An implant for the stabilization of bones or vertebrae is provided, the implant being a solid body including a longitudinal axis that defines a longitudinal direction and including a flexible section that has a surface and has a length in the longitudinal direction, the flexible section including at least one cavity located near the surface and having a width in the longitudinal direction that is smaller than the length of the flexible section, the at least one cavity being connected to the surface through at least one slit, and a width of the slit in the longitudinal direction being smaller than the width of the cavity.

An orthopaedic stabilisation device is described. The orthopaedic stabilisation device comprises a stabilisation member and at least two legs coupled to the stabilisation member. Each leg is arranged for positioning in a respective bore hole in bone, and for receiving an element within the leg such that the element can facilitate fastening the leg within the bore hole in bone. The stabilisation member may be arranged such that a length of the stabilisation member is alterable by a predefined amount, the predefined amount being adjustable.

A spinal stabilization system is provided for maintaining preselected spacing and movement between adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column and for providing overall stability thereto. The system includes interlaminar members positioned in the spaces intermediate a first vertebra and the vertebrae positioned immediately above and immediately below and adjacent to the first vertebra. The interlaminar members are operatively connected to one another by an adjustable support structure and cooperate therewith to maintain the preselected spacing between adjacent vertebrae and to provide overall stability to the spinal column.

An implant for the stabilization of bones or vertebrae is provided, the implant being a solid body including a longitudinal axis that defines a longitudinal direction and including a flexible section that has a surface and has a length in the longitudinal direction, the flexible section including at least one cavity located near the surface and having a width in the longitudinal direction that is smaller than the length of the flexible section, the at least one cavity being connected to the surface through at least one slit, and a width of the slit in the longitudinal direction being smaller than the width of the cavity.

A dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly includes an anchor member having an integral or otherwise fixed elongate core of circular or non-circular cross-section. The core is pre-tensioned and extends through at least one elastic spacer and at least one outer sleeve. The anchor member and the outer sleeve each attach to at least one bone anchor. In operation, the core is held in tension by the spacer.

An implantable, modular spine stabilization system that allows for multi-level treatment of the spine by providing either rigid fixation or dynamic stabilization at different levels to be treated is provided. This modular spine stabilization system may be configured to span multiple spine levels, and have a curvature that closely matches the curvature of the spine over those multiple levels to be treated. Further, the modular spine stabilization system allows adjustment of the curvature of the overall system such that the system may be adapted for a patient for a customized fit. Instruments are also provided for the assembly and/or implantation of the modular spine stabilization system. The associated instruments may include instruments for adjusting the curvature of the system to the patient, and for implanting the curved system into the patient. The instruments may be configured for implantation of the system in a minimally invasive surgery.

Fixation systems including a member, a first attachment portion, a second attachment portion, and an intermediate portion. The first attachment portion is attached at a superior end of the member and includes a first opening. The second attachment portion is attached at an inferior end of the member and includes a second opening. The intermediate portion connects the first and second attachment portions. The fixation systems may also include a relief in at least one of the first opening and the second opening. Surgical methods for inserting the fixation systems in a patient are also disclosed.

Dynamic lumbar spine stabilization device implementations and methods are disclosed, which allow for dynamic fixation of both anterior and posterior vertebral columns simultaneously through the articulation of pairs of curved, overlapping rails for partial flexion and extension or up to full normal flexion and extension while stabilizing at least two vertebrae of the lumbar spine.

A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones. Springs may be used to transfer loads across a joint, and can be used in conjunction with pistons and sleeves.

Various uses of fluoroalkenes, including tetrafluoropropenes, particularly (HFO-1336) in a variety of applications, including as blowing agents for integral skin foams are disclosed.