Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for connecting a longitudinal member to a bone, the device including a lower part for fixation to the bone and an upper part having a transverse channel for receiving the longitudinal member and a slit defining a pair of elastically displaceable sidewalls. The device further includes a locking ring. The locking ring is moveable from a first position, wherein the sidewalls are elastically displaceable so that the longitudinal member can be moved into the channel, to a second position, wherein the sidewalls are substantially fixed with respect to each other so that the longitudinal member placed within the channel is fixed with respect thereto. The device further including a first groove sized and configured to receive the locking ring when in the first position and a second groove sized and configured to receive the locking ring when in the second position.

Abstract: An interspinous device for impeding the movements of two successive vertebrae (8, 9) of the spinal column. In some embodiments, the device includes two pads (2a, 2b; 11a, 11b; 20a, 20b) whose internal faces (3a, 3b; 12a, 12b) are intended to be pressed against the lateral faces of the spinous processes (6, 7) of the vertebrae (8, 9), and ligaments (4, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d; 17a, 17b, 18, 19; 23, 24) which connect the pads (2a, 2b; 11a, 11b; 20a, 20b) to each other and to the spinous processes (6, 7), so that, during flexion and extension movements of the spinal column with respect to its normal position, the pressures exerted against the lateral faces of the spinous processes (6, 7) by the pads (2a, 2b; 11a, 11b; 20a, 20b) increase as the spinal column moves away from the normal position. Method for making a pad designed for such a device.

Abstract: The present invention is a minimally invasive surgical method for fusing adjacent vertebrae. A first K-wire is inserted into the spinous process of an upper vertebrae. A second K-wire is inserted into a transverse process of a lower vertebrae. A first fixation block is secured to the first K-wire and a second fixation block is secured to the second K-wire. A rod member extends across the K-wires. A swivel block assembly is secured to achieve a desired angle for a first axis along which a first screw will be implanted into a facet joint. The swivel block assembly is secured at a desired axial position on the rod member. Percutaneous access to the upper vertebrae along the first axis is then obtained via a cannula. A removable screw having a threaded section for implantation across the facet joint and an elongated shank section that is shearable subcutaneously is inserted through the cannula. The threaded section is implanted along the first axis across the facet joint to attach the upper and lower vertebrae.