Abstract: Medical device locking mechanisms and related methods and systems. In some embodiments, the medical device may comprise an outer surface defining one or more fastener openings configured for receiving one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may comprise an upper surface configured to be engaged by a component of the locking system to prevent fastener backout. A plurality of petal structures may be configured to be selectively expanded or contracted to engage the head portion and retain the at least one fastener within the fastener opening to prevent the fastener from backing out of the fastener opening. A biasing member may selectively engage the plurality of petal structures to either expand or contract the plurality of petal structures to facilitate locking the fastener(s) in place within the device.

Abstract: Biomedical implant fastener systems, such as bone screw systems and the like. In some embodiments, a fastener may comprise a first plurality of teeth, and a washer configured to be received on the fastener may comprise a second plurality of teeth configured to be engaged with the first plurality of teeth. The first plurality of teeth may be configured to engage with the second plurality of teeth such that so as to allow for selective rotation between the washer and the fastener in a first rotational direction and so as to prevent rotation between the washer and the fastener in a second rotational direction opposite from the first rotational direction when the fastener is engaged with the washer such that second plurality of teeth is engaged with the first plurality of teeth so as to prevent the fastener from backing out of the washer after engagement.

Abstract: In a rod fixation system of the type used to treat various spinal conditions, the same fastener is used to lock both a polyaxial screw and a rod in position. A spinal correction device according to the invention, adapted for use with a rod and a polyaxial screw having a ball-shaped head and a threaded end, comprises a head-body and a cap. The head-body includes a lower internal cavity to receive the ball-shaped head of the screw, an upper bore to receive a fixation rod therethrough, and an upper end configured to receive the cap. The head-body and the cap are configured such that a first rotation of the cap locks the polyaxial screw in position, and a second rotation of the cap locks the rod in position. In the preferred embodiment, the head-body includes one or more gaps to facilitate flexion of the head-body as a rotational torque is placed on the cap. The gap or gaps may be horizontal, vertical or other angles relative to the axis of the entrapped rod.

Abstract: Intervertebral spacers, such as interbody vertebral cages, that facilitate minimally-invasive corrective restoration surgeries, and related methods. In some implementations, an introducer may be used introduce an intervertebral spacer in a first, straightened shape into an intervertebral disc space. The introducer may engage a plurality of adjacent recesses of the intervertebral spacer to maintain the intervertebral spacer in the first, straightened shape during introduction. An introducer, in some cases the same introducer, may be used to articulate the intervertebral spacer by actuating at least one hinge of the intervertebral spacer such that the intervertebral spacer assumes a second, curved shape once within the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: Methods for non-pedicle spinal fixation. In some implementations, at least one plate member may be placed between an upper spinous process and a lower spinous process of a spine. At least one scissoring element coupled to the at least one plate member may then be positioned to contact opposing lateral surfaces of the upper spinous process and to contact opposing lateral surfaces of the lower spinous process. The at least one scissoring element may then be locked into place to stabilize the spinous processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a minimally invasive surgery pedicle screw system, including: a plurality of slotted guides that are selectively inserted through one or more surgical incisions; a plurality of pedicle screws selectively coupled to the plurality of slotted guides that are selectively secured to one or more bony anatomical structures; a pendulum mechanism selectively translatably and pivotably coupled to one of the plurality of slotted guides; and a connecting rod selectively translatably and pivotably coupled to one of the plurality of slotted guides; wherein the pendulum mechanism is selectively coupled to the connecting rod. The connecting rod is selectively secured to one or more of the plurality of pedicle screws.

Abstract: An interbody vertebral cage facilitates minimally invasive approaches to the intervertebral disc for corrective restoration of disc height, stabilization between vertebra, and fusion. The preferred embodiment provides a streamlined, slender straight contour with a central hinge or other articulating apparatus that allows the introduction of the cage into the operative field and disc space in a minimally invasive, bone-sparing manner. After partial insertion, the hinge component is activated, allowing the operator to steer the cage anterior-medially within the disc space to an anterior-central position within the intervertebral space. In this state the cage is shaped like a crescent, chevron or boomerang.

Abstract: The cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention is elegant in its design and effective in its performance, and utilizes a plate with holes that each incorporate a locking lip structure and locking screws that each incorporate a head portion having petal structures that are outwardly biased prior to insertion via an internally-disposed c-ring or the like. Advantageously, the lead-in torque of each of the locking screws is less than the lead-out torque of each of the locking screws. Thus, reverse threading or backing out is prevented.

Abstract: A vertebral stabilization device operable for stabilizing and/or decompressing a portion of the spine, including: a first frame member; a second frame member; a first connector member engaged to the first frame member for securing the first frame member to a first structure of the spine; and a second connector member engaged to the second frame member for securing the second frame member to a second structure of the spine; wherein the first frame member and the second frame member are in a telescoping relationship with each other. The first and second structures of the spine may include spinous processes, laminae, sacral structures, or any other suitable structures. Preferably, the first connector member and the second connector member are substantially arcuate in shape, and may face towards each other, away from each other, or in the same direction.

