Abstract: A new top-loading transverse connector of the present invention for bridging between longitudinal members of a spinal fixation system implant. The transverse connector is loaded and clamped to the longitudinal member from the top permitting easy access and adjustment and may clamp at the same location along the rod as a vertebral fixation element. The transverse connector comprises an elongate body and an engagement portion on each opposing end of the elongate body. The engagement portion includes downward legs each with a surface to engage the longitudinal member. The downward legs are displaced from each other to define a space therebetween. The engagement portion includes an upper surface defining an opening therethrough. The opening intersects the space defined between the downward legs. Together, the space and opening are configured to receive the clamp assembly carried on the longitudinal member. Another object of the invention, is to provide an improved system including the transverse connector.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes a tapered body defining a hollow interior for receiving bone graft or bone substitute material, The body defines exterior threads which are interrupted over portions of the outer surface of the device. The fusion device defines truncated side walls so that on end view the body takes on a cylindrical form. The side walls are provided with vascularization openings, and the body wall device includes opposite bone ingrowth slots extending through the interrupted thread portion of the body. In another embodiment, the tapered body is solid and formed of a porous biocompatible material having sufficient structural integrity to maintain the intradiscal space and normal curvature. The material is preferably a porous tantalum having fully interconnected pores to facilitate complete bone tissue ingrowth into the implant.

Abstract: A template assembly is provided for marking locations on the disc annulus for the implantation of an interbody fusion device or the introduction of a working instrument. The template assembly includes a tubular body sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient and advancement to an affected intervertebral disc. An elongated shaft slidably extends through the tubular body and is threadedly engaged to the tubular body at its proximal end so that rotation of the shaft relative to the tubular body advances the shaft through the body. A guide foot is pivotably connected to the distal end of the tubular body to be pivoted from a first position aligned with the tubular body to a second deployed position oriented substantially perpendicular to the tubular body. The guide body is pivoted from the first position to the second position by advancement of the elongated shaft through the tubular body.

Abstract: An iliac screw includes a smooth distal shank (35), a threaded proximal shank (37) and a proximal head portion (38). The smooth distal shank (35) is configured to penetrate the cancellous bone of the iliac wings, while the threaded shank (37) carries bone threads configured for engagement with the cortical or the cancellous bone. The head portion (38) is configured for engagement with an elongated fixation member, such as a spinal rod.