Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080269745 | THERMO-CHEMICALLY ACTIVATED INTRAMEDULLARY BONE STENT - The present invention provides a bone fixation device for implantation into the intramedullary canal of a bone. The bone fixation device may include a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening which is not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. While in the first thermo-chemical state, the matrix is deformable and can conform to a shape matching the contours of the intramedullary canal of the bone. As the matrix attains the second thermo-chemical state, it may crystallize and becomes relatively hardened. An implant deformation apparatus may be used to expand the device within the intramedullary canal. The device may include a series of nested telescoping components. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269746 | CONFORMABLE INTRAMEDULLARY IMPLANT WITH NESTABLE COMPONENTS - The present invention provides a bone fixation device for implantation into the intramedullary canal of a bone. The bone fixation device may include a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening which is not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. While in the first thermo-chemical state, the matrix is deformable and can conform to a shape matching the contours of the intramedullary canal of the bone. As the matrix attains the second thermo-chemical state, it may crystallize and becomes relatively hardened. An implant deformation apparatus may be used to expand the device within the intramedullary canal. The device may include a series of nested telescoping components. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269747 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY, CONFORMATION AND REMOVAL OF INTRAMEDULLARY BONE FIXATION DEVICES - The present invention provides a bone fixation device for implantation into the intramedullary canal of a bone. The bone fixation device may include a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening which is not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. While in the first thermo-chemical state, the matrix is deformable and can conform to a shape matching the contours of the intramedullary canal of the bone. As the matrix attains the second thermo-chemical state, it may crystallize and becomes relatively hardened. An implant deformation apparatus may be used to expand the device within the intramedullary canal. The device may include a series of nested telescoping components. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269748 | Deformable Implant Systems and Methods - The present invention provides a deformable implant and a deformation apparatus. The implant has an elongated shape and may be inserted into the intramedullary canal of a fractured bone. The implant may have a support structure and thermo-chemically activated matrix material, deformable at a first state and hardened at a second state, surrounding the support structure. The deformation apparatus is shaped to be inserted co-axially into the implant, and includes a tube co-axially positioned inside a balloon, and a set of hoses connected to the tube and the balloon. A heat source, a cartridge and a pump may be connected to the apparatus to supply heat, and regulate temperature and pressure of a liquid or gas and circulate it through the balloon. Liquid or gas is introduced through the hoses into the balloon to inflate the balloon and cause the surrounding implant to expand radially, providing support to the fractured bone. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269749 | Thermo-Chemically Activated Implantable Apparatus and Method - The present invention provides an implantable device, a portion of which is formed of a material which is a combination of copolymers PCLM-12 and SMC-7, and nucleating agent A-6. The implantable device may be an intramedullary bone fixation device. The implantable device may have a body with a composite portion including a thermo-chemically activated matrix formed from the copolymer material, and a support structure formed from a second material. The body may be deformable at a first thermo-chemical state and hardened at a second thermo-chemical state. The implantable device may be heated to reach the deformable first thermo-chemical state, deformed, inserted into the intramedullary canal of a fractured bone, and cooled to reach the hardened second thermo-chemical state, providing rigid support during healing of the fractures. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269750 | Implantable Composite Apparatus and Method - The present invention provides a bone fixation device for implantation into the intramedullary canal of a bone. The bone fixation device may have a composite portion including a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix, and may have a non-composite portion. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. While in the first thermo-chemical state, the matrix is substantially deformable and can conform to a shape matching the contours of the intramedullary canal of the bone. As the matrix attains the second thermo-chemical state, it may crystallize and becomes substantially hardened. An implant deformation apparatus may be used to expand the device within the intramedullary canal. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269776 | System and Method for Guidance and Implantation of Implantable Devices - Systems and methods are provided for fixation of a fractured bone with an intramedullary bone fixation device. During an implantation procedure, the fixation device may be guided by a removable guidewire which is not coupled to the fixation device. The guidewire and device may be inserted into an intramedullary canal along a pathway which is not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The fixation device may be composite, formed of a support structure and a matrix material. The matrix material may be thermo-chemically activated, transformable from a deformable first thermo-chemical state to a hardened second thermo-chemical state. The fixation device may be radially expandable to deform to the shape of the intramedullary canal, to provide support to the fractured bone. | 10-30-2008 |
