Abstract: The invention relates to an intervertebral implant comprising: an intervertebral spacer (12) formed as a single part comprising a body (18) having a longitudinal direction, presenting in said direction an insertion first face (22) and a second face (24), and two recesses (30, 32) disposed at the ends of the body, each recess being defined by a first extension (34) extending said insertion face, by a second extension (36), and by an end wall (38); and two fastener ties (14, 16), each tie presenting a first end secured to said first extension (34) and a second end fastenable to said second face to pass around a spinous process in part and hold it in a recess. Each first extension (34) of the body has a height (h) relative to the bottom wall of the recess that is no greater than the height (h?) of the second extension that is associated therewith and that lies in the range 1 mm to 3 mm.

Abstract: Various stabilization rods and methods for manufacturing a connection member having a flexible section coupled between two rigid sections are disclosed. The rigid sections may have exterior surfaces adapted to have an increased surface area to inhibit the flexible section from separating from the rigid sections.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a spinal stabilization rod useful for connecting a set of bone fasteners that can anchor a spinal stabilization system onto vertebral bodies. The spinal stabilization rod comprises rigid sections for coupling with bone fastener assemblies engaged in vertebrae and a flexible band for coupling the rigid sections. A bumper may be disposed around the rod to encase the flexible band. The spinal stabilization system may include a dampener.

Abstract: A poly-axial bone fastener assembly having a collar and a bone fastener can be coaxially locked to prevent poly-axial movements of the collar relative to the bone fastener while permitting the collar to rotate about an axis of the bone fastener, thereby combining the functions and advantages of a poly-axial bone screw and a fixed angle bone screw. Some embodiments of a coaxial locking mechanism may include a c-clip with a locking pin, a c-clip with hooks, a split ring with square corners, a pin that spins inside the collar, pins that travel about a neck of the bone fastener, a coaxially locking top that screws into the collar over a head of the bone fastener, and a top nut that threads onto the head of the bone fastener inside the collar to trap a flange of the collar between a shoulder of the bone fastener and the top nut.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization system. The system can include a spinal stabilization rod and a pivoting collar which can be attached to a vertebra. The pivoting collar can define a bore which has internal surfaces and corresponding contact points. The bore can accept the rod and allow it to pivot about a contact point. The internal surfaces can be structured, shaped, and dimensioned to limit the range of motion of the rod in some or all directions. One portion of the rod can be flexible while another portion of the rod can be flexible. The flexible portion of the rod can engage the pivoting collar and bend within the pivoting collar to provide a greater range of motion.

Abstract: A polyaxial transverse connector for stabilizing a portion of the spine. Connector bodies are coupled to rods attached to either side of the spine. Heads of transverse members are positioned in the connector bodies such that they exhibit polyaxial motion. The transverse members may have curves or offsets to accommodate other components or patient anatomy. A connector connects the transverse members and male threaded inserts are advanced into the connector bodies to inhibit motion of the polyaxial transverse connector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing spinal stabilization rods. One embodiment provides an instrument including a body (defining a threaded slot for receiving the spinal stabilization rod), an alignment feature, and a flange (for mounting the instrument on a bone anchor), each of which can correspond to portions of the bone anchor. The alignment feature can align the threads of the instrument and bone anchor to form substantially continuous threads. The alignment features can be a pin and a hole oriented radially with respect to the instrument. An actuator can actuate the instrument alignment features toward, or away from, the instrument body. An actuator slot can correspond to the instrument slot. The threads of the instrument slot can include a thread diameter transition portion. In some embodiments, the instrument threads can include an anti-splay feature which mitigates reaction moments arising from the reduction of the spinal stabilization rod.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing spinal stabilization rods. In one embodiment, a method can include attaching a collar to a boney structure. The collar can include a body and an extension, each including arms further defining threaded slots. A separation member can couple the body and the extension to each other. The method can include reducing the rod using the collar and separating the extension from the body by applying a torque to the extension. The separation of the extension from the body can be accomplished with one substantially continuous motion and can leave tissues adjacent to the collar substantially undisturbed. The arms of the extension can be prevented from splaying, thereby mitigating a moment during the reduction of the spinal stabilization rod through the extension. Thus, the separation member can transmit tensile forces and certain amounts of torques between the body and the extension.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical instrument disclosed herein can include mechanisms for reduction and distraction as well as compression. Some embodiments of the surgical instrument may comprise a reducer knob having a first passage through which a first shaft of a driver is acceptable, a connecting element coupled to the reducer knob and having a second passage through which the first shaft of the driver is acceptable, a compressor handle coupled to the connecting element at a first end and having a through hole, and a common handle coupled to the compressor handle via the through hole and pivots between the reducer knob and the compressor handle. With embodiments of a surgical instrument disclosed herein, surgical personnel can distract and hold vertebrae in a distracted state and perform a reduction without having to switch or add instruments. Some embodiments disclosed herein can be particularly useful for reducing spondylolisthesis during posterior fixation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertebral fixing system suitable for being mounted on a vertebra of the spine for connecting it to a rod (18), the system comprising: a connecting part (20, 22) suitable for being connected to said rod; a flexible ligature (14) of elongate shape suitable for connecting together said connecting part and at least a portion of the posterior arc of a vertebra and/or a transverse process and/or a rib, said ligature presenting two free ends (50, 52); and adjustable locking means (26) mounted on said connecting part; said connecting part defining at least one passageway (46) for passing said ligature in such a manner that two distinct strands (42, 44) of said ligature can be engaged in said passageway so that said two strands of the ligature define a first ligature portion forming a loop (48) extending from one side of said connecting part, and second and third ligature portions extending from the other side of said connecting part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument for tensioning a flexible tie (14) used for fastening an implant on a bony element of a patient by forming a first loop around the bony element. Said instrument comprises: a rod (42) having a first end provided with bearing means (44) for bearing against said implant; a moving part (46) that is movable in translation and that surrounds said rod (42) over a fraction of its length, said moving part including holder means (50) for holding the end of said tie; and control means (52) mounted on said moving part (46) to cause the moving part to move relative to said rod, thereby tending to move the first end (42a) of the rod away from said moving part, thereby exerting tension on said tie relative to said implant.

