Abstract: A cross link system provides stability to spinal rods by maintaining a set distance between the rods. The cross link has a bar with connectors on each end formed with grooves that engage each of the spinal rods. Each of the connectors has a cam that can be manipulated to obstruct the groove and provide a friction fit between the spinal rod and the cross link. The cams have locking nuts that prevent disengagement of the cam and rod. The bar has two shafts interconnected by a bifurcated pin with upstanding ends. a piston is located between the upstanding ends and diverts shear forces along the longitudinal axis of the bar.

Abstract: A surgical cable system for fixing bones in a spatial relationship is composed of a multistrand cable having improved flexibility with a fastener on one end and a free end. The fastener has an aperture through which the free end of the cable is inserted after being looped around the bones. The fastener has a stop in the aperture to crimp the cable to permanently fix the loop in the desired position. The tension on the cable is set using a provisional fastener and a tensioner instrument. The provisional fastener serves to separate the permanent fastener from the tensioner and align the cable to reduce friction and slack for more precise control of the tension and the size of the loop. The tensioner has a fixed length shaft providing small precise adjustments in the cable.

Abstract: A bone plate for use in anterior lumbar spinal fixation has interlocking components to prevent dislodgement of the plate due to anatomical forces. The exposed surface of the plate is smooth to prevent trauma to internal body tissue. The plate spans the intervertebral space with each end attached to an adjacent vertebrae by locking screws threadably engaged with tubular bone anchors. The bone anchors are threaded into the vertebrae and have a reduced diameter leading end which the locking screws expand to lock the anchor in the vertebrae and secure the end of the locking screw in the anchor. The plate has a countersunk cavity including portions overlapping the locking screws. A locking cap fits in the cavity to secure the other end of the locking screws from backing-out of the plate.

Abstract: A modular skeletal hook has an upper module for connecting with larger support apparatus to maintain bones of the skeleton in fixed relationship. The upper module is connected to an attachment module by a modified ball and socket arrangement. The attachment module has a C-shaped hook for engaging the bone. The angular orientation of the upper module and the attachment module may be fixed by a set screw threaded through the upper module and the attachment module.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system comprised of a wedge, distractor channel, and a retractor. The wedge and distractor channel are combined in a nesting relationship and an impactor handle is then attached to the wedge/distractor channel combination to facilitate intervertebral positioning. Subsequent to insertion, the wedge is slidably disengaged while leaving the distractor channel in place, thereby forming an access port which provides an enhanced field of view of the interior spinal anatomy. A retractor is positioned in the incision allowing unobstructed view from outside the body to the access port and facilitates performance of such surgical procedures as discectomy, implant sizing and insertion, spinal fusion, and the like.