Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a housing, a bone screw member, and an anvil. The bone screw member includes a head and a threaded shaft extending from the head. The head is selectively securable within the housing. The anvil is positionable within the housing adjacent to the head of the bone screw member when the anvil and the head of the bone screw member are positioned within the housing. The anvil may define one or more grooves in an outer surface of the anvil. The groove defines a flap that is flexibly attached to the anvil to enable the anvil to flex an amount sufficient to maintain the head of the bone screw in constant contact with the anvil when the bone screw member is moved relative to the anvil.

Abstract: Provided is a device, system, and method for the fixation of the spine. In particular, the present invention provides a system that includes a low profile anterior vertebral plate and screws for fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine, the anterior vertebral plate having a selectable locking mechanism embedded in the underside of the plate during the manufacturing thereof and providing a visual locked indicator on the top side of the plate.

Abstract: Provided is a novel spinal surgery modeling system that includes a platform having attachment elements and vertical tensioner supports positioned on a platform so as to effectively connect to and secure a model of a spinal column by use of tension members. The modeling system being configured to support surgical procedure training or surgical plan rehearsals as needed. Also provided is kit including the disclosed system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a transverse connector having first and second spinal rod connecting members disposed on opposing ends of a cross member. Each spinal rod connecting member is configured to connect to a spinal rod. The first and second spinal rod connecting members are configured for multidirectional articulation relative to the cross member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inserting an implant into a cavity provide for: disposing an implant between opposing first and second ramps of an implant insertion instrument; orienting first and second vertebral contact surfaces of the ramps such that they define an initial, non-zero angle therebetween; inserting the first and second ramps into an intervertebral space of a spine; advancing the implant distally along and between the ramps such that the first and second vertebral contact surfaces of the first and second ramps separate while holding the initial angle substantially constant.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing a spine. The method includes the steps of implanting at least one low profile screw assembly into a first portion of the spine, implanting at least one bone screw assembly that is not a low profile screw into a second portion of the spine and connecting a rod to both the at least one low profile screw assembly to the at least one bone screw assembly which is not a low profile screw.

Abstract: A pedicle screw and rod assembly is provided which has a low profile in the final position. The pedicle screw includes a screw having a threaded portion and a head portion. A tulip body is positioned on the head portion of the screw. A tulip saddle is coupled to the tulip body and positioned to retain the tulip assembly on the pedicle screw. Wedge members are inserted in between the tulip body and the tulip saddle, causing the saddle to compress and thereby retain a rod within the tulip assembly. Colored wedge members alert a surgeon as to whether the system is in a locked or unlocked state. The top of the tulip assembly is approximately equal in height to, or lower than the rod itself. This provides a low profile pedicle screw and rod assembly since the rod itself will be the uppermost member of the completed assembly.

Abstract: A pedicle screw and rod assembly is provided which has a low profile in the final assembled position. The pedicle screw includes a screw having a threaded portion and a head portion. A tulip is positioned on the head portion of the screw. A fastener assembly is coupled to the tulip and positioned to retain the tulip on the head portion. A rod retainer member is positioned inside the tulip and grips the rod, to hold it in position relative to the tulip assembly and pedicle screw. The top of rod retaining member is approximately equal in height to, or lower than the rod itself. This provides a low profile pedicle screw and rod assembly since the rod itself will normally be the uppermost member of the completed assembly.

Abstract: A retraction device comprises at least one retracting blade and a pedicle screw. The retracting blade has a distal end having at least one projection with a passage for engaging a retention pin. The pedicle screw has a threaded body and a movable head. The movable head has at least one recess with a channel that can be aligned with the passage of the projection.

Abstract: A percutaneous interspinous process device for treating spinal conditions includes a first section, a second section, and a locking mechanism. The first section defines a first lateral surface, a first medial surface and a first lumen extending from the first lateral surface to the first medial surface. The second section defines a second lateral surface, a second medial surface and a second lumen extending from the second lateral surface. The locking mechanism includes an elongate member protruding from the first medial surface of the first section and a medial recess defined in the second medial surface of the second section. The medial recess is configured for securely receiving at least a portion of the elongate member. The elongate member is configured to define a space between adjacent spinous processes and maintain a predetermined distance between adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device for securing to a spine includes a body having one or more longitudinal members extending between a pair of wedge members. Each wedge member defines one or more openings therethrough for the reception of a bone screw. The wedge members are disposed on opposite ends of the one or more longitudinal members. One of the wedge members is positionable within a first intervertebral space and the other wedge member is positionable within a second intervertebral space. The one or more longitudinal members define a length that spans one or more vertebrae. The one or more longitudinal members are positionable within the one or more vertebrae when the wedge members are positioned within the respective first and second intervertebral spaces to maintain the body in a minimal profile orientation relative to the spine.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting an implant into a cavity is disclosed, which may include advancing an implant insertion instrument toward a pair of adjacent bodies, the implant insertion instrument having two opposed ramps, wherein each ramp has a distal tip and wherein the longitudinal axes of the opposed ramps are separated by an initial angle; inserting the distal tips of the opposed ramps between the adjacent bodies, thereby creating an initial interbody cavity between the adjacent bodies; expanding the interbody cavity while maintaining the initial angle between the longitudinal axes of the opposed ramps; placing the implant in a final location between the adjacent bodies; transferring a compressive force urging the adjacent bodies together from the opposed ramps to the implant; and extracting the implant insertion instrument from the interbody cavity.

