Abstract: A spinal implant insertion guide is disclosed. The insertion guide includes at least one channel suitable for receiving and facilitating movement of a spinal implant into an intervertebral space between two vertebrae and a portion suitable for insertion into the intervertebral space. In embodiments for use with spinal implant having multiple pieces, the pieces of the spinal implant remain in cooperation throughout movement. The guide may further include a plunger for facilitating the movement of the spinal implant.

Abstract: A screwdriver is disclosed including a handle, a shaft, and a gearbox disposed between the handle and the shaft. The gearbox is structured and arranged to cause rotational motion of the shaft at a first rate due to rotational motion imparted on the handle at a second rate. In an embodiment, the first rate is greater than the second rate.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved spinal fusion implant and method of implanting same. The implant includes a shell and an insert, the insert capable of situating first and second plates of the shell with respect to each other and of preventing unwanted loosening of fasteners placed through the shell and into the adjacent vertebral bodies. The method includes implanting a shell, selecting an insert from a plurality of inserts, and placing an insert between first and second plates of the shell.

Abstract: An apparatus for persuading an orthopedic rod into position in an orthopedic device such as an implant or coupling element is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body, a pusher member and a trigger slidingly coupling the pusher member to the body. The pusher member includes a slide and sleeve attached to the slide. The sleeve includes at least one pusher bar. A ratchet controls the translation of the pusher member along the body to urge the rod into position in the orthopedic device. The pusher member and body define a cannula so that a fastener may be inserted once the rod is in position. The apparatus is operable via a single hand. In addition, a method of urging an orthopedic rod into a recess of an orthopedic device using the rod persuader is provided.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate insertion of a fusion implant into the intervertebral space of a spine. The fusion implant may have a first bone engaging surface and a second bone engaging surface. An attachment interface on an insertion tool allows the implant to be releasably secured to the insertion tool, so that the insertion tool may be detached from the implant without requiring a threaded coupling. The implant may be positioned in two different orientations with respect to the insertion tool to permit usage of two different techniques to insert the implant into the intervertebral space. A recessed support member in the implant creates gaps between bone facing surfaces and the vertebral bodies such that bone graft material may occupy the gaps. The implant includes embedded radiographic markers which facilitate radiographic detection of the orientation of the implant through the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A method for osteosynthesis of a spinal column using an assembly including at least a bone anchor, a ring, a connecting member, and a connector, the method including assembling the bone anchor and ring in the connector; positioning an anchoring part of the bone anchor in bone; assembling the connecting member in the connector such that the bone anchor, ring and connecting member are arranged to be tightened against each other in the connector; and tightening of the assembly by applying a force on the connecting member such that the connecting member contacts the ring and a head of the bone anchor.

Abstract: A bone graft forming guide for providing a bone graft and a method of forming a bone graft. The guide includes a main body including a holder for holding a graft material and guide containing a pattern generally corresponding to the desired shaped of the bone graft. The forming guide may include a hole guide containing a plurality of hole guides arranged in a pattern generally corresponding to the desired shape of the bone graft. The forming guide may further include a cutting guide containing a pattern corresponding to the desired shape of the bone graft.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly including a bone fastener having a lower end for engaging bone and an upper end remote from the lower end; a head having a rod-receiving channel attached to the upper end of said bone fastener; a spinal rod insertable into the rod-receiving channel of said head, said spinal rod having an outer surface extending between first and second ends thereof, wherein at least one of the first and second ends has a reduced diameter section. A spinal rod having an outer surface extending between a first end and a second end thereof; wherein the outer surface of said spinal rod has a reduced diameter section at least one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly for use in spinal fixation surgery is disclosed. The bone fixation assembly has a rod receiving portion, a sliding component, a first locking element, and a second locking element. A method of fixing two vertebrae with respect to each other is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inserter tool for coupling a spinal rod with an implant includes an outer shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongated opening extending between the proximal and distal ends, a handle secured to the proximal end of the outer shaft, and an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the inner shaft being telescopically received within the elongated opening of the outer shaft and being adapted to move between the proximal and distal ends of the outer shaft. The tool includes a compressible clamping tip secured to the distal end of the inner shaft, the clamping tip including a first section secured to the distal end of the inner shaft, a flexible arm that extends from the first section, and an opening disposed between the first section and the flexible arm.

