device 1 can be used in orthopaedic surgery procedures for determining the depth of a bore hole in bone.
A61B 17/16 - Osteoclasts; Drills or chisels for bones; Trepans
G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
A bone access instrument comprising a shaft having a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first shaft portion has a first diameter, a distal end, and at least one cutting edge formed on the distal end. The second shaft portion has a second diameter and a tapered distal end. The second diameter is less than the first diameter, and the second shaft portion extends axially from the distal end of the first shaft portion.
This invention encompasses methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits, which utilize umbilical cord tissue-derived cells, for modulating (e.g. reducing) the production of pro-inflammatory mediators involved in the pathology of a lung disease, disorder, and/or injury in a patient having the lung disease, disorder, and/or injury. The invention also encompasses methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits, which utilize umbilical cord tissue-derived cells, for inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators involved in the pathology of a lung disease, disorder, and/or injury in a patient having the lung disease, disorder, and/or injury utilizing umbilical cord tissue-derived cells. In one embodiment, the umbilical cord tissue-derived cells are isolated from human umbilical cord tissue substantially free of blood, are capable of self-renewal and expansion in culture, lack the production of CD117 or CD45, and do not express hTERT or telomerase.
A method of pre-operatively forming a surgical splint configured to receive a patient's dentition can include combining a 3-D facial computer model and a 3-D dental computer model. The method includes the step of obtaining a 3-D facial computer model of at least the patient's maxilla, mandible, and dentition from a CT scanner and the step of obtaining a 3-D dental computer model of the patient's dentition with an optical scanner. The 3-D dental computer model is then combined with the 3-D facial computer model to form a composite virtual model. The composite virtual model can be manipulated into a planned post-operative shape, and a surgical splint can be custom constructed to match the planned post-operative shape. The surgical splint can be configured to receive the patient's dentition.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
A first tool is configured to cut a polymer implant, and includes a handle, a cutting portion, and a bending portion. A second tool is configured to cut a polymer implant, and includes a handle, a first cutting portion, and a second cutting portion. The cutting portions contain a cutter that is preferably a blade. In the second tool, the blades are preferably angled with respect to each other between about 45°. The tools can be used to reshape an implant that is to be used to replace a portion of a skull.
Provided are methods for treating intervertebral disc degeneration, promoting tissue regeneration in the intervertebral disc, promoting homeostasis of the intervertebral disc, preventing intervertebral disc degeneration, and reducing inflammation of the intervertebral disc in a subject in need thereof comprising administering a myeloid differentiation primary response (88) (MyD88) antagonist to the subject. Also provided is a device, biomaterial or putty for implantation in or near the spine, wherein the device, biomaterial or putty is coated or infused with a myeloid differentiation primary response gene (88) (MyD88) antagonist.
C07K 14/47 - Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from humans from vertebrates from mammals
A method of making a patient specific surgical guide includes obtaining a virtual model of a fixation member, and virtually designing a guide that defines at least one hole that corresponds to a hole of the virtual model of the fixation member.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
A resection guide can be configured to guide a resection tool toward a graft source, and can include a resection guide body made from a first material, and a guide member made from a second material. The second material is harder than the first material.
A bone fixation device includes an elongated body having a first channel extending there through and configured for insertion into a bone, a first opening formed on a first side wall of the body, the first side wall facing a lateral direction when implanted in a target orientation within the bone and a second opening formed on a second side wall of the body opposite the first opening. A second channel extends through the body from the first opening to the second opening and is dimensioned to permit insertion of an implant there through. A first bump is positioned about a periphery of the first opening at a location at which a stress concentration would be a maximum if no such first bump were formed, the first bump being dimensioned to diffuse a concentration of stress about the periphery due to forces applied thereto by an implant extending through the second channel.
A surgical drill bit (10) can include a body portion (30) that defines a central axis (C) that extends along a first direction. The body portion can be separated along the first direction into a distal cutting segment (70), and a guiding segment (74). The body portion can include a helical flute (78) that winds about the central axis. The helical flute can define a first outer profile along the cutting segment and a second outer profile along the guiding segment, the first outer profile has a first leading edge (90) and a first bearing surface (98) and the second outer profile has a second leading edge (120) and a second bearing surface (128. The first leading edge can be configured to cut into bone and can be spaced from the central axis by a first length (LL1). The second leading edge can be spaced from the central axis by a second length (LL2) that is less than the first length.
