Abstract: A facet fusion tube assembly includes an elongated tube that defines a working channel to accept tools, instruments or materials for conducting a facet fusion. The tube includes a clip on its outer circumference that is configured to engage the outer surface of an adjacent tool or instrument used to access and engage the pedicle. A centering cap can be mounted at the proximal end of the elongated tube to align and center a working tool, such as a burring tool. An inner removable rod can extend through the tube to prevent soft tissue migration into the tube during insertion, and can be used for bone graft packing once the facet joint or other area of the spine is prepared for fusion. In use, the tube is clipped onto an adjacent instrument or tool to anchor the facet fusion tube assembly in a proper orientation relative to the facet joint.

Abstract: A facet fusion tube assembly includes an elongated tube that defines a working channel to accept tools, instruments or materials for conducting a facet fusion. The tube includes a clip on its outer circumference that is configured to engage the outer surface of an adjacent tool or instrument used to access and engage the pedicle. A centering cap can be mounted at the proximal end of the elongated tube to align and center a working tool, such as a burring tool. An inner removable rod can extend through the tube to prevent soft tissue migration into the tube during insertion, and can be used for bone graft packing once the facet joint or other area of the spine is prepared for fusion. In use, the tube is clipped onto an adjacent instrument or tool to anchor the facet fusion tube assembly in a proper orientation relative to the facet joint.

Abstract: A facet fusion tube assembly includes an elongated tube that defines a working channel to accept tools, instruments or materials for conducting a facet fusion. The tube includes a clip on its outer circumference that is configured to engage the outer surface of an adjacent tool or instrument used to access and engage the pedicle. A centering cap can be mounted at the proximal end of the elongated tube to align and center a working tool, such as a burring tool. An inner removable rod can extend through the tube to prevent soft tissue migration into the tube during insertion, and can be used for bone graft packing once the facet joint or other area of the spine is prepared for fusion. In use, the tube is clipped onto an adjacent instrument or tool to anchor the facet fusion tube assembly in a proper orientation relative to the facet joint.

Abstract: A wedge-type bearing assembly includes a split cylindrical adapter sleeve for wrapping around a shaft. The sleeve has a radially outwardly facing tapered surface. An inner ring encircles the adapter sleeve and has a radially inwardly facing surface engaging the tapered surface of the adapter sleeve. In one embodiment, a visual indicator fixed to a lock nut connecting the adapter sleeve and inner ring indicates when the adapter sleeve is sufficiently tightened onto the shaft. In another embodiment, a positive locking key prevents rotation of the inner ring relative to the adapter sleeve.

Abstract: The bearing assembly includes a split cylindrical adapter sleeve for wrapping around a shaft. An inner ring encircling the adapter sleeve engages the adapter sleeve. In one embodiment of the present invention, a split lock nut encircling the adapter sleeve defines an axial gap and has a radially inwardly facing surface including threads threadably engaging the threads formed on the sleeve. A tightening fastener operatively engaging the lock nut across the gap tightens the lock nut onto the adapter sleeve. In another embodiment of the present invention, a compressible member is interposed between the lock nut and the inner ring. The compressible member is compressible a predetermined amount to indicate that the bearing assembly is properly clamped onto the shaft.