Abstract: The present invention provides for a screw and rod fixation assembly for fixing a screw and, optionally, a rod. The screw and rod fixation assembly includes a screw, fixing mechanism, a substantially annular ring, rod seating mechanism, and locking mechanism. The present invention also provides for a fixing mechanism for fixing a screw, wherein the fixing mechanism further includes an inner surface wall having a gripping portion and a non-gripping portion. Further, the present invention provides for a substantially annular ring for guiding and providing mechanical and frictional force to a screw head. Additionally, the present invention provides for a rod seating mechanism operatively engaged to the screw head and including at least one flexible portion capable of being compressed against a portion of a rod therein. Finally, the present invention provides for a locking mechanism for engaging the rod and the rod seating mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is a rod to rod connector that can be used to interconnect two generally parallel spinal rods of a spinal rod and anchor system. The connector comprises a transverse rod and two pairs of clamping bodies, one for each spinal rod. Each pair connects one of the longitudinal spinal rods to the transverse rod in infinitely adjustable angular relationship. One of the two clamping bodies of each pair comprises a C-shaped channel for accepting the spinal rod. The channel is in communication with a slot that defines a hinge. A threaded screw hole passes transversely through the slot and permits a screw to squeeze the hinge, thereby causing the C-shaped channel to close around and clamp the rod. The second clamping body is similar to the first except that there is no slot or hinge and the screw hole preferably is not threaded, but includes a countersink for seating a chamfered screw head. Also, an angular portion of the screw hole intersects the C-shaped channel.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc includes housing members including spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer surfaces for engaging spaced apart vertebral surfaces. Bearing surfaces extend from each of the inner surfaces for engaging each other while allowing for low friction and compression resistant movement of the housing members relative to each other while under compression. Load sharing pads are disposed between the inner surfaces and about at least a portion of the bearing surfaces for sharing absorption compressive loads with the bearing surfaces while limiting the relative movement of the housing members.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc includes housing members including spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer surfaces for engaging spaced apart vertebral surfaces. Bearing surfaces extend from each of the inner surfaces for engaging each other while allowing for low friction and compression resistant movement of the housing members relative to each other while under compression. Load sharing pads are disposed between the inner surfaces and about at least a portion of the bearing surfaces for sharing absorption compressive loads with the bearing surfaces while limiting the relative movement of the housing members.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc includes housing members including spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer surfaces for engaging spaced apart vertebral surfaces. Bearing surfaces extend from each of the inner surfaces for engaging each other while allowing for low friction and compression resistant movement of the housing members relative to each other while under compression. Load sharing pads are disposed between the inner surfaces and about at least a portion of the bearing surfaces for sharing absorption compressive loads with the bearing surfaces while limiting the relative movement of the housing members.

Abstract: A locking mechanism including a non-threaded, self-adjusting locking device for locking a rod in place within a screw and rod assembly. A non-threaded, self-adjusting locking device for locking a rod in place within a screw and rod assembly. A spring for locking a rod in a screw and rod fixation assembly. A assembly including an implant body including a rod seat for seating a rod therein, a biasing device seat for seating a biasing device therein, and a biasing device seated in the biasing device seat for biasing a rod against a rod seat. A method of biasing a rod against a rod seat in a screw and rod fixation assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a screw and rod fixation assembly for fixing a screw and, optionally, a rod. The screw and rod fixation assembly includes a screw, fixing mechanism, a substantially annular ring, rod seating mechanism, and locking mechanism. The present invention also provides for a fixing mechanism for fixing a screw, wherein the fixing mechanism further includes an inner surface wall having a gripping portion and a non-gripping portion. Further, the present invention provides for a substantially annular ring for guiding and providing mechanical and frictional force to a screw head. Additionally, the present invention provides for a rod seating mechanism operatively engaged to the screw head and including at least one flexible portion capable of being compressed against a portion of a rod therein. Finally, the present invention provides for a locking mechanism for engaging the rod and the rod seating mechanism.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a transverse connector having a seat rod for seating a rod therein engagement mechanism including a rod engagement seat forming a portion of the rod seat, the engagement mechanism being movable into and out of engagement with the rod seated in the rod seat.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a transverse connector having a seat rod for seating a rod therein engagement mechanism including a rod engagement seat forming a portion of the rod seat, the engagement mechanism being movable into and out of engagement with the rod seated in the rod seat.

Abstract: A transverse connector having a seat rod for seating a rod therein engagement mechanism including a rod engagement seat forming a portion of the rod seat, the engagement mechanism being movable into and out of engagement with the rod seated in the rod seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wear-resistant titanium alloy orthopedic device. Also provided is a method of forming a wear-resistant titanium alloy orthopedic device by deeply diffusing oxygen into the titanium alloy device. A method of hardening a device formed of titanium by deeply diffusing oxygen into the titanium alloy device is provided.

