Abstract: A anti-splay and rod securing member for use with vertebral implants of the hook, monoaxial and polyaxial types, in which a pair of arcuate upstanding internally threaded posts define a transverse opening for securing a rod to immobilize bone segments comprises an integrally formed cap and set screw with the cap having opposed curved side walls extending around the posts and flat end walls, the set screw being positioned within the posts and free to rotate within the cap so that rotation of the set screw will advance the cap and set screw in unison along the implant posts to clamp the rod and implant together. The implant may be provided with opposed catch basins for releasably securing the distal end of a rod persuasion instrument.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis including an elastically deformable disc arranged around an axis with upper and lower surfaces, oriented generally perpendicular to the axis, for engaging the faces of adjacent vertebral bodies between which a natural disc has been wholly or partially removed. The disc can have an exterior wall and be arranged to undergo flexion, compression and expansion in response to forces applied by the supporting vertebra to the disc. A pin can be provided to limit movement of the disc. A portion of the disc such as the central section can have one or more generally horizontal slits extending perpendicular to the axis to provide a spring function.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc for replacing a damaged natural disc includes upper and lower vertebral body engaging surfaces, an exterior wall and one or more generally vertically oriented bone channels of limited cross-sectional area to allow bone to form and fuse into continuous or discontinuous struts between the bodies. The stiffness of the disc, while supporting the bodies, allows the distance therebetween to narrow sufficiently when subjected to a predetermined load such as the patient standing, walking, etc., to transfer sufficient energy to the bone struts to create one or more nonunion joints or pseudoarthrosis at locations along the struts. The disc includes stops to limit the movement thereof to an amount sustainable by the disc without resulting in fatigue failure.

Abstract: A motion restoring prosthesis to be interposed between the ends of two bones adjoining a mammalian appendage or spinal joint is formed of two components with the components having inner cooperating articulating surfaces and outer bone engaging surfaces. At least one of the components has an inner section made of relatively hard, stiff material defining one or the articulating surfaces and an outer section made of a softer material defining the bone engaging surface. The softer material having a hardness/stiffness characteristic compatible with the bone to reduce stress shielding and more evenly distribute the forces from the articulating surfaces to the associate bone interface.

Abstract: A motion restoring intervertebral device includes first and second articulating components positioned between adjacent vertebrae with the articulating surface of the first component being formed by a circular domed convex projection having a first radius. The articulating surface of the second component is formed by a generally concave recess having the first radius in the medial-lateral direction and a second larger sweeping radius in the interior-posterior direction so that the components are capable of rotating against each other in all directions and translate against each other in the anterior-posterior direction, whereby translation away from the center of the first radius will produce device and joint distraction to limit excessive translation.

Abstract: A motion restoring intervertebral prosthesis for replacing a failed or partially failed natural disc comprises two components defining an imaginary longitudinal axis generally aligned with the spinal axis when installed, the components having vertebral body engaging surfaces on one side and mating articulating surfaces on the other side, with peripheral rims encircling the articulating surfaces. The articulating surfaces accommodate rotational motion about the longitudinal axis and limited pivotal motion about the A/P and M/L planes. The rims are arranged to contact and limit the pivotal motion between the components to about +/?6° and preferably +/?4° in both directions in the M/L plane and in the A/P plane in the forward direction. Optionally, the encircling rims allow pivotal action of about 20° to 30° in the A/P plane in the rearward direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit having a set of humeral components used in partial and total joint replacement surgeries. The set of humeral components has a plurality of stems having varying stem diameters and a set of humeral heads having hemispheric surfaces with varying radiuses. Each stem defines a platform having a hole which is a fixed distance from the proximal end of the stem. The distance of the hole from the proximal end of the stem is a function of the stem diameter.

Abstract: A plate/screw system for immobilizing adjacent vertebral bodies or an interbody device includes a plate having at least one spaced opening with an upper section of a width or diameter of d1 and a lower section having or diameter less than w1. The lower section defines a partial or completed helical track for receiving a screw. A bone screw for insertion into the threaded opening has a head section of d1, an adjacent neck section of d2 and a thread section of d3 where d2<d3<d1 whereby the relationship between d1 and w1 determines whether the screw can or cannot pivot relative to the plate.

Abstract: A transverse connector system for interconnecting two spinal rods includes a connector arranged to span the distance between the rods with a rod receiving recess and a pin receiving bore on each end. A pin member such as a set screw is deposited within each bore with an enlarged head protruding from the bottom of the connector so that when the set screw is retracted into the bore the head engages a side of the respective rod to clamp the rod within the recess. The connector may comprise two elongated members with a recess and pin receiving bore at one end of each member, a middle coupler which allows three degrees of freedom between the members to accommodate any anticipated spatial orientation between the members and a set screw for securing the other ends of the members together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit having a set of humeral components used in partial and total joint replacement surgeries. The set of humeral components has a plurality of stems having varying stem diameters and a set of humeral heads having hemispheric surfaces with varying radiuses. Each stem defines a platform having a hole which is a fixed distance from the proximal end of the stem. The distance of the hole from the proximal end of the stem is a function of the stem diameter.

Abstract: A plate/screw system for immobilizing adjacent vertebral bodies or an interbody device includes a plate having at least one spaced opening with an upper section of a width or diameter of d1 and a lower section having or diameter less than w1. The lower section defines a partial or completed helical track for receiving a screw. A bone screw for insertion into the threaded opening has a head section of d1, an adjacent neck section of d2 and a thread section of d3 where d2<d3<d1 whereby the relationship between d1 and w1 determines whether the screw can or cannot pivot relative to the plate.