Abstract: An instrument for engaging a bone anchor may include a first implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end and a second implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end. The second implant engaging member may be integrally connected to the first implant engaging member by a pair of opposed integral spring members located proximal to the distal ends of the first and second implant engaging members. Manipulation of the proximal ends of the first and second implant engaging member can cause each of the distal ends to rotate about the pair of opposed spring members to engage at least a portion of a bone anchor. A rod adjusting tool may be connectable to the bone anchor engaging tool and may be axially adjustable relative to the bone anchor tool to adjust a spinal rod relative to the bone anchor.

Abstract: A bone screw (10) having a lead portion (12) and a tail portion (14), each comprising a root and a thread (22, 24) (having a thread lead) formed on the root. The thread on each of the lead and tail portions has an approximately constant diameter along a significant portion of its length. The diameter of the thread on the tail portion is greater than that of the thread on the lead portion, and in which the thread lead of the thread on the lead portion is equal to the thread lead of the thread on the tail portion. The screw can be used to achieve fixation to a vertebra with an anterior approach.

Abstract: An instrument for engaging a bone anchor may include a first implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end and a second implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end. The second implant engaging member may be integrally connected to the first implant engaging member by a pair of opposed integral spring members located proximal to the distal ends of the first and second implant engaging members. Manipulation of the proximal ends of the first and second implant engaging member can cause each of the distal ends to rotate about the pair of opposed spring members to engage at least a portion of a bone anchor. A rod adjusting tool may be connectable to the bone anchor engaging tool and may be axially adjustable relative to the bone anchor tool to adjust a spinal rod relative to the bone anchor.

Abstract: A bone screw (10) having a lead portion (12) and a tail portion (14), each comprising a root and a thread (22, 24) (having a thread lead) formed on the root. The thread on each of the lead and tail portions has an approximately constant diameter along a significant portion of its length. The diameter of the thread on the tail portion is greater than that of the thread on the lead portion, and in which the thread lead of the thread on the lead portion is equal to the thread lead of the thread on the tail portion. The screw can be used to achieve fixation to a vertebra with an anterior approach.