Abstract: A system for preventing a patient's shoulders from rising or “shrugging” during a medical procedure is presented. The patient lies on a table and wears a jacket. A number of straps are used to couple the jacket to the table. Each strap has a first end and a second end. The first end of each strap is coupled to the jacket and the second end of each strap is coupled to the table. The straps have sufficient tension to prevent the patient's shoulders from rising or “shrugging” during the medical procedure. The patient's feet rest on foot plate to prevent the patient from sliding toward the foot of the table due to the force exerted on the patient's shoulders because of the tension of the straps.

Abstract: A modular pedicle screw system for use with a longitudinal member, such as a plate or rod, having a fastener with a threaded lower portion for engaging a spinal element and an upper portion adapted to receive a headpiece. The headpiece is adapted to mate with the upper portion of the fastener and to engage a longitudinal member. A plurality of headpieces having angulated projections, lateral sections, and angulated lateral sections, all of which are adapted to engage a longitudinal member and overcome angular and translational malalignment of the fastener, may also be provided.