Abstract: An apparatus to treat progressive bone and muscle loss by applying vibrational and radiant energy to a human body. The vibrational energy is preferably applied by a vibrational platform that transmits gentle, dynamic, repetitive vibrations to the soles of the feet. The radiant energy is preferably provided by a bed or tanning booth that emits ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A load gauge to measure the forces that must be applied to properly position a spinal fixation assembly to one or more vertebrae. In a preferred embodiment, said load gauge is attached to a bone screw. The bone screw is in turn connected to a rod through a connector. After the bone screw is inserted into a vertebrae, the load gauge measures the force that must be applied to properly position the spinal fixation assembly vis-a-vis the vertebrae. The present invention allows surgeons to have more flexibility on how and how much the deformed spine is corrected.

Abstract: A left-handed bone screw for use in orthopedic spinal surgical procedures. The left-handed bone screw reverses the pitch angle of a conventional right-handed bone screw. In reversing the thread, the present invention permits the left-handed screw to reuse a previously tapped cortical and cancellous bone hole.

Abstract: A spinal fixation assembly using a hinged bone screw with a tulip blob connector, a variable height, hinged bone screw with a tulip bulb connector or both. The bone screws have a post section connected to a screw section by a hinge. In the basic hinged bone screw, a bulb shaped head is formed at the end of the post section opposite the hinge and a tulip bulb connector is attached to the bulb shaped head. For the variable height hinged bone screw, a collet is used with an interior bore that slides over the post section of the bone screw. The collet has a cylindrically shaped sleeve at one end and a bulb shaped head at the other end. The tulip bulb connector is attached to the bulb shaped head of the collet. In both cases, the tulip bulb connector has a cavity for receiving a connector rod and a set screw for firmly attaching said connector rod within said tulip bulb connector cavity.

Abstract: A tapered spinal rod to support the vertebrae of a spinal column. The cross sectional diameter of one end of the tapered spinal rod is larger than the other end. The cross sectional diameter range of the tapered spinal rod is preferably between 6.5 mm and 3 mm.

Abstract: A connection assembly for connecting a spinal implant rod to a spinal implant bolt includes a rod connecting member having an opening for receiving a portion of the rod, and a bolt connecting member having an opening for receiving a portion of the bolt. The rod connecting member and bolt connecting member are rotatably engaged to one another. At least one interface washer is positioned over and between the rod connecting member and the bolt connecting member. Structure for creating a force between the rod, the rod connecting member, the washer, the bolt, and the bolt connecting member is provided. The interface washer has structure for engaging at least one of the rod and the rod connecting member, and for engaging at least one of the bolt and the bolt connecting member, so as to prevent relative rotation of the rod and the rod connecting member and the bolt and the bolt connecting member when the force is applied.

Abstract: A fastener system includes an applicator for engagement by a tool, and a fastener such as a screw having a first surface with first screw threads in a one hand direction for engaging a workpiece. An attachment mechanism is provided to transfer rotational force from the applicator to the fastener and has second and third screw threads in an opposite hand direction to the first screw threads. The second and third screw threads are interfaced to establish a torque of the predefined magnitude prior to the fastener being attached to the workpiece. When the torque applied by the tool exceeds the predefined magnitude, the attachment mechanism begins to unthread and further application of torque from the tool to the fastener ceases, thereby controlling the applied torque to no greater than the predefined magnitude. The attachment mechanism can be used in a variety of applications including flush mounted heads, shallow aperture installations and multistage torque mountings.

Abstract: A connection assembly for connecting a spinal implant rod to a spinal implant bolt includes a rod connecting member having an aperture for receiving a portion of the rod and a bolt connecting member having an aperture for receiving a portion of the bolt. The rod connecting member and bolt connecting member are rotatably engaged to one another. A rod interface washer is positioned over a portion of the rod connecting member, and a bolt interface washer is positioned over a portion of the bolt connecting member. The rod interface washer and bolt interface washer are moveable in part between the rod connecting member and the bolt connecting member, the rod connecting washer being fixed against rotation relative to the rod connecting member and the bolt interface washer being fixed against rotation relative to the bolt interface washer.