Abstract: Disclosed herein are a hook with rotating saddle and a rotatable mono axial pedicle screw. In an embodiment, the disclosed hook may include at least one body comprising a hook member and a saddle member. The hook member and saddle member may be rotatably mounted to one another so as to rotate with respect to each other only about a common axis, and the saddle member may be configured for connection to an end of a connecting member. A surgical screw system may include receiver and screw members engagable with one another such that when engaged, only rotation of the receiving member about the longitudinal axis of the screw member and restrain against substantially all other translational or rotational movement.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising at least one fastener having a fastener head at a proximal end and at least one body. The body comprises a rod receiving channel for receiving a fixation rod, a pressure cap for engaging the fastener head, and a fastener head receiving chamber for retaining the fastener head within the body. The fastener head receiving chamber allows for multi-axial movement of the body in relation to the fastener when the pressure cap is disengaged from the fastener head. The body is secured in a mono-axial position in relation to the fastener when the pressure cap is biased against the fastener head.

Abstract: A system and method for a multi-axial connection of an apparatus to bone. The system may include a fastener inserted into a body and a head of the fastener held within a chamber of the body through a combination of a retention ring, a pressure cap, a rod, and a compression element. The compression element applies force to the rod which, in turn, pushed on the pressure cap. The force on the pressure cap urges it against the head of the fastener and pushed it against the retention ring. The force on the retention ring causes it to expand to the walls of the chamber. Once the ring can no longer expand within the chamber, the head of the fastener is wedged between the retention ring and the pressure cap.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate generally to an apparatus operable to couple a pair of implantation rods that are surgically implanted adjacent to a plurality of vertebrae. Each implantation rod is secured by at least one fastener element having a head. The apparatus comprises at least one main assembly, said main assembly operable to move relative to a head of one of the fastener elements when not in a locked position. The apparatus also comprises a center link extending in an axial direction, said center link operable to move relative to the main assembly when not in a locked position. The main assembly is operable to receive the center link and a head of one of the fastener elements and secure the center link and the head relative to the main assembly when in a locked position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are spinal fixation systems that may comprise a screw, a body, and a pressure cap. A screw may comprise a head at a proximal end, a bone connection element at a distal end, and a first mating element disposed on a head of a pedicle screw. A body may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, a mounting rod receiving channel at a proximal end, and a screw head receiving aperture at a distal end. A portion of the mounting rod receiving channel may be operable to receive a compression element. A pressure cap may comprise a proximal end, distal end, and a second mating element on a distal end. A first mating element of the screw may be configured to mate with the second mating element of the pressure cap thereby limiting the pivotal movement of the screw to that of a monoaxial screw.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to orthopedic implantable device technology, and more specifically to implantable devices for use in stabilizing the occipitocervical junction and the cervical spine. For example, the disclosure relates to embodiments of an implantable orthopedic assembly generally comprising an occipital plate and one or more repositionable clamping assemblies for securing a stabilizing rod at a nonzero distance from a plate surface. One or more rails may extend laterally from a plate to support a clamping assemblies.

Abstract: A minimally invasive counter-torque system may comprise a bone screw system, a counter-torque wrench, a set screw driver, a counter-torque wrench handle, and a removable set screw driver handle. A body of the counter-torque wrench may be positioned entirely within a space as defined by or between removable arms of a tulip head of the bone screw system, such that only the wings of the counter-torque wrench extend beyond a width of the bone screw system. In operation, the counter-torque wrench handle may be received on a proximal end of the counter-torque wrench and may be used to stabilize and prevent rotation of the counter-torque wrench and the bone screw system. Then, the removable set screw drive handle may be engaged to a proximal end of the set screw driver and may be used to fasten a set screw into the saddle of the bone screw system.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to an orthopedic device including a plate and a single-step self-locking mechanism. The plate includes one or more tapered apertures and a slot defined in a top surface of the plate, the slot extending from each aperture. The locking mechanism is slidably seated in the slot and is operable to be positioned in a first position along the slot where a portion of the locking mechanism extends over the aperture or positioned in a second position along the slot where the portion of the locking mechanism is fully retracted from the aperture.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a retractor device for retracting soft tissue to provide access to a surgical site. The retractor device includes a plurality of arms coupled to a frame and operatively coupled to a ring disposed at least partially within the frame. Related methods of using the retractor device are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to locking mechanisms for a fastener (e.g., a bone screw) and associated devices, systems, and methods. According to some embodiments, a lockable bone plate assembly may comprise, for example, a bone plate and a bone screw assembly. A bone plate may comprise, in some embodiments, at least one through hole, the at least one through hole having at least one bone plate hole circumferential recess. According to some embodiments, a bone screw assembly may comprise (a) a bone screw, (b) at least one deployable protrusion, and/or (c) a protrusion driver. The present disclosure further relates, in some embodiments, to methods for bone (e.g., vertebral) fixation. For example, a method may comprise contacting at least a portion of a spine (e.g., cervical spine) of a subject with a lockable bone plate assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis for partially or totally replacing an organic intervertebral disc. The disc prosthesis includes an interbody device, a face plate and a pair of locking mechanisms for achieving dual fixation in the cephalad and caudal direction. Methods according to the present disclosure achieve such dual fixation in a single fixation step.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a hook with rotating saddle and a rotatable mono axial pedicle screw. In an embodiment, the disclosed hook may include at least one body comprising a hook member and a saddle member. The hook member and saddle member may be rotatably mounted to one another so as to rotate with respect to each other only about a common axis, and the saddle member may be configured for connection to an end of a connecting member. A surgical screw system may include receiver and screw members engagable with one another such that when engaged, only rotation of the receiving member about the longitudinal axis of the screw member and restrain against substantially all other translational or rotational movement.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a retractor device for retracting soft tissue to provide access to a surgical site. The retractor device includes a plurality of blades movable from a first, substantially closed position to a second, substantially open position. Related methods of using the retractor device are also described.

