Abstract: A favored angle screw assembly and a rod receiver body for a favored angle pedicle screw assembly. The favored angle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw and the rod receiver body. The rod receiver body includes a tubular wall having a first end with a first opening, a second end with a second opening, and a bore extending from the first opening to the second opening. The bore features a first bore section adjacent to the first opening, a second bore section adjacent the second opening, and a third bore section having a first end adjacent to the first bore section and a second end adjacent to the seat surface. The third bore section defines a transition surface that conforms to a side wall of an oblique three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A favored angle screw assembly and a rod receiver body for a favored angle pedicle screw assembly. The favored angle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw and the rod receiver body. The rod receiver body includes a tubular wall having a first end with a first opening, a second end with a second opening, and a bore extending from the first opening to the second opening. The bore features a first bore section adjacent to the first opening, a second bore section adjacent the second opening, and a third bore section having a first end adjacent to the first bore section and a second end adjacent to the seat surface. The third bore section defines a transition surface that conforms to a side wall of an oblique three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A transverse coupling for connecting multiple implant extensions includes at least a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve defines a first aperture adapted to axially receive a first implant extension through the first aperture. The second sleeve defines a second aperture adapted to axially receive a second implant extension through the second aperture. The transverse coupling also includes a central housing. A first shaft connects the first sleeve to the central housing, and a second shaft connects the second sleeve to the central housing. The central housing includes at least one joint for connecting the central housing to at least one of the first and second shafts in a movable arrangement that allows the shaft(s) to move through one or more degrees of freedom relative to the central housing.

Abstract: A persuader instrument for advancing a fixation rod into a vertebral implant includes a housing and at least one arm. The at least one arm can include detents for detachable connection to the vertebral implant. The persuader instrument can also include a shaft coupled to an anchor. The anchor can include a fixation rod engagement surface. The shaft can be axially displaceable through the housing to axially displace the anchor and a rod engaged by the anchor. The persuader instrument can further include an auto-locking ratchet assembly in releasable engagement with the shaft. The auto-locking ratchet assembly can control axial displacement of the shaft through the longitudinal passage of the housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for correcting spinal deformities includes a tubular body adapted to receive a second instrument through the tubular body. The tubular body forms a transverse passage adapted to receive a longitudinal fixation element through the tubular body. The tubular body further includes first and second arms for connecting the surgical instrument to a vertebral anchor. The first and second arms include one or more anti-splaying features adapted to mate with anti-splaying features on the second instrument to prevent the first and second arms from splaying as the second instrument is inserted into the tubular body.

Abstract: A transverse coupling for connecting multiple implant extensions includes at least a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve defines a first aperture adapted to axially receive a first implant extension through the first aperture. The second sleeve defines a second aperture adapted to axially receive a second implant extension through the second aperture. The transverse coupling also includes a central housing. A first shaft connects the first sleeve to the central housing, and a second shaft connects the second sleeve to the central housing. The central housing includes at least one joint for connecting the central housing to at least one of the first and second shafts in a movable arrangement that allows the shaft(s) to move through one or more degrees of freedom relative to the central housing.

Abstract: A persuader instrument for advancing a fixation rod into a vertebral implant includes a housing and at least one arm. The at least one arm can include detents for detachable connection to the vertebral implant. The persuader instrument can also include a shaft coupled to an anchor. The anchor can include a fixation rod engagement surface. The shaft can be axially displaceable through the housing to axially displace the anchor and a rod engaged by the anchor. The persuader instrument can further include an auto-locking ratchet assembly in releasable engagement with the shaft. The auto-locking ratchet assembly can control axial displacement of the shaft through the longitudinal passage of the housing.

Abstract: A transverse coupling for connecting multiple implant extensions includes at least a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve defines a first aperture adapted to axially receive a first implant extension through the first aperture. The second sleeve defines a second aperture adapted to axially receive a second implant extension through the second aperture. The transverse coupling also includes a central housing. A first shaft connects the first sleeve to the central housing, and a second shaft connects the second sleeve to the central housing. The central housing includes at least one joint for connecting the central housing to at least one of the first and second shafts in a movable arrangement that allows the shaft(s) to move through one or more degrees of freedom relative to the central housing.

Abstract: A transverse coupling for connecting multiple implant extensions includes at least a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve defines a first aperture adapted to axially receive a first implant extension through the first aperture. The second sleeve defines a second aperture adapted to axially receive a second implant extension through the second aperture. The transverse coupling also includes a central housing. A first shaft connects the first sleeve to the central housing, and a second shaft connects the second sleeve to the central housing. The central housing includes at least one joint for connecting the central housing to at least one of the first and second shafts in a movable arrangement that allows the shaft(s) to move through one or more degrees of freedom relative to the central housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for correcting spinal deformities includes a tubular body adapted to receive a second instrument through the tubular body. The tubular body forms a transverse passage adapted to receive a longitudinal fixation element through the tubular body. The tubular body further includes first and second arms for connecting the surgical instrument to a vertebral anchor. The first and second arms include one or more anti-splaying features adapted to mate with anti-splaying features on the second instrument to prevent the first and second arms from splaying as the second instrument is inserted into the tubular body.

Abstract: A glucometer guide is provided to address the difficulty that blind or visually impaired diabetic patients have when attempting to independently use a glucometer. The guide provides haptic cues for the effective transfer of blood onto a test strip.

Abstract: A glucometer guide is provided to address the difficulty that blind or visually impaired diabetic patients have when attempting to independently use a glucometer. The guide provides haptic cues for the effective transfer of blood onto a test strip.