Abstract: Provided are a rod inserter for fixing a pedicle screw. The rod inserter for fixing a pedicle screw, the rod inserter including a rotational support unit having a length corresponding to a radius of lordosis formed by lumbar of vertebrae of a subject person and of which a lower end is fixed and a rotational insertion unit having a length corresponding to the radius and having one end rotatably coupled to an upper end of the rotational support unit and the other end to which an arc-shaped rod is detachably coupled. Thus, the arc-shaped rods having lengths shapes different from each other according to the number of screws respectively fixed to the vertebrae of the subject person is coupled as one device to perform the operation.

Abstract: A receiving part of a bone anchoring device is provided, where the receiving part includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, a central axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a substantially U-shaped-recess adjacent to the first end for receiving a spinal fixation element. The substantially U-shaped recess forms two free legs. The receiving part also includes a bore extending from the first end towards the second end and in communication with the substantially U-shaped recess. A groove is provided in an outer surface of each of the legs, where the groove has a first end and a second end and extends in a circumferential direction in an arcuate shape between the first end of the groove and the second end of the groove.

Abstract: Provided is a bi-dimensionally adjustable spacing device configured to be placed between the spinous processes of at least two adjacent vertebrae and also adjusted laterally to securely contact the lateral surfaces of the spinous process. A method of using the device to treat spinal disorders is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical plate device that incorporates a screw locking mechanism in each screw hole by which the surgical plate device is affixed to a bony segment. The screw locking mechanism includes a tab structure emanating from an interior portion (or either surface) of the surgical plate that is biased into a portion of the corresponding screw hole. When a screw is inserted into the screw hole, the head of the screw temporarily biases the tab structure out of the screw hole, until the head of the screw passes below the plane of the tab structure, at which point the tab structure rebounds into the previously occupied portion of the screw hole, thereby covering a portion of the head of the screw and preventing it from “backing out.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.

Abstract: An articulating fusible support cage comprises a first support member having a first and second end and a second support member having a first and second end. A first end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the first ends. The first end cap supports a jackscrew for rotation. A second end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the second ends opposite the first ends. The second end cap has a threaded sleeve configured to engage a portion of the jackscrew. Rotation of the jackscrew into the threaded sleeve causes the first and second support members to extend outwardly from a collapsed condition to a deployed condition.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis that includes a biased coiling member and a conforming coiling member. The biased coiling member may be biased to curve from a substantially linear configuration to a nonlinear configuration. The conforming coiling member may be engaged with and curved by the biased coiling member from the substantially linear configuration to the nonlinear configuration. The biased coiling member may define a longitudinal axis when in the substantially linear configuration. The biased coiling member and the conforming coiling member may move relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. The prosthesis may be implanted in a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical implant procedures, especially spinal implant procedures.

Abstract: An anchoring system implantable in bone. The anchoring system includes a screw having a screw head, a screw shaft, a plurality of interface elements, each adjacent pair of the interface elements has an interface by-pass channel disposed therebetween, a boring ring that includes cutting teeth and a ring by-pass channel, and a coupling assembly that is adjustable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the screw.

Abstract: A clamping device for attaching to an external fixation element of an external fixation system includes a first jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface and includes a second jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface of the first jaw and the inner surface of the second jaw together forming a passage configured to receive the external fixation element of the external fixation system. A locking system is engageable with the first and the second jaws and is moveable relative to the first and the second jaws between at least a first position.

Abstract: A minimally invasive intervertebral implant includes a circuitous body defining a luminal axis extending longitudinally therethrough. The circuitous body includes proximal and distal ends oppositely disposed along a lateral axis of the circuitous body. Each of the proximal and distal ends includes an aperture disposed therethrough such that the circuitous body includes a first configuration wherein the proximal and distal ends are at a maximum separation and a second configuration wherein the proximal and distal ends are closer together than in the first configuration.