Abstract: A composite interbody device for use with spinal fusion surgery is described herein. The composite interbody device comprises a central body made from a radiolucent biocompatible polymer (e.g., PEEK or UHMWPE) and metallic plates, which are placed at the superior and inferior surfaces of the central body. The metallic plates are comprised of an end plate that is adjacent to a vertebral body and an intermediate plate that is adjacent to the central body. The end plates may have one or more arrays of apertures to facilitate bone growth into the end plates to secure the interbody device within the intervertebral space. The intermediate plates may also have one or more arrays of apertures to allow the central body to bond to the end plates through compression molding, injection molding, and/or heat molding.

Abstract: A pedicle screw with reverse spiral cut that allows for increased loading on a bone and increased osteointegration through automatic and self-managed expansion after the bone screw is inserted into the bone. The bone screw may be a fixation device comprising an elongated body having proximal and distal ends, said elongated body including an outer surface adapted to penetrate and anchor within a bone, and a head affixed to the distal end of the elongated body and adapted to receive a drive component, wherein the outer surface of the elongated body comprises threads extending from the outer surface in a first direction, and further wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated body comprises a reverse spiral cut into the outer surface in a second direction.

Abstract: A pedicle screw with reverse spiral cut that allows for increased loading on a bone and increased osteointegration through automatic and self-managed expansion after the bone screw is inserted into the bone. The bone screw may be a fixation device comprising an elongated body having proximal and distal ends, said elongated body including an outer surface adapted to penetrate and anchor within a bone, and a head affixed to the distal end of the elongated body and adapted to receive a drive component, wherein the outer surface of the elongated body comprises threads extending from the outer surface in a first direction, and further wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated body comprises a reverse spiral cut into the outer surface in a second direction.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising a bone screw, a body, and a pressure cap. The bone screw may comprise a head at a proximal end and a bone connection element at a distal end. The body may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, a mounting rod receiving channel at the proximal end and a bone screw head receiving channel at the distal end. A proximal end of the pressure cap may comprise two side walls disposed apart from each other and one biasing member on each side wall. A distal end of the pressure cap may comprise a surface operable to contact at least a portion of the head of the bone screw. The pressure cap may be operable to exert pressure on the bone screw when a mounting rod is biased against the proximal end of the pressure cap.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate generally to orthopedic plate assemblies comprising a fastener, a first and second bushing, and a plate. The fastener comprises a head and an elongated body. The first bushing comprises an interior surface operable to receive the fastener head and a notch actuatable to contact against the fastener head. The second bushing comprises an interior surface operable to receive at least a portion of an exterior surface of the first bushing, an exterior surface comprising flat surface portions disposed about opposite sides of the second bushing, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The plate comprises an opening operable to receive at least a portion of the exterior surface of the second bushing, said opening comprising a pair of flat surface portions operable to contact with the pair of flat surface portions of the second bushing.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to connector systems comprising a linking element, a rod connection element partially received in the linking element. In an embodiment, the rod connection element is operable to rotate about the first longitudinal axis relative to the linking element. A fastener is operable to be received in the rod connection element, wherein the fastener is operable to actuate a connection mechanism to substantially fix the rod connection element in a rotational orientation relative to the first longitudinal axis and substantially fix the rod in a longitudinal position relative to the rod connection element.

Abstract: An implantable orthopedic assembly comprises a bone fixator and head assembly for securing a stabilizing rod to the spine. The head assembly allows multi-axial repositioning of the bone fixator relative to the head assembly. A primary drive interface located on the bone fixator may be used to adjust the depth of bone penetration when the bone fixator and head assembly are substantially coaxial. A secondary drive interface located on the head assembly may be used to adjust the depth of bone penetration while independently adjusting the stabilizing rod position when the bone fixator and the head assembly are not coaxial, transferring torsional loads to the bone fixator.