Abstract: A device for securing a spinal rod to the spine. The device includes an elongated spinal rod configured to be implanted adjacent to the spinal column of a patient spanning across several vertebral bodies. The device also includes at least one fixation element for engaging vertebral bodies at a number of vertebral levels, each of the fixation elements having a vertebral engaging portion and a stem portion extending from the vertebral engaging portion. A ball ring having an aperture extending through the center of the ball ring. The ball ring further including a through slot so as to be compressible and expandable about a central axis extending through the center of the ball ring. The aperture is adapted to receive the spinal rod. The device further includes a set screw and a rod connector.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone plate system having a bone plate for placement adjacent one or more vertebral bodies. The bone plate has a first aperture extending along a longitudinal axis and an upper and lower surface. The bone plate system further includes a sliding element having a top portion and a base portion and an aperture extending along a central axis. The sliding element is adapted for being placed adjacent to the bone plate aperture. The system preferably includes a bone fastener having a longitudinal axis which is adapted for connecting the bone plate to a vertebral body. The bone fastener includes a stem and a bone engaging portion. The diameter of the stem may be less than a cross section of the sliding element aperture so that the stem may be oriented within the sliding element aperture at a plurality of angles. The system may further include a stopping element engageable with the sliding element base portion.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly and method of fixing bones including a fixation element having a head portion, a unitary coupling element and at least one locking element. The unitary coupling element includes a first bore adapted to slidably receive the head portion of the fixation element. A first locking element is adapted to secure the head portion in the first bore.