Abstract: A polyaxial screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, an insert, and a housing. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The coupling is positioned on top the pedicle screw and releasably engages portions of the head. The coupling and pedicle screw are positioned within a distal portion of the housing. The pedicle screw is slid through an opening in the insert and the insert is thread into the distal portion of the housing to retain the coupling and the pedicle screw within the housing. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the housing. Compressing the coupling within the housing locks the pedicle screw in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A bone screw for attaching a bone plate to bone includes a shank defining a lumen extending at least partially therethrough from a proximal end thereof, a head defining a lumen therethrough, and a rod member. The rod member is configured for insertion through the lumen of the head and into the lumen of the shank. The rod member is fixedly engageable with the shank and moveably coupled to the head such that both the rod member and the shank are moveable with respect to the head.

Abstract: A surgical access device including a frame, first and second supports, and first and second retractor blades releasably coupled with the first and second supports, respectively. The frame has first and second arms. The first support is releasably coupled with the first and second arms. The second support is slidably mounted on the first and second arms. The second support is movable between a first position with the retractor blades in close cooperative position and a spaced apart position with respect to the first support. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal end portion configured and adapted to engage a vertebral body. In one method of use, the retractor is inserted through an incision in first orientation with the blades in close approximation and rotated approximately 90°, before spreading the retractor blades to retract tissue.

Abstract: A compressor/distractor system for operating on a spine is disclosed. The system includes two rod reducers which each advance a spinal rod into the shoulder portion of a pedicle screw. Each rod reducer includes an inner member, an outer member, and a pair of gripping members. Each outer member receives and advances the spinal rod into the pedicle screw. The outer member also includes a through slot which receives the proximal end of each of the pair of gripping members which may limit the longitudinal translation of the outer member with respect to the inner member. The compressor/distractor system may include a compressor/distractor device which has a compressing, a distracting, and a neutral configuration. A method for using the minimally invasive rod reducers with the compressor/distractor system to secure at least two pedicle screws in desired positions on a spinal rod is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a low profile dynamic anterior vertebral body plate and bone screws for the fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine. The system has a locking element through which the bone screw passes and the locking element is capable of movement relative to the plate when the bone screws are fully inserted and in a locked position.

Abstract: An expandable cage supports adjacent vertebra in spine surgery. The expandable cage includes a first supporting member configured to engage tissue and a second supporting member operatively associated with the first supporting member. The first and second supporting members are movable relative to each other. The expandable cage further includes a cam lock mechanism configured to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position. In another embodiment, the expandable cage includes a ring plate lock mechanism in lieu of the cam lock mechanism. The ring plate lock mechanism is adapted to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position.

Abstract: Provided is a spinal fixation system including a taper lock screw including an inner housing and an outer housing that are translatable relative to one another to transition the taper lock screw between a locked position and an unlocked position. A locking device releasably connects to and operationally interacts with a flange of the taper lock screw. An unlocking device releasably connects to and operationally interacts with inner housing unlocking tool receptors of the taper lock screw to unlock the taper lock screw.

Abstract: A surgical rod scorer is provided. The surgical rod scorer includes a pair of elongated shaft members that are pivotably coupled to one another and movable from a spaced-apart configuration to an approximated configuration. Each of the shaft members includes a handle member that is configured for gripping by a user and jaw member that is configured to support respective first and second cutting assemblies thereon. The first and second cutting assemblies each include one or more cutting elements thereon configured and dimensioned to score surgical rod when the jaw members are in the approximated configuration and rotated about the surgical rod.

Abstract: A rod reduction device includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis. The housing has first and second arms extending distally therefrom. The distal ends of the arms are configured to releasably attach to a bone anchor. An anvil is operatively associated with the first and second arms of the housing and translatable along the longitudinal axis for facilitating the insertion of a spinal rod into the bone anchor. The anvil and each arm are positionable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a novel screw-based retractor, disclosed herein, that allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed to be coupled to a pedicle screw and then to have opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The retractor is removed by pulling it out of the wound whereby the retractor is deformed to pass over the pedicle screw head. The retractor is intended to be made of a stiff plastic material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed.