Abstract: A bone screw comprises a threaded shank including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and defining a first threaded section extending from the distal end portion toward the proximal end portion and adapted for anchoring in cancellous bone. A second threaded section extends contiguously from the first threaded section toward the proximal end portion The second threaded section has a finer thread pattern relative to the first threaded section. In one embodiment, the first threaded section includes a first helical threading defining a single lead thread pattern for anchoring in cancellous bone, and the second threaded section includes a second helical threading interleaved with the first threading to define a duel lead thread pattern for engagement in cortical bone. In a further embodiment, the bone screw includes a head portion extending from the threaded shank and configured for coupling to a spinal implant.

Abstract: A device for supporting and/or assisting in bone fusion, particularly in the spine, is described. A plate member is provided, along with two or more attachment members that are anchorable to bones. In one embodiment, the plate member has a slot near one end and an aperture at another end. The attachment members include threaded posts for connection to the plate member via the latter's slot(s) and aperture(s). Alternatively, attachment members need not have a threaded post, and attachment members may be connected to the plate member via a bone bolt or similar fixation member. The slot(s) allow a single plate member to be used for a variety of operative situations and anatomies. A device for repositioning bones and a method for using the disclosed devices is also described.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization rod includes a first rod portion having a proximal end and a distal end and having a first cross-sectional area. The second rod portion extends from the distal end of the first rod portion and has a second minimum cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area. The second rod portion is formed of a first material and a different second material, with the first material being more resistant in shear than the second material. The implant also includes a slider portion disposed about and movable relative to the second rod portion.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization assembly includes a rod having a plurality of slidable collars thereon. The rod is mounted to at least one of the relevant bone anchoring element(s) via the collars. The collars are spaced from one another such that the bone anchoring element engages at least two collars. The collars may be arranged on the rod so that adjacent collars are longitudinally spaced from one another by a distance not more than one-half the length of the rod-receiving channel in the relevant bone anchoring element. There may be elastic elements slidably disposed on the rod between adjacent collars.

Abstract: Surgical fasteners that combine mechanical and osteogenic means of fixation to maximize in vivo stability and long-term performance. The fastener generally includes a head and a shaft. The fastener is fenestrated and includes a channel that leads into one or more openings along the shaft. Bone void filling materials is delivered through the channel to the shaft to improve anchoring. In one embodiment, the osteogenic means comprise a coating applied to the fastener to improve bony apposition. The fastener with combined mechanical and osteogenic means provides initial, immediate anchoring and long term anchoring.

Abstract: System and methods are provided that include a plate member engageable to the spinal column with an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a coupling member having a post extending through at least one opening of the plate member and an anchor member pivotally captured in a receiver member of the coupling member below a lower surface of the plate member. A locking member secures the plate member to the coupling member.

Abstract: An implant for insertion between vertebral members in which an inner member, intermediate member, and outer member are concentrically disposed. The inner and outer members may comprise end plates to contact the vertebral members. The outer member may include a tapered interior wall. A locking element is movably contained within an opening that extends through a sidewall of the intermediate member. The intermediate member is displaceable longitudinally in first and second directions relative to the outer member. Displacement of the intermediate member in the first direction tends to force the locking element laterally into contact with the inner and outer members. A biasing member may urge the intermediate member in the first direction. Displacement of the intermediate member in the second direction allows the locking element to be laterally displaced out of contact with the inner member.

Abstract: A bone screw comprises a threaded shank including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and defining a first threaded section extending from the distal end portion toward the proximal end portion and adapted for anchoring in cancellous bone. A second threaded section extends contiguously from the first threaded section toward the proximal end portion The second threaded section has a finer thread pattern relative to the first threaded section. In one embodiment, the first threaded section includes a first helical threading defining a single lead thread pattern for anchoring in cancellous bone, and the second threaded section includes a second helical threading interleaved with the first threading to define a duel lead thread pattern for engagement in cortical bone. In a further embodiment, the bone screw includes a head portion extending from the threaded shank and configured for coupling to a spinal implant.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization assembly includes at least one mounting collar with a bore therethrough along a longitudinal axis, and a spinal rod slidably extending through the bore. The bore includes a medially disposed first section of reduced size that tapers both inwardly and outwardly relative to the axis, and respective end sections of relatively larger size. The bore may be defined by an interior wall that convexly curves toward the axis in the first section, advantageously with a constant non-zero radius of curvature. The bore profile helps minimize potential binding that may occur between the collar and the rod. The rod is coupled to bone anchoring elements, with at least one such connection being via the collar.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization assembly includes at least one mounting collar with a bore therethrough along a longitudinal axis, and a spinal rod slidably extending through the bore. The bore includes a medially disposed first section of reduced size that tapers both inwardly and outwardly relative to the axis, and respective end sections of relatively larger size. The bore may be defined by an interior wall that convexly curves toward the axis in the first section, advantageously with a constant non-zero radius of curvature. The bore profile helps minimize potential binding that may occur between the collar and the rod. The rod is coupled to bone anchoring elements, with at least one such connection being via the collar.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization assembly includes a rod having a plurality of slidable collars thereon. The rod is mounted to at least one of the relevant bone anchoring element(s) via the collars. The collars are spaced from one another such that the bone anchoring element engages at least two collars. The collars may be arranged on the rod so that adjacent collars are longitudinally spaced from one another by a distance not more than one-half the length of the rod-receiving channel in the relevant bone anchoring element. There may be elastic elements slidably disposed on the rod between adjacent collars.

Abstract: A bone screw comprising a threaded shank including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and defining a first threaded section extending from the distal end portion toward the proximal end portion and adapted for anchoring in cancellous bone, and a second threaded section extending contiguously from the first threaded section toward the proximal end portion and adapted for engagement in cortical bone, with the second threaded section having a finer thread pattern relative to the first threaded section. In one embodiment, the first threaded section includes a first helical threading defining a single lead thread pattern for anchoring in cancellous bone, and the second threaded section includes a second helical threading interleaved with the first threading to define a duel lead thread pattern for engagement in cortical bone. In a further embodiment, the bone screw includes a head portion extending from the threaded shank and configured for coupling to a spinal implant.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization assembly includes a rod having a plurality of slidable collars thereon. The rod is mounted to at least one of the relevant bone anchoring element(s) via the collars. The collars are spaced from one another such that the bone anchoring element engages at least two collars. The collars may be arranged on the rod so that adjacent collars are longitudinally spaced from one another by a distance not more than one-half the length of the rod-receiving channel in the relevant bone anchoring element. There may be elastic elements slidably disposed on the rod between adjacent collars.

Abstract: Devices to grasp a medical element that may include a first member, a second member that fits within the first member, and a locking element. The first and second members may move relative to one another to move the locking element between locked and unlocked positions. In an unlocked position, the device may move along the element. In the locked position, the device may lock to the element and motion is prevented. In one application, the device can be placed in the locked position to maintain a desired amount of tension on the element. Methods of grasping the medical element may include moving the first and second members relative to each other thereby moving the locking element to grasp and release the medical element.

Abstract: A device for supporting and/or assisting in bone fusion, particularly in the spine, is described. A plate member is provided, along with two or more attachment members that are anchorable to bones. In one embodiment, the plate member has a slot near one end and an aperture at another end. The attachment members include threaded posts for connection to the plate member via the latter's slot(s) and aperture(s). Alternatively, attachment members need not have a threaded post, and attachment members may be connected to the plate member via a bone bolt or similar fixation member. The slot(s) allow a single plate member to be used for a variety of operative situations and anatomies. A device for repositioning bones and a method for using the disclosed devices is also described.

Abstract: A device for supporting and/or assisting in bone fusion, particularly in the spine, is described. A plate member is provided, along with two or more attachment members that are anchorable to bones. In one embodiment, the plate member has a slot near one end and an aperture at another end. The attachment members include threaded posts for connection to the plate member via the latter's slot(s) and aperture(s). Alternatively, attachment members need not have a threaded post, and attachment members may be connected to the plate member via a bone bolt or similar fixation member. The slot(s) allow a single plate member to be used for a variety of operative situations and anatomies. A device for repositioning bones and a method for using the disclosed devices is also described.

Abstract: A device for supporting and/or assisting in bone fusion, particularly in the spine, is described. A plate member is provided, along with two or more attachment members that are anchorable to bones. In one embodiment, the plate member has a slot near one end and an aperture at another end. The attachment members include threaded posts for connection to the plate member via the latter's slot(s) and aperture(s). Alternatively, attachment members need not have a threaded post, and attachment members may be connected to the plate member via a bone bolt or similar fixation member. The slot(s) allow a single plate member to be used for a variety of operative situations and anatomies. A device for repositioning bones and a method for using the disclosed devices is also described.

Abstract: A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a spinal stabilization connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The stabilization rod is shaped to define a fixed number of discrete positions of orientation.

Abstract: Spinal support members having varying stiffnesses are disclosed. In one embodiment, an elongated spinal prosthetic includes a pair of curved elongated portions. The portions are formed of materials having different stiffness characteristics such that the stiffness of the prosthetic varies along its length. In another embodiment, an elongated spinal implant includes a pair of threadedly engaged elongated sections. The first section is formed of a first material having a first rigidity. The second section has an inner portion formed of the first material and an outer portion formed of a second material. The second material is less rigid than the first material. In another embodiment, a modular spinal rod is provided. The modular spinal rod includes a pair of connectable rod portions with different stiffness characteristics. In yet another embodiment, a kit for a modular spinal rod includes a plurality of connectable modular rod portions having different stiffness characteristics.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant is disclosed having at least one passage for an elongated member that is compressible. In certain embodiments, multiple compressible elongated member passages may be provided, or an elongated member passage may be U-shaped and closable by a closure member. Split ring members may be provided in compressible passages and around elongated members. A bone anchor may be connected to the implant so that locking the anchor to the implant compresses one or more of the elongated member passages.