Abstract: This instrumentation comprises at least one vertebral rod (1), bone anchoring elements (2) spaced along the rod, a connector (3) connecting the rod to each anchoring element, and pressure means (4) for clamping together the rod, the anchoring element and the connector; each anchoring element has a bearing surface (7) for the rod which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (XX) of the anchoring element; in the connector there is provided a cavity (11) providing at least one bearing point for the rod held trapped between said inclined bearing surface and a wall (12) of the cavity, and the latter is extended by a lateral aperture (18) permitting insertion of the vertebral rod radially in its cavity; this instrumentation is easy to use by the surgeon owing to the convenience of insertion of the rod in the connector, and the direct bearing of the rod against the surface (7) of the anchoring element (2) reduces its transverse overall size.

Abstract: An apparatus including vertebral anchoring elements, such as a bone screw (1) or a hook (2), with a threaded cylindrical portion (5) and a locking plate (7). A nut (8) may be screwed onto the threaded cylindrical portion (5) to tighten the tightening portion of a slide (4) on a rigid connecting rod (3) with a circular cross-section. The rod (3), the slide (4) and the anchoring element (1,2) may be sufficiently rigidly connected by means of non-slip projections on the engaged side of the locking plate (7), on the corresponding side of the slide (4), and on the surface thereof which surrounds the rod (3). The stiffness of the apparatus may thus be enhanced, so that improved support of the vertebrae and easier fitting and adjustment of the apparatus may be achieved.

Abstract: The stabilizing device can be adapted to an anchor such as a hook (1) of the usual shape, with a hook body (4) and an incurved lug (7). The device including a stabilizing staple fastener (3) having a body (21) and staple legs (22-25). Said fastener body (21) is adapted so that the securing member secure the hook (1) to an attachment rod (52) also attach the fastener (3) to the hook (1), by forcing back the legs (22-25) in the direction of the incurved lug (7) so as to pierce a portion of the vertebra located in the hollow of the hook (1). The hook (1) is thereby effectively stabilized on the vertebra.

Abstract: A distal aiming device adapted to be connected to an x-ray apparatus is independent of the type of x-ray apparatus being used. A nail holding mechanism detachably receives the proximal end of an elongated locking nail. The locking nail is held approximately in parallel with an elongated aiming head retaining mechanism which for its part is fitted on a holding arm capable of displacement about the axis of the locking nail being held in the nail holding mechanism. The aiming head retaining mechanism carries an aiming head and is capable of displacement in a direction approximately in parallel with the axis of the nail being held in the nail holding mechanism. An adjusting pin is adapted to be accommodated by the aiming head in a direction normal to the axis of the locking nail.