Abstract: Provided is a spinal fixation system including a taper lock screw including an inner housing and an outer housing that are translatable relative to one another to transition the taper lock screw between a locked position and an unlocked position. A locking device releasably connects to and operationally interacts with a flange of the taper lock screw. An unlocking device releasably connects to and operationally interacts with inner housing unlocking tool receptors of the taper lock screw to unlock the taper lock screw.

Abstract: A method for cutting surgical rod in situ is provided. The method includes positioning an operable end of a surgical rod scorer around surgical rod that has been previously affixed to a spinal segment via at least two pedicle screws. A portion of the surgical rod is scored with the surgical rod scorer. The scored surgical rod is grasped with a surgical rod bender. And, the scored surgical rod is bent such that the surgical rod separates along the scored portion of the surgical rod.

Abstract: Provided is a novel uni-planar taper lock screw for connecting a connecting rod to bone. The screw is capable of being secured to the underlying bone while the screw head adapted to securely hold a connecting rod is articulated in a uni-directional manner to facilitate a stable connection to the connecting rod. After the screw had been articulated and properly positioned, it can be partially locked such that the connecting rod will remain in relative position to the bone while permitting flexibility of the screw head relative to the bone along a single plane. The screw head can then be fully locked securing the connecting rod into a selected position. The screw is configured for easy insertion and connection as well as easy removal and disconnection from the connecting rod. Also provided is a system for fixing two or more bones or bone fragments and a kit for fixing bones or bone fragments. A method of fixing bones or bone fragments is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical reamer assembly includes a dilator having a longitudinal passage extending therethrough for receiving a guidewire and a tubular channel positioned over the dilator. The surgical reamer assembly also includes an expandable reamer head coupled to an elongated shaft, such that the expandable reamer head is insertable through the tubular channel once the dilator and guidewire are removed.

Abstract: a minimal incision maximal access system allows for maximum desirable work space exposure within the incision along with maximum access to the operative field utilizing a minimum incision as small as the width of the working tube. Instead of multiple insertions of dilating tubes the design is a streamlined single entry device to avoid repetitive skin surface entry. The system offers the capability to expand to optimum exposure size for the surgery utilizing retractors depending from a bi-hinged frame having internal or external controls to control the angle and separation of the retractors. Interchangeable retractor blades can be attached to the frame. Both retractor blades are independently controlled as to displacement and angle.

Abstract: A minimal incision maximal access system allows for maximum desirable work space exposure within the incision along with maximum access to the operative field utilizing a minimum incision as small as the width of the working tube. Instead of multiple insertions of dilating tubes the design is a streamlined single entry device to avoid repetitive skin surface entry. The system offers the capability to expand to optimum exposure size for the surgery utilizing retractors depending from a bi-hinged frame having internal or external controls to control the angle and separation of the retractors. Interchangeable retractor blades can be attached to the frame. Both retractor blades are independently controlled as to displacement and angle.

Abstract: A bone engaging assembly includes first second bone engaging members. The first bone engaging member defines a first axis and has a first head and a first shaft. The first head defines one or more apertures therethrough. In embodiments, the first head defines a driver interface. The driver interface is defined within the first head and is configured to engage a driving instrument. In one embodiment, the first head includes a post extending from the first head that is configured to engage a rod coupling member. The second bone engaging member defines a second axis. The second bone engaging member defines a second head and a second shaft. The first axis of the first bone engaging member and the second axis of the second bone engaging member define an angle therebetween when the second bone engaging member is positioned within the one or more apertures of the first head.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a body defining a proximal surface, a pair of side surfaces, and a pair of angled surfaces extending distally and inwardly from opposite ends of the proximal surface. The proximal surface includes at least one proximal opening. Each angled surface includes at least one screw opening in communication with the proximal opening to define a passage extending through the body. The body is configured for positioning partially within an intervertebral space such that the angled surfaces are disposed in abutting relation with at least a portion of opposed surfaces of the adjacent vertebrae and such that the proximal surface is disposed exteriorly of the intervertebral space to permit insertion of a screw through the screw opening and into one of the opposed surfaces of the adjacent vertebrae.