Abstract: One embodiment of a spinal fixation system 10 including a pair of longitudinal members 11, 12 positionable adjacent the spine, means for engaging longitudinal members to the spine 13, 14, a pair of wedge members 16 each having a bearing surface 38 configured to bear on a longitudinal member 11, 12, and a connector 20 configured to span a distance between the longitudinal members 11, 12. The connector 20 includes a pair of engaging members 25, 26 each having a fixation surface 33 and a connecting surface 30, and a bridge member 21 attached to the connecting surfaces 30. The engaging members 25, 26 each define a thru-hole 35 for receiving one of the wedge members 16. The thru-holes 35 are aligned so that wherein one of the wedge members 16 is advanced through the thru-hole 35, the bearing surface 38 will bear on a corresponding longitudinal member 11, 12 to force the longitudinal member 11, 12 into contact with the fixation surface 33 and engage the longitudinal member 11, 12 to the connector 20.

Abstract: One embodiment of a spinal fixation system 10 including a pair of longitudinal members 11, 12 positionable adjacent the spine, means for engaging longitudinal members to the spine 13, 14, a pair of wedge members 16 each having a bearing surface 38 configured to bear on a longitudinal member 11, 12, and a connector 20 configured to span a distance between the longitudinal members 11, 12. The connector 20 includes a pair of engaging members 25, 26 each having a fixation surface 33 and a connecting surface 30, and a bridge member 21 attached to the connecting surfaces 30. The engaging members 25, 26 each define a thru-hole 35 for receiving one of the wedge members 16. The thru-holes 35 are aligned so that when one of the wedge members 16 is advanced through the thru-hole 35, the bearing surface 38 will bear on a corresponding longitudinal member 11, 12 to force the longitudinal member 11, 12 into contact with the fixation surface 33 and engage the longitudinal member 11, 12 to the connector 20.

Abstract: The embodiment of a spinal fixation system 10 including a pair of longitudinal members 11, 12 positionable adjacent the spine, engaging member for engaging longitudinal members to the spine 13, 14, a pair of wedge members 16 each having a bearing surface 38 configured to bear on a longitudinal member 11, 12, and a connector 20 configured to span a distance between the longitudinal members 11, 12. The connector 20 includes a pair of engaging members 25, 26 each having a fixation surface 33 and a connecting surface 30, and a bridge member 21 attached to the connecting surfaces 30. The engaging members 25, 26 each define a thru-hole 35 for receiving one of the wedge members 16. The thru-holes 35 are aligned so that when one of the wedge members 16 is advanced through the thru-hole 35, the bearing surface 38 will bear on a corresponding longitudinal member 11, 12 to force the longitudinal member 11, 12 into contact with the fixation surface 33 and engage the longitudinal member 11, 12 to the connector 20.

Abstract: One embodiment of a spinal fixation system including a pair of longitudinal members 11, 12 positionable adjacent the spine, means for engaging longitudinal members to the spine 13, 14, a pair of wedge members 241 each having a bearing surface 242 configured to bear on a longitudinal member 11, 12, and a connector 200 configured to span a distance between the longitudinal members 11, 12. The connector 200 includes a pair of engaging members 205, 212 each having a fixation portion 207, 214 and a connecting portion 209, 216, and a bridge members 202 attachable to the connecting portions 209, 216. The engaging members 205, 212 each define a thru-hole 225 for receiving one of the wedge members 241.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the treatment of spinal fractures and scoliosis. Windowed hook holders are used to firmly grasp and position hooks having a slotted base and a projecting hook on the spinal column. The projecting hook is used to engage the bone of the spinal column.Two or more hooks are held firmly in place on the spinal column with the hook holders. A threaded rod carrying two or more sleeves which are slideable along the length of the rod and locking nuts are aligned with the hooks and the sleeves and nuts spaced along the rod to correspond approximately to the spacing of the positioned hooks.The threaded rod, sleeves and nuts are then passed through the window openings of the hook holders and aligned with the hooks without disengaging the hook holders from the hooks. The threaded rod is then dropped into the slots and the sleeve slid into the hook base to hold the rod in the hook.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the treatment of spinal fractures and scoliosis. Windowed hook holders are used to firmly grasp and position hooks having a slotted base and a projecting hook on the spinal column. The projecting hook is used to engage the bone of the spinal column.Two or more hooks are held firmly in place on the spinal column with the hook holders. A threaded rod carrying two or more sleeves which are slideable along the length of the rod and locking nuts are aligned with the hooks and the sleeves and nuts spaced along the rod to correspond approximately to the spacing of the positioned hooks.The threaded rod, sleeves and nuts are then passed through the window openings of the hook holders and aligned with the hooks without disengaging the hook holders from the hooks. The threaded rod is then dropped into the slots and the sleeve slid into the hook base to hold the rod in the hook.