Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a housing, a bone screw member, and an anvil. The bone screw member includes a head and a threaded shaft extending from the head. The head is selectively securable within the housing. The anvil is positionable within the housing adjacent to the head of the bone screw member when the anvil and the head of the bone screw member are positioned within the housing. The anvil may define one or more grooves in an outer surface of the anvil. The groove defines a flap that is flexibly attached to the anvil to enable the anvil to flex an amount sufficient to maintain the head of the bone screw in constant contact with the anvil when the bone screw member is moved relative to the anvil. A rod reducer may be secured to the polyaxial pedicle screw to secure a spinal rod within the housing.

Abstract: A fixation assembly includes a tapered cannula, a post, and a snap ring. The snap ring is attachable to the post and the tapered cannula. The snap ring is configured to maintain the tapered cannula axially fixed in relation to the post such that the tapered cannula and the post are rotatable relative to each other.

Abstract: A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.

Abstract: A modular screw includes a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly includes a base portion having a head portion, a securing portion defining a first bore, and a receiving portion defining a second bore. The second assembly includes a first post, a second post including an engaging portion, and an elongate screw threadably engageable with the second post. The second post is dimensioned to be received through the second bore of the receiving portion of the first assembly such that when a first set screw is received in the first bore, the first set screw secures the base portion of the first assembly to the second post. The elongate screw received in the second post causes radial expansion of the engaging portion of the second post, which, in turn, causes the engaging portion to be affixed to the cavity of the first post.

Abstract: A modular screw includes a post and a head assembly. The post includes a tapered portion extending along a length of the post, the post defining a first bore. The head assembly is adjustably coupled with the post. The head assembly includes a head defining a slot configured to receive a spinal rod therein, an elongate screw having external threads extending along a length of the elongate screw, and a screw shank defining a second bore configured to receive the elongate screw therein. The screw shank includes an engaging portion configured to expand radially outward when the elongate screw engages the engaging portion, and internal threads configured to engage the external threads of the elongate screw. At least a portion of the screw shank is dimensioned to be selectively received in the first bore of the post.

Abstract: A spinal implant has a proximal region and a distal region, and includes an upper body and a lower body each having inner surfaces disposed in opposed relation relative to each other. A proximal adjustment assembly is disposed between the upper and lower bodies at the proximal region of the spinal implant and is adjustably coupled to the upper and lower bodies, and a distal adjustment assembly is disposed between the upper and lower bodies at the distal region of the spinal implant and is adjustably coupled to the upper and lower bodies. The proximal and distal adjustment assemblies are independently movable with respect to each other to change a vertical height of at least one of the proximal region or the distal region of the spinal implant.

Abstract: An occipital fixation assembly is provided. The occipital fixation assembly includes a first mounting plate configured for placement within a sinus cavity adjacent a rear portion of a skull of a patient. A threaded post extends from the first mounting plate. A coupling member includes an aperture configured to receive the threaded post therethrough. The coupling member includes an offset extension configured to support a surgical rod thereon. A fixation nut configured to threadably engage the threaded post of the first mounting plate is rotatable about the threaded post and translatable therealong. The fixation nut is rotatable with respect to the first mounting plate and the coupling member such that rotation of the fixation nut in a predetermined direction brings the first mounting plate and the coupling member toward one another and into secured engagement with the skull of a patient.

Abstract: A spinal plate that is self-adjusting along its longitudinal axis to accommodate subsidence that may occur and aid in loading the bone graft to promote boney fusion while providing rigid fixation. The spinal plate is configured to inhibit loosening or backing out of bone screws.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a low profile dynamic anterior vertebral body plate and bone screws for the fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine. The system has a locking element through which the bone screw passes and the locking element is capable of movement relative to the plate when the bone screws are fully inserted and in a locked position.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical instrument having an adjustable distal end that can securely engage an interbody for introduction of the interbody into an intervertebral space, can be adjusted before and during the surgical procedure to vary the angle of the distal end of the device and the angle of introduction of the interbody, and after positioning that interbody at the surgical site, can be easily disengaged and removed.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical instrument having an adjustable distal end that can securely engage an interbody for introduction of the interbody into an intervertebral space, can be adjusted before and during the surgical procedure to vary the angle of the distal end of the device and the angle of introduction of the interbody, and after positioning that interbody at the surgical site, can be easily disengaged and removed.

Abstract: Provided is a novel system that includes an anterior vertebral body plate with at least one bone spike pivotally attached to the plate and capable of being manually inserted into underlying bone to securely fix the plate to the bone. Also provided is a method of stabilizing cervical vertebrae using the disclosed system.

Abstract: Provided is a novel system that includes a low profile anterior vertebral body plate and closed thread screws for the fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine, the closed thread screw having an integral novel screw locking mechanism of an uppermost closed thread having a flat pitch, which engages and attaches the plate so as to lock the screw into the plate until an intentional, simultaneous combination of outward pulling force and counter-clockwise torque is applied to release the closed thread screw from the plate. Also provided is a method of stabilizing cervical vertebrae using the disclosed system.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical instrument having an adjustable distal end that can securely engage an interbody for introduction of the interbody into an intervertebral space, can be adjusted before and during the surgical procedure to vary the angle of the distal end of the device and the angle of introduction of the interbody, and after positioning that interbody at the surgical site, can be easily disengaged and removed.

Abstract: Provided is a novel surgical instrument having an adjustable distal end that can securely engage an interbody for introduction of the interbody into an intervertebral space, can be adjusted before and during the surgical procedure to vary the angle of the distal end of the device and the angle of introduction of the interbody, and after positioning that interbody at the surgical site, can be easily disengaged and removed.

Abstract: Provided is a novel system that includes a low profile dynamic anterior vertebral body plate and bone screws for the fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine, the system having a locking element through which the bone screw passes, the locking element being capable of movement relative to the plate when the bone screws are fully inserted and in a locked position. Also provided is a method of stabilizing cervical vertebrae using the disclosed system.

Abstract: Provided is a novel system that includes a low profile dynamic anterior vertebral body plate and bone screws for the fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine, the system having a locking element through which the bone screw passes, the locking element being capable of movement relative to the plate when the bone screws are fully inserted and in a locked position. Also provided is a method of stabilizing cervical vertebrae using the disclosed system.

Abstract: Provided is a novel system that includes an anterior vertebral body plate with at least one bone spike pivotally attached to the plate and capable of being manually inserted into underlying bone to securely fix the plate to the bone. Also provided is a method of stabilizing cervical vertebrae using the disclosed system.

Abstract: Provided is a novel system that includes a low profile anterior vertebral body plate and closed thread screws for the fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine, the closed thread screw having an integral novel screw locking mechanism of an uppermost closed thread having a flat pitch, which engages and attaches the plate so as to lock the screw into the plate until an intentional, simultaneous combination of outward pulling force and counter-clockwise torque is applied to release the closed thread screw from the plate. Also provided is a method of stabilizing cervical vertebrae using the disclosed system.

Abstract: A compressor/distractor system for operating on a spine is disclosed. The system includes two rod reducers which each advance a spinal rod into the shoulder portion of a pedicle screw. Each rod reducer includes an inner member, an outer member, and a pair of gripping members. Each outer member receives and advances the spinal rod into the pedicle screw. The outer member also includes a through slot which receives the proximal end of each of the pair of gripping members which may limit the longitudinal translation of the outer member with respect to the inner member. The compressor/distractor system may include a compressor/distractor device which has a compressing, a distracting, and a neutral configuration. A method for using the minimally invasive rod reducers with the compressor/distractor system to secure at least two pedicle screws in desired positions on a spinal rod is also disclosed.