Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly including a bone fastener having a lower end for engaging bone and an upper end remote from the lower end; a head having a rod-receiving channel attached to the upper end of said bone fastener; a spinal rod insertable into the rod-receiving channel of said head, said spinal rod having an outer surface extending between first and second ends thereof, wherein at least one of the first and second ends has a reduced diameter section. A spinal rod having an outer surface extending between a first end and a second end thereof; wherein the outer surface of said spinal rod has a reduced diameter section at least one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly including a bone fastener having a lower end for engaging bone and an upper end remote from the lower end; a head having a rod-receiving channel attached to the upper end of said bone fastener; a spinal rod insertable into the rod-receiving channel of said head, said spinal rod having an outer surface extending between first and second ends thereof, wherein at least one of the first and second ends has a reduced diameter section. A spinal rod having an outer surface extending between a first end and a second end thereof; wherein the outer surface of said spinal rod has a reduced diameter section at least one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly including a bone fastener having a lower end for engaging bone and an upper end remote from the lower end; a head having a rod-receiving channel attached to the upper end of said bone fastener; a spinal rod insertable into the rod-receiving channel of said head, said spinal rod having an outer surface extending between first and second ends thereof, wherein at least one of the first and second ends has a reduced diameter section. A spinal rod having an outer surface extending between a first end and a second end thereof; wherein the outer surface of said spinal rod has a reduced diameter section at least one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: An inserter tool for coupling a spinal rod with an implant includes an outer shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongated opening extending between the proximal and distal ends, a handle secured to the proximal end of the outer shaft, and an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the inner shaft being telescopically received within the elongated opening of the outer shaft and being adapted to move between the proximal and distal ends of the outer shaft. The tool includes a compressible clamping tip secured to the distal end of the inner shaft, the clamping tip including a first section secured to the distal end of the inner shaft, a flexible arm that extends from the first section, and an opening disposed between the first section and the flexible arm.

Abstract: An inserter tool for coupling a spinal rod with an implant includes an outer shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongated opening extending between the proximal and distal ends, a handle secured to the proximal end of the outer shaft, and an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the inner shaft being telescopically received within the elongated opening of the outer shaft and being adapted to move between the proximal and distal ends of the outer shaft. The tool includes a compressible clamping tip secured to the distal end of the inner shaft, the clamping tip including a first section secured to the distal end of the inner shaft, a flexible arm that extends from the first section, and an opening disposed between the first section and the flexible arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides integration between an implant system and therapeutic agent delivery system. The implant may include a prosthesis that restores biomechanical function while decreasing long-term disability and pain by replacing damaged or degenerate tissues, or a reconstructive implant such as a bone plate. The therapeutic agent delivery system may include one or more channels either permanently or reversibly attached to the implant. The channels may receive medication from an external pump via a percutaneous catheter. The channels deliver the medication to one or more medicating surfaces of the implant to treating proximate tissues.