Abstract: The present invention relates to an intervertebral prosthetic disk. The prosthesis includes a male component with a support plate, an attachment element allowing fixation to a vertebra, and an articulating projection defining a concave lower surface. The prosthesis also includes a female component with a support plate, an attachment element allowing fixation to a vertebra, and a circular pocket with a flat bottom and angled walls suitable for receiving the articulating projection. A generally hemispheric bearing is provided between the male and female components. The hemispheric bearing includes an upper convex surface for cooperating with the concave lower surface of the articulating projection of the male component and a flat lower surface for cooperating with the flat bottom surface of the circular pocket of the female component.

Abstract: A transverse connector is provided that is useful for adding rigidity to a spinal fixation system employing a pair of generally parallel spine rods. The transverse connector includes a body portion with a longitudinal aperture for receiving a shaft of an adjusting arm such that the adjusting arm can slide into and out of the longitudinal aperture. The body and adjusting arm, while being in sliding engagement for adjustment of the length of the transverse connector, are secured to one another by a set screw threaded into a threaded aperture provided on the body portion. The threaded aperture is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal aperture so that the tip of the set screw will form an interference fit against the shaft of the adjusting arm. Each of the body and adjusting arm includes a clamping assembly consisting of a pair of clamp halves which cooperate to grip one of the spine rods. Each pair of clamp halves fastens to a different one of the spine rods.