Abstract: An implantable, elongated fixation rod that, when coupled to a spinal column in a living patient, stabilizes a portion of the spinal column. The elongated fixation rod includes a plurality of different rod regions formed from surgical stainless steel that are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the elongated fixation rod. The different rod regions include different dimensions tailored to provide the different rod regions with different rigidities specific to support regions of the spinal column where the elongated fixation rod is to be installed. A smooth transition region at least 5 mm in length is integrally formed as part of a common monolithic structure with the different rod regions, and is devoid of a full, sharp step that forms a 90° angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated fixation rod and separates the different rod regions along the longitudinal axis of the fixation rod.

Abstract: An implantable stabilization apparatus stabilizes a portion of a skeletal structure of a living patient. The implantable stabilization apparatus includes an elongated fixation rod that includes a plurality of different rod regions having different cross-sectional dimensions are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the fixation rod. A transition region integrally formed as part of a common monolithic structure with the different rod regions is tapered, and separates the different rod regions from each other along the longitudinal axis of the fixation rod. A fastener system couples the elongated fixation rod to the skeletal structure. The fastener system includes an anchor that is to be secured to the skeletal structure, a saddle coupled to the anchor, and a locking member that maintains cooperation between the saddle and the portion of at least one of the different rod regions interfere with separation of the fixation rod from the fastener system.

Abstract: An implantable stabilization apparatus stabilizes a portion of a skeletal structure of a living patient. The implantable stabilization apparatus includes an elongated fixation rod that includes a plurality of different rod regions having different cross-sectional dimensions are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the fixation rod. A transition region integrally formed as part of a common monolithic structure with the different rod regions is tapered, and separates the different rod regions from each other along the longitudinal axis of the fixation rod. A fastener system couples the elongated fixation rod to the skeletal structure. The fastener system includes an anchor that is to be secured to the skeletal structure, a saddle coupled to the anchor, and a locking member that maintains cooperation between the saddle and the portion of at least one of the different rod regions interfere with separation of the fixation rod from the fastener system.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system (1) for use in the fixation of a spine having a securing element (18) having a biasing member (21) located on a lower portion (44) of the securing element (18); and a substantially concave surface (25) dimensioned for at least partially circumscribing a fixation rod (15); and a retaining element (22) having: a substantially concave top surface (23) dimensioned for at least partially circumscribing a fixation rod (15); an outwardly extending wing (16); a crimping portion (42), wherein the crimping portion (42) at least partially compresses when a force is exerted on the retaining element (22); and a substantially concave bottom surface (24) dimensioned for at least partially circumscribing a head (11) of a bone fixation element (9).

Abstract: A cervical plate system (1) and method for use in the fixation of a spine comprising a fixation plate (2) having an aperture (3) extending from a top surface (5) to a bottom surface (19) and dimensioned for admitting at least a portion of a bone fixation element (4) shank (15) therethrough, a slot (7) extending into the bottom surface (19), and a lock (11) affixed adjacent the fixation plate bottom surface (19) for rotation relative to the fixation plate (2).

Abstract: A cervical plate system (1) and method for use in the fixation of a spine comprising a fixation plate (2) having a aperture (3) extending from a bone fixation plate (2) top surface (5) to a bottom surface (12), dimensioned for admitting a bone fixation element (4) shank (15) therethrough and smaller than a bone fixation element (4) head (16) for retaining the head (16) within the aperture (3); and a locking plate (11) positioned adjacent to a surface of the fixation plate (2) and dimensioned for slidable movement along a lateral axis (13) of the fixation plate surface, from a first position wherein the locking plate (11) disengages at least a portion of the bone fixation element (4) to a second position wherein the locking plate (11) engages at least a portion of the bone fixation element (4).

Abstract: A spinal fixation system (1) for use in the fixation of a spine comprising: a coupling element (2) having a pair of opposed longitudinal apertures (17) through a wall (35) thereof; a longitudinal slot (8) in a coupling element (2) interior surface (3); a hole (13) through the bottom end (5) of the coupling element (2); and a securing element (18) dimensioned for insertion into the coupling element (2), the securing element (18) having an outwardly extending wing (26) dimensioned for riding in the coupling element slot (8), for preventing a rotation of the securing element (18) about a longitudinal axis (7) thereof.