Abstract: A tool for driving a screw having two threaded shanks separated by an intermediate portion. The tool includes a rod having a tapped end portion adapted to engage one of the threaded shanks. The tool also includes a cage adapted to receive the intermediate portion of the screw therein. The cage is provided with at least one opening containing a rolling member configured to be applied against a surface of the intermediate portion of the screw. The tool additionally includes a tube surrounding the rod and the cage. The tube includes an inner wall having a profile configured such that as the tube is rotated about the longitudinal axis, the inner surface applies a radial force to the rolling member, causing the rolling member to be radially displaced through the opening in the cage and placing it in abutment with the intermediate portion of the screw.

Abstract: A vertebral rod for fixation of a spine, the rod defining an outer cross section and including a detachable end portion also defining the same outer cross section. In one embodiment, the detachable end portion is connected to the remainder of the rod by a region of reduced strength. The region of reduced strength forms a fracture initiator defining an area of reduced outer cross section so that the detachable end portion can be broken off. In another embodiment, the rod defines a threaded opening and a threaded spigot, each extending along the longitudinal axis of the rod. The spigot threadedly engages the opening to releasably connect the detachable end portion to the remainder of the rod. In either embodiment, the detachable end portion is configured to receive a driving tool for removing the detachable end portion from the remainder of the rod.

Abstract: An adjustable vertebral body replacement implant and assembly includes a thin-walled cylindrical body configured to span over most of the length between intact vertebrae when damaged or diseased vertebrae have been removed. The cylindrical body defines a hollow interior with a plurality of bone-ingrowth apertures communicating with the interior. The replacement assembly further includes endplates configured to contact the adjacent vertebra and to engage the cylindrical body therebetween. The cylindrical body and the endplates include mating threads to permit adjustment of the overall height of the implant. A means for fixing the cylindrical body to the endplates is contemplated, which in one embodiment is a set screw for locking the components in place. In another embodiment, the means for fixing includes a crimping channel and notch defined in the endplates to be crimped onto the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An adjustable vertebral body replacement implant and assembly includes a thin-walled cylindrical body configured to span over most of the length between intact vertebrae when damaged or diseased vertebrae have been removed. The cylindrical body defines a hollow interior with a plurality of bone-ingrowth apertures communicating with the interior. The replacement assembly further includes endplates configured to contact the adjacent vertebra and to engage the cylindrical body therebetween. The cylindrical body and the endplates include mating threads to permit adjustment of the overall height of the implant. A means for fixing the cylindrical body to the endplates is contemplated, which in one embodiment is a set screw for locking the components in place. In another embodiment, the means for fixing includes a crimping channel and notch defined in the endplates to be crimped onto the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An adjustable vertebral body replacement implant and assembly includes a thin-walled cylindrical body configured to span over most of the length between intact vertebrae when damaged or diseased vertebrae have been removed. The cylindrical body defines a hollow interior with a plurality of bone-ingrowth apertures communicating with the interior. The replacement assembly further includes endplates configured to contact the adjacent vertebra and to engage the cylindrical body therebetween. The cylindrical body and the endplates include mating threads to permit adjustment of the overall height of the implant. A means for fixing the cylindrical body to the endplates is contemplated, which in one embodiment is a set screw for locking the components in place. In another embodiment, the means for fixing includes a crimping channel and notch defined in the endplates to be crimped onto the cylindrical body.