Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a housing, a bone screw member, and an anvil. The bone screw member includes a head and a threaded shaft extending from the head. The head is selectively securable within the housing. The anvil is positionable within the housing adjacent to the head of the bone screw member when the anvil and the head of the bone screw member are positioned within the housing. The anvil may define one or more grooves in an outer surface of the anvil. The groove defines a flap that is flexibly attached to the anvil to enable the anvil to flex an amount sufficient to maintain the head of the bone screw in constant contact with the anvil when the bone screw member is moved relative to the anvil. A rod reducer may be secured to the polyaxial pedicle screw to secure a spinal rod within the housing.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a screw, an outer housing, and an inner housing. The screw includes a shank and a head. The outer housing has a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. The outer housing defines a saddle at the proximal end thereof for receiving at least a portion of a rod therein. The inner housing is positionable within the passageway of the outer housing. The inner housing has a recessed distal portion for receiving the head of the screw therein. The inner housing also includes a proximal surface defining a substantially V-shaped configuration for receiving rods of different diameters therein.

Abstract: A manipulation device includes a body portion, a plurality of articulatable legs, and at least one lock member. The legs extend from the body portion. Each of the legs is configured to engage a surgical instrument at a distal end thereof. Each of the legs is transitionable between an unlocked condition, wherein the leg is free to articulate, and a locked condition, wherein the leg is fixed in position. The at least one lock member is operably disposed within the body portion and is coupled to at least one of the articulatable legs. The lock member is rotatable relative to the body portion between an unlocked position and a locked position for transitioning the at least one articulatable leg coupled thereto between the unlocked condition and the locked condition.

Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a housing, a bone screw member, and an anvil. The bone screw member includes a head and a threaded shaft extending from the head. The head is selectively securable within the housing. The anvil is positionable within the housing adjacent to the head of the bone screw member when the anvil and the head of the bone screw member are positioned within the housing. The anvil may define one or more grooves in an outer surface of the anvil. The groove defines a flap that is flexibly attached to the anvil to enable the anvil to flex an amount sufficient to maintain the head of the bone screw in constant contact with the anvil when the bone screw member is moved relative to the anvil.

Abstract: Provided is a novel spinal surgery modeling system that includes a platform having attachment elements and vertical tensioner supports positioned on a platform so as to effectively connect to and secure a model of a spinal column by use of tension members. The modeling system being configured to support surgical procedure training or surgical plan rehearsals as needed. Also provided is kit including the disclosed system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for surgical spinal correction are disclosed. A system including a plurality of bone screws, spinal rods, manipulators, and/or transverse couplers is disclosed for the manipulation of the spinal column is disclosed. A method of achieving, in a single action, manipulation and/or rotation of the spinal column using the disclosed system is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of conducting spinal surgery to correct spinal deformities wherein spinal rods are pre-bent in a physiological sagittal plane prior to attachment of the vertebrae using bone screws.

Abstract: A spinal fixation assembly includes a spinal rod, a first spinal fixation device, and a locking element. The spinal rod defines a longitudinal axis. The first spinal fixation device includes a coupling, a screw, and a collet. The coupling has an opening extending therethrough. The screw is mounted to the coupling and positionable within a first vertebral body. The collet is receivable in the opening of the coupling and defines a saddle for engaging the spinal rod. The locking element is mounted to the spinal rod and is configured to prevent axial translation of the spinal rod in one or both directions along the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly includes a bone fixation member and a bone screw. The bone fixation member includes at least one opening therethrough for receiving the bone screw. Two pairs of legs extend from a plate portion of the bone fixation member and are configured for insertion into bone. A lip of the opening is configured for engaging a set of threads on the bone screw such that the bone screw and the bone fixation member are affixed to one another once the bone screw is inserted through the opening of the plate portion. An installation tool for inserting the bone fixation member into bone includes a proximal region, a tubular member, a rotatable collar, and a gripping mechanism.

Abstract: Bone anchors and related methods for their use are described. The inventive anchor is suitable for placement in bone and for use in orthopedic surgery and dentistry. The bone anchor can be made from a bone/polymer or bone substitute/polymer composite, and can provide a firm and secure base for attaching a fastening device. The bone anchor can be used in various orthopedic and dental procedures including spinal surgery, where normal, cancellous, cortical, diseased or osteoporotic bone is present. The bone anchor can be resorbed and/or replaced with native bone tissue over a period of time. In certain embodiments, the bone anchor is made malleable or flowable and formed in situ or in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for enhancing bone density or formation. In accordance with the method, a nucleic acid encoding an angiogenic protein is administered to a cell in a region of a bone such that the nucleic acid is expressed to produce the angiogenic protein, whereby bone density or formation is enhanced within the region. Optionally, a nucleic acid encoding an osteogenic protein is administered to a cell within the same region such that the nucleic acid is expressed to produce the osteogenic protein. The method can be employed to produce a bone graft having a cell harboring an exogenous nucleic acid encoding an angiogenic protein and, optionally, a cell harboring a nucleic acid encoding an osteogenic protein. To facilitate the inventive method, the invention also pertains to a recombinant viral vector having a nucleic acid encoding an angiogenic protein and a nucleic acid encoding an osteogenic protein.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining vertebrae of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship includes a fastener having a first end portion for engaging a vertebra. A connector member interconnects the fastener and a longitudinal member positionable along the spinal column. The connector member includes a clamp for clamping the longitudinal member to the connector member. The fastener extends through a slot in the connector member to permit adjustment of the distance between the axis of the fastener and the axis of the longitudinal member. The axis of the fastener is spaced from the clamp a distance measured along the axis of the longitudinal member when the connector member interconnects the fastener and the longitudinal member.