Cortek, Inc.

Depuy Spine, Inc.

Medrobotics Corporation

Depuy Acromed, Inc.

Biolink Corporation

Ultracision Inc.

Keystone Dental, Inc.

Dale E Whipple

James E Nicholson

Scott G Tromanhauser

Mark T Hall

Thomas V Doherty

David D Konieczynski

Niall Patrick Casey

J Christopher Flaherty

Arnold E Oyola

Brett Zubiate

Joseph A Stand, Iii

Robert A Didomenico

William H Kennefick

Andrew Sennett

Nam T Chao

Frank R Prosl

Alan E Thomas

Chris Rybicki

Richard J Clark

Richard C Faherty

Roland F Gatturna

An articulating probe, comprises a first mechanism including a first link comprising a first longitudinal axis, a first articulation surface and a first motion-limiting element; and a second link comprising a second longitudinal axis, a second articulation surface and a second motion-limiting element. An articulation joint comprises the first articulation surface and the second articulation surface and constructed and arranged to allow two degree-of-freedom articulation of the second link relative to the first link. A motion resisting assembly comprises the first motion limiting element and the second motion limiting element, wherein the motion resisting assembly is constructed and arranged to resist rotation of the second link about the second longitudinal axis relative to the first longitudinal axis of the first link.

Highly articulated probes with anti-twist link arrangement, methods of formation thereof, and methods of performing medical procedures

The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.

Polyaxial bone screw

Bone anchor assemblies having a large diameter for fixing a spinal connection element to bone and methods of assembly are described. The assembly includes a receiver member for receiving the spinal connection element, a bone-engaging shank for engaging bone, a retaining member for retaining the head of the shank within the receiver member and a locking member for locking the retaining member within the receiver member.

Large diameter bone anchor assembly

Disclosed are an implant-driver assembly and an associated method. Generally, the implant-driver assembly includes a driver, an implant and a coupler that affixes the implant to the driver during transport and during insertion of the implant into the jaw of a patient. As shipped, the assembly may take the form of a superassembly with a vial insert that impedes axial movement of the driver, coupler, and implant. Via manual action or assisted with a suitable tool, the coupler may be disengaged to thereby decouple the implant and driver once the implant has been properly positioned. Also disclosed is a method for inserting an implant, the method comprising applying torque to the driver of an implant-driver assembly as disclosed herein.

Implant-driver assembly

An instrument for inserting, adjusting and engaging an implant, such as a polyaxial screw of a spinal fixation system, includes at least one retratractable tab for engaging a corresponding recess on the implant and a shaft that moves relative to the retractable tab. The movable shaft selectively moves the tab between an expanded position for engaging the recess and a retracted position out of engagement with the recess. The shaft selectively engages a portion of the implant to rigidify the implant after the retractable tab engages the recess. The axially extending shaft may be disposed within an axially extending passageway of a body assembly. A rotatable collar surrounding the body assembly is coupled to the shaft for moving the shaft relative to the retractable tab.

Instrument for inserting, adjusting and removing pedicle screws and other orthopedic implants

The present invention is an apparatus for cutting allograft bone implants from donor bone. Die sets of standard sizes are installed in a press. Donor bone is then placed in position between the upper and the lower parts of a matched cutting set comprising a hollow cylindrical cutting blade, a mandrel, and a table which establishes a gap around the mandrel which guides the blade. After the bone to be shaped has been properly placed, a shaped cutting blade is driven through the donor bone, producing a precisely shaped allograft implant. The invention provides for rapid change out of blades, rapid cleaning, and easy maintenance.

Allograft implant cutting machine

A spinal implant replaces excised tissue removed during spine surgery. This implant includes fasteners which firmly attach it to vertebrae adjacent to excised tissue so as to transmit tension and torsional loads to and from those vertebrae. The body of the implant has through cavities into which bone growth material is placed during surgery. The body of the implant also has a finite modulus of elasticity in compression so as to share compressive loads with emplaced bone growth material and with new bony growth facilitated by the emplaced material and the load sharing.

Growing community of inventors

East Taunton, MA, United States of America

Dale E Whipple