Abstract: A modular lateral expansion device to be inserted into a vertebral body. The modular lateral expansion device comprises a pair of complementary lateral members. Each of the lateral members includes a first end, a second end, a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a cavity configured through the top wall and the bottom wall. The top wall includes a top ridge and a top contour surface and the bottom wall includes a bottom ridge and a bottom contour surface. The top ridge and the bottom ridge are inwardly angled into the second lateral portion. The first lateral portion includes a plurality of cuts. The second lateral portion includes a first slot positioned at an edge of the second lateral portion and a second slot positioned in a substantially central area of the second lateral portion.

Abstract: A bone plate to be inserted into a vertebral column. The bone plate includes a hole, an eccentrically-shaped annulus, and a channel. The hole includes an eccentrically-shaped sidewall and the annulus includes an aperture positioned on an upper surface of the annulus. The hole is configured to receive a bone screw. The channel is positioned adjacent to the sidewall and adapted to hold the annulus. The channel may permit the annulus to rotate with respect to the sidewall. The channel may include a notch and the annulus may include a flared end. The flared end may be adapted to fit into the notch of the channel. A portion of the annulus may be adapted to cover a portion of the bone screw. As the annulus rotates with respect to the sidewall, the portion of the annulus may cover the portion of the bone screw.

Abstract: A variable depth drill guide assembly and a method of controlling a depth of a drill insertion into a bone using the variable depth drill guide assembly, wherein the assembly comprises a shaft; an outer sleeve connected to the shaft, wherein the outer sleeve comprises slots; a tip connected to the outer sleeve; an inner sleeve slidably mounted in the outer sleeve; and a spring engaging the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. Moreover, the inner sleeve is preferably adapted to control a depth of a drill insertion into a bone. Additionally, the inner sleeve preferably comprises a stop adapted to engage the slots of the outer sleeve. Furthermore, the spring may be adapted to provide spring loading for the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A method and assembly for tightening a locking element in an orthopedic implant comprises a ratcheting mechanism that includes a shaft portion and a sleeve portion operatively connected over the shaft portion. The assembly further includes a first handle or wrench operatively connected to the shaft portion and a second handle or wrench operatively connected to the sleeve portion. The method comprises aligning the ratcheting mechanism over the orthopedic implant; operatively connecting the first wrench to the shaft portion; operatively connecting the second wrench to the sleeve portion; rotating the second wrench counter-clockwise to establish a position for leverage; holding the first wrench in a firm position; and rotating the second wrench clockwise while the first wrench is held in the firm position.

Abstract: A scissor-action screwdriver and screwdriver attachment comprises a plurality of arms pivotally attached to one another; a bias element mounted in at least one of the plurality of arms; and a sleeve slidably mounted around at least one of the plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms comprise a first arm and a second arm, and wherein each of the plurality of arms preferably comprise a prong end. The screwdriver attachment further comprises a stop component adapted to limit a distance of separation between the first arm and the second arm. Additionally, the bias element may comprise a spring. Moreover, each of the plurality of arms preferably comprises a tapered section, wherein the sleeve comprises an inner tapered wall adapted to engage the tapered section of each of the plurality of arms. The screwdriver further includes a handle connected to the second arm.

Abstract: A method and assembly for tightening a locking element in an orthopedic implant comprises a ratcheting mechanism that includes a shaft portion and a sleeve portion operatively connected over the shaft portion. The assembly further includes a first handle or wrench operatively connected to the shaft portion and a second handle or wrench operatively connected to the sleeve portion. The method comprises aligning the ratcheting mechanism over the orthopedic implant; operatively connecting the first wrench to the shaft portion; operatively connecting the second wrench to the sleeve portion; rotating the second wrench counter-clockwise to establish a position for leverage; holding the first wrench in a firm position; and rotating the second wrench clockwise while the first wrench is held in the firm position.