Abstract: A spinal osteosynthesis assembly comprises a connector, a bone anchor capable of being received in the connector, a connecting member capable of being received in the connector, and a ring capable of coming into contact with the bone anchor, the connecting member being able to come to bear against the ring and the bone anchor when the ring and the bone anchor are fitted in the connector.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plate is adapted to engage at least two vertebrae along the anterior cervical spine. The plate comprises at least one cross connector member connecting two substantially parallel support bars. The anterior surface of the cross connector member is recessed for providing room for the esophagus. The posterior surface of the cross connector member extends slightly into the center of an intervertebral disc space for securing implanted bone graft material, and of course any other suitable intervertebral implant spacer. The preferred configuration of the cross connector member provides torsional resistance for the bone plate. At least two openings are formed in the plate for receiving a fastener therein for fixing the plate to the anterior cervical spine.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly and method of fixing bones including a fixation element having a head portion, a unitary coupling element and at least one locking element. The unitary coupling element includes a first bore adapted to slidably receive the head portion of the fixation element. A first locking element is adapted to secure the head portion in the first bore.

Abstract: A corpectomy device has an inner member telescopingly disposed in an outer member so that the inner member is movable in an axial direction. The inner and outer members are hollow, defining a chamber, and include apertures in communication with the chamber. A locking clip engages the inner and outer members to fix the position of the inner member with respect to the outer member. The longitudinal dimension of the device is adjustable by distracting the inner member so that the inner member extends from the outer member and moving the locking clip from an unlocked position to a locked position.

Abstract: A posterior vertebral stabilizer has a resilient member such as a linear spring, which operates in tension and compression. The resilient member may be kept straight by a stabilization rod extending through the spring, or by a telescoping assembly that encases the resilient member. The ends of the stabilizer are attachable to pedicles of adjacent vertebrae so that the stabilizer adds stiffness to control flexion and extension of the vertebrae. Two such stabilizers may be used, and may be connected together by a crosslink designed to limit relative rotation of the stabilizers. Thus, the stabilizers may restrict axial rotation and lateral bending between the vertebrae, while permitting stiffened flexion and extension. Such stabilizers help provide the stiffness of a healthy intervertebral disc. In the event that fusion of the joint becomes necessary, a set screw or other component may be used to further restrict flexion and extension.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant having two mutually opposite main faces and a side face, wherein at least one of the faces has mutually parallel shaped teeth. The general shape of the profile of the toothed face in at least one plane extending transversely to the face, is curved. Additionally, at least one spike projects from one of the main faces.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for securing a spinal rod to the spine which includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion depending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A posterior vertebral stabilizer has a resilient member such as a linear spring, which operates in tension and compression. The resilient member may be kept straight by a stabilization rod extending through the spring, or by a telescoping assembly that encases the resilient member. The ends of the stabilizer are attachable to pedicles of adjacent vertebrae so that the stabilizer adds stiffness to control flexion and extension of the vertebrae. Two such stabilizers may be used, and may be connected together by a crosslink designed to limit relative rotation of the stabilizers. Thus, the stabilizers may restrict axial rotation and lateral bending between the vertebrae, while permitting stiffened flexion and extension. Such stabilizers help provide the stiffness of a healthy intervertebral disc. In the event that fusion of the joint becomes necessary, a set screw or other component may be used to further restrict flexion and extension.

Abstract: A spinal rod including an elongated flexible component and a reinforcing component, the reinforcing component being resistant to damage from compressive forces and disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the flexible component so as to define at least one compression slot.