A device (100) for opening an ampoule (200) includes an ampoule holder (130) configured to hold a body (210) of the ampoule along a central longitudinal axis (LI), a head holder (150) configured to hold a head (220) of the ampoule, and a guide (190) engaged with the head holder and configured to direct the head holder from a first position on the central longitudinal axis to a second position offset from the central longitudinal axis when the ampoule holder is advanced in a first direction along the central longitudinal axis from an initial position. A method for opening an ampoule includes moving the ampoule in a first direction along a central longitudinal axis, directing the head of the ampoule laterally and/or obliquely away from the central longitudinal axis to break the head of the ampoule from the body of the ampoule when the ampoule is moved in the first direction, removing material from the body of the ampoule, and removing liquid from the head of the ampoule.
A graft anchor (100) has first and second arms (102a, 102b) each having a leading end (108a, 108b), a trailing end (106a, 106b), an inner surface (110a), and an outer bone contactable surface (112a, 112b). The graft anchor also has a resilient bridge (104) extending between the inner surface of the first arm and the inner surface of the second arm to space apart the first arm and the second arm. The resilient bridge defines a graft receiving pathway between the inner surfaces of the first and second arms. The resilient bridge also defines a deflection point about which a force acting upon the resilient bridge in a direction from the leading end to the trailing end causes the leading ends of the first and second arms to move toward one another and the trailing ends of the first and second arms to move away from one another.
A bone fixation member can be configured to secure first and second bone segments of a target bone together in a compressed approximated position. The bone fixation member can include a strap made of a first material, a locking head extending from a proximal end of the strap, and a leader portion extending from a distal end of the strap. The locking head can have a housing and a strap receiving slot that extends through the housing, slot is configured to receive a distal end of the strap. The housing can be tapered such that a distal end of the housing has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of a proximal end of the housing. The leader portion can be configured to be more flexible than the strap. The leader portion can be made of a second material that is different than the first material.
A stemless humeral component for replacing the humeral head of a patient's humerus includes a support flange having a number of cantilevered legs extending distally away from a bottom surface thereof. Instruments and methods for surgically installing the stemless humeral component are also disclosed.
A reverse shoulder orthopaedic implant includes a glenosphere component having a lateral bearing surface configured to articulate with a humeral cup of a humeral prosthesis. A metaglene component includes a platform configured to receive glenosphere component.
Methods and devices are provided for retracting tissue. In one exemplary embodiment, a retractor is provided that includes a base and a plurality of blades configured to removably and replaceably mate to the base. One or more of the plurality of blades can be configured to mate to the base in one of a plurality of available positions. In use, one or more adjustment mechanisms can be actuated to move one or more of the blades, thereby forming a pathway through tissue. The retractor can be formed from one or more radiolucent materials.
An acetabular hip implant includes an acetabular shell component, a first insert secured to the acetabular shell component, a second insert secured to the first insert, and a femoral head configured to be secured to the second insert. The first insert is permitted to rotate relative to the acetabular shell about a first axis, the second insert is permitted to rotate relative to the first insert about a second axis, and the femoral head is permitted to rotate relative to the second insert about a third axis.
A reverse shoulder orthopaedic implant includes a glenosphere component (12) having a lateral bearing surface (34) configured to articulate with a humeral cup (26) of a humeral prosthesis. A metaglene component (14) includes a platform (102) configured to receive glenosphere component.
Methods and devices are provided for retracting tissue. In one exemplary embodiment, a retractor is provided that includes a base, a plurality of blades extending from the base, and an actuator coupled to the base and operatively connected to the blades. The actuator can be configured to be actuated to move the blades relative to the base, thereby allowing the blades to retract tissue. The actuator can be self-locking so as to allow the blades to be freely movable within their entire range of motion relative to the base through actuation of the actuator without using another mechanism to lock the blades in a fixed position and to unlock the blades from the fixed position. The retractor can be formed from one or more radiolucent materials.
A bone fixation device includes a plate body which includes (a) a first body portion lying in a first plane, (b) a second body portion lying in a second plane and (c) an interface body portion lying in a third plane. The first plane is angled relative to the second plane and the third plane is angled relative to the first and second planes. A longitudinal axis of the first body portion is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the second body portion. The first body portion has first and second openings extending therethrough. The second body portion has third and fourth openings extending therethrough.
