Abstract: In an intervertebral implant having an abutment element for abutment on at least one vertebral body, in order to be able to apply pulling forces to the abutment element without the risk of damage to the abutment element, it is proposed that the abutment element carry at a side edge a pull element which extends along the side wall of the abutment element and is held on the abutment element by pull members extending at the sides of the abutment element in the direction towards the opposite side edge, the pull element being made of a material whose tensile strength is greater than the tensile strength of the material of the abutment element, and that an interspace for receiving a handling instrument engaging the pull element from behind be arranged at least in a section along the pull element between the pull element and the abutment element. A handling instrument for handling such an intervertebral implant is also described.

Abstract: A fixation plate system includes a plate with elongated slots, and first and second anchors for attaching the plate to vertebrae. The first and second anchors have different head configurations that are selected by the surgeon to control how settlement occurs at each fused segment. The head of the first fastener is insertable in any of the slots and resists translation. The head of the second fastener is insertable in any of the slots in free sliding engagement to allow translation of the head in that slot. In one method of use, the surgeon selects a segment where settling needs to be limited, and uses the first fastener to fix the plate near the segment and limit settling at that segment. The first and second fasteners have a built-in spring that assists in securing the fasteners in the plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for a shift-by-wire-actuated gearshift transmission. It includes a shifter base and an actuating element pivotally supported in a bearing location of the shifter base. The actuation device further includes at least one actuator for blocking the actuation element. Here, the actuator, in addition to its blocking function, is configured for generating mechanical vibrations or oscillations. A tactile feedback for the user of the actuation device with low design complexity is provided for flexible, tactile signaling of switching processes or locked actuation positions of a selection lever. Existing actuation devices can potentially be upgraded for tactile feedback purely by software-side changes.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for inserting a spinal fixation rod include various components for inserting a rod with visual guidance. One kit includes a plurality of hollow elongated extension tubes and rod templates. The tube connectors connect the extension tubes in series. Another kit includes a rod guidance instrument having a sleeve. A guide member is attachable to the midsection of the sleeve, and a spinal fixation rod is attachable to the distal end of the sleeve. A method for inserting a spinal fixation rod into a plurality of rod receiving implants includes the steps of contouring a fixation rod to conform to a predetermined shape, contouring a guide member to match the shape of the contoured rod, and guiding the fixation rod into a rod receiving implant by maneuvering the guide member through a guide slot representing the location of the rod receiving implant.

Abstract: A measuring device for determining the strength of magnet fields using a Hall probe and a method for evaluating the function of a Hall sensor. The measuring device comprises a sensor having a Hall probe and an electric diagnosis conductor which is galvanically isolated from the Hall probe. The measuring device being able to continually monitor the sensor. In particular, the sensor can not only be checked qualitatively in regard to function or failure, but also quantitatively in regard to correct calibration such that, if necessary, an immediate correction or re-calibration of the sensor can be performed. In particular, measuring errors for instance, due to a temperature drift or because of mechanical stress of the sensor, can easily be eliminated.

Abstract: In an intervertebral implant having an abutment element for abutment on at least one vertebral body, in order to be able to apply pulling forces to the abutment element without the risk of damage to the abutment element, it is proposed that the abutment element carry at a side edge a pull element which extends along the side wall of the abutment element and is held on the abutment element by pull members extending at the sides of the abutment element in the direction towards the opposite side edge, the pull element being made of a material whose tensile strength is greater than the tensile strength of the material of the abutment element, and that an interspace for receiving a handling instrument engaging the pull element from behind be arranged at least in a section along the pull element between the pull element and the abutment element. A handling instrument for handling such an intervertebral implant is also described.

Abstract: In order to improve a bone screw with a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and with a head which can be brought into engagement with a bone screw receiving means of a bone plate for the releasable connection of the bone screw to the bone plate, wherein a securing element for securing a connection between the bone screw and the bone plate is provided, wherein the bone screw can be brought from a position of engagement, in which the bone screw is held on the bone plate, into a release position, in which the bone screw can be released from the bone plate, wherein the securing element can be brought from a non-securing position, in which the bone screw can be brought into the release position, into a securing position for securing the connection between the bone screw and the bone plate, in which the bone screw takes up the position of engagement, such that a bone plate can be fixed to bone parts more easily and more securely it is suggested that the securing element be supported on the bone screw so as to be mov