Abstract: One or more tethers for use with fastener assemblies and a method for use of the one or more tethers with the fastener assemblies is provided. The one or more tethers can be attached between a first fastener assembly positioned with respect to a first vertebrae adjacent a first side of a spinous process of a second vertebrae and a second fastener assembly positioned with respect to the vertebrae adjacent a second side of the spinous process of the second vertebrae. The one or more tethers can be tensioned against the spinous process of the second vertebrae to mitigate stresses on an uninstrumented level of the spine.

Abstract: One or more tethers for use with fastener assemblies and a method for use of the one or more tethers with the fastener assemblies is provided. The one or more tethers can be attached between a first fastener assembly positioned with respect to a first vertebrae adjacent a first side of a spinous process of a second vertebrae and a second fastener assembly positioned with respect to the vertebrae adjacent a second side of the spinous process of the second vertebrae. The one or more tethers can be tensioned against the spinous process of the second vertebrae to mitigate stresses on an uninstrumented level of the spine.

Abstract: An implant system comprises a fastener including a proximal portion including an inner surface that defines a first cavity that defines a first axis and a distal portion configured for penetrating tissue and defining a longitudinal axis disposed transverse to the first axis. A connector extends between a first end and a second end configured for disposal in the first cavity. A receiver is attachable to the first end and includes an implant cavity defining a second axis. The implant cavity is rotatable about a third axis disposed transverse to the second axis such that an implant disposed in the implant cavity and lateral to the first end is rotatable in a first plane relative to the first end in a configuration for selective fixation with the first end. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An implant connector comprises a first surface defining a first cavity configured for disposal of a first implant. A second surface defines a second cavity configured for disposal of a coupling member. A third surface defines a third transverse cavity configured for disposal of a second implant. The third surface includes a projection configured to engage the second implant in a provisional locking orientation. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member having a first surface defining a first cavity for disposal of a first implant. A distal end is configured to mate with a recess of a connector and defines a second cavity. A second member is configured for movable disposal in the second cavity. A third member is connected to the proximal end of the second member and the first implant. The second member is axially movable in a first direction to tension the first implant and in a second direction to release tension from the first implant. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An implant connector comprises a first surface defining a first cavity configured for disposal of a first implant. A second surface defines a second cavity configured for disposal of a coupling member. A third surface defines a third transverse cavity configured for disposal of a second implant. The third surface includes a projection configured to engage the second implant in a provisional locking orientation. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member having a first surface defining a first cavity for disposal of a first implant. A distal end is configured to mate with a recess of a connector and defines a second cavity. A second member is configured for movable disposal in the second cavity. A third member is connected to the proximal end of the second member and the first implant. The second member is axially movable in a first direction to tension the first implant and in a second direction to release tension from the first implant. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An implant system comprises a fastener including a proximal portion including an inner surface that defines a first cavity that defines a first axis and a distal portion configured for penetrating tissue and defining a longitudinal axis disposed transverse to the first axis. A connector extends between a first end and a second end configured for disposal in the first cavity. A receiver is attachable to the first end and includes an implant cavity defining a second axis. The implant cavity is rotatable about a third axis disposed transverse to the second axis such that an implant disposed in the implant cavity and lateral to the first end is rotatable in a first plane relative to the first end in a configuration for selective fixation with the first end. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal construct is provided which includes a bone penetrating member, a receiver and a spherical connector. The bone penetrating member has a head and a tip. The receiver extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is configured to receive an elongated member, such as a vertebral rod. The distal end portion of the receiver includes an opening configured for receiving a spherical connector. The spherical connector is configured to receive the head of the bone penetrating member. The spherical connector can have a truncated spherical shape and contains an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion with an axial bore through it.

Abstract: An implant system comprises a fastener including a proximal portion including an inner surface that defines a first cavity that defines a first axis and a distal portion configured for penetrating tissue and defining a longitudinal axis disposed transverse to the first axis. A connector extends between a first end and a second end configured for disposal in the first cavity. A receiver is attachable to the first end and includes an implant cavity defining a second axis. The implant cavity is rotatable about a third axis disposed transverse to the second axis such that an implant disposed in the implant cavity and posterior to the first end is rotatable in a first plane relative to the first end in a configuration for selective fixation with the first end. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly includes a receiver extending along a central longitudinal axis between a proximal end and an opposite distal end and a bone anchor extending from the receiver. The receiver includes a distal portion defining a receptacle opening at the distal end and a pair of arms extending from the distal portion along the central longitudinal axis on opposite sides of a passage. The receiver includes a saddle that is adjustable in the receiver in one plane to accommodate the angle of placement of the connecting element through the receiver. The receiver is adjustable in another plane that is transverse to the adjustment plane of the saddle to better position the receiver to receive the connecting element. The adjustable saddle and receiver reduce the bending or contouring of the connecting element that may be required to position the connecting element in the receiver.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. The anchor assembly includes a bone engaging portion, a receiver, a saddle within a channel defined by the receiver, and an engaging member. The receiver extends along a central longitudinal axis and is fixed to the bone engaging portion. A rod or other elongated connecting element is received in a channel of the receiver in contact with the saddle, and the engaging member engages the connecting element against the saddle. The orientation of the saddle in the receiver is adjustable to correspond to the orientation of the connecting element relative to the central longitudinal axis at any one of a plurality of angles of the connecting element through the receiver while the receiver and bone engaging portion remain fixed relative to one another.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization apparatus and method according to which a fastener is engaged with a vertebra of a spinal system. The fastener is connected to a rod and the direction of extension of at least a portion of the rod in a coronal plane may be selectively adjusted.

Abstract: An instrument attachment mechanism is disclosed that is operable to be temporarily, but securely, connected with a surgical device. The attachment mechanism includes a body that has a drive member protruding outwardly from a portion of the body. The drive member includes a plurality of side walls and a passageway running from a bottom surface of the drive member to a predetermined depth in the drive member. At least one slot is located in a respective one of the plurality of side walls that extends through the side wall into the passageway. A biasing member is positioned within the passageway such that a select portion of the biasing member protrudes outwardly from the slot. A surgical device, such as a surgical instrument or implant, may be temporarily connected with the drive member such that the select portions of the biasing member apply force to an inner wall of a drive receiving member of the surgical device.

Abstract: A connection system is provided that joins a revision fixation plate to a previously implanted skeletal fixation plate. In one form, the system allows the previously implanted plating system to be revised without disturbing the original implant components. In one aspect, the connection includes joining to a previously implanted fastener. In another aspect, the revision fixation plate is directly joined to a previously implanted fixation plate.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization apparatus and method according to which a fastener is engaged with a vertebra of a spinal system. The fastener is connected to a rod and the direction of extension of at least a portion of the rod in a coronal plane may be selectively adjusted.