Abstract: A bone screw of minimally invasive fixation device for lumbar comprises a positioning casing and a screw body. The positioning casing includes a rod securing base and an alignment portion, both of which are integrally formed; an annular notch is formed between them. The alignment portion has at least two pairs of rod alignment openings in a bulb-shaped or keyhole-shaped form with an upper portion larger than a lower portion. Two longitudinal notches extend from near the top across the alignment openings to the rod securing base. The screw body includes a spherical head and a screw rod; the outer diameter of the spherical head is larger than that of the screw rod. The screw body is rotatably connected to the bottom portion of the positioning casing; the spherical head of the screw body is arranged in the spherical pit of the rod securing base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spine stabilization system and method for stabilizing the spine. In particular, the present invention is directed to a spinal stabilization system having an occipital plate configured with a central portion and at least two extension portions extending from the central portion. At least two rod receivers are positioned on each one of the at least two extension portions and the at least two rod receivers are adapted and configured to receive at least two elongated rods. At least two locking assemblies are adapted and configured to retain the at least two elongated rods within the at least two rod receivers. The occipital plate further includes a plurality of holes for receiving bone fasteners and includes a slot for receiving each one of the at least two rod receivers, and the rod receivers being capable of translating and rotating within the slots.

Abstract: The present invention is directed an anchor assembly for use in spinal fixation to interconnect a longitudinal spinal rod with a patient's vertebra. The anchor assembly preferably includes a bone anchor, a body with a rod-receiving channel, an insert member (preferably a bushing), and a locking cap with a saddle. The anchor assembly preferably enables in-situ assembly where the bone anchor may be secured to the patient's vertebra prior to being received within the body of the bone anchor assembly. Accordingly, the anchor assembly enables a surgeon to implant the bone anchor without the body to maximize visibility and access around the anchoring site. Once the bone anchor has been secured to the patient's vertebra, the body may be snapped onto the bone anchor and a spinal rod may be inserted into the rod-receiving channel.

Abstract: Prostheses, systems, and methods are provided for replacement of natural facet joints between adjacent vertebrae using polyaxial attachment mechanisms for securing the prostheses to the vertebrae. A cephalad prosthesis attached to a superior adjacent vertebra replaces the inferior half of a natural facet joint. A caudal prosthesis attached to an inferior adjacent vertebra replaces the superior half of a natural facet joint. Both the cephalad and caudal prostheses are configured with artificial facet joint structures that include articulating surfaces that cooperate and form an artificial articular configuration. The polyaxial attachment mechanism permits adjustment of the position of the artificial facet joint structure along more than one axis at or after the time the cephalad or caudal prosthesis is attached to a vertebra.

Abstract: A implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone is described. Also described are methods for using a implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone and a kit comprising a pneumatic implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone.

Abstract: A vertebral attachment system and method for retaining a spinal vertebra (25) on a rod (2) employ a device (1) including a body (3) for attachment to the rod, a flexible strip (4) for linking the vertebra to the attachment body and a means (5) for adjustably locking the flexible strip on the attachment body. The attachment body (3) is made of a single part having a U-shaped cross-section, for passing the rod between the bottom wall (10) of the U and the adjustable locking means. The adjustable locking means (5) consists of a linking part (18) connecting the opposite ends of the two arms (6, 7) of the U, arranged such as to compress the rod against the wall. The arms (6, 7) each include a recess (14) opposite thereof, located on the bottom side of the U, for passing the two ends of the strip between the bottom and the rod in order to form a loop for attachment to a vertebra.

Abstract: A system for treating a fracture of a bone with an intramedullary canal. A first implant has a body with an elongate intramedullary portion and a paddle having a surface to engage the bone. The intramedullary portion has a length between first and second lengthwise ends and can be directed into the intramedullary canal to place the first implant into an operative position with the paddle exposed outside of the intramedullary canal. At least one fixation element maintains the implant operatively positioned. The intramedullary portion is elongate with a primary length portion having a first lengthwise axis. At least a portion of the paddle surface faces away from the first lengthwise axis.

Abstract: Open implant closure structures include a helically wound guide and advancement flange form having pivot-splay accommodating and splay control surfaces with opposing load flanks in initial non-parallel relation.

Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.

Abstract: A vertebral attachment system and method for retaining a spinal vertebra (25) on a rod (2) employ a device (1) including a body (3) for attachment to the rod, a flexible strip (4) for linking the vertebra to the attachment body and a means (5) for adjustably locking the flexible strip on the attachment body. The attachment body (3) is made of a single part having a U-shaped cross-section, for passing the rod between the bottom wall (10) of the U and the adjustable locking means. The adjustable locking means (5) consists of a linking part (18) connecting the opposite ends of the two arms (6, 7) of the U, arranged such as to compress the rod against the wall. The arms (6, 7) each include a recess (14) opposite thereof, located on the bottom side of the U, for passing the two ends of the strip between the bottom and the rod in order to form a loop for attachment to a vertebra.