Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polyaxial bone screws and methods that enable the positioning of the polyaxial bone screws to be reliably determined using a surgical navigation system including a navigation probe. In an embodiment, a polyaxial bone screw comprises a threaded shaft inserted in bone and a head connected to the shaft, the head being rotatable relative to the shaft about a centre of rotation of the head of the bone screw. The position of a navigation probe is monitored using a navigation device. A first mating surface of the head of the bone screw is engaged with a second mating surface of the navigation probe; and the location of the centre of rotation of the head of the bone screw is determined based on the monitored position of the navigation probe when the first mating surface and the second mating surface are engaged.

Abstract: A surgical connection device for a spine is disclosed including a stabilization member, compression arms and traction arms, the device being used in conjunction with first anchor points fixed to vertebrae at a first lateral side of the spine and second anchor points fixed to vertebrae at a second lateral side of the spine. A first spinal rod may be attached to the first anchor points and a second spinal rod may be attached to the second anchor points. The compression arms connect the stabilization member to the first and second anchor points or rods and bear compressive forces. The traction arms connect the stabilization member to the first and o second anchor points or rods and bear tensile forces. Application of both tensile and compressive forces via the device may serve to straighten, change a direction of bending or increase a degree of bending of the rods and/or spine. The use of the traction arms may also provide for a more flexible construct.

Abstract: A surgical connection device for a spine is disclosed including a stabilization member, compression arms and traction arms, the device being used in conjunction with first anchor points fixed to vertebrae at a first lateral side of the spine and second anchor points fixed to vertebrae at a second lateral side of the spine. A first spinal rod may be attached to the first anchor points and a second spinal rod may be attached to the second anchor points. The compression arms connect the stabilization member to the first and second anchor points or rods and bear compressive forces. The traction arms connect the stabilization member to the first and second anchor points or rods and bear tensile forces. Application of both tensile and compressive forces via the device may serve to straighten, change a direction of bending or increase a degree of bending of the rods and/or spine. The use of the traction arms may also provide for a more flexible construct.