Abstract: An assembly and a method of locking a longitudinal member to a cross-connector assembly construct, wherein the assembly comprises a longitudinal member; a flexible clip contacting the longitudinal member; a housing component contacting the flexible clip; a locking mechanism contacting the housing component; and a connecting member contacting the housing component. The flexible clip comprises a flexible bias member adapted to retain the longitudinal member. The flexible clip comprises a socket portion; and a clip portion attached to the socket portion, the clip portion being adapted to retain the longitudinal member, wherein the flexible bias member extends from the clip portion to a bottom region of the socket portion.

Abstract: A screwdriver handle comprises a base portion; a pair of arms pivotally connected to the base portion; a locking sleeve mounted around the base portion and adapted to engage the pair of arms; a spring member mounted around the base portion and adapted to engage the locking sleeve; a torsion spring connected to the base portion and each of the pair of arms; and a pin connecting the pair of arms to the base portion. The base portion comprises at least one gripping indent feature and a hollow inner shaft chamber having a locking indent feature. The pair of arms are adapted to articulate from a first position planar to a longitudinal axis of the base portion to a second position transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base portion. The locking sleeve is adapted to move along a longitudinal axis of the base portion.

Abstract: A ratcheting torque wrench comprising a torsional shaft connected to a hex tip; a sleeve that fits over the torsional shaft; a sleeve dial having a hole and configured to fit around the sleeve such that the diameter of the sleeve dial hole accommodates the sleeve; a shaft dial connected to the sleeve dial; a nylon ring connected to a ratchet housing; a ratchet gear connected to the ratchet housing, the ratchet housing mating with the ratchet gear; a spring connected to the nylon ring and the ratchet gear; a ratchet cover that fits over the ratchet housing; a retaining ring connected to the ratchet cover and configured to engage the torsional shaft; a ratchet fitting connected to the ratchet housing, wherein the ratchet fitting accommodates a first handle, wherein the sleeve has a hole to accommodate a second handle.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly and method of assembly comprises a longitudinal member; a screw head comprising a bulbous end, wherein the screw head has a slot adapted to receive the longitudinal member; a bone fixator component comprising a concave socket having a biased angled top and a rounded bottom adapted to receive the screw head; a locking pin adapted to engage the screw head, the bone fixator component, and the longitudinal member; and a blocker adapted to engage the screw head and to secure the longitudinal member. Additionally, the bone fixator component may be configured as any of a bone screw and a hook.

Abstract: A cam coupling rod reducer and method of operation comprises an inner tube comprising a first end having a hole and a second end having a plurality of prongs extending therefrom. The rod reducer further includes a lever cam connected to the first end, wherein the lever cam comprises a base and a pair of semicircular arms extending from the base, wherein each of the arms comprise a hole configured to align with the hole of the first end of the inner tube. The rod reducer also includes an outer extension tube connected to the inner tube, wherein the outer extension tube comprises positional markings on the body of the outer extension tube; a top end having a concave opening; and a bottom end comprising an opening configured to permit the prongs of the inner tube to extend therethrough; and a pair of pegs extending from the bottom end.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant bender comprising a first and second side each comprising a curved body comprising a handle end and an implant receiving end, wherein the implant receiving end comprises a first and second hole, wherein the second hole receives an implant longitudinal member; a cam connected to the implant receiving end and capable of fitting into the first hole, wherein the cam comprises an indented middle section and two ends each having a peg extending therefrom; a base connected to the handle end; and a lever connected to the cam and rotatable with respect to the body, wherein the lever comprises a pair of arms spaced apart to accommodate a width of the implant receiving end of the body; and a pair of through holes in each of the arms capable of attaching to the pegs of the cam, wherein rotation of the lever causes rotation of the cam.

Abstract: A rod pusher for engaging a rod for use in a spinal surgery, wherein the rod pusher comprises a shaft comprising a tip end and dual handle ends, wherein the dual handle end comprises a first handle receiver transverse to a second handle receiver, wherein the tip end comprises undercut grooves comprising one straight groove and at least one offset angled groove, wherein the first and second handle receivers each comprise indent and locking features to accommodate a handle used to apply force to the shaft, wherein the first handle receiver is positioned along a same longitudinal axis as the shaft, wherein the second handle is positioned along a transverse axis to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and wherein the second handle is adapted to permit a user to rotate the shaft in reference to the rod thereby creating a fixable grip between the rod and the shaft.

