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: A break off rod for percutaneous insertion with a spinal assembly, such that the break off rod includes a rod body. The break off rod also includes a connector, in which the connector is configurable to be connected with a fastener an insertion device, such that the insertion device abuts against a spinal assembly when the rod body of the break off rod is properly inserted in the spinal assembly. The break off rod also includes a break off region, in which the break off region connects the rod body and the connector. The break off region is configurable to break off the connector from the rod body when a force is applied by the insertion device.

Abstract: An anti-splay apparatus having a bridge and frangible connection points for use with mechanical fasteners having a shank portion and a receiving member with opposing arms is provided. The bridge may take a number of forms including a ring, a notched ring, a tube, or a notched tube and the connection points join the opposing arms of the receiving member with the bridge. Also provided is the anti-splay apparatus also having tabs connected between frangible connection points.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a system for connecting a fastener element (e.g., a pedicle screw) relative to a rod for the purposes of vertebral fixation is provided. The system may permit multi-axial movement between the fastener element and the rod. Further, the system may permit the angular relationship between the fastener element and the rod to be held in a desired orientation. For the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “rod” is intended to refer to any elongated structure. Such an elongated structure may be solid or hollow and may have any desired cross-section (e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular). Further, for the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “interference fit” is intended to refer to physical contact between two or more components.

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 rigid modular connector operable to attach to any type of standard male surgical feature that is suitable for large axial loads in both rotational and translational directions while providing accurate tactile feedback. The rigid modular connector includes a handle, a connector rigidly affixed to a proximal end of the handle, and a collar that may slide longitudinally about the connector. The collar may further include one or more leaf springs that are operable to pivot slightly away from or closer to the collar. When the collar slides towards the handle on the connector, the one or more leaf springs may pivot inwardly, locking the collar with the handle in an open position. When the collar slides or the collar slides towards a proximal end of the connector, the one or more leaf springs may pivot outwardly, locking the collar with the connector in a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of prosthetic devices. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an artificial disc that can be used as a replacement for an intervertebral disc (e.g., a human intervertebral lumbar disc, a human intervertebral cervical disc and/or a human intervertebral thoracic disc).

Abstract: A modular head-to-head cross connector or construct extension system comprising a fastener element driven into a bone in a first orientation, a first U-shaped body operable to receive the fastener element and operable to receive a first rod in a first rod receiving channel, and a first compression element driven adjacent to and against the first rod in the first rod receiving channel, thereby engaging the first rod against the fastener element in a second orientation independent of the first orientation of the fastener element. The system further comprises a second U-shaped body operable to receive first compression element and operable to receive a second rod in a second rod receiving channel, and a second compression element driven adjacent to and against the second rod in the second rod receiving channel, thereby engaging the second rod against the first compression element in a third orientation independent of the second orientation.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a system for connecting a fastener element (e.g., a pedicle screw) relative to a rod for the purposes of vertebral fixation is provided. The system may permit multi-axial movement between the fastener element and the rod. Further, the system may permit the angular relationship between the fastener element and the rod to be held in a desired orientation. For the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “rod” is intended to refer to any elongated structure. Such an elongated structure may be solid or hollow and may have any desired cross-section (e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular). Further, for the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “interference fit” is intended to refer to physical contact between two or more components.

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 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: The present invention is directed to the field of prosthetic devices. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an artificial disc that can be used as a replacement for an intervertebral disc (e.g., a human intervertebral lumbar disc, a human intervertebral cervical disc and/or a human intervertebral thoracic disc).

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: 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 an occipital plate and one or more repositionable clamping assemblies for securing a stabilizing rod to the plate. When unlocked, the clamping assembly may be laterally and rotationally repositioned along a supporting rail. Locking occurs when a stabilizing rod is secured in the clamping assembly. The rod exerts a force upon a locking component, causing the locking component to exert a force upon the supporting rail. This force pulls a surface of the clamping assembly base into contact with the rail, effectively locking the clamping assembly base at a fixed position. The clamping assembly may further comprise a loading component to exert a stabilizing force on the locking component, keeping the clamping assembly positionally stable while adjustments are made prior to locking.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of prosthetic devices. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an artificial disc that can be used as a replacement for an intervertebral disc (e.g., a human intervertebral lumbar disc, a human intervertebral cervical disc and/or a human intervertebral thoracic disc).

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: Disclosed embodiments relate to a fastener operable to be received into an opening defined in a plate. The fastener may include a modular sleeve having an actuatable mechanism operable to prevent the rotation of the fastener relative to the plate. The modular sleeve may be moved from a non-actuated first position and an actuated second position to actuate the actuatable mechanism. A portion of the modular sleeve may be accessible from a top side of the head of the fastener through a plurality of channels in the head, and the modular sleeve may be accessible through the plurality of channels in the head in order to actuate the modular sleeve.

Abstract: A locking device for locking an expandable support device, where the locking device includes a spring device integral with the expandable support device, and the spring device includes an end portion, a first flexible arm, and a second flexible arm. A first aperture of the spring device is adapted to position the fastener associated with the first rotational position and a second aperture of the spring device is adapted to position the fastener associated with the second rotational position. The first flexible arm and second flexible arm are adapted to flex outward and allow passage of the fastener head when an inward pressure is applied to the fastener positioned in the second aperture. The first flexible arm and the second flexible arms are adapted to collapse to their unflexed position after the fastener head has completed passage through the spring device, such that the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm are adapted to cover the fastener head and prevent the fastener from backing out.

Abstract: An implantable orthopedic assembly comprises an occipital plate and one or more repositionable clamping assemblies for securing a stabilizing rod to the plate. When unlocked, the clamping assembly may be laterally and rotationally repositioned along a supporting rail. Locking occurs when a stabilizing rod is secured in the clamping assembly. The rod exerts a force upon a locking component, causing the locking component to exert a force upon the supporting rail. This force pulls a surface of the clamping assembly base into contact with the rail, effectively locking the clamping assembly base at a fixed position. The clamping assembly may further comprise a loading component to exert a stabilizing force on the locking component, keeping the clamping assembly positionally stable while adjustments are made prior to locking.