Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying and fixing a fixation screw to a threaded section of a head of a bone anchorage element comprises a distal end and a proximal end, a first tool member and a second tool member. The first tool member is arranged at the distal end and adapted for engaging the threaded section of the bone anchorage element head. The second tool member is adapted for engaging a tool-engaging member of the fixation screw. The instrument is constructed such that in a working position of the instrument the second tool member is supported on the instrument in a torque proof manner relative to the first tool member about a longitudinal axis and is movable parallel to the longitudinal axis relative to the first tool member. Moreover, an osteosynthesis device comprising at least two bone anchorage elements and at least one connection member is suggested. Further, a method for fixing an osteosynthesis device on two vertebrae of a spinal column in a minimal invasive manner is proposed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for holding and inserting a connection member of an osteosynthesis device into a retainer of a bone anchorage element comprises a distal end, a proximal end and a first connection portion at a distal end. The first connection portion comprises a connection member receptacle for receiving at least a portion of the connection member. The instrument further comprises a locking mechanism which is transferable from a release position, in which the instrument is releasable from the connection member, to a connection position, in which the instrument can be connected to the connection member. Moreover, an osteosynthesis device comprising at least two bone anchorage elements and at least a connection member is proposed, which further comprises a surgical instrument for holding and inserting the connection member into at least one retainer of the bone anchorage elements.

Abstract: In order to improve an orthopedic fixation device for connecting a first anchoring element (12) which has a connecting section (26) and can be anchored in or on a bone (18) to a connecting element (14) which can be connected to a second anchoring element which can be anchored in or on a bone, wherein the fixation device is movable relative to the connecting element and to the anchoring element in an adjusting position and can be secured on the connecting element and on the anchoring element in a fixing position, such that the connecting element can be secured on the anchoring element in a particularly simple manner it is suggested that a single tensioning member (50; 122; 166; 172) which is supported so as to be movable be provided for transferring the fixation device from the adjusting position into the fixing position and vice versa.

Abstract: To regulate a laser welding process, an optical sensor detects the seam flank angle and/or the seam position of the laser welded seam directly following its formation, the resulting actual measured information is compared with stored or externally provided nominal information to give a comparison result, and the position of the welding laser beam source is adjusted based on the comparison result to regulate-out any divergence between the actual measured information and the nominal information. The apparatus includes a laser welding device including a welding laser beam source that moves along the joint to be welded, an optical sensor arranged directly on or following the laser welding device, and a circuit including a comparator that compares the actual measured information with the stored or externally provided nominal information regarding the seam flank angle and/or the seam position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic fixation device for securing a rod-like fixation element, with two clamping jaws which can be moved relative to one another and which, when brought together, clamp the fixation element between them. In order to permit space-saving configurations of a fixation device that can be introduced and operated through small orifices in the body, a cam body is provided which is mounted on the fixation device so as to be able to rotate next to the clamping jaws in the direction of tightening and which, when rotated, pushes one clamping jaw toward the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic fixation device with an at least partly shaft-like fixation member, a shaft-like mounting body, and a transverse support securing the fixation member and the mounting body in a position in which they are laterally offset from one another. In order to adjust the transverse support without having to change the position of the fixation member, the fixation member can be rotated about its longitudinal axis in the transverse support and can be secured in a defined angular position.

Abstract: In order, even in the case of bone screws with a particularly small head, to ensure a secure hold of the bone screw in a bone, a bone screw is proposed, having a screw body, which defines a longitudinal axis and is provided with a screw body external thread and has a proximal and a distal end, having a coupling element disposed on the proximal end for detachably connecting the screw body to a screw head designed substantially in the form of a U-shaped fork head with a coupling opening, wherein an edge of the coupling opening forms an axial stop for the coupling element for limiting a movement of the coupling element relative to the screw head in distal direction, wherein a maximum outside diameter of the screw body is larger than an inside diameter of the coupling opening, wherein the screw body comprises at least a first and a second screw body part. An osteosynthesis device having such a bone screw and a method of manufacturing such a bone screw are further proposed.

Abstract: To regulate a laser welding process, an optical sensor detects the seam flank angle and/or the seam position of the laser welded seam directly following its formation, the resulting actual measured information is compared with stored or externally provided nominal information to give a comparison result, and the position of the welding laser beam source is adjusted based on the comparison result to regulate-out any divergence between the actual measured information and the nominal information. The apparatus includes a laser welding device including a welding laser beam source that moves along the joint to be welded, an optical sensor arranged directly on or following the laser welding device, and a circuit including a comparator that compares the actual measured information with the stored or externally provided nominal information regarding the seam flank angle and/or the seam position.