A dynamic bone fixation element can include a sleeve elongate along a first direction and a fixation member. The sleeve can define a channel that extends from a proximal end through to a distal end along the first direction. The channel has a first cross-sectional dimension. The fixation member has a head, a shaft extending from the head and elongate along a second direction, and an abutment member extending from the shaft and integral with the shaft, wherein the shaft extends through the channel such that the sleeve is captured between the abutment member and the head. At least a portion of the shaft that is within the channel has a second cross-sectional dimension that is less than the first cross-sectional dimension such that the fixation member is moveable with respect to the sleeve along a direction that has a directional component transverse to the first direction.
A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.
The present disclosure provides, inter alia, devices that include a film of antimicrobial titanium oxide. This film may be anatase phase and may be of sufficient thickness to confer a visually perceptible color on the devices. The devices may be implants, supports, or even fasteners. Also provided are methods of fabricating such devices, as well as kits that feature the disclosed devices.
A fastening element (100) comprising (a) a non-load bearing core (110), the non-load bearing core comprising a first biocompatible polymer; (b) a load bearing sheath (120), the load bearing sheath comprising a second biocompatible polymer, wherein the load bearing sheath surrounds the non-load bearing core. The fastening element can be used as a suture, shoe lace or rope. The non-load bearing core has a Durometer Hardness Type A value ranging from 15 to 30. The load bearing sheath is formed from a plurality of yarns, each yarn comprising a plurality of filaments in form of mono or multifilament of the second biocompatible polymer. Each yarn may have a tenacity at break value ranging from 30 cN/dtex to 45 cN/dtex.
Implementations of the present disclosure provide a fastener including a tip portion, a proximal portion, an advancement mechanism and an expandable member. The tip portion has a first surface. The proximal portion is configured for coupling to the tip portion and has a second surface. The mechanism advances the first surface toward the second surface. The expandable member includes a first end abutting the first surface of the tip portion and a second end abutting the second surface of the proximal portion. Advancement of the two surfaces toward each other advances the first end of the expandable member toward the second end of the expandable member. The expandable member is configured to expand in response to the advancement. At least one of the ends of the expandable member is a free end extending under and configured to rotate with respect to an abutting one of the first or second surfaces.
The present disclosure describes an implant for tissue replacement or augmentation including a resorbable non-pyrogenic porous body of irradiated oxidized cellulose, formed from a precursor reactive mixture of irradiated cellulose and an oxidizing agent, where the body forms a heterogeneous three-dimensional fibrillar network. Also disclosed is a method for producing a body of oxidized cellulose including irradiating a body of cellulose to form an irradiated body of cellulose, and reacting the irradiated body of cellulose with an oxidizing agent to form a non-pyrogenic porous and resorbable body of oxidized cellulose.
The present application discloses embodiments related to an implant and a method of forming an implant configured to treat a fractured bone. The implant (10) can include a body (20) having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface (28) extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the body defines a central axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end; and a high tensile strand (60) positioned adjacent the body such that at least a portion of the strand extends at least partially along the outer surface of the body in a direction substantially parallel with the central axis, and wherein the strand is loaded with an active agent.
Methods and therapeutics are provided for treating diseases, including metabolic diseases and other weight-related disorders. Generally, methods for making brown adipose-like including culturing a population of artery-derived cells in adipogenic induction medium for a period of time and under conditions sufficient to increase expression of at least one adipocyte marker at a higher level as compared to untreated artery-derived cells are disclosed. Isolated artery-derived, ex vivo differentiated brown adipose-like cells are also provided, including pharmaceutical compositions and cell delivery systems thereof. In another embodiment, a method of treating a subject is disclosed that includes obtaining a population of artery-derived brown adipose-like cells and administering the brown adipose-like cells into a target region in the subject.
Provided are porous, biocompatible implant bodies and materials. These materials suitably comprise a population of randomly arranged thermoplastic constituents, with at least some of the constituents being bonded to one another The implant bodies are capable of being manipulated at room temperature from a first shape to a second shape, and of maintaining the second shape at about internal body temperature. Also provided are related methods of fabricating such implants and installing the implants into a subject.
