Devices and methods are provided for immobilizing facet joints of the vertebral column. Embodiments of the invention provide an implant that is inserted in a facet joint from which cartilage has been removed, and which retains the approximate original spacing of the facets in the joint. A retaining arrangement, such as an adhesive, a threaded fastener, or a screw is then used to secure the implant in the joint.

A bone implant includes a rod having an aperture extending entirely through the rod. The aperture is to receive a fastener to couple the rod to a bone of a patient. The bone implant also includes a light source disposed on the rod. The light source is to emit light onto a portion of the bone adjacent the rod to at least one of stimulate bone growth or reduce bone loss.

Methods for the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesson, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis of a joint are disclosed. The methods involve treating the subchondral bone, white preserving, as much as possible, the joint's articular and cartilage surface. The methods could be performed before, during, or after an initial arthroscopic surgery to repair the joint. Associated devices and instruments for treatment of the subchondral bone are also disclosed.

Methods for the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis of a joint are disclosed. The methods involve treating the subchondral bone, while preserving, as much as possible, the joint's articular and cartilage surface. The methods could be performed before, during, or after an initial arthroscopic surgery to repair the joint. Associated devices and instruments for treatment of the subchondral bone are also disclosed.

Devices and methods are provided for immobilizing facet joints of the vertebral column. Embodiments of the invention provide an implant that is inserted in a facet joint from which cartilage has been removed, and which retains the approximate original spacing of the facets in the joint. A retaining arrangement, such as an adhesive, a threaded fastener, or a screw is then used to secure the implant in the joint.

Methods for the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis of a joint are disclosed. The methods involve treating the subchondral bone, while preserving, as much as possible, the joint's articular and cartilage surface. The methods could be performed before, during, or after an initial arthroscopic surgery to repair the joint. Associated devices and instruments for treatment of the subchondral bone are also disclosed.

The invention relates to a system for determining the quality of a bone structure, comprising: a body adapted for drilling through the bone structure; a first electrode arranged on the body so as to come into contact with the bone structure during drilling; a second electrode arranged on the body so as to come into contact with the bone structure at a distance from the first electrode during drilling; an electric generator adapted to apply an electric current between the first and second electrodes for a pre-determined period of time; a measuring device adapted (i) to measure the electric current, continuously and over the pre-determined period, an electrical magnitude representative of the aptitude of the bone structure for allowing electric current to pass therethrough and (ii) to deliver, continuously and over the pre-determined period, a signal representative of the quality of the bone structure between the contact surfaces of the first and second electrodes, using the determined electrical magnitude.

The invention entails metal alloy mono and poly-filament wire reinforced carbon fiber plating system for the fixation of skeletal fractures and osteotomies with electrical bone stimulation. For example, in some embodiments, systems and methods comprise a bone stimulation device by generating an electrical current from an implanted power pack, which travels through wire wrapped in the transverse/perpendicular plane around the mono-poly filament wires within the carbon fiber plate, creating an electromagnetic field. Such systems and methods find use in delayed or non-union events of bone and also in patients with acute bone fractures whom also suffer from other comorbidities predisposing the osteotomy or fracture to a non-union event.

Methods for the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis of a joint are disclosed. The methods involve treating the subchondral bone, while preserving, as much as possible, the joint's articular and cartilage surface. The methods could be performed before, during, or after an initial arthroscopic surgery to repair the joint. Associated devices and instruments for treatment of the subchondral bone are also disclosed.

An interspinous fusion device is described. It includes a first member with a column of teeth, and a second member with a column of recesses adapted to mate with the column of teeth of the first member. The first member and the second member have opposing windows on their walls, such that when the first member is mated with the second member an unobstructed passage is formed through the opposing windows. The first member and the second member lock together when the teeth and recesses are mated, said locking occurring without the aid of a set screw, pin or other mechanical component.