The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for delivery of bone graft material in a patient's spine. The graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material to a disc space and without withdrawal from the surgical site. In one embodiment, the graft delivery device includes a plunger with a distal end configured to bend relative to a longitudinal axis as bone graft material is delivery to the disc space. The plunger can include two arms that extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The graft delivery device may selectively deliver a fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space.

The invention features bone screws having a threaded screw body and a screw head attached to one end of the screw body, the bone screw further including: a) an interior channel extending longitudinally through the screw head and through at least a portion of the screw body, wherein the interior channel has a width of less than 5.0 millimeters; and b) a plurality of radially-disposed delivery channels connecting the interior channel to the exterior of the screw body, each delivery channel having exterior openings. The invention further features devices that include a bone screw and a delivery manifold detachably attached to the screw head of the bone screw. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone defect by using a bone screw described herein.

An implant for fusing a joint between first and second bone portions. The implant includes a screw member, and a washer polyaxially rotatable relative to the screw member. The screw member includes a head, a lag zone, and a threaded engagement zone. The implant includes a fusion zone for joint compression, extending from the washer to the proximal end of the engagement zone. Fenestrations may be present in the fusion zone. The length of the fusion zone ranges from about 10 mm to about 37 mm. Different surface finishes including roughened and non-roughened may be applied selectively to selected portions of the implant. In an embodiment, the joint is a sacro-iliac joint, and upon implantation the implant extends from the exterior of the ilium, across the joint and into the sacral vertebral body. Instrumentation and methods for preparing the joint and implanting the implant are disclosed.

Disclosed herein is a steerable and curvable drill that can be used for various applications including vertebroplasty. The drill can include an elongate, tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending therethrough; a deflectable zone on the distal end of the tubular body including one or more laser cuts, deflectable through an angular range; an insertable wire insertable into at least a portion of the central lumen of the elongate, tubular body; a handle on the proximal end of the tubular body; a deflection control on the handle; a drill control on the handle; a drive shaft within the elongate tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end; and a boring element on the distal end of the device for creating a cavity within bone. The boring element can be operably connected to the distal end of the drive shaft via a crimping mechanism. Systems and methods involving the drill are also disclosed.

An implant is provided that is operable to be disposed between and fuse two sections of a bone. The implant includes an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer at least partially surrounds the inner layer and is operable to abut against the two sections of the bone. The outer layer is porous and/or fibrous and is operable to receive at least one cellular growth factor.

The bone cement injection device includes an injection assembly and a filler assembly. The injection assembly includes a barrel, first needle member, second needle member, and plunger. The first needle member is movably housed inside the barrel, and includes a first member body, a first conduit, a side tube, and puller elements. The second needle member is housed in the first needle member, and includes a second member body, and a second conduit. A space is maintained between the first and second conduits. The plunger is joined to the first member body and is movably housed in the second member body. The filler assembly fills bone cement into the second member body. The first needle member is pulled backward, and the plunger injects the bone cement into the patient's bone. With an air compressor connected to the side tube, a negative pressure is created to facilitate bone cement injection.

A system includes a bone anchor including a shank having a first end, a second end, a channel extending through the shank with a channel axis, and an internal advancement structure having at least a portion being closer axially to the second end than to the first end, and an elongate instrument configured to extend through the channel, with a tip portion and an external advancement structure configured to cooperate with the internal advancement structure. Engagement between the advancement structures facilitates holding of the tip portion at a first axial position relative to the bone anchor and movement of the tip portion from the first axial position towards both the first and second ends of the shank. The tip portion and the external advancement structure of the elongate instrument are insertable into and removable from the channel via the first end of the shank.

The invention relates to an assembly (1) for positioning and positionally immobilizing an inflatable balloon (3) within a vertebral body, comprising an access piece (2) providing access to the vertebral body, which has a cannula and is of elongate shape, and an inflatable balloon (3) mounted at the end of a catheter (4) able to be connected to a fluid-delivery unit, the assembly comprising balloon (3) and catheter being designed to pass slidingly through the access piece (2), characterized in that the access piece (2) comprises means of anchorage in the vertebral body, the assembly further comprising means for positionally immobilizing the catheter provided with the balloon (3) on the access piece (2).

Systems and methods for augmenting a vertebral body. An introducer device includes a shaft having a flexible distal portion with a pre-set curve in an unconstrained state. An input provided to an actuator to tension a pulling element to move the pre-set curve to a constrained state in which the distal portion and a flexible sheath conforming to the shaft at least partially straighten. The introducer device is removable from the sheath remaining off-set from a longitudinal axis. A spacer hub facilitates proximal movement of the sheath relative to an access cannula expose a balloon through a syringe-style input. A hub of the access cannula may be adjustable to selectively adjust an interference surface relative to a datum. At least two radiopaque markers may be disposed on the sheath with relative positions between the markers viewable on lateral and A-P radiography to determine the location and/or curvature of the sheath.

Medical devices for injecting materials into patients are disclosed. The devices can include a body having a handle and a lever. The devices can also include a delivery tube comprising a passageway along a longitudinal axis and a nozzle with an opening, the delivery tube configured to couple with a distal end of the body. A driving rod can be inserted into the body and extend into the passageway, such that the lever can move the driving rod distally when the lever is actuated toward the handle. Methods of using the material delivery device are also disclosed.