Abstract: A surgical tool for use in a system for removing bone from vertebrae to relieve stenosis is provided. In one embodiment, the surgical tool includes a drill bit having a proximal end and a distal end, a drive shaft having a proximal rod portion and a distal tubular portion, the drill bit and the drive shaft configured to rotate about a horizontal axis in a clockwise direction; and an engagement system disposed between the drill bit and the drive shaft; wherein the engagement system is configured to selectively engage the drill bit to the drive shaft for powered rotation when the drill bit contacts a first material at a first predetermined resistance and to disengage the drill bit from the drive shaft when the drill bit engages a second material at a second predetermined resistance; and wherein the first predetermined resistance is greater than the second predetermined resistance.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use in a system for removing bone from vertebrae to relieve stenosis is provided. In one embodiment, the surgical tool includes a drill bit having a proximal end and a distal end, a drive shaft having a proximal rod portion and a distal tubular portion, the drill bit and the drive shaft configured to rotate about a horizontal axis in a clockwise direction; and an engagement system disposed between the drill bit and the drive shaft; wherein the engagement system is configured to selectively engage the drill bit to the drive shaft for powered rotation when the drill bit contacts a first material at a first predetermined resistance and to disengage the drill bit from the drive shaft when the drill bit engages a second material at a second predetermined resistance; and wherein the first predetermined resistance is greater than the second predetermined resistance.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use in a system for removing bone from vertebrae to relieve stenosis is provided. In one embodiment, the surgical tool includes a drill bit having a proximal end and a distal end, a drive shaft having a proximal rod portion and a distal tubular portion, the drill bit and the drive shaft configured to rotate about a horizontal axis in a clockwise direction; and an engagement system disposed between the drill bit and the drive shaft; wherein the engagement system is configured to selectively engage the drill bit to the drive shaft for powered rotation when the drill bit contacts a first material at a first predetermined resistance and to disengage the drill bit from the drive shaft when the drill bit engages a second material at a second predetermined resistance; and wherein the first predetermined resistance is greater than the second predetermined resistance.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use in a system for removing bone from vertebrae to relieve stenosis is provided. In one embodiment, the surgical tool includes a drill bit having a proximal end and a distal end, a drive shaft having a proximal rod portion and a distal tubular portion, the drill bit and the drive shaft configured to rotate about a horizontal axis in a clockwise direction; and an engagement system disposed between the drill bit and the drive shaft; wherein the engagement system is configured to selectively engage the drill bit to the drive shaft for powered rotation when the drill bit contacts a first material at a first predetermined resistance and to disengage the drill bit from the drive shaft when the drill bit engages a second material at a second predetermined resistance; and wherein the first predetermined resistance is greater than the second predetermined resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a screw and rod fixation assembly for fixing a screw and, optionally, a rod. The screw and rod fixation assembly includes a screw, fixing mechanism, a substantially annular ring, rod seating mechanism, and locking mechanism. The present invention also provides for a fixing mechanism for fixing a screw, wherein the fixing mechanism further includes an inner surface wall having a gripping portion and a non-gripping portion. Further, the present invention provides for a substantially annular ring for guiding and providing mechanical and frictional force to a screw head. Additionally, the present invention provides for a rod seating mechanism operatively engaged to the screw head and including at least one flexible portion capable of being compressed against a portion of a rod therein. Finally, the present invention provides for a locking mechanism for engaging the rod and the rod seating mechanism.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly is disclosed utilizing at least one bone screw for fixation of adjacent bones of a spine including a base plate having at least one aperture extending therethrough and screw retaining mechanism mounted and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing the bone screw from backing out from the base plate. A device is disclosed for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on a plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to an aperture for preventing a bone screw from backing out from the base plate. A snap ring for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing a screw from backing out is disclosed.

Abstract: A transverse connector includes a pair of transverse connector bodies and connector inserts for connecting a rod to each of the transverse connector bodies. A locking and fixing mechanism draws the transverse connector inserts into seat portions of the transverse connector bodies while simultaneously locking the transverse connector inserts in the insert seat portions and compressing a rod seat surface of the inserts to lock a rod within the rod seats. An interconnecting mechanism interconnects the pair of transverse connector bodies along an axis defined by the length of the transverse connector bodies.

Abstract: A transverse connector includes a pair of transverse connector bodies and connector inserts for connecting a rod to each of the transverse connector bodies. A locking and fixing mechanism draws the transverse connector inserts into seat portions of the transverse connector bodies while simultaneously locking the transverse connector inserts in the insert seat portions and compressing a rod seat surface of the inserts to lock a rod within the rod seats. An interconnecting mechanism interconnects the pair of transverse connector bodies along an axis defined by the length of the transverse connector bodies.

Abstract: A bone fixation plate assembly (10, 210, 210′) for fixation of the spine includes a mechanism (26) for allowing movement between adjacent vertebrae (18) while maintaining engagement of the bone fixation plate (12, 212, 212′) with the vertebrae (18).

Abstract: A final fixation assembly includes a rod receiving ring for receiving a portion of a rod therein and including a compressible insert for receiving a portion of the rod therein in a noncompressed condition and conforming allowing the portion of the rod to fixedly lock the portion of the rod therein in a compressed condition. The rod receiving ring maintains the insert in the compressed condition when the insert is seated therein.