Abstract: A system for attaching first and second spine fixation elements at a predetermined angle relative to each other to first and second locations of a vertebra, respectively includes first and second guide arms pivotally connected to each other at a first pivot point and configured to pivot around a pivot axis passing through the first pivot point, and first and second guide tubes passing through first and second elongated through-bore openings formed in the first and second guide arms, respectively, and forming an X-structure as they exit the first and second through-bore openings.

Abstract: A spinal fixation element includes a screw and a washer. The screw comprises an elongated body of a first diameter and the body includes a threaded portion at a distal end and a semispherical head of a second diameter at a proximal end. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter. The washer comprises a semispherical through opening of a third diameter at the top, of a fourth diameter in the middle and of a fifth diameter at the bottom. The third diameter is slightly smaller than the second diameter, the fourth diameter is slightly larger than the second diameter and the fifth diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The washer surrounds the semispherical head, is non-removably attached to the semispherical head and is rotatable and positionable at an angle relative to the elongated body.

Abstract: A system for a dynamic facet replacement includes first and second inferior facets, first and second pars and first and second superior facets. The first and second inferior facets are configured to replace left and right natural inferior facets and each facet comprises an articulating surface. The first and second superior facets are configured to replace left and right natural superior facets and each facet comprises an articulating surface. Each of the first and second pars includes first and second articulating surfaces and is configured to articulately connect the first and second articulating surfaces with the first articulating surfaces of the inferior and superior facets, respectively.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes first and second K-wire components that are configured to pivot relative to each other and their relative position can be securely locked. The locking mechanism may be a sleeve, a retention ring or a collet.

Abstract: Methods and devices for static or dynamic spine stabilization include an anterior plating system that allows longitudinal and pivoting motion of the plates and of the stabilized vertebras. In one embodiment a spine fixation assembly for connecting a first vertebra to a second vertebra includes a first plate configured to be attached to one or more locations of the first vertebra and a second plate configured to be attached to one or more locations of the second vertebra. The first plate is pivotally connected to the second plate and may also allow longitudinal and/or horizontal motion of the plates relative to each other.

Abstract: A spinal fixation element includes a screw and a washer. The screw comprises an elongated body of a first diameter and the body includes a threaded portion at a distal end and a semispherical head of a second diameter at a proximal end. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter. The washer comprises a semispherical through opening of a third diameter at the top, of a fourth diameter in the middle and of a fifth diameter at the bottom. The third diameter is slightly smaller than the second diameter, the fourth diameter is slightly larger than the second diameter and the fifth diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The washer surrounds the semispherical head, is non-removably attached to the semispherical head and is rotatable and positionable at an angle relative to the elongated body.

Abstract: A system for attaching first and second fixation elements at a predetermined angle relative to each other to first and second locations of a vertebra, respectively includes a first guide wire configured to be inserted into the first location of the vertebra, an angular guide system comprising first and second guide arms configured to be set at the predetermined angle relative to each other and the first guide arm is configured to be inserted over the first guide wire and a second guide wire configured to be inserted through the second guide arm into the second location of the vertebra. The second guide wire includes first and second members configured to pivot relative to each other.

Abstract: A spinal fixation element includes a screw and a washer. The screw comprises an elongated body of a first diameter and the body includes a threaded portion at a distal end and a semispherical head of a second diameter at a proximal end. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter. The washer comprises a semispherical through opening of a third diameter at the top, of a fourth diameter in the middle and of a fifth diameter at the bottom. The third diameter is slightly smaller than the second diameter, the fourth diameter is slightly larger than the second diameter and the fifth diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The washer surrounds the semispherical head, is non-removably attached to the semispherical head and is rotatable and positionable at an angle relative to the elongated body.

Abstract: An improved interbody spinal fusion assembly for fusing a first vertebra to a second vertebra includes an interbody cage, a first plate and a second plate. The interbody cage is configured to be implanted between the first and second vertebras and comprises through-apertures configured to be filled with bone fusing material. The first plate comprises an L-shaped body having a first end configured to be attached to a first location of the interbody cage, a second end configured to be attached to a first location of the first vertebra and a corner formed between the first and second ends and configured to be attached to a second location of the first vertebra or a third location of the interbody cage. The second plate comprises a first end configured to be attached to a second location of the interbody cage and a second end configured to be attached to a first location of the second vertebra.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes first and second K-wire components that are configured to pivot relative to each other and their relative position can be securely locked. The locking mechanism may be a sleeve, a retention ring or a collet.

Abstract: A system for attaching first and second fixation elements at a predetermined angle relative to each other to first and second locations of a vertebra, respectively includes a first guide wire configured to be inserted into the first location of the vertebra, an angular guide system comprising first and second guide arms configured to be set at the predetermined angle relative to each other and the first guide arm is configured to be inserted over the first guide wire and a second guide wire configured to be inserted through the second guide arm into the second location of the vertebra. The second guide wire includes first and second members configured to pivot relative to each other.