Abstract: A system for stabilizing a portion of the spine comprising an elongate plate attached to one or more vertebrae by a number of bone anchors, with the system including one or more features that provide visualization of an implant disposed within a vertebral space and/or the interface between the implant and the adjacent vertebral tissue. A holding instrument is included that is engageable to the plate for positioning the plate adjacent the spinal column.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a portion of the spine comprising an elongate plate attached to one or more vertebrae by a number of bone anchors, with the system including one or more features that provide visualization of an implant disposed within a vertebral space and/or the interface between the implant and the adjacent vertebral tissue. A holding instrument is included that is engageable to the plate for positioning the plate adjacent the spinal column.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a portion of the spine comprising an elongate plate attached to one or more vertebrae by a number of bone anchors, with the system including one or more features that provide visualization of an implant disposed within a vertebral space and/or the interface between the implant and the adjacent vertebral tissue. A holding instrument is included that is engageable to the plate for positioning the plate adjacent the spinal column.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drill guide and methods of using a drill guide with a plate having at least one slotted hole extending therethrough. The drill guide positions a bone engaging fastener away from the ends of the slot, allowing compression or distraction of the bony segment to which the plate is attached.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drill guide and methods of using a drill guide with a plate having at least one slotted hole extending therethrough. The drill guide positions a bone engaging fastener away from the ends of the slot, allowing compression or distraction of the bony segment to which the plate is attached.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a portion of the spine comprising an elongate plate attached to one or more vertebrae by a number of bone anchors, with the system including one or more features that provide visualization of an implant disposed within a vertebral space and/or the interface between the implant and the adjacent vertebral tissue. A holding instrument is included that is engageable to the plate for positioning the plate adjacent the spinal column.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drill guide and methods of using a drill guide with a plate having at least one slotted hole extending therethrough. The drill guide positions a bone engaging fastener away from the ends of the slot, allowing compression or distraction of the bony segment to which the plate is attached.

Abstract: Systems for stabilizing the spine and facilitating placement of stabilization devices on the spine include one or more holding elements positionable in corresponding ones of one or more cannulated auxiliary elements of the stabilization device. The holding elements can be configured to manipulate and/or maintain alignment of the corresponding auxiliary element relative to the stabilization device. A driving tool engaged to the holding element facilitates remote manipulation. The systems can further be provided with blocking members engageable to the cannulated auxiliary elements to enhance engagement of the stabilization device with the spine and to facilitate revision surgery.

Abstract: Retaining mechanisms are attachable to a bone plate to retain one or more bone engaging fasteners relative to the bone plate. The retaining mechanisms include a retaining element engaged to an attachment element. One or both of the retaining element and the attachment element are moveable relative to the plate to position and/or maintain the retaining element in contact with one or more bone engaging fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a plating system for anterior fixation of the spine that utilizes a fixation plate. The plating system stabilizes the spine and promotes fusion and incorporation of a graft in a portion of the spinal column. The plating system includes a fixation plate and bone screws that extend through holes in the plate to rigidly secure the plate to vertebrae. The plating system also includes a retainer assembly that prevents screw back out. Methods and instruments relating to the plating system are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drill guide and methods of using a drill guide with a plate having at least one slotted hole extending therethrough. The drill guide positions a bone engaging fastener away from the ends of the slot, allowing compression or distraction of the bony segment to which the plate is attached.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a portion of the spine comprising an elongate plate attached to one or more vertebrae by a number of bone anchors, with the system including one or more features that provide visualization of an implant disposed within a vertebral space and/or the interface between the implant and the adjacent vertebral tissue. A holding instrument is included that is engageable to the plate for positioning the plate adjacent the spinal column.

Abstract: Retaining mechanisms are attachable to a bone plate to retain one or more bone engaging fasteners relative to the bone plate. The retaining mechanisms include a retaining element engaged to an attachment element. One or both of the retaining element and the attachment element are moveable relative to the plate to position and/or maintain the retaining element in contact with one or more bone engaging fasteners.

Abstract: A drill guide and methods of using a drill guide with a plate having at least one slotted hole extending therethrough. The drill guide positions a bone engaging fastener away from the ends of the slot, allowing compression or distraction of the bony segment to which the plate is attached.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for anterior fixation of the spine that utilizes an elongated fixation plate. The plating system stabilizes the spine and promotes fusion and incorporation of a graft or implant in a portion of the spinal column. In one aspect of the invention, the fixation plate has a first end with a pair of holes. Bone screws extend through the holes to rigidly secure the plate to a first vertebra. The second end of the plate is provided with a pair of slots through which bone screws extend for engagement with a second vertebra. The screws extending through the slots are translatable in the slot to maintain compression of the spinal column portion. The plating system includes a retainer assembly that prevents screw back out. Methods and instruments relating to the plating system are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for anterior fixation of the spine that utilizes an elongated fixation plate. The plating system stabilizes the spine and promotes fusion and incorporation of a graft or implant in a portion of the spinal column. In one aspect of the invention, the fixation plate has a first end with a pair of holes. Bone screws extend through the holes to rigidly secure the plate to a first vertebra. The second end of the plate is provided with a pair of slots through which bone screws extend for engagement with a second vertebra. The screws extending through the slots are translatable in the slot to maintain compression of the spinal column portion. The plating system includes a retainer assembly that prevents screw back out. Methods and instruments relating to the plating system are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drill guide and methods of using a drill guide with a plate having at least one slotted hole extending therethrough. The drill guide positions a bone engaging fastener away from the ends of the slot, allowing compression or distraction of the bony segment to which the plate is attached.