20080287951 | SEGMENTED INTRAMEDULLARY STRUCTURE - An implantable intramedullary fixation structure adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a long bone is disclosed comprising a plurality of elongated segments. Each segment has a first end and a complementarily-shaped second end such that the first end of a segment cooperatively engages the second end of an adjacent segment. The segments define a guide aperture so as to be receivable over a guide for positioning in the intramedullary canal. | 11-20-2008 |
20080306484 | APPARATUS FOR KNEE SURGERY AND METHOD OF USE - The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306485 | INSTRUMENTS FOR KNEE SURGERY AND METHOD UF USE - The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing minimally invasive knee surgery. | 12-11-2008 |
20090024168 | LINKED BILATERAL SPINAL FACET IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF USE - Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra. | 01-22-2009 |
20090030459 | SPINAL FACET IMPLANT WITH SPHERICAL IMPLANT APPOSITION SURFACE AND BONE BED AND METHODS OF USE - Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030460 | LINKED BILATERAL SPINAL FACET IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF USE - Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030461 | Spinal Facet Joint Implant - Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra. | 01-29-2009 |
20090036933 | System and method for vertebral body plating - A spinal plating system for vertebral fixation includes a plate, a compression screw, multiple fixation members and polyaxially adjustable locking rings. The plate is shaped to conform to the curvature of the spine and the surfaces of the vertebral bodies. The compression screw fits through an insert, and together they are guided by the plate as the screw is driven into one of the vertebrae, producing compression between the adjacent vertebrae. A retaining lip on the plate prevents backout of the compression screw. The polyaxial locking rings can be polyaxially pivoted to attain a desired orientation, and are lockable to the plate to maintain the orientation. The fixation members fit through openings in the polyaxial locking rings and the plate to fix the plate to the vertebrae. Locking the polyaxial locking rings fixes the position of the fixation members relative to the plate, and prevents backout of the fixation members. | 02-05-2009 |
20090082807 | Suture anchor having a suture engaging structure and inserter arrangement - A suture anchor and inserter arrangement, including a suture anchor for implanting in hard tissue, such as bone, and an inserter device for installing the suture anchor in hard tissue. The suture anchor carries thereon a suture-engaging structure formed from suture, which structure cooperates with working suture associated with the inserter device so as to attach the working suture to the suture anchor. | 03-26-2009 |
20090093880 | APPARATUS AND METHOS FOR RECONSTRUCTING A LIGAMENT - Apparatus and method is disclosed for securing a graft ligament in a bone tunnel. A method is disclosed comprising the steps of forming a first bone tunnel and a second bone tunnel being transverse to, and intersecting one another; positioning a closed loop of a flexible member within the first bone tunnel and a portion of the second bone tunnel such that the closed loop extends out of the first bone tunnel and the second bone tunnel, parting the closed loop outside the second bone tunnel so as to create a first free end and a second free end, and passing the second free end through the opposite end of a second free end through the opposite end of second bone tunnel, and positioning the graft ligament over a portion of the flexible member extending out of the first opening; and pulling the flexible member so as to draw the graft ligament into the first bone tunnel. | 04-09-2009 |
20090171357 | COLLET FIXATION SYSTEM - A bone fixation assembly which may include a bone fixation element, a collet and a flexible line. The bone fixation element may comprise a first and second passageway and at least the first passageway is configured to receive the collet. The flexible line passes through both passageways and is secured through the second passageway. The collet may be advanced into the first passageway causing the collet to circumferentially engage the flexible line fixing it in place. Instrumentation for securing the collet includes a collet driver, a counter torque instrument and a tensioner. | 07-02-2009 |
20090187251 | MODULAR BONE IMPLANT, TOOLS, AND METHOD - Modular bone implants, means of assembly, and their method of use are presented. | 07-23-2009 |
20090216234 | Spinal Access Systems and Methods - 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. | 08-27-2009 |
20090216335 | Femoral Hip Prosthesis and Method of Implantation - Implants and methods are presented for surgically repairing a hip joint with a proximal femoral prosthesis that comprises femoral head component and a femoral stem component. The femoral stem component comprises a neck portion, a flange portion, a transitional body region and an elongated stem. The femur is prepared for implantation of the femoral hip prosthesis by resecting the proximal femur and reaming a symmetric intramedullary cavity in the femur. The femoral hip prosthesis is then inserted the on the resected femur and in the intramedullary cavity. The femoral hip prosthesis elastically deforms when loaded during use to apply dynamic compressive loads and displacement to the calcar region of the resected proximal femur. | 08-27-2009 |
20100010497 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MENISCAL REPAIR THROUGH A MENISCAL CAPSULAR TUNNEL - A system for open or arthroscopic surgical repair of torn or damaged meniscal tissue has a repair member and an instrument. The repair member is a suture, flexible or rigid implant. The instrument has at a portion that is shaped to slide within a meniscal capsular tunnel. The meniscal capsular tunnel is an opening in the knee soft tissue passing from the anterior side of the knee adjacent to the mensical tissue to the posterior side of the knee in both the medial and lateral directions. The instrument interacts with the repair member to either insert it into the meniscus from the posterior side, or to facilitate securing of the repair member so that the repair member holds the meniscal tissue together on either side of a meniscal tear to foster healing of the damaged tissue. | 01-14-2010 |