A system for locking an intramedullary nail to a bone includes a first plate sized and shaped to be inserted through a channel of an intramedullary nail and dimensioned to prevent its passing through a locking hole of the intramedullary nail and a second plate sized and shaped to be positioned along a portion of an exterior of a hole drilled in the bone and dimensioned to prevent its passing through the hole drilled in the bone along with a connector couplable to the first and second plates and slidable through the channel of the intramedullary nail to extend through the locking hole from an interior of the channel to an exterior of a bone in which the intramedullary nail has been inserted.
A tool is configured to cut a tissue body. The tool includes a first section configured to be coupled to a transducer assembly, and a second section coupled to the first section. The first section at least partially includes a first material. The second section at least partially includes a second material that is different from the first material and denser than the first material. The second includes a cutting member that is configured to vibrate at a predetermined frequency so as to cut a tissue body an operative portion.
A device and method for treating a bone includes a bone plate including first and second portions joined to one another via a connecting portion, a rigidity of the connecting portion being less than rigidities of each of the first and second portions in combination with a first sensor mounted on the first portion measuring strain on the first portion and a second sensor mounted on the second portion measuring strain on the second portion.
A compression screw comprising a threaded shaft and a head associated with the proximal end of the shaft. The head has a plurality of outwardly extending projections spaced from one another so as to define a plurality of recesses there between for receiving a screw drive in such a way that rotational force may be transferred from the screw drive to the screw. The projections of the head may be provided with suture fixation holes or a suture coupling may be positioned over the shaft so as to extend between the projections of the head.
A61B 17/88 - Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal fixation devices
A61B 17/04 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for closing wounds, or holding wounds closed, e.g. surgical staples; Accessories for use therewith for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
A flexible body comprises a polymer film having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The polymer film has a plurality of apertures extending from the first surface to the second surface and a plurality of raised lips protruding from the first surface such that each of the plurality of apertures is surrounded by one of the plurality of raised lips. A method of producing a polymer film comprises placing a polymer solution into a one sided mold having a plurality of protrusions extending from a bottom of the mold wherein the polymer solution is characterized by a viscosity that inhibits the unaided flow of the polymer throughout the mold; urging the polymer solution around each of the plurality of protrusions; and solidifying the polymer solution.
A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
B29C 31/00 - Handling, e.g. feeding of the material to be shaped
B29C 41/00 - Shaping by coating a mould, core or other substrate, i.e. by depositing material and stripping-off the shaped article; Apparatus therefor
B29C 41/02 - Shaping by coating a mould, core or other substrate, i.e. by depositing material and stripping-off the shaped article; Apparatus therefor for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
A device for guiding a depth gauge for measuring blind holes formed through a bone includes (a) a handle having an elongated body, an upper surface of the body having a peg extending therefrom to removably engage a proximal end of a first elongated rod of the depth gauge, the handle including a first slot extending into the upper surface and open to a first elongated channel extending through the handle and (b) a first elongated shaft extending through the first elongated channel and including a first tab extending through the first slot, a range of movement of the first elongated shaft relative to the handle being limited by engagement of the first tab with walls of the first slot. In an operative configuration, the slotted tab receives a proximal end of the depth gauge to control movement of an increased diameter insert at a distal end thereof.
A device for measuring blind holes formed through a bone includes (a) a first elongated rod including a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including an increased diameter abutment extending radially outward therefrom, the abutment including a proximal surface formed to contact a portion of the bone adjacent a distal opening of the blind hole to assume a locked configuration with the bone and (b) a second elongated rod extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis.
We have disclosed an induced pluripotent stem cell and the method of preparing the induced pluripotent stem cell from a human kidney-derived cell. More particularly, we have disclosed a human kidney-derived iPS cell which may be differentiated into cells of ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm lineages.
An intramedullary nail (112) includes a body sized and shaped for insertion into a medullary canal of a bone and extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end and a channel extending through the body along the longitudinal axis in combination with a locking hole (102) extending laterally through the body along a central axis and in communication with the channel, the locking hole defined by a first opening (110) extending through a first portion of a wall of the nail and a second opening (114) extending through a second portion of the wall substantially opposing the first portion, the first opening being elongated in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the nail and the second opening including a coupling element configured to lock a portion of a bone fixation element therein.
