Abstract: Medical implant systems and methods of use thereof, and, more particularly, bone fixating plating systems and methods of use thereof. The medical implant system includes a plurality of fasteners, a receiving member body having a plurality of openings (capable of receiving one of the plurality of fasteners), and a plurality of locking mechanisms rotatably connected to the receiving member body. Each opening has at least one locking mechanism located nearby. Each locking mechanism can be rotated with an instrument between an open position and a closed position relative to the opening nearby the locking mechanism. Stops prevent over-rotation of the locking mechanism past the open position and the closed position. Each fastener can be rotated with the instrument to secure the fasteners into bone. When the locking mechanism is in the open position, the fastener can be passed through the opening and the instrument can be coupled to the fastener to rotate the fastener.

Abstract: A medical implant having an anchoring system for anchoring and retaining the medical implant (such as a cage) in place and method of use thereof. The implantable intervertebral device can be used with any interchangeable combination of (a) anchors and (b) screws (i.e., the surgeon/practitioner can use the same medical implant and elect which combination of anchors and screws to use for anchoring purposes). The medical implant can be placed between the vertebrae and a tool be utilized to secure and anchor the medical implant in place.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient using quick-connect sleeve assemblies. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly can be coupled to a bone fastener assembly in a fast and intuitive way. In one embodiment, a quick-connect sleeve assembly has a detachable member and a movable member. Both members engage a collar of the bone fastener assembly. In one embodiment, the engagement can be locked via one or more locking features to facilitate screwing a bone fastener of the bone fastener assembly onto a vertebral body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly has a low profile and is particularly shaped for minimally invasive entry.

Abstract: A retractor may be used during spinal surgery. The retractor may include a frame and one or more retractor blades. Each retractor blade may include a coupling arm, a retainer, and a retraction component. The coupling arms may be coupled to the frame such that the coupling arms are able to move inward or outwards relative to the frame. The retainer may secure the retraction component to the coupling arm. In some embodiments, the retraction blades may be made of a radiolucent material that allows radiological images to be taken during a surgical procedure with the retractor in place. A position of retraction components relative to the frame may be changed during a surgical procedure. One or more of the retraction components may be replaced during a surgical procedure without removing the retractor from the patient.