Abstract: An adjustable transverse connector connects orthopedic stabilization rods that may be parallel or skewed in orientation relative to each other The connector may include two sections that are joined together by a fastener. The connector may be adjustable in many ways. The overall length of the connector may be adjustable. The rod openings of the connector may be partially rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the connector. The two sections of the connector may be angulated. The connector may include cam locks that securely attach the connector to the rods. Rotating a cam lock may extend a rod engager into a rod opening. The rod engager may be a portion of the cam lock. The extension of the rod engager into a rod opening may push a rod against a body of the transverse connector to form a frictional engagement between the connector, the rod, and the rod engager.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertebral fixing system adapted to be mounted on a vertebra of the spine to connect it to a rod. Said fixing system comprises: a connecting part adapted to face the rib and/or said transverse process and to be connected to said rod; an elongate flexible ligature adapted to connect together said connecting part and at least one rib and/or one transverse process; and adjustable locking means fastened to said connecting part and adapted to fix simultaneously in position said connecting part relative to said rod and at least one portion of said ligature relative to said connecting part, so as to prevent relative displacement of said rod and said vertebra in opposite directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for immobilizing two vertebrae, which system includes two screws, and an elongated connecting member and two fastening systems. Each fastening system includes a clamping member and a fastening member consisting of a single ring-shaped piece having a lateral wall around an axial passage. The wall includes a first aperture for the clamping member and a second aperture comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a rim forming a bearing surface for the screw head. The second portion provides a free passage for the screw head. The axial passage can receive one end of the connecting member and the screw head, whereby (a) the screw head can be freely inserted into the axial passage of the fastening member and (b) the end of the connecting member and the screw head are immobilized by actuating the clamping member.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: A transverse connector may be attached to rods of an orthopedic stabilization system by cam locks. Rotation of a cam system may extend a rod engager into a rod opening. The rod engager may be a portion of the cam system. The extension of the rod engager into the rod opening may push a rod against a body of the transverse connector to form a frictional engagement between the transverse connector, the rod, and the rod engager. The cam system allows the formation of an un-threaded, unitary transverse connector that has a low profile. The transverse connector may be easily and securely attached to a rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertebral fixing system adapted to be mounted on a vertebra of the spine to connect it to a rod. The fixing system comprises: a connecting part adapted to face the rib and/or the transverse process and to be connected to the rod; an elongate flexible ligature adapted to connect together the connecting part and at least one rib and/or one transverse process; and an adjustable locking screw fastened to the connecting part and adapted to fix simultaneously in position the connecting part relative to the rod and at least one portion of the ligature relative to the connecting part, so as to prevent relative displacement of the rod and the vertebra in opposite directions.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a bone fastener including a collar, a fastener member, and a pin. The collar can have an upper portion with slot to receive an elongated member and a lower portion with a socket and an opening. The fastener member can have head and shank portions. The socket can receive the head portion and prevent movement of the head portion through the opening when the head portion is out of registration with the opening. The head portion and the socket can be configured to allow angulation of the fastener member within a defined range of motion within a selected plane. The head portion and the socket can define apertures which can be aligned with each other when the head portion is in the socket and which can receive the pin. One embodiment provides a generally spherical head portion with a flat.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer for placing between two adjacent, upper and lower cervical vertebrae, the spacer being characterized in that it comprises a spacer body and retention means for retaining the spacer body in position against said vertebrae, the retention means comprising a strap and fastener means that are removable and self-blocking, enabling the ends of the strap to be secured to the spacer body, said spacer body comprising: a spacer part having two opposite ends, a portion of the first end being suitable for being inserted between said vertebrae; and top and bottom flanges connected via their bases to the second end of the spacer part and extending on either side thereof, each flange presenting an anterior face facing towards the spacer part and suitable for coming to bear against the posterior portion of the lamina of the upper or lower vertebra.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting member for maintaining the spacing between at least two anchor members screwed into vertebrae. The connecting member comprises: a flexible part (10) divided into two branches (12, 14), the ends of said branches being interconnected in pairs and defining a first median plane (Pm), and two rigid rod-forming parts (20, 22) each having a fixing first portion (20?, 22?) and a second portion (20?, 22?), each of said second portions (20?, 22?) of said two rigid parts (20, 22) extending respective ends of said branches interconnected in pairs in opposite directions, so that said connecting member, whose fixing portions (20?, 22?) are fixed to respective anchor members, is able to bend elastically in a direction perpendicular to said median plane (Pm).