Abstract: Medical device locking mechanisms and related methods and systems. In some embodiments, the medical device may comprise an outer surface defining one or more fastener openings configured for receiving one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may comprise an upper surface configured to be engaged by a component of the locking system to prevent fastener backout. A plurality of petal structures may be configured to be selectively expanded or contracted to engage the head portion and retain the at least one fastener within the fastener opening to prevent the fastener from backing out of the fastener opening. A biasing member may selectively engage the plurality of petal structures to either expand or contract the plurality of petal structures to facilitate locking the fastener(s) in place within the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cannulated bone screw system including a screw with a threaded portion, a non-threaded portion, and a first plurality of teeth spaced apart from a screw head; and a washer with an interior portion with a second plurality of teeth and an opening and an outer portion with a plurality of spikes. The first plurality of teeth are on an inferior convex surface; wherein the second plurality of teeth are on a superior concave surface; and wherein the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth are operable to mate to prevent the screw from backing out of the washer while allowing the cannulated bone screw system to conform/pivot in order to accommodate different bone morphologies.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bone-fastening system includes a handle, a barrel assembly connected to the handle, and a bridge assembly connected to the barrel assembly. The bridge assembly may be configured to receive a first connector element and a second connector element in axial alignment with the first connector element so as to receive a fastening element between the first and second connector elements. The system may also include a control configured to, upon actuation, approximate the first connector element and the second connector element so as to apply compressive pressure to bone portions positioned between the first connector element and the second connector element. A drive mechanism configured to advance the fastening element through the bone portions and connect the first connector element with the second connector element to fasten the bone portions under compression may also be provided with the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for placing spinal implants within an intervertebral region. In some embodiments, a surgical positioning tool may be provided that allows for access to an implantation site to be gained along a first axis, and then allows a spinal implant to be repositioned from the first axis to a second axis at an angle with respect to the first axis. The spinal implant may, in some embodiments, comprise a recess comprising two adjacent bars configured to engage elements of the surgical positioning tool to allow for the aforementioned repositioning.

Abstract: The cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention is elegant in its design and effective in its performance, and utilizes a plate with holes that each incorporate a locking lip structure and locking screws that each incorporate a head portion having petal structures that are outwardly biased prior to insertion via an internally-disposed c-ring or the like. Advantageously, the lead-in torque of each of the locking screws is less than the lead-out torque of each of the locking screws. Thus, reverse threading or backing out is prevented. Alternatively, the cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention utilizes a locking plate having petal structures that are inwardly biased prior to insertion of the head portion of the locking screws via an externally-disposed c-ring or the like.

Abstract: Percutaneous facet fixation implants. In some embodiments, the implant may comprise fasteners and/or fastener portions configured to be coupled on opposite sides of a facet joint such that a portion of one fastener is configured to be positioned adjacent to one of a superior articular process and an inferior articular process of a facet joint and a portion of another fastener is configured to be positioned adjacent to one of the other of an inferior articular process and a superior articular process of the facet joint so as to engage a surface of the respective articular process. In some embodiments, one or both of the fasteners may be configured to couple with an arm of a facet gun instrument.

Abstract: Methods for installing bone anchors, such as pedicle screws or other surgical screws. In some implementations, the surgical screw may be coupled with a connection member, such as a tulip assembly, configured to couple the surgical screw with a stabilization member, such as a spinal fixation rod. The connection member may be initially coupled with the surgical screw in a polyaxial configuration, after which the connection member may be secured to the surgical screw in a monoaxial configuration. The stabilization member may then be coupled and secured with the connection member such that the stabilization member cannot move relative to the connection member. In some implementations, the stabilization member may be locked or secured to the connection member after the connection member has been secured to the surgical screw in a monoaxial configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for placing spinal implants within an intervertebral region. In some embodiments, a surgical positioning tool may be provided that allows for access to an implantation site to be gained along a first axis, and then allows a spinal implant to be repositioned from the first axis to a second axis at an angle with respect to the first axis. The spinal implant may, in some embodiments, comprise a recess comprising two adjacent bars configured to engage elements of the surgical positioning tool to allow for the aforementioned repositioning.

Abstract: A percutaneous facet fixation system minimally invasive, reproducible, efficient, and effective. Capable of immediate stabilization of a facet joint complex, the instrumentation and methods may be used with C-arm and/or endoscopic visualization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a minimally-invasive portal system for performing lumbar decompression, instrumented fusion/stabilization, and the like. The minimally-invasive portal system utilizes an access tube having an adjustable cross-sectional area and one or more retractor devices each having a first portion and a second portion aligned at a predetermined angle relative to the first portion, wherein the first portion of each of the one or more retractor devices is disposed substantially concentrically with the access tube, and wherein the second portion of each of the one or more retractor devices protrudes substantially beyond a bottom portion of the access tube. The minimally-invasive portal system also utilizes a plurality of adjustment mechanisms for selectively adjusting the cross-sectional area of the access tube and one or more retaining clips for securing the one or more retractor devices to the access tube in a fixed position.

Abstract: Methods for non-pedicle spinal fixation. In some implementations, at least one plate member may be placed between an upper spinous process and a lower spinous process of a spine. At least one scissoring element coupled to the at least one plate member may then be positioned to contact opposing lateral surfaces of the upper spinous process and to contact opposing lateral surfaces of the lower spinous process. The at least one scissoring element may then be locked into place to stabilize the spinous processes.