Abstract: The present invention relates to a spinal hook body for use in a posterior spinal system including components designed to be affixed to the spinal column of a person to correct for various lateral and sagittal deformities. The hook body is adapted to interconnect a structure having a stud extending outwardly therefrom with an elongated rod. The hook body includes a recess with an opening at one side to receive the stud therein through the opening. The hook body further includes a bore in the body connected with the recess and adapted to receive the rod therethrough. A locking member is utilized for locking the hook body to the stud and rod. The spinal hook bodies are used in conjunction with the spinal system which also includes a pair of smooth surfaced rods mounted in spaced relation to one another on the spinal column in conjunction with various fixation devices such as clamps with the hook bodies, hooks, screws with the hook bodies and couplers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a posterior spinal system including components designed to be affixed to the spinal column of a person to correct for various lateral and sagittal deformities. A pair of smooth surfaced rods are mounted in spaced relation to one another on the spinal column in conjunction with various fixation devices such as clamps with hook bodies, hooks, screws with hook bodies and couplers. Each such fixation device utilizes locking sleeve assemblies at each connection point to secure the respective fixation device to the respective rod or rods. The coupler assemblies are provided to maintain the spacing of the rods. The method of performing surgery using the posterior spinal system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of performing surgery on a spinal column utilizing a posterior spinal system including components designed to be affixed to the spinal column of a person to correct for various lateral and sagittal deformities. The method includes the use of a pair of smooth surfaced rods mounted in spaced relation to one another on the spinal column in conjunction with various fixation devices such as clamps with hook bodies, hooks, screws with hook bodies and couplers. Each such fixation device utilizes locking sleeve assemblies at each connection point to secure the respective fixation device to the respective rod or rods. The coupler assemblies are provided to maintain the spacing of the rods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mid-line clamp assembly for use in a posterior spinal system including components designed to be affixed to the spinal column of a person to correct for various lateral and sagittal deformities. The clamp assembly includes inferior and superior clamp halves slidably interconnected with one another. Each clamp half has a body portion and a shoe connected to the body portion. Each clamp half has a stud connected to the body portion. The studs are connectable to other members incorporated in this spinal system for fixing the position of the clamp halves with respect to each other. The clamps are used in conjunction with the spinal system which also includes a pair of smooth surfaced rods mounted in spaced relation to one another on the spinal column in conjunction with various fixation devices such as the clamps with hook bodies, hooks, screws with hook bodies and couplers.

Abstract: A bone screw comprising a shaft having a first set of leading threads and a second set of trailing threads spaced apart from the first set of threads by an unthreaded central portion. The second set of threads are carried externally on a sleeve having a smooth inner cylindrical surface such that the sleeve is slidable about the unthreaded shaft portion. A raised lip is provided about the trailing end of the shaft to retain the sleeve on the shaft.The first and second set of screw threads are like-handed, but preferably of different pitch, with the pitch of the first set of screw threads exceeding that of the second set of screw threads to effectively hold portions of a fractured bone in compressive engagement.Provision of the second set of threads on a slidable sleeve enables the main shaft to slide through the sleeve and back out of the bone, when absorption occurs such as when the invention is used to repair a femoral neck fracture.

Abstract: A compression hip screw comprises a plate with a barrel, a lag screw adapted for fixation to a femoral head, a compression screw engageable with the lag screw to retain the plate and barrel attached with the femur and a locking pin to oppose rotation between the barrel and the lag screw. The locking pin is disposed on one side of the barrel to provide a robust structure for the lag screw and enable the barrel to transmit loads developed during the walking mode for the hip.

Abstract: A bone plate for bridging two portions of a broken bone which can be formed to fit and retain many irregular surfaces and yet retain optimum strength. The bone plate is particularly adaptable for fracture in the pelvic and acetabular area, although the plate is also adaptable for other bone areas. The bone plate is comprised of a solid elongated rod portion and a plurality of screw retaining areas extending from the rod portion and spaced apart from each other along the rod portion, forming rod segments between the protruding screw retaining areas. The plates may be of predetermined lengths and curves to fit specific bones and contours or the plates may be supplied as straight stock that may be cut and contoured according to specific needs.

Abstract: A controlled start speed reducer in which input and output shafts are axially aligned with one another in an outer housing and an inner housing is journaled in the outer housing coaxially with said shafts. A relatively small bearing is used between said inner and outer housings at one end and a relatively large bearing is disposed between said inner and outer housings at the other end. The inner housing contains a plurality of counter shafts with gears thereon connecting a pinion on the input shaft with a gear on the output shaft to transmit the torque between the two shafts. A disc brake is rigidly connected to the inner housing and rotates therewith, and a caliper head or other suitable element restrains the rotation of the disc to control the starting operation of the reducer.

Abstract: A bone screw comprising a shaft having a first set of leading threads and a second set of trailing threads spaced apart from the first set of threads by an unthreaded central portion. The second set of threads are carried externally on a sleeve having a smooth inner cylindrical surface such that the sleeve is slidable about the unthreaded shaft portion. A raised lip is provided about the trailing end of the shaft to retain the sleeve on the shaft.The first and second set of screw threads are like-handed, but preferably of different pitch, with the pitch of the first set of screw threads exceeding that of the second set of screw threads to effectively hold portions of a fractured bone in compressive engagement.Provision of the second set of threads on a slidable sleeve enables the main shaft to slide through the sleeve and back out of the bone, when absorption occurs such as when the invention is used to repair a femoral neck fracture.