Abstract: A spinal disc prosthesis to replace a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column of a human includes an upper rigid plate having an outer perimeter and a lower rigid plate having an outer perimeter. A body of elastomeric material located between and bonded to the upper and lower rigid plates includes a main portion and a peripheral portion extending around the main portion. The upper and lower plates each have a curved convex plate surface extending around the respective outer perimeters and facing the peripheral portion of the body of elastomeric material. The peripheral portion of the body of elastomeric material has a first part which is bonded to the curved convex plate surfaces of the upper and lower plates and extends toward the main portion. The first part of the peripheral portion increases in thickness as the first part extends from the curved convex plate surfaces toward the main portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining bone portions in a desired spatial relationship includes a longitudinal plate extendable along the bone portions. A fastener has a first end portion engageable with a bone portion. A connecting member for connecting the plate to the fastener in any one of an infinite number of positions along the slot includes a recess for receiving a portion of the plate. The recess has an interference fit with the portion of the plate received in the recess. A nut engages the second end portion of the fastener to apply a force to cause the interference fit between the plate and the recess.

Abstract: An apparatus for interconnecting a pair of longitudinal members connectable with vertebrae of a spinal column comprises first and second connector members connectable with the longitudinal members. An elongate plate extends transverse to the longitudinal members and interconnects the first and second connector members. The first connector member includes a hook portion extendable around a portion of the longitudinal member. A set screw clamps the longitudinal member to the hook portion of the connector member. A nut threadably engages the set screw to clamp the elongate plate to the connector member. The elongate plate includes surfaces defining a recess for receiving the connector member. The surfaces defining the recess engage the connector member to prevent the elongate plate from pivoting relative to the connector member.

Abstract: An apparatus for interconnecting a pair of longitudinal members connectable with vertebrae of a spinal column comprises first and second connector members connectable with the longitudinal members and a rod extendable transverse to the longitudinal members and between the first and second connector members. The first connector member includes a recess for receiving the rod and a set screw for clamping the rod in the recess. The first connector member includes an opening through which a fastener for connecting one of the longitudinal members to the spinal column is extendable.