Abstract: The invention concerns a distance-keeping inter-process implant with a body (1) ending in its posterior part with two opposite-situated resistance protrusions (2). In the anterior part of the body (1) there are situated at least two wings (5, 6), at least one of which is a mobile wing (6) connected with the body (1) by an articulated joint. Each wing (5, 6) is provided with at least one guide (11, 13, 14, 15) of the tensioning band (4). The articulated joint between the mobile wing (6) and the body (1) is formed by the mutually collaborating shaped surface (7) of the. wing (6) and the shaped surface (8) of the body (1) and is usefully secured by the pin (12) that constitutes the axis of rotation of the mobile wing (6). In an alternative version of the implementation of the implant, the mobile wing (6) connected with the body (1) is provided with at least one arm (16) situated with respect to the wing (6) at the angle ? amounting to from 30° to 150°.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can-be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.

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: A screw and rod fixation assembly includes a body member including a screw seat for seating a screw head therein and a rod seat for seating a rod therein. An adjustable locking ring applies a locking force against the screw head seated in the screw seat and a locking cap adjustably applies a locking force against a rod seated in the rod seat. The adjustable screw locking ring and locking cap function independent of each other. A method of fixing the rod to the screw includes the steps of inserting a screw head into a screw seat in one end of a body member and inserting a rod into a rod seat in a second end of a body member and selectively and independently adjusting a locking force on both the screw head and the rod within the screw seat and rod seat, respectively.

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: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for vertebral body replacement and methods associated therewith. In one embodiment, a vertebral body replacement apparatus may be used to correct and stabilize the spine (e.g., the thoracolumbar spine (T1-L5)). In another embodiment, a vertebral body (e.g., a diseased and/or damaged vertebral body) that has been resected or excised (e.g., for the treatment of a tumor or trauma) may be replaced (with the height of the resected or excised vertebral body being substantially replaced and restored by the apparatus of the present invention).

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization apparatus comprises elongated members mounted within the proximal end of anchoring devices that are placed in adjacent vertebral bodies. A flexible element having elastic properties within the applicable range of loading, for example loads that the spine experiences, is disposed between the proximal ends of the elongated members. At least one additional flexible element is mounted about the proximal ends of the elongated members adjacent the central flexible element. A housing encapsulates the proximal ends of the members such that the flexible element and the additional flexible elements are contained therein. As compressive, tensile, angular, shear and rotational forces are applied to the elongated members the central flexible element and the additional flexible elements interact with the elongated members and the housing to allow for motion of the elongated members.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for spinal fusion and particularly, anterior cervical plating systems with a toggle pivotally mounted to a bone plate with at least two degrees of freedom of movement. In a particular embodiment, each toggle plate is slidably attached and pivotally mounted to the bone plate by a locking screw having an axis such that in at least one slidable position each toggle plate can pivot relative to the axis of the locking screw in the bone plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (and corresponding method) for holding and inserting one or more components of a pedicle screw assembly. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the present invention may be used in connection with minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.

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).

Abstract: The present invention is an expandable sleeve deployable in a surgical implant. The sleeve has a head, a tubular shaft defining an open interior, and a distal tip, with the shaft having a length dimension. The shaft is provided with a plurality of slots that divide the shaft into partitions, wherein each of the partitions has a length, and the length of the partitions are not all equal. For example, the slots may have a curved portion that extends at an angle between 0° and 90° to the length dimension of the shaft. The slots may also have a straight portion and a curved portion. Further, the invention in another embodiment includes an expander pin, and in yet another embodiment, includes an expander pin.

Abstract: A surgical screw system for use with implantation rods includes a screw member, a receiver member, a pressure cap and a locking device. The screw member has a shaft and a head with a spherical undersurface and a conical tapered recess. The receiver member has an upper and lower portion, a u-shaped rod receiving channel and an axial bore. The u-shaped channel has two lateral legs at the upper portion and forms an opening leading to the axial bore. The axial bore near the lower portion includes an inwardly conical tapered surface which has a diameter larger than the shaft of the screw member but smaller than the head of the screw member. The conical surface forms a support upon which the spherical undersurface of the head of the screw member rests when the screw member is guided through the bore of the lower portion of the receiver member. The pressure cap is positioned within the axial bore and situated upon the head of the screw member.

Abstract: Surgical cross-connecting apparatuses in which the components of the apparatuses are adjustable as a result of being provided with a number of degrees of freedom. The components are movable axially and rotatably. The components are rotatable in several different ways taken from the perspective of the axially extending cross connecting member of the apparatuses. The apparatuses include a lever and set screw for locking a spinal rod in position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly including a bone plate, bone screws received in apertures in the assembly, and a screw retaining member fixed to the bone plate which covers at least a portion of the bone screws. When bone screws have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can be used to fuse anatomical structures together, such as adjoining bones, or to heal a fracture in bone.

Abstract: A surgical cross-connecting apparatus includes a first element, a second element, an adjustable tightening device and at least two rotatable hooking elements. The first element has opposing ends; one end has at least one aperture and the other end has a recessed surface including a central bore. The second element has opposing ends; one end having at least one aperture and the other end has a recessed surface including an elongated aperture. The recessed surface of the second element is positioned to overlap the recessed surface of the first element. The adjustable tightening device is positioned through the elongated aperture of the second element and within the central bore of the first element to secure the second element onto the first element. The tightening device is designed to rotatably fit and slidably move within the elongated aperture of the second element.