20100030065 | SURGICAL ACCESS WITH TARGET VISUALIZATION - 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 to the spine. Positioning of the distal end of a radiolucent curved access cannula may be assisted by use of one or more radio-opaque markers. Markers may be positioned to form a cross hair image in fluoroscopy to assist in cannula placement. Radio-opaque inserts placed in and extended beyond the curved access cannula may have radiolucent windows to allow viewing of the cannula's radio-opaque markers. An appropriately placed curved access cannula may be clamped to prevent subsequent movement. Appropriate tools may be introduced through the curved access cannula and the distal radio-opaque tool heads may be viewed relative to the radio-opaque markers. The curved access cannula may be attached to the spine through one or more screws. | 02-04-2010 |
20100057205 | Universal Spinal Disc Implant System - A revisable intervertebral implant may include two end plates designed to detachably receive a variety of intermediate components including articulating bearing inserts, elastic inserts, and fusion blocks. Each intermediate component may be secured to a snap insert that snaps into engagement with the corresponding end plate in response to pressure urging the intermediate component toward the end plate along a cephalad-caudal direction. The end plates may first be secured to the corresponding vertebral bodies, and then the intermediate component(s) may be snapped into locking engagement with the implanted end plates to complete in-situ assembly of the intervertebral implant. The implant may easily be revised by snapping the intermediate component(s) out of engagement with the end plates, removing the intermediate component(s), inserting the new intermediate component(s) into the space between the end plates, and snapping the new intermediate component(s) into engagement with the end plates. | 03-04-2010 |
20100076567 | MODULAR FEMORAL COMPONENTS FOR KNEE ARTHROPLASTY - A femoral knee prosthesis system for resurfacing a resected articular surface at the distal end of a femur includes a femoral component adapted to mate with the resected articular surface; and an attachment member. The interior surface of the femoral component is configured to connect to the first attachment member when the femoral component is mated on the resected articular surface of the femur and when the first attachment member is passed through the medial side or the lateral side of the resected articular surface. The femoral component is available in one-piece and two-piece systems. Mating femoral components (e.g., tapered or with lips that interlock with grooves) are also disclosed. | 03-25-2010 |
20100094300 | APPARATUS FOR KNEE SURGERY AND METHOD OF USE - The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described. | 04-15-2010 |
20100145393 | MEDICAL AND DENTAL POROUS IMPLANTS - A porous PEEK implant system which may provide tissue ingrowth throughout the body of the implant. The implant may comprise a solid or porous PEEK core. The porous PEEK implants may be of general shape and size but provide the structure necessary to carry out the function of the implant. The porous PEEK implant pores may be seeded with agents to encourage tissue ingrowth as well as other agents such as antibiotics, anesthetics, analgesics and the like. | 06-10-2010 |
20100204737 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT WITH INTEGRATED FIXATION - A system for spinal surgery includes a prosthesis comprising a plurality of bone anchors which engage an intervertebral construct for fusion or motion preservation. The fusion construct comprises a spacer optionally encircled by a jacket. The motion preservation construct may comprise an articulating disc assembly or an elastomeric disc assembly. Any of the constructs may occupy the intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae after removal of an intervertebral disc. The anchors slidingly engage the construct to securely fix the prosthesis to the vertebrae. The anchors and jacket of the fusion construct provide a continuous load path across opposite sides of the prosthesis so as to resist antagonistic motions of the spine. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204739 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT WITH INTEGRATED FIXATION - A system for spinal surgery includes a prosthesis comprising a plurality of bone anchors which engage an intervertebral construct for fusion or motion preservation. The fusion construct comprises a spacer optionally encircled by a jacket. The motion preservation construct may comprise an articulating disc assembly or an elastomeric disc assembly. Any of the constructs may occupy the intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae after removal of an intervertebral disc. The anchors slidingly engage the construct to securely fix the prosthesis to the vertebrae. The anchors and jacket of the fusion construct provide a continuous load path across opposite sides of the prosthesis so as to resist antagonistic motions of the spine. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204796 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT WITH INTEGRATED FIXATION - A system for spinal surgery includes a prosthesis comprising a plurality of bone anchors which engage an intervertebral construct for fusion or motion preservation. The fusion construct comprises a spacer optionally encircled by a jacket. The motion preservation construct may comprise an articulating disc assembly or an elastomeric disc assembly. Any of the constructs may occupy the intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae after removal of an intervertebral disc. The anchors slidingly engage the construct to securely fix the prosthesis to the vertebrae. The anchors and jacket of the fusion construct provide a continuous load path across opposite sides of the prosthesis so as to resist antagonistic motions of the spine. | 08-12-2010 |
