An expandable implant system is configured to increase the height of a target bone, for instance that has been subjected to a compression fracture. The expandable implant system includes an implant assembly that can be inserted into the target bone, and subsequently expanded so as to increase the height of the target bone. The expandable implant system further includes an and insertion assembly that is configured to create an insertion channel into the target bone, such that the implant assembly can be inserted in a collapsed configuration into the target bone along the insertion channel, and subsequently expanded.

An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a continuum dexterous manipulator (CDM) with a specially designed flexible tool, to be used as a handheld or robotic steerable device for treatment of hard-tissue-related diseases. The CDM of the present invention works well in treatment of soft and sticky material (similar to a lesion) as well as milling the hard tissues (e.g. sclerotic liner of osteolytic lesions) and bone tumors. The present invention is also directed to flexible drilling tools as well as characterization and evaluation of integrating these tools with the CDM in curved-drilling of hard bone towards treatment of hard tissue related diseases (e.g. osteonecrosis or pelvic fracture). The present invention can also include use of various types of drill geometries, aspiration and irrigation, and endoscope view in curved-drilling and trajectory planning.

Tools, devices and systems that include a generally cylindrical, hollow shaft, and a suction canister are provided with advantageous interconnectivity features and functions that enable ease of manufacturing, lowered manufacturing costs, and allow for a platform of different shaft embodiments and canister embodiments that may be manufactured in different combinations to form an array of unique instruments. The interconnectivity may be irreversible or reversible, and the connection features maintain an air tight seal between the components. Tools, devices and systems are also provided that include collection functionality that can be employed to manipulate the volume of tissue collected while using a tissue collection feature/function. This may be undertaken to restrict total volume of the collection chamber in a way that allows for continuous suction flow rate to take place while collecting the desired amount of tissue. Containing the tissue to a pre-set volume can enable a user to effectively ascertain the volume of tissue collected.

System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a distal opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, and having a curved distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the distal opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured to allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.

A steerable system and methods for accessing bone. A control mechanism includes a handle configured to be detachably secured to a trocar. The handle includes a drive shaft coupled to a sliding shaft such that relative rotation is prevented and relative translation is permitted. A rod having a preformed bend is removably disposed within the cannula. The rod is prevented from rotating relative to the drive shaft such that a deflection plane of the preformed bend is predefined relative to each of the sliding shaft, the handle, and the trocar when the handle is coupled to the trocar. Rotating a sliding ring of the handle translates the drive shaft to advance the rod beyond the trocar such that the preformed bend extends laterally out of the trocar in the deflection plane. The rod may be removed from the cannula, and material may be injected through the cannula.

A system includes an instrument and a distractor. The instrument includes a shaft extending from a first end to a second end and defining a first axis between the first end and the second end. The instrument further includes a first gear coupled to the first end of the shaft. The instrument further includes a second gear enmeshed with the first gear. The instrument further includes a reamer coupled to the second gear. Rotation of the shaft about the first axis causes rotation of the reamer about a second axis that is non-parallel with the first axis. The distractor includes a first arm defining a first passage and a second arm defining a second passage, each configured to receive a pin. The distractor further includes a retainer configured to engage the instrument to retain the instrument in position. The distance between the first passage and the second passage is adjustable.

Various embodiments of bone ties, interbody devices, and methods for treating the spine are provided. The method can include positioning an interbody device in an intervertebral space. The method can include positioning the bone tie through the interbody device. The method can include tightening the bone tie, wherein the bone tie is configured to promote spinal fusion.

A device for creating a cavity or a channel in bone. First and second steering cables are coupled to a flexible elbow or a tip of a shaft. A control assembly is operably coupled to the first and second steering cables and configured to tension one of the steering cables and slacken another one of the steering cables so as to flex the flexible elbow. The control assembly may include a steering block axially movable within a handle with a knob threadably coupled to the steering block. The steering block may be rotatably fixed within the handle. The first and second steering cables may be anchored to the steering block, such as to opposite sides of the steering block. The first steering cable may extend along a linear path, and the second steering cable may extend along a curved rib of the handle.

System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a distal opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, and having a curved distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the distal opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.

Described herein are examples of adjustable orthopedic reamer heads and methods for preparing a bone to receive an implant. The adjustable reamer heads and methods can include changing a cutting characteristic such as the size of an adjustable reamer head. In an illustrative example of an adjustable reamer head, the reamer head can include a housing, an actuator and a plurality of cutting elements. The plurality of cutting elements can be retained by the housing and can be operably coupled to the actuator. The plurality of cutting elements can include a first size cutting element and a second size cutting element. When the actuator is actuated, the first size cutting element and the second size cutting element can move relative to one another to change from a first cutting size to a second cutting size.