Abstract: The invention relates to a method of viewing and controlling the balance of a vertebral column of which one spinal segment is corrected by way of conventional spinal instrumentation. The invention method consists of: determining and calculating the relative three-dimensional position of the upper (UEV) and lower (LEV) end instrumented vertebrae of the corrected spinal segment; determining and calculating the position of the spinal segments which are located above and below the spinal segment corrected by the spinal instrumentation, according to the relative three-dimensional position of the upper (UEV) and lower (LEV) end instrumented vertebrae and viewing the front and side projection of the balance or imbalance of the vertebral column.

Abstract: The immobilization device for a connecting rod (2) in an osseous anchoring element (3) of a rachidian implant (4) comprises an osseous anchoring implant (3) comprising retaining means (14, 15) adapted to deform elastically under a pressure force F and a blocking element (5) comprising on the one hand lugs (33, 34) which coact with the retaining means (14, 15) to permit the securement of the blocking element (5) on the osseous anchoring element (3), and on the other hand, a tightening screw (31) permitting immobilizing in rotation and in translation the connecting rod (2) between the osseous anchoring element (3) and the blocking element (5).

Abstract: The rachidian anchoring device with pedicular hooks (2, 4), permitting the emplacement and securement of a connecting rod (3) at the level of each vertebra (9) of a vertebral column, comprises particular hooks (2, 4) provided with securement means for the reception and blocking of a transverse rod (5) connecting said pedicular hooks (2, 4) together and permitting exerting compression between the two pedicular hooks (2, 4) in the direction of the center of the vertebra (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument comprising: grip handles (2, 3) which are articulated to each other around a fulcrum pin (4) so that the jaws can be moved from an open position to a closed position; and connecting means (5) which can be used to: (i) lock the handles (2, 3) in a determined, constant position when a first force is exerted on said handles; and (ii) unlock the handles (2, 3) when a second force is exerted on same.

Abstract: The invention concerns an intervertebral disc prosthesis comprising an upper plate (2) and a lower plate (3) anchored respectively on the upper end-plate and the lower end-plate of the vertebral bodies of the vertebrae lying above and below a spine, a central core (4) placed between the two plates (2, 3) which have an upper spherical cap (13) and a lower spherical cap (14) co-operating respectively with the spherical impressions (9) arranged in said upper and lower plates, and an annular element (5) made of viscoelastic material which is centred about the core (4) and is urged into contact with protuberances (12) provided on each internal surface (8) of the upper plate (2) and of the lower plate (3) so as to limit and control the bending, inclining and rotating movements of the upper plate (2) and of the lower plate (3) relative to each other and about the core (4), and ensure the positioning stability of the core (4) between the two plates (2, 3) and prevent fibrous deposits from penetrating inside the prost

Abstract: A multiple axis connector for securing a connecting rod of a spinal implant to a vertebra anchor wherein the connector includes a first element for securing to the vertebra anchor and a second element for receiving the connecting rod and which elements are joined by a ball joint member which permits relative angular adjustment therebetween.

Abstract: The invention concerns an intervertebral disc prosthesis comprising an upper plate (2) and a lower plate (3) anchored respectively on the upper end-plate and the lower end-plate of the vertebral bodies of the vertebrae lying above and below a spine, a central core (4) placed between the two plates (2, 3) which have an upper spherical cap (13) and a lower spherical cap (14) co-operating respectively with the spherical impressions (9) arranged in said upper and lower plates, and an annular element (5) made of viscoelastic material which is centred about the core (4) and is urged into contact with protuberances (12) provided on each internal surface (8) of the upper plate (2) and of the lower plate (3) so as to limit and control the bending, inclining and rotating movements of the upper plate (2) and of the lower plate (3) relative to each other and about the core (4), and ensure the positioning stability of the core (4) between the two plates (2, 3) and prevent fibrous deposits from penetrating inside the prost

Abstract: A posterior spinal osteosynthesis device for providing a transverse connection between two vertebral rods extending along a spinal segment wherein the device includes pairs of hooks adapted to laterally engage the vertebra with each pair being connected by a pair of parallel rods which are elastically bent to form a transverse arc whose ends are engaged in bores within the hooks.

Abstract: The invention concerns a longitudinal linking rod for spinal instrumentation, produced in a malleable alloy whereof the ultimate elongation A %, in tensile test, is higher than 20%.

Abstract: The device comprises at least one vertebral rod (2), pedicle screws (3), and connectors (1) interconnecting the rod and the screws. The connectors (1, 10) define an oblong opening (5) extending transversely of the rod and passed through by the screw. The intermediate connectors (1) are made of a malleable plastically deformable material having a capacity of elongation of at least about 20%. The intermediate anchorages of the instrumentation are provided with such connectors (1) which are plastically deformable in their branches (4) passed through by the screw by the effect of the tightening of nuts (8) on the screws when placing the device in position and undeformable by the effect of the bending moments transmitted by the spine in vivo at values lower than 4.5 N.m. The chosen material may be for example pure titanium and its plasticity enables the surgeons to easily adapt the connectors to the differences of alignment, angulation and depth of penetration of the pedicle screws.

Abstract: A perfectly ductile hard steel wire having superposed coatings resisting corrosion. The wire is coated with a first inner layer A1 (Al-Fe-Zn) and a second outer layer A2 (Zn-Al-Fe) and the first inner coating layer has the following composition:______________________________________ Al between 15% and 45% Fe between 5% and 25% Al Zn forming the balance with elements of addition in a small amount, such as Mg, Sn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Mischmetal, etc. . . the total amount of which does not exceed 0.5%. ______________________________________This wire has a resistance to corrosion very much higher than that of conventional galvanized wires and that of similar Zn-Al coatings which had been deposited in a single stage.