Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: A fixation system including a bone plate having at least a first fixation hole for receiving a bone screw, and a groove in communication with the first fixation hole; a resilient clip disposed the groove; and a drill guide having a tip portion configured to engage the resilient clip when the tip portion is inserted into the first fixation hole.

Abstract: This description deals with a medical device, specifically a prosthetic intervertebral disc having a compressible core that is mechanically interactive with the prosthetic disc's end plates thereby providing excellent torque or twisting transmission between the end plates.

Abstract: A hinged bone screw and tool set is used for implanting such bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws. The hinged bone screw includes a shank with an upper portion and a receiver with integral arms forming a U-shaped channel. A lower curved seat partially defining the U-shaped channel cooperates with an upper portion of the bone screw shank for hinged movement of the shank with respect to the receiver. The tool set includes an insertion tool, a bone screw driver, a reduction tool and a closure starter. The insertion tool includes a bone screw attachment structure and a laterally opening channel. The insertion tool further includes a threaded portion for cooperation with the reduction tool to provide synchronized placement of a closure structure in the bone screw receiver while reducing and capturing a longitudinal connecting member within the receiver.

Abstract: A fixation system includes a plate comprising at least one fixation hole comprising an undercut therein, and at least one passage intersecting one of the undercuts. At least one resilient clip is disposed in at least a portion of the undercut, with the at least one clip having a pair of generally parallel sides and an end tab. At least one fastener is provided and comprises a head and a threaded shaft, with the head comprising a perimetral groove extending around at least a portion thereof and an instrument receiving portion. The at least one clip is configured and dimensioned to seat in the undercut with the end tab extending within the passage, and the at least one fastener is configured and dimensioned to be received in the at least one fixation hole and securable therein when the at least one clip abuts the perimetral groove of the head.

Abstract: A bone segment positioning device including a base shaft, wherein the base shaft includes a base mating structure and an anchoring thread for securing the base shaft to a distal portion of a broken bone. Additionally, a collar shaft is provided, wherein the collar shaft includes a stabilizer base and a collar mating structure configured for associating with the base mating structure to secure the base shaft to the collar shaft. Moreover, a stabilizing device is provided, wherein the stabilizing device includes a collar configured for associating with the stabilizing base to secure the collar shaft with a proximal portion of the broken bone.

Abstract: Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached to the lateral surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies are described. Also described are anterior spinal stabilization systems that are to be attached to the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. Several variations of dynamic spinal stabilization devices and systems are described. Each of the foregoing devices, systems, and methods may be used independently, in combination with the other devices, systems, and methods described herein, and/or in combination with prosthetic intervertebral discs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spinal support coupling device (10) comprised of first and second radial frames (44A and 44B), each pivotably coupled to a center pivot hinge (30). A traveling arm (20) is provided, coupled to the first and second radial frames (44A and 44B) at the center pivot hinge (30). The traveling arm (20) is configured to rotate with respect to the first and second radial frames (44A and 44B) around the center pivot hinge (30). A coupling rod (80) is attached to the traveling arm (20) and configured to connect a first and a second surgical screw (60A and 60B), placed into a patient. The first and second radial frames (44A and 4413) are configured to retain corresponding first and second extension rods (64A and 64B), extending away from the top of the first and second surgical screws (60A and 60B).

Abstract: A system and method for securing an intramedullary rod in a medullary canal of a long bone is provided. The system includes an intramedullary rod and a screw assembly for receiving the rod. The screw assembly has a transverse receiving bore for receiving the intramedullary rod and a securing member movable toward the bore for securing the rod to the screw assembly. An alignment jig may also be provided for aligning the rod with the receiving bore during installation.

Abstract: A portable surgical workstation for implant formation comprising a base with a central planar section. The central planar section has a plurality of tracks and a throughgoing slot with a recessed stepped surrounding surface formed on a bottom surface of the central planar section. A vise assembly mounted to the base comprises a fixed jaw member secured to the base, a traveling jaw member moveably mounted to the base and a fixed drive housing mounted to the base. The traveling jaw member has a plurality of rail members adapted to be slidably mounted in the central planar section tracks. The fixed drive housing has a threaded longitudinal bore which receives a threaded drive shaft, one end of the drive shaft being secured in the traveling jaw member to transport the traveling jaw member.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a plurality of blade assemblies interconnected by a plurality of racks. One or more of the blade assemblies is movable along a rack to selectively expand the retractor. At least one of the blade assemblies includes a blade that is rotatably connected to the blade assembly and that is rotatable independent of other blades of the retractor.