20110066249 | MODULAR BONE IMPLANT, TOOL, AND METHOD - Modular bone implants, means of assembly, and their method of use are presented. | 03-17-2011 |
20110112641 | EXPANDING LIGAMENT GRAFT FIXATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A graft fixation system for fixing graft material in a bone tunnel includes an expandable fixation member having a graft receiving eyelet disposed proximate its distal end, opposed bone engaging elements disposed about its periphery, and an expansion plug receiving opening defined in its proximal end. The system also includes an expansion plug having a diameter greater than the diameter of the expansion plug receiving opening so that forcible insertion of the expansion plug into the expansion plug receiving opening causes an expansion of the expandable fixation member driving the opposed bone engaging elements apart so as to fix the bone engaging elements, as well as the graft material, in a bone tunnel. | 05-12-2011 |
20110160856 | Systems and Methods for Zipknot ACL Fixation - A system and method for securing an ACL graft. The system may comprise a line routed through a plate, the plate may comprise an elongated body with a plurality of passageways, and a dogbone feature on one end. The line is routed such to create at least one one-way slide so no knots are required. The line may comprise an adjustable loop that receives the graft. The adjustable loop is adjustable through the one-way slide feature of the line routed around and through the plate. The plate may be configured to pass through a bone tunnel with the use of filaments routed through the passageways of the plate or around the dogbone feature of the plate. The filaments may be used to toggle the plate after passage through the bone tunnel to prevent withdrawal back through the bone tunnel because the plate contact area is larger the bone tunnel area. | 06-30-2011 |
20110208246 | Spinal Facet Implant with Spherical Implant Apposition Surface and Bone Bed and Methods of Use - Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra. | 08-25-2011 |
20110264143 | Polyaxial Orthopedic Fastening Apparatus - An orthopedic fastener is designed to attach an implant to bone in such a manner that, until the fastener is tightened, the implant may be rotationally adjusted against the bone. The implant may have a semispherical bone apposition surface that permits polyaxial rotation of the implant against the bone. The orthopedic fastener has an interpositional member and a compression member. The interpositional member may be a split ring with a conical exterior surface that mates with a conical surface of the implant. The compressing member has a threaded bore that engages a proximal end of a fixation member implanted in the bone such that, in response to rotation of the compression member, the interpositional member is sandwiched securely between the implant and the compression member. The conical surface of the implant compresses the interpositional member about a semispherical surface of the compression member, thereby restricting rotation of the implant. | 10-27-2011 |
20120059484 | MODULAR BONE IMPLANT, TOOLS, AND METHOD - Modular bone implants, means of assembly, and their method of use are presented. | 03-08-2012 |
20120116407 | APPARATUS FOR KNEE SURGERY AND METHOD OF USE - The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described. | 05-10-2012 |
20120191139 | METHODS FOR BONE ALIGNMENT - A method for correcting an angular deformity in a bone includes positioning a link across a physis of the bone, the link having a first portion with a first opening, a second portion with a second opening, and a central portion extending between the first portion and the second portion, the central portion being more flexible than the first portion or the second portion. A first bone engager and second bone engager are advanced through the first opening and the second opening, respectively, and into the bone on opposing sides of the physis. The physis is allowed to generate more physeal tissue on a side of the bone opposite the link so as to reduce the angular deformity. | 07-26-2012 |
20120239037 | BONE STABILIZATION DEVICE AND METHOD - There is disclosed a device and method for stabilizing a bone. The device includes a polymer with a glass transition temperature. The polymer is relatively deformable at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and relatively rigid at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. The device, while the polymer is above the glass transition temperature, is responsive to a bending force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone. The device, while the polymer is below the glass transition temperature, is relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone. | 09-20-2012 |
20130006245 | SEGMENTED INTRAMEDULLARY STRUCTURE - An implantable intramedullary fixation structure adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a long bone is disclosed comprising a plurality of elongated segments. Each segment has a first end and a complementarily-shaped second end such that the first end of a segment cooperatively engages the second end of an adjacent segment. The segments define a guide aperture so as to be receivable over a guide for positioning in the intramedullary canal. | 01-03-2013 |
20140058449 | Linked Bilateral Spinal Facet Implants and Methods of Use - Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra. | 02-27-2014 |
20140207138 | BONE STABILIZATION DEVICE AND METHOD - There is disclosed a device and method for stabilizing a bone. The device includes a polymer with a glass transition temperature. The polymer is relatively deformable at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and relatively rigid at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. The device, while the polymer is above the glass transition temperature, is responsive to a bending force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone. The device, while the polymer is below the glass transition temperature, is relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone. | 07-24-2014 |