Abstract: A ratcheting torque wrench comprising a torsional shaft connected to a hex tip; a sleeve that fits over the torsional shaft; a sleeve dial having a hole and configured to fit around the sleeve such that the diameter of the sleeve dial hole accommodates the sleeve; a shaft dial connected to the sleeve dial; a nylon ring connected to a ratchet housing; a ratchet gear connected to the ratchet housing, the ratchet housing mating with the ratchet gear; a spring connected to the nylon ring and the ratchet gear; a ratchet cover that fits over the ratchet housing; a retaining ring connected to the ratchet cover and configured to engage the torsional shaft; a ratchet fitting connected to the ratchet housing, wherein the ratchet fitting accommodates a first handle, wherein the sleeve has a hole to accommodate a second handle.

Abstract: A rod inserter and method of inserting a rod into a vertebral body, wherein the rod inserter holds a rod in a vertical or semi-vertical position from one end and allows the rod to be inserted and then rotated into its final horizontal position inside a wound. The device comprises a longitudinal member comprising holes located at distal ends of the longitudinal member; and a holder comprising a tip end comprising a first and second portion any of which comprise a prong tip. The holder also includes a handle end located distally away from the tip end, wherein the handle end comprises a first gripping arm and a second gripping arm; and an engaging member comprising tooth-like features connecting the first gripping arm to the second gripping arm, wherein the tooth-like features engage the second gripping arm, and wherein the prong tip fits into a hole of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A screwdriver handle comprises a base portion; a pair of arms pivotally connected to the base portion; a locking sleeve mounted around the base portion and adapted to engage the pair of arms; a spring member mounted around the base portion and adapted to engage the locking sleeve; a torsion spring connected to the base portion and each of the pair of arms; and a pin connecting the pair of arms to the base portion. The base portion comprises at least one gripping indent feature and a hollow inner shaft chamber having a locking indent feature. The pair of arms are adapted to articulate from a first position planar to a longitudinal axis of the base portion to a second position transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base portion. The locking sleeve is adapted to move along a longitudinal axis of the base portion.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly and method of assembly comprises a longitudinal member; a screw head comprising a bulbous end, wherein the screw head has a slot adapted to receive the longitudinal member; a bone fixator component comprising a concave socket having a biased angled top and a rounded bottom adapted to receive the screw head; a locking pin adapted to engage the screw head, the bone fixator component, and the longitudinal member; and a blocker adapted to engage the screw head and to secure the longitudinal member. Additionally, the bone fixator component may be configured as any of a bone screw and a hook.

Abstract: A scissor-action screwdriver and screwdriver attachment comprises a plurality of arms pivotally attached to one another; a bias element mounted in at least one of the plurality of arms; and a sleeve slidably mounted around at least one of the plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms comprise a first arm and a second arm, and wherein each of the plurality of arms preferably comprise a prong end. The screwdriver attachment further comprises a stop component adapted to limit a distance of separation between the first arm and the second arm. Additionally, the bias element may comprise a spring. Moreover, each of the plurality of arms preferably comprises a tapered section, wherein the sleeve comprises an inner tapered wall adapted to engage the tapered section of each of the plurality of arms. The screwdriver further includes a handle connected to the second arm.

Abstract: A pedicle fixation assembly and method for assembly comprises a screw head comprising a male bulbous end; a bone fixator component comprising a female concave semi-spherical socket for receiving the screw head; a locking saddle pin for engaging the screw head and the bone fixator component; and a blocker for engaging the screw head and for securing the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly and method of assembly comprises a longitudinal member; a bendable ball ring adapted to receive the longitudinal member; a poly stem comprising a bendable male bulbous end; and a connector comprising a pair of first apertures adapted to receive the poly stem; and a second aperture adapted to receive the ball ring and the longitudinal member, wherein the second aperture is transverse to the first aperture. The assembly further comprises a bone fixator component comprising a female socket adapted to receive the poly stem; and a blocker pin adapted to engage the poly stem and to secure the longitudinal member.