Abstract: A spinal fixation system that includes at least two pedicle screws and a connector plate attached to each pedicle screw with a locking nut at a first end. A rod connector member attached to a second end of each connector plate with a rod connecting member locking lock. A spinal rod connected to at least two of the rod connector members. The pedicle screw including a cup shaped member that conforms to a lower mating surface on the connector plate and the locking nut having a mating surface with the upper surface of the connector plates to provide a polyaxial connection between the pedicle screw and the connector plate. The rod connector, connecting plate, and, rod connector locking nuts having mating surfaces that allow polyaxial motion between the rod connector member and the connector plate. The spinal fixation system provides a low profile system that is more easily implanted and adjustable so as to reduce the stress to the spinal column and trauma to the surgical incision.

Abstract: A facet fixation device formed from an anchor screw and a collet or facet screw that is secured to adjacent pedicles. The anchor screw having an aperture for receipt of a first end of guide wire or polyaxial based facet screw. The collet includes a unidirectional attachment mechanism wherein a wire can be drawn to a desired position to fix the distance between the anchor screw and the collet. Excess wire can then be removed.

Abstract: A spinal fusion device that is expandable. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or unexpanding the device.

Abstract: An intervertebral insert member and an instrument for positioning the insert in a space between vertebral bodies in vivo. The insert member is advanced by the instrument into a prepared site located between adjacent vertebral bodies. Upon reaching the appropriate insertion point, the sleeve is retracted and a pivotal motion is imparted to the insert. The insert member is pivotally attached to the distal end of the delivery instrument such that it can be articulated about a pivot point that is located on the insert member until it is properly positioned. The positioning instrument is then released from the insert member and removed from the space between the vertebral bodies. An adjustment screw is available to expand the surfaces of the insert member by displacement of a wedge member within the insert.

Abstract: A spinal implant for insertion between adjacent vertebrae to function as a disc prosthesis. The prosthesis is formed from two plates fastened to adjacent vertebrae facing each other. The facing sides of the plates have a donut shaped cushioning coupler to replicate the displaced disc material. Stabilizing links are positioned along the edge of the plates to prevent over compression of the shaped cushioning coupler in a bending moment. Adjustable mounting brackets are used to secure the implant to the spine.

Abstract: An intervertebral insert member and an instrument for positioning the insert in a space between vertebral bodies in vivo. The insert member is advanced by the instrument into a prepared site located between adjacent vertebral bodies. Upon reaching the appropriate insertion point, the sleeve is retracted and a pivotal motion is imparted to the insert. The insert member is pivotally attached to the distal end of the delivery instrument such that it can be articulated about a pivot point that is located on the insert member until it is properly positioned. The positioning instrument is then released from the insert member and removed from the space between the vertebral bodies. An adjustment screw is available to expand the surfaces of the insert member by displacement of a wedge member within the insert.

Abstract: A facet joint fixation device formed from a flexible wedge shaped implant constructed from a single piece of material. The device is defined by an insert end spaced apart from outer end by first and second side members. Each side support is cut by a series of recesses defining a living hinge therebetween.

Abstract: A cervical plate having improved mounting screws that employ a retention clip for automatically engaging the head portion of the screw during insertion into countersunk apertures. The arrangement prevents the mounting screws from migrating out of the bone material during use.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system that includes at least two pedicle screws and a connector plate attached to each pedicle screw with a locking nut at a first end. A rod connector member attached to a second end of each connector plate with a rod connecting member locking lock. A spinal rod connected to at least two of the rod connector members. The pedicle screw including a cup shaped member that conforms to a lower mating surface on the connector plate and the locking nut having a mating surface with the upper surface of the connector plates to provide a polyaxial connection between the pedicle screw and the connector plate. The rod connector, connecting plate, and, rod connector locking nuts having mating surfaces that allow polyaxial motion between the rod connector member and the connector plate. The spinal fixation system provides a low profile system that is more easily implanted and adjustable so as to reduce the stress to the spinal column and trauma to the surgical incision.

Abstract: A spinal fusion device that is expandable. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or unexpanding the device.

Abstract: A spinal implant formed from a hinged distractor having an upper and lower support body that is hinged by use of pinions. An insert body is constructed and arranged to slide between the section to expand and maintain a space therebetween. The insert body includes a leading edge that is tapered to allow ease of insertion. A trailing edge that extends beyond a front edge of the upper support body will cause the insert body to be locked into position. A trailing edge engages the rear of the upper support body to prevent over insertion. A lower surface of the insert body may include locking surfaces.

Abstract: The instant invention is a longitudinally adjustable corpectomy device which fits within the intervertebral distracted channel. A ratchet mechanism allows for an extendable member to adjust to a longer length to accommodate a distracted channel. The ratchet type mechanism allows the members to move in a unidirectional movement to prevent the two members from contracting once expanded.

Abstract: A spinal fusion device that is expandable. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or unexpanding the device.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system that includes at least two pedicle screws and a connector plate attached to each pedicle screw with a locking nut at a first end. A rod connector member attached to a second end of each connector plate with a rod connecting member locking lock. A spinal rod connected to at least two of the rod connector members. The pedicle screw including a cup shaped member that conforms to a lower mating surface on the connector plate and the locking nut having a mating surface with the upper surface of the connector plates to provide a polyaxial connection between the pedicle screw and the connector plate. The rod connector, connecting plate, and, rod connector locking nuts having mating surfaces that allow polyaxial motion between the rod connector member and the connector plate. The spinal fixation system provides a low profile system that is more easily implanted and adjustable so as to reduce the stress to the spinal column and trauma to the surgical incision.

Abstract: A cervical plate having improved mounting screws that employ a retention clip for automatically engaging the head portion of the screw during insertion into countersunk apertures. The arrangement prevents the mounting screws from migrating out of the bone material during use.

Abstract: A facet fixation device formed from an anchor screw and a collet or facet screw that is secured to adjacent pedicles. The anchor screw having an aperture for receipt of a first end of guide wire or polyaxial based facet screw. The collet includes a unidirectional attachment mechanism wherein a wire can be drawn to a desired position to fix the distance between the anchor screw and the collet. Excess wire can then be removed.

Abstract: A spinal fusion implant for implantation between adjacent vertebrae is described. The distractible spinal implant device contains a main body, a first end plate, and a second end plate. Each of the end plates are adapted to independently and slidably engagement with the main body to form a cage structure for spacing of adjacent vertebra.

Abstract: The instant invention is a longitudinally adjustable corpectomy device which fits within the intervertebral distracted channel. A ratchet mechanism allows for an extendable member to adjust to a longer length to accommodate a distracted channel. The ratchet type mechanism allows the members to move in a unidirectional movement to prevent the two members from contracting once expanded.

Abstract: A spinal implant for insertion between adjacent vertebrae to function as a disc prosthesis. The prosthesis is formed from two plates fastened to adjacent vertebrae facing each other. The facing sides of the plates have a donut shaped cushioning coupler to replicate the displaced disc material. Stabilizing links are positioned along the edge of the plates to prevent over compression of the shaped cushioning coupler in a bending moment. Adjustable mounting brackets are used to secure the implant to the spine.

Abstract: A spinal implant formed from a hinged distractor having an upper and lower support body that is hinged by use of pinions. An insert body is constructed and arranged to slide between the section to expand and maintain a space therebetween. The insert body includes a leading edge that is tapered to allow ease of insertion. A trailing edge that extends beyond a front edge of the upper support body will cause the insert body to be locked into position. A trailing edge engages the rear of the upper support body to prevent over insertion. A lower surface of the insert body may include locking surfaces.