Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for bone fixation, and in particular, systems and methods for fusion of human cervical spine from the anterior aspect. To that end, some of the embodiments of the invention are directed to plate systems for aligning and maintaining adjacent cervical vertebrae in a selected spatial relationship during spinal fusion of such vertebrae.

Abstract: A fastener retention system for retaining fasteners within apertures of an orthopedic plate includes a first pocket disposed between two of the apertures in the plate, a blocking member disposed between the two apertures and including a second pocket that forms a cavity with the first pocket, and a spring that expands from a compressed configuration within the first pocket to a decompressed configuration within the cavity.

Abstract: A retractor device for spearing the body tissue apart is provided. The retractor includes a housing configured to include a plurality of sections, wherein each section is configured to accommodate placement of at least one blade, a blade holding mechanism configured to secure the at least one blade within the housing, a translation mechanism configured to provide translation movement of at least one of the sections, and a rotation mechanism configured to provide rotation movement of at least one blade.

Abstract: An implant has a bone plate with a bone contacting surface and an opposite outwardly facing surface. The plate includes a split-ring receiving recess open to the outwardly facing surface located intermediate first and second bone screw receiving openings in the plate. The first and second bone screw receiving openings each having a slot spaced from the outwardly facing surface towards the bone contacting surface. The slot is formed in a wall of the first and second bone screw receiving openings. The slot is open to the split ring receiving recess. A resilient split-ring has a thickness less than a height of the slots in the first and second bone screw openings when measured along the bone screw receiving opening axis.

Abstract: A spinal implant has a bone plate with a bone contacting surface and an opposite upwardly facing surface and at least one opening with a groove formed around an inner circumference of the opening. The groove has an axially spaced upper and lower surface. A bone-anchor or bone screw is capable of being accommodated in the opening between the groove and the bone contacting surface. A split-ring is mounted in the groove. The split-ring is sized to expand upon insertion of the anchor element into the opening and to come into direct contact with a head of the bone anchor to hold the bone anchor in the opening. The split-ring has an upper surface and a lower surface for respectively engaging the upper and lower surface of said groove, wherein the split-ring has a variable width so as to optimize its flexibility.

Abstract: An implant has a bone plate with a bone contacting surface and an opposite outwardly facing surface. The plate includes a split-ring receiving recess open to the outwardly facing surface located intermediate first and second bone screw receiving openings in the plate. The first and second bone screw receiving openings each having a slot spaced from the outwardly facing surface towards the bone contacting surface. The slot is formed in a wall of the first and second bone screw receiving openings. The slot is open to the split ring receiving recess. A resilient split-ring has a thickness less than a height of the slots in the first and second bone screw openings when measured along the bone screw receiving opening axis.

Abstract: An implant has a bone plate with a bone contacting surface and an opposite outwardly facing surface. The plate includes a split-ring receiving recess open to the outwardly facing surface located intermediate first and second bone screw receiving openings in the plate. The first and second bone screw receiving openings each having a slot spaced from the outwardly facing surface towards the bone contacting surface. The slot is formed in a wall of the first and second bone screw receiving openings. The slot is open to the split ring receiving recess. A resilient split-ring has a thickness less than a height of the slots in the first and second bone screw openings when measured along the bone screw receiving opening axis.

Abstract: An implant, particularly for the spinal column, comprises a plate having openings, bone-anchoring members capable of being accommodated in the openings and at least one split-ring capable of holding the members in the orifices. The split-ring can come into direct contact with the anchoring member or members to hold the member or members in the orifices.

Abstract: A system and methods for performing spinal fixation, including a spinal fixation system with at least rod member having shaped ends, at least two pedicle screws capable of receiving the shaped ends of the rod member, and a system for percutaneously introducing the rod member and pedicle screws to perform spinal fixation.

Abstract: A retractor device for spearing the body tissue apart is provided. The retractor includes a housing configured to include a plurality of sections, wherein each section is configured to accommodate placement of at least one blade, a blade holding mechanism configured to secure the at least one blade within the housing, a translation mechanism configured to provide translation movement of at least one of the sections, and a rotation mechanism configured to provide rotation movement of at least one blade.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for bone fixation, and in particular, systems and methods for fusion of human cervical spine from the anterior aspect. To that end, some of the embodiments of the invention are directed to plate systems for aligning and maintaining adjacent cervical vertebrae in a selected spatial relationship during spinal fusion of such vertebrae.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plate is disclosed, along with threaded fasteners for securing the plate to vertebrae or other osseous material. The cervical plate has several pockets or apertures, preferably at least four, to receive a corresponding number of the fasteners. The pockets have spherical surfaces, and the fasteners have heads with similarly sized spherical surfaces, which when engaged permit each of the fasteners to be oriented at a variety of projection angles with respect to the plate. In connection with each pocket, the cervical plate incorporates a fastener retaining feature. The feature can take the form of a cantilevered tab or a beam supported at its opposite ends, in each case plastically deformable between an open position for admitting the fastener and a closed position for preventing retraction.

Abstract: An implant, particularly for the spinal column, comprises a plate having openings, bone-anchoring members capable of being accommodated in the openings and at least one split-ring capable of holding the members in the orifices. The split-ring can come into direct contact with the anchoring member or members to hold the member or members in the orifices.

Abstract: An implant, particularly for the spinal column, comprises a plate having openings, bone-anchoring members capable of being accommodated in the openings and at least one split-ring capable of holding the members in the orifices. The split-ring can come into direct contact with the anchoring member or members to hold the member or members in the orifices.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plate is disclosed, along with threaded fasteners for securing the plate to vertebrae or other osseous material. The cervical plate has several pockets or apertures, preferably at least four, to receive a corresponding number of the fasteners. The pockets have spherical surfaces, and the fasteners have heads with similarly sized spherical surfaces, which when engaged permit each of the fasteners to be oriented at a variety of projection angles with respect to the plate. In connection with each pocket, the cervical plate incorporates a fastener retaining feature. The feature can take the form of a cantilevered tab or a beam supported at its opposite ends, in each case plastically deformable between an open position for admitting the fastener and a closed position for preventing retraction.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plate is disclosed, along with threaded fasteners for securing the plate to vertebrae or other osseous material. The cervical plate has several pockets or apertures, preferably at least four, to receive a corresponding number of the fasteners. The pockets have spherical surfaces, and the fasteners have heads with similarly sized spherical surfaces, which when engaged permit each of the fasteners to be oriented at a variety of projection angles with respect to the plate. In connection with each pocket, the cervical plate incorporates a fastener retaining feature. The feature can take the form of a cantilevered tab or a beam supported at its opposite ends, in each case plastically deformable between an open position for admitting the fastener and a closed position for preventing retraction.