Abstract: A spinal fixation system utilizing grapple hooks comprising a lower hook attached to the lamina on the caudal-side of a vertebra and an upper hook attached to the lamina on the cranial-side of a vertebra. The hooks clamp the vertebra lamina in the center. Thus, the hooks clamp the lamina at the spinous process which is the strongest part of the lamina. Bolts are provided for attaching the lower hook to the upper hook to thereby attach the lower and upper hooks to the vertebra and clamps for attaching the lower and upper hooks to spine rods. A spinal fixation kit is provided with a plurality of uniquely configured fixation systems to assure satisfactory fit to any vertebra of any patient, and specially designed tools are preferably provided to aide in a method of implanting the systems thereby reducing the time required for implantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spinal fixation system. The system comprises a screw for pivotally attaching a bolt to a vertebrae to be treated. A pivot block is threaded onto the bolt to move the pivot block up and down the bolt. A rod is secured at each of its ends to vertebrae on either side of the vertebrae to be treated and a clamp block is attached to the rod and the pivot block to thereby allow the pivot block to push, pull or rotate the vertebrae to be treated.

Abstract: An occipital clamp assembly. The occipital clamp assembly comprises a lower occipital plate for attachment to the skull of a patient, wherein the lower occipital plate includes grooves in its upper surface. An occipital plate stud mounted in the lower occipital plate and upper occipital plates, having a groove in each of their lower surfaces, mounted on the occipital plate stud wherein the grooves of the lower occipital plate mate with the grooves of the upper occipital plates to thereby form rod receiving apertures. Also provided is means for securing the upper occipital plate to the occipital plate stud and means for securing the lower occipital plate to the skull.

Abstract: Improved instrumentation of the posterior spine includes a threaded screw for insertion into the sacrum, threaded adjusting rods and intravertebral hook device on the end of the adjusting rod. One end of the adjusting rod includes a pivotal clevis assembly and an automatic safety interlock for securing the clevis assembly to the screw. The receiving end of the bone screw includes spaced arms to receive the clevis which is inserted and rotated to a locking position. Thereafter, the hooks are positioned on the lamina and the adjusting rod is adjusted for compression or distraction. The hex area on the adjusting rods are then safety wired. The generally triangular orientation provides added strength and a wider foot print attachment which will resist rotational forces. Also disclosed is an improved bone screw which facilitates placement of a bone cement in the desired location.

Abstract: An implantable spinal fixation system includes a cancellous bone screw, such as a pedicle screw, carrying an improved saddle assembly, secured in place by a nut and which includes a simple and effective locking mechanism including a plurality of fingers which contacts each of the upper half saddle and the nut to prevent rotation of the latter relative to the remained of the assembly. The implant system also includes rods, firmly gripped by the saddle assembly and sublaminar wires in which the rod/wire interface is protected by a wire protector.