Abstract: A screw and rod fixation assembly for fixing a screw and a rod, the assembly having a screw including a screw head, a body portion including a screw head receiving device for receiving the screw head and a rod receiving device for receiving a rod therein, the rod receiving device being offset from the screw head receiving device, and a locking device for locking a rod within the rod receiving device. A medical device for fixing a screw and a rod, the assembly having a screw including a screw head, a body portion having a receiver for receiving the screw head and an offset slot for receiving a rod therein, and a lock for locking the rod within the assembly. A receiving member for receiving and maintaining a rod therein, the receiving member having a body portion having a receiver for receiving a screw head and an offset slot for receiving a rod therein. A rod receiving device having a body portion having a receiver for receiving a screw therein and a rod seat offset within the body portion.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc comprising at least two individual disc units that create a single center of rotation within an intervertebral space. An artificial intervertebral disc including housing members including spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer surfaces for engaging spaced apart intervertebral surfaces; self-adjusting bearing mechanisms operatively disposed between the inner surfaces for moving relative to the housing members to adjust and compensate for vertebral disc motion; and a flange formed on an outer surface of said housing members for aligning the disc in an intervertebral space. A method for posteriorly inserting an artificial disc assembly by inserting at least two artificial disc assemblies around a spine and into an intervertebral space.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc including housing members including spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer surfaces for engaging spaced apart intervertebral surfaces; self-adjusting bearing mechanisms operatively disposed between the inner surfaces for moving relative to the housing members to adjust and compensate for vertebral disc motion; and positioning ring for controlling motion and position of the bearing mechanisms and for absorption of compressive loads. An artificial intervertebral disc including housing members having an oval recess on the inner surfaces; oval bearing mechanisms operatively disposed within the oval recess between the inner surfaces for moving relative to the housing members to adjust and compensate for vertebral disc motion; and oval positioning ring. A spring member for an artificial intervertebral disc including a substantially annular body having an axially extended bore therethrough defining a passageway.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc including a housing having spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer surfaces for engaging spaced apart intervertebral surfaces and a self-adjusting bearing operatively disposed between the inner surfaces of the housing for moving relative to the housing members to adjust and compensate for vertebral disc motion. Also provided is a mobile bearing including a self-adjusting bearing operatively disposed between the inner surfaces of the housing for moving relative to the housing members to adjust and compensate for movement of the housing. A method for posteriorly inserting an artificial disc assembly by inserting at least two artificial disc assemblies around a spine and into an intervertebral space.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc includes housing members including spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer surfaces for engaging spaced apart vertebral surfaces. Bearing surfaces extend from each of the inner surfaces for engaging each other while allowing for low friction and compression resistant movement of the housing members relative to each other while under compression. Load sharing pads are disposed between the inner surfaces and about at least a portion of the bearing surfaces for sharing absorption compressive loads with the bearing surfaces while limiting the relative movement of the housing members.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a screw and rod fixation assembly for fixing a screw and, optionally, a rod. The screw and rod fixation assembly includes a screw, fixing mechanism, a substantially annular ring, rod seating mechanism, and locking mechanism. The present invention also provides for a fixing mechanism for fixing a screw, wherein the fixing mechanism further includes an inner surface wall having a gripping portion and a non-gripping portion. Further, the present invention provides for a substantially annular ring for guiding and providing mechanical and frictional force to a screw head. Additionally, the present invention provides for a rod seating mechanism operatively engaged to the screw head and including at least one flexible portion capable of being compressed against a portion of a rod therein. Finally, the present invention provides for a locking mechanism for engaging the rod and the rod seating mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a screw and rod fixation assembly for fixing a screw and, optionally, a rod. The screw and rod fixation assembly includes a screw, fixing mechanism, a substantially annular ring, rod seating mechanism, and locking mechanism. The present invention also provides for a fixing mechanism for fixing a screw, wherein the fixing mechanism further includes an inner surface wall having a gripping portion and a non-gripping portion. Further, the present invention provides for a substantially annular ring for guiding and providing mechanical and frictional force to a screw head. Additionally, the present invention provides for a rod seating mechanism operatively engaged to the screw head and including at least one flexible portion capable of being compressed against a portion of a rod therein. Finally, the present invention provides for a locking mechanism for engaging the rod and the rod seating mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a bone plate assembly utilizing at least one bone screw for fixation of adjacent bones of a spine including a base plate having at least one aperture extending therethrough and screw retaining mechanism mounted and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing the bone screw