A medical compound preparation and delivery system, including a delivery device, the device including a depressible trigger operably coupled to move a plunger; a cartridge releasably coupled to the delivery device, the cartridge defining a lumen therethrough to receive at least a portion of the plunger therein; a receptacle defining a cavity therein for receiving a medical compound; a first tube slidably positionable within the cavity of the receptacle; and a second tube slidably positionable within the first tube, wherein the cartridge is slidably positionable within the second tube.

A central inflatable distractor and a perimeter balloon are inserted into the disc space in uninflated configurations. The central inflatable distractor is then expanded, thereby distracting the vertebral endplates to the controlled height of the central inflatable distractor. The perimeter balloon is then inflated with a curable substance. The perimeter balloon expands as it is filled with the curable substance and conforms to the void remaining in the disc space around the central inflatable distractor, thereby creating a horseshoe shape. Once the flowable material in the perimeter balloon has cured, the central inflated distractor can be deflated and removed. The remaining void (or inner space) is then packed with graft for fusion.

A handle connectable to a screw-type mechanical drive component for transmitting to the latter a first torque comprises first connection means, defining a constraint axis, for the connection of the handle to the mechanical drive component, a ring nut to which a second torque is manually applicable, support means of the ring nut for rotatably supporting the latter around an axis of rotation coinciding, in use, with the constraint axis, second means for connecting the ring nut to the support means, for connecting/disconnecting the ring nut and the support means in a mechanical and selective way, so that the ring nut is kinematically connected to the support means when rotated around the axis of rotation with a second torque lower than a threshold value and kinematically disconnected from the same upon exceeding such a threshold value.

A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.

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 for delivering bone cement into a bone is provided. The system can include a hydraulic system actuatable to deliver a bone cement mixture from a bone cement container, through a cannula and into a bone. The hydraulic system can have more than one pressure relief mechanism for decreasing pressure in the hydraulic system to cease delivery (e.g., substantially instantaneously) of the bone cement into the bone.

A central inflatable distractor and a perimeter balloon are inserted into the disc space in uninflated configurations. The central inflatable distractor is then expanded, thereby distracting the vertebral endplates to the controlled height of the central inflatable distractor. The perimeter balloon is then inflated with a curable substance. The perimeter balloon expands as it is filled with the curable substance and conforms to the void remaining in the disc space around the central inflatable distractor, thereby creating a horseshoe shape. Once the flowable material in the perimeter balloon has cured, the central inflated distractor can be deflated and removed. The remaining void (or inner space) is then packed with graft for fusion.

The invention features improved bone screws, a delivery manifold for delivering a flowable medium to a bone screw, and washers for use with the bone screw to provide compressive fixation. The invention also features methods of treatment using the bone screws, washers, and/or delivery manifold, and kits that include the same.

A graft material injector device and method are disclosed. The injector device includes an elongated injector tube and a side loading aperture for receiving graft material. A graft material loader and a cover for the side loading aperture may optionally be included.

A portable and passive safety intraosseous device to allow for direct introduction of medications, etc., within the intermedullary space of a subject patient's bone or, if needed, the removal of certain substances from such a subject patient's bone. Such a device permits direct drilling and placement of a cannula within the subject bone with access external to the subject patient's skin, permitting, as well, connection of a tube for such introduction/removal purposes. The ability to provide a passive safety unit allows for facilitated utilization in, for instance, emergency situations with the entire device provided for utilization thereof. The device includes a drilling component with a permanently attached stylet and a removable cannula, a power supply for a single drilling operation, a mechanism to draw the stylet back into the drill component after use and disengagement from the cannula, and an automatic closure that activates with the separation of the cannula.