Abstract: A connector for cross bracing a first spine rod and a second spine rod. The connector comprises a cross brace, upper saddles and connectors for connecting the upper saddles and cross brace to the first and second spine rods to thereby cross brace the first and second spine rods. Lower saddles are integrally formed at opposite ends of the cross brace to mate with the upper saddles in gripping the spine rods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spinal fixation system. The system comprises a screw for pivotally attaching a bolt to a vertebrae to be treated. A pivot block is threaded onto the bolt to move the pivot block up and down the bolt. A rod is secured at each of its ends to vertebrae on either side of the vertebrae to be treated and a clamp block is attached to the rod and the pivot block to thereby allow the pivot block to push, pull or rotate the vertebrae to be treated.

Abstract: An occipital clamp assembly. The occipital clamp assembly comprises a lower occipital plate for attachment to the skull of a patient, wherein the lower occipital plate includes grooves in its upper surface. An occipital plate stud mounted in the lower occipital plate and upper occipital plates, having a groove in each of their lower surfaces, mounted on the occipital plate stud wherein the grooves of the lower occipital plate mate with the grooves of the upper occipital plates to thereby form rod receiving apertures. Also provided is means for securing the upper occipital plate to the occipital plate stud and means for securing the lower occipital plate to the skull.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-profile screw-clamp assembly for use in spinal support fixation systems. The low-profile spinal fixation system has an anchor screw, a clamping assembly mounted on the anchor screw and a sleeve nut for attaching the clamping assembly to the anchor screw. The sleeve nut is substantially recessed into the clamping assembly, when the anchor screw and clamps are assembled. The present invention also relates to a locking mechanism, and method for making such a locking mechanism for locking the sleeve nut in place once assembled where a crimp is placed in a wall which forms the recess in the clamping assembly.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device and method for the stabilization of the spine after surgical procedures such as those related to degenerative disc diseases are described. The device comprises a spacer, which is placed between adjacent vertebrae when installed and a locking mechanism attached to the spacer. The locking mechanism attaches the device to the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae of the spine in a manner which is non-invasive with respect to the vertebrae to which it is attached.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device for immobilizing a portion of a spine includes at least one spine rod and a plurality of bone screws that are threaded into an appropriate number of vertebrae and each of which includes a threaded end protruding from the vertebra. Clamps are used to fasten a spine rod to the bone screws. Each clamp includes a body portion with a first aperture for receiving the protruding threaded end of a bone screw. The clamp is fastened to the threaded end of the bone screw with a nut. A second aperture receives the spine rod and includes a plurality of longitudinal teeth that cooperate with a serrated spine rod to provide a secure grip between the two and to prevent rotation of the spine rod with respect to the clamp. A threaded aperture communicates with the second aperture and receives a set screw for locking the rod within the second aperture.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system. The spinal fixation system has a set of screw clamp assemblies adapted for attachment of a rod. The spinal fixation system comprises anchor screws and clamps. The anchor screws include a shoulder width "y" that varies within the anchor screws in the set to seat a clamp at a desired distance above the plane of the spine into which the anchor screws are implanted. The clamps include an arm length "x" that varies within the clamps in the set to attach the rod at a desired distance from the clamp seat site and apertures for receiving the rod within the clamps, wherein the apertures are set at an angle "a" from a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the anchor screw when a clamp is seated on the anchor screw that varies within the clamps in the set.

Abstract: A branch connector is useful for connecting a pair of spine rods in a spinal fixation system. The branch connector includes an upper saddle, a lower saddle and a bolt for clamping the saddles together. The upper and lower saddles mate to define a pair of openings for receiving the spine rods. The bolt includes a threaded shaft that extends through a first aperture defined by the upper saddle and threads into a second aperture defined by the lower saddle. By tightening the bolt, the saddles are drawn together to securely grip the spine rods. The openings can be arranged in different configurations to perform different functions. A branch connector with parallel openings forms a branch clamp for connecting two spine rods in series. A pair of branch connectors arranged as transverse clamps with perpendicular openings can be combined with a transverse rod to form a cross brace assembly for bridging a pair of generally parallel spine rods.

Abstract: Improved instrumentation of the posterior spine includes a threaded screw for insertion into the sacrum, threaded adjusting rods and intravertebral hook device on the end of the adjusting rod. One end of the adjusting rod includes a pivotal clevis assembly and an automatic safety interlock for securing the clevis assembly to the screw. The receiving end of the bone screw includes spaced arms to receive the clevis which is inserted and rotated to a locking position. Thereafter, the hooks are positioned on the lamina and the adjusting rod is adjusted for compression or distraction. The hex area on the adjusting rods are then safety wired. The generally triangular orientation provides added strength and a wider foot print attachment which will resist rotational forces. Also disclosed is an improved bone screw which facilitates placement of a bone cement in the desired location.

Abstract: An implantable spinal fixation system includes a cancellous bone screw, such as a pedicle screw, carrying an improved saddle assembly, secured in place by a nut and which includes a simple and effective locking mechanism including a plurality of fingers which contacts each of the upper half saddle and the nut to prevent rotation of the latter relative to the remained of the assembly. The implant system also includes rods, firmly gripped by the saddle assembly and sublaminar wires in which the rod/wire interface is protected by a wire protector.