Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly having a spine rod clamping body designed for exhibiting a limited amount of elastic deformation at a region location between its spine rod mounting portion and its bone screw connecting portion. When the pedicle screw assembly is placed in a spine stabilization procedure, a limited amount of motion within the fixation apparatus as a result of the spine rod clamping body exhibiting a limited amount of elastic deformation at the region location between its spine rod mounting portion and its bone screw connecting portion. This limited amount of motion can accelerate bone fusion. By reducing movement-induced stress concentrations, the limited amount of elastic deformation provided by the spine rod clamping body can enhance a rate at which bone fusion progresses and can reduce the potential for damage to the interface between the bone screw and bone.

Abstract: A fixation assembly and methods for its use are provided. The fixation assembly includes two or more fixation elements, at least one connection means adapted to engage with the fixation elements to connect them to one another, and a locking means that is actuated after engagement of the fixation elements with the connection means to simultaneously lock the fixation elements in place relative to one another and to the connection means.

Abstract: Spinal surgery systems are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes threaded caps and screw assemblies. Each assembly includes a cannulated and threaded screw having upper and lower ends, a polyaxial head permanently fixed to the screw upper end in a ball-and-socket engagement, and an extension portion fixed to the head wherein extension portion movement causes the head to move in concert. Each head has a receiving area for engaging a rod and a threaded area for receiving one of the caps after the rod is engaged in the receiving area. Each extension portion has: (a) two arms spaced apart such that the arms are on opposite sides of the polyaxial head receiving area; and (b) at least one point of weakness such that forcing the arms away from one another causes the extension portion to divide at the point of weakness and separate the extension portion from the head.

Abstract: A clamping body for a pedicle screw assembly has an axial passage extending axially between first and second end portions thereof. The spine rod-receiving channel extends through the first end portion in a traverse direction with respect to the axial passage thereby forming upstanding leg portions of the clamping body and closed end portion of the spine rod-receiving channel. A material thickness reducing relief is provided in an outer surface of each one of the upstanding leg portions at a location between the closed end portion of the spine rod receiving channel and the first end portion of the clamping body whereby the a partial segment of the upstanding leg portions are frangibly detachable. A bridge member is frangibly connected between the upstanding leg portions at the first end portion of the clamping body. The bridge member spans across the spine rod-receiving channel.