We have disclosed an induced pluripotent stem cell and the method of preparing the induced pluripotent stem cell from a human umbilical cord tissue-derived cell. More particularly, we have disclosed a human umbilical cord tissue-derived iPS cell which may be differentiated into cells of ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm lineages.
An intervertebral fusion cage (3) having a plate (19) pivotally at¬ tached thereto. The plate (19) and cage (3) are pivotally coupled but move independently of each other. The plate (19) is made up of two smaller plate halves: a superior plate half and an inferior plate half. Both plate halves form the larger plate (19). The plates (19) are joined using a cross pin (25) that provides a pivot point about which the plate halves rotate. The same pin (25) also joins the plate halves to the cage (3), thus allowing the plate halves to pivot about the cage (3). It is believed that the device of the present invention will reduce the difficulties in placing a lateral plate (19) down a port and manipu¬ lating it into position. Mating the plate (19) to the cage (3) will reduce the chances of micromotion and improve fusion rate, resulting in im¬ proved patient outcomes. It also reduces the stretching of the psoas muscle during implantation, resulting in reduced post-operative com¬ plications.
An expansion catheter comprising an inflatable device (1) having a distal end portion and an proximal end portion, a rod (5, 5a) having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, an outer tube (4) having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and a collet (8) connected to the proximal end portion of the outer tube; wherein the proximal end portion of the inflatable device is attached to the distal end portion of the outer tube, the distal end portion of the rod is attached to the distal end portion of the inflatable device, the rod is received in the outer tube, and the proximal end portion of the rod is received in a bore of the collet.
A bone fixation device includes a first element extending from a first head to a first shaft along a first longitudinal axis and having a first channel extending therethrough. The first head rests against a portion of bone adjacent to a first hole through which the first shaft is inserted. A second element includes a second shaft extending along a second longitudinal axis to a second head and having a second channel extending therethrough, the second head resting against a portion of bone adjacent to a second hole through which the second shaft is inserted. The second channel is dimensioned to receive the first shaft therein. A tensioning element is insertable through the first and second channels so that tension applied at a second end thereof imparts a compressive force to the a bone into which the first and second elements are inserted.
A bone fixation device comprises an elongated body extending from a head at a proximal end to a shaft at a distal end along a central longitudinal axis. A slotted opening extends distally into the head by a predetermined distance, the opening defining a spring portion on a lateral side thereof, the spring portion being biased toward the central longitudinal axis and configured to be deflectable away from the central longitudinal axis upon application of a radially expansive force thereto.
A device for implanting a bone fixation system comprises an insertion instrument extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end having an engagement portion for removably engaging a proximal end of a bone plate, the insertion instrument having an elongated channel extending therethrough to permit insertion of a first protection sleeve therethrough, wherein a longitudinal axis of the elongated channel is coaxial with a longitudinal axis of a first opening extending through the bone plate and a first protection sleeve insertable into the elongated channel and guiding insertion of an anti-rotation screw therethrough and through the bone plate, a longitudinal axis of the first protection sleeve being angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated channel.
A bone fixation system comprises an elongated implant shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a central longitudinal axis and including a first channel extending from the proximal end to a side opening formed in a side wall of the implant shaft along a first channel axis. The bone fixation system further comprises a bone plate having a first plate portion and a second plate portion, the first plate portion having a first opening extending therethrough along a first opening axis and the second plate portion having a second opening extending therethrough along a second opening axis, the second opening being configured to receive the implant shaft therethrough to permit insertion thereof into a head of a bone.
The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a method of producing ceramic layers on magnesium and its alloys, a magnesium implant with a ceramic layer made by the method, and a magnesium implant having a biocompatible ceramic layer substantially free of material which impairs the biocompatibility of said biocompatible ceramic layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the method of producing ceramic layers on magnesium and its alloys, includes (a) immersing an implant and a metal sheet into the aqueous electrolyte bath, said aqueous electrolyte bath including: ammoniac, diammonium hydrogen phosphate and urea, and wherein the implant is made of magnesium or its alloy; (b) performing a anodic oxidation by passing a current between the implant, the metal sheet and through the aqueous electrolyte bath, wherein the implant is connected to a positive pole of a current source and the metal sheet is connected to a negative pole of the current source; (c) applying a current density selected to form sparks on said implant, to thereby form a ceramic layer on said implant.
A surgical system kit is described. The surgical system kit includes a peripheral electrode, a surgical access instrument configured to be placed in a surgical target site, and a control unit. The surgical access instrument has a body with a proximal end, and a distal end, two or more electrodes on the distal end at fixed locations and spaced apart a known distance. The control unit is configured to send a signal to the peripheral electrode, receive information indicative of a neural response from at least one electrode of the surgical access instrument, and interpret the information according to a nerve conduction velocity modality to measure the nerve conduction velocity through the segment of the nerve.
A dilation system for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a plurality of open sided dilators having non-circular cross sections and configured to slidably and non- rotationally engage with one another in a sequential manner. In another version, the dilation system includes an expandable dilator movable from a closed condition to an expanded condition.
An intervertebral spacer (300) having an upper layer (302), a lower layer (306) and at least one non-planer compliant layer (304). The non-planer compliant layer is disposed between the lower layer and the upper layer and includes a portion that extends outside a lateral plane in which the compliant layer resides. The non-planar compliant layer made of a material that is more yielding than the upper layer and the lower layers, and may have a cross-section that is z-shaped, u-shaped, sinusoidal-shaped, zigzag shaped, etc.
The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a curable composition, a method for augmenting a structure in a patient with a resorbable biocompatible polymer, and a biodegradable, resorbable implant comprising a biocompatible copolymer. An exemplary embodiment of the curable composition comprises (a) 60 wt.% to 95 wt.% of one or more vinyl ester monomers and/or vinylcarbonate monomers, wherein said one or more vinyl ester monomers and/or vinylcarbonate monomers are respectively selected from compounds of the general formulas (I) and (II) below: wherein n, m R1 and R2 have the meaning defined herein; (b) 0.1 to 40 wt.% of one or more multifunctional thiols; and (c) 0 to 10 wt.% of a biocompatible polymerization initiator.
Implementations of the present disclosure provide a snap fit rod and fastener system including one or more fasteners for securing one or more rods to secure a spine or other anatomical structure. The fasteners include a fixation shaft, a clamp and a connector. The fixation shaft (for example a pedicle screw) is configured to frictionally engage a bone (vertebra) or other workpiece. The clamp has a pressure responsive portion that defines an opening configured to receive a rod. The connector is configured to connect the clamp to the fixation shaft and exert pressure on the clamp to modify the opening and secure the rod. A bias mechanism, such as a washer spring may be included to urge against the pressure responsive portion and which can be overcome by pressure on the rod for the "snap fit" effect. For additional adjustability, the clamp may be pivotally mounted on the fixation shaft.
An assembly for injecting bone cement into a vertebral body, comprising a bone cement dispenser (120), an introducer needle (1), a cement injection needle (15) attached to the cement dispenser and slidably received in the introducer needle, and a Touhy-Borst adapter (13) that locks and unlocks the cement injection needle from the introducer needle.
A bone plate is configured for pancarpal arthrodesis. The bone plate can include a plurality of apertures that can be aligned with the metacarpal bones. The apertures can include a first portion and second portion that is longitudinally and laterally offset with respect to the first portion.
The devices and methods allow for treatment to be delivered from a lateral or posterior-lateral location of a subject, proximate to the cervical region of the spine. One exemplary embodiment of a spinal implant includes an elongate cage member and a plate member appended to a proximal end of the cage member. The plate member can be oriented in a manner such that it is asymmetric with respect to a long axis of the cage member. In another exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a cage member having a distal end that has an asymmetrical, bulleted shape such that the distal end is biased towards a superior or cranial direction. In a third exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a spinal fixation element and at least two mounting eyelets formed thereon. Exemplary methods related to implanting spinal implants from a lateral or posterior-lateral location are also provided.
An implant includes a section made of polymer, wherein at least a portion of the section has a layer of a polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material. A method for fixation of a bone plate having several plate holes using the implant includes removing a cover sheet protecting the layer of polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material, activating the layer of polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material with electromagnetic energy or with moisture, introducing the implant into one of the plate holes of the bone plate when the bone plate is positioned on a bone, pressing on an end of the implant in order to contact the activated layer of polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material with the bone underneath the bone plate, and allowing the activated and pressurized layer of polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material to polymerize and/or cross-link and to adhere to the bone.
A multilayer article including a thermoplastic layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a base layer have a first base surface and a second base surface opposite the first base surface, wherein the first base surface of the base layer is permanently bonded to the second surface of the thermoplastic layer, wherein the thermoplastic layer has a first glass transition temperature, Tg1, and wherein the multilayer article is rigid at temperatures less than Tg1 and is flexible at temperatures greater than Tg1.
An envelope for housing a medical device includes a body including first and second panels connected to one another along an edge thereof to define an interior space sized and shaped to house a medical device sealed within a packet and a first opening arrangement including a perforation extending about the body along the first and second panels to define a break portion breakable from a remaining portion of the body to open the envelope along with a second opening arrangement including a tab extending from a portion of the body such that pulling the tab in a direction away from the body tears a portion of the perforation extending along the first panel to open the envelope.
Compositions and methods of using cells derived from umbilical cord tissue, to stimulate and support angiogenesis, to improve blood flow, to regenerate, repair, and improve skeletal muscle damaged by a peripheral ischemic event, and to protect skeletal muscle from ischemic damage in peripheral vascular disease patients are disclosed. In particular, methods of treating a patient having a peripheral vascular disease with umbilical derived cells and fibrin glue are disclosed.
A61K 38/36 - Blood coagulation or fibrinolysis factors
A61P 9/10 - Drugs for disorders of the cardiovascular system for treating ischaemic or atherosclerotic diseases, e.g. antianginal drugs, coronary vasodilators, drugs for myocardial infarction, retinopathy, cerebrovascula insufficiency, renal arteriosclerosis
An orthopedic implant comprises an implant configured to support a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment. The implant is comprised of a material having an elastic modulus of approximately 40 GPa and a tensile strength of at least approximately 1000 MPa. In embodiment, the implant is comprised of GUMMETAL®.
A crimp configured to fix a cable about a bone includes a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a first channel extending through the body from the proximal end to the distal end, the first channel being sized and shaped to permit a cable to be slid therethrough along with a second channel extending through the body from the proximal end to the distal end, the second channel being sized and shaped to permit a cable to be slid therethrough and a deformable extension attached to the proximal end of the body, the extension including a lumen aligned with the second channel and sized and shaped to permit the cable to be slid therethrough.
A bone registration system is disclosed. The bone registration system may have a device including a scanner arranged to scan a target surface area of bone to obtain scan data and a first communication component. The registration system may have also a first marker positionable on a first portion of bone. The first marker may include a second communication component arranged to transmit a location signal for indicating a position of the first marker in a plurality of dimensions relative to the device. The system may have also a registration unit that compares the scan data with surface data of the bone to generate position data identifying overlapping elements of the scan data relative to the surface data, determines location data from the location signal and determines a location of the first marker on a surface of the bone using the position data and the location data.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
A suture anchor system and method including a suture anchor and a suture anchor drive. The suture anchor is positionable on a rod of the suture anchor drive. The rod defines an awl for forming a hole in a bone. The suture anchor drive further has an impactor for moving the suture anchor along the rod between a retracted position and an advanced position so as to implant the suture anchor in the bone with the awl positioned in the bone.
A61B 17/04 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for closing wounds, or holding wounds closed, e.g. surgical staples; Accessories for use therewith for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
90.
ASSEMBLY FOR MANIPULATING A BONE COMPRISING A POSITION TRACKING SYSTEM
An assembly for manipulating a bone includes a first manipulating element configured to be attached to a first portion of bone and including a location emitting signal and a second manipulating element configured to be attached to a second portion of bone and including a sensor detecting the location emitting signal to provide a position and orientation signal of the first and second manipulating elements relative to one another. The assembly also includes a tracking unit including a processor tracking movement of the first and second manipulating elements relative to one another in a plurality of dimensions using the position and orientation signals.
A device is for treating and packaging implants. The device includes a container including a chamber therein. The chamber is closed by a removable seal. The device also includes a carrier sized and shaped to be inserted into the chamber. The carrier includes a carrying structure configured to connect an implant thereto. A portion of the carrier may be formed of an electrically conductive material.
A surgical implant comprising: a substrate having an exterior surface and a plurality of layers disposed over the substrate exterior surface. The substrate comprises a polymeric material, and the plurality of layers comprises: an activated substrate surface layer; a valve metal layer; and a porous valve metal oxide layer, wherein the valve metal layer is disposed between the activated substrate layer and the porous valve metal oxide layer. The disclosure provides for a method for producing a polymeric surgical implant. The exterior substrate surface is treated by one or more processes comprising: plasma activation; electron beam irradiation; ultraviolet light; and low energy Ar+ ion beam irradiation; producing an activated substrate surface layer. A plurality of layers is applied over the activated substrate surface layer. The surface is converted by a spark-anodization process in an alkaline bath containing Ca and P ions into a layer of porous valve metal oxide.
A61L 27/42 - Composite materials, i.e. layered or containing one material dispersed in a matrix of the same or different material having an inorganic matrix
A bone anchor coupler assembly is configured to couple a bone anchor to a spine stabilization member, and includes a coupler body and an angular adjustment member movably coupled to the coupler body.
Provided are distal aiming assemblies useful in aiming fixation members for insertion into an intramedullary device, such as a nail. The assemblies include a spring (104) that flexibly connects an elongate arm (106) to a base (100). The spring enables deflection of the elongate arm to compensate for curvature of the intramedullary device when inserted into a bone, in turn enabling the user to accurately install fixation members into the intramedullary device through the deflected elongate arm.
An aiming arm (106) can include at least a pair of radiographic markers (160) that define a first radiographic image characteristic when a radiographic image source is not adequately aligned with the aiming arm, and a second desired radiographic image characteristic when the radiographic image source is adequately aligned with the aiming arm. Once the radiographic image source has been aligned with the aiming arm, the position of the aiming arm relative to an underlying implant can be visually inspected to determine whether the aiming arm is aligned with the underlying implant.
The present disclosure describes an implant for improving bone growth including an osteoconductive scaffold and an osteoinductive small molecule. The osteoconductive scaffold can further include a polymeric binder. The implant can also include an osteogenic material to provide a viable cell population to assist the bone repair and remodeling. Also disclosed is a system for forming an implant for improving bone growth, as well as methods for forming the implant according to the disclosure, in addition to methods of therapeutic use of the implant.
A bone fixation system includes a bone fixation device (101), including a first element (102) having a first channel (110) extending therethrough and a second element (104) including a proximal portion (140) sized and shaped to be received within the first channel such that the longitudinal axes (Ll,L2)of the first and second elements are substantially coaxial and a distal portion (142) including a bone engaging structure (144), a proximal end (112) of the second element slidably locked within the first channel such that the first and second elements are longitudinally movable relative to one another between a permitted range of motion. The system also includes a driving tool (160), including an outer sleeve (162) and an inner sleeve (166) slidably received therethrough, a distal end (164) of the outer sleeve configured to engage the proximal end (106) of the first element to prevent relative rotation therebetween, a distal end (168) of the inner sleeve configured to engage the proximal end of the second element.
Methods for treating a patient having a disease or condition related to IVD degeneration are provided. The methods comprise administering cells obtained from human umbilical cord tissue, or administering pharmaceutical compositions comprising such cells or prepared from such cells and a hydrogel. In some embodiments, administering the cells promotes repair and regeneration of degenerated IVD tissue in the patient. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the inventive methods, as well as kits for practicing the methods are also provided.
A bone fixation clamp comprises a first arcuate clamp member conforming to a shape of a bone and extending between a first connection end and a first free end, a second arcuate clamp member conforming to a shape of the bone, a second connection end of the second clamp member being pivotally attached to the first clamp member, the second clamp member extending between the second connection end and a second free end and a driving member received in the first clamp member passing out of the first clamp member to abut an abutment portion of the second member so that, as the driving member is extended further out of the first member, the driving member pivots the second clamp member relative to the first clamp member to draw the first and second free ends toward one another to apply a radially compressive force to the bone.
An implant includes a body sized and shaped for insertion into a facet joint, the implant including a first bone fixation element receiving opening extending through a portion thereof along a first axis oriented so that, when the implant is received within a facet joint in a desired configuration, a bone fixation element inserted into the first bone fixation element receiving opening will extend into a first one of the vertebra forming the facet joint.