A method comprises the steps of: fixing a distal end of a first member of a surgical instrument with tissue, the surgical instrument including a second member having a longitudinal passageway configured for disposal of the first member and being connected with a navigation component such that the distal end is disposable with the passageway at a selected distance from the navigation component, the navigation component being positioned relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of an orientation of the first member; removing the second member from the first member; and connecting a third member with the first member along the orientation such that a distal end of the third member is fixed with the tissue. Systems, spinal implants, constructs and instruments are disclosed.

A surgical viewing system including an X-ray source, a surgical tool and an actuator. The X-ray source creates a beam of radiation used in an image creating process. The surgical tool has the X-ray source coupled thereto, and the surgical tool has an axis of rotation. The actuator is coupled to the surgical tool causing the beam of radiation to be shifted relative to the axis of rotation.

A connection member for connecting a surgical tool to a plurality of different kinds of corresponding connector. A surgical tool including the connection member. A surgical kit including the surgical tool. The connection member includes an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The connection member also includes a plurality of connection features located at the proximal end of the shaft. The plurality of connection features includes at least one connection feature for mating with a first kind of corresponding connector. The plurality of connection features also includes at least one connection feature for mating with a second, different kind of corresponding connector. The connection member may be a male connection member and the corresponding connectors may be female. A method including providing the surgical tool and connecting the connection member to a corresponding connector.

A drill bit (20, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1020) is provided that includes a connector (32, 232, 532, 632, 732, 832, 932, 1032), which includes a shank (34), configured to receive torque; a proximal electrically-conductive coupler (36, 436, 536, 636, 736, 836, 936, 1036), which is disposed at a distal end (28) of the shank (34), rotationally fixed with respect to the shank (34); and a distal electrically-conductive coupler (38, 238, 438, 538, 838, 738, 838, 938, 1038). The distal electrically-conductive coupler is rotationally fixed with respect to the proximal electrically-conductive coupler, electrically isolated from the proximal electrically-conductive coupler, and shaped so as to define a distal-electrically-conductive external contact surface (62, 862, 962, 1062). The drill bit further includes a drill shaft (30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 830) including an electrically-conductive outer electrode (44) and an electrically-conductive inner electrode (46, 146, 246, 346, 846). Other embodiments are also described.

A surgical drill for use with a drill bit. The drill includes a handpiece with a motor and a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism is a sliding rack adjacent a first end and a second end with a stop adjacent the drill bit. An actuator is mounted to the handpiece and a plunger is coupled to the actuator. A sensor asserts a signal when the drill bit penetrates bone. When the sensor asserts the signal indicting the drill bit penetrated bone, the actuator moves the plunger into engagement with the rack to prevent further insertion of the drill bit.

Described herein is an anti-skid surgical instrument for use in preparing holes in bone tissue. The disclosed surgical instrument provides the ability to prepare a precise hole in bone tissue during surgery (e.g., spinal surgeries and pedicle screw placement, intramedullary screw placement). The disclosed surgical instrument accomplishes precise hole placement regardless of whether the angle between the drill axis and surface of the bone tissue is perpendicular. The disclosed technology includes a flat drilling surface which is perpendicular to the surface of the body of the surgical instrument. This reduces the likelihood of the surgical instrument skidding on the surface of the bone tissue and thereby increases the precision of the hole.

An implant driver for engaging an orthopedic implant for selective advancement and retraction of the implant. The implant driver includes a first jaw assembly comprising a helical cam surface corresponding with a first direction of rotation. The first jaw assembly is operative to engage, in response to rotation in the first direction, the implant using spherical jaw members disposed in constrictive helical channels. The implant driver includes a second jaw assembly comprising a helical cam surface corresponding with a second direction of rotation. The second jaw assembly is operative to engage, in response to rotation in the second direction, the implant using spherical jaw members disposed in constrictive helical channels. Absent rotation of the first and second jaw assemblies, the spherical jaws may not restrict relative axial movement between the implant and the implant driver to allow for advancement and/or retraction of the instrument relative to the implant.

Devices and methods used to obtain core tissue samples are disclosed. The devices may be configured to drill into cortical bone and saw a hole into a bone lesion and/or bone marrow while obtaining the core tissue sample. The devices can include a motor and a clutch configured to rotate a trocar having a tip configured for drilling and an outer coax cannula having a trephine tip configured for sawing. The core tissue sample may be received within an inner cannula as an intermediate cannula cuts a hole in the bone lesion and/or bone marrow. The devices can include a spacer.

A universal wire driver attachment comprises a driveshaft forming a lumen extending along a longitudinal axis. The driveshaft forms a plurality of channels extending perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis. The attachment further comprises a plurality of primary jaws movably disposed at least partially within the channels. The primary jaws comprise a plurality of wire gripping surfaces facing the longitudinal axis and configured to grip the surgical wire. The primary jaws cooperate with the channels such that the primary jaws are constrained from moving in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis. The primary jaws are capable of moving outward from the longitudinal axis when the surgical wire is inserted between the primary jaws, and the primary jaws are capable of being urged inward toward the longitudinal axis by the securing mechanism to increase a grip force on the surgical wire.

Adapters for surgical drilling systems, and methods of use, are provided for performing surgical procedures, such as surgical drilling into bony structures, while guided by a conductivity sensing system. The adapters may be configured to be coupled to a surgical drilling tool such as a conventional surgical drill and a drill bit having conductivity sensing capabilities, or a surgical hand tool having conductivity sensing capabilities. The adapters further include a controller configured to receive one or more signal indicative of measured electrical conductivity and/or penetration depth measurement, detect a condition associated with a change of measured electrical conductivity based on the signal, and arrest advancement of the surgical drilling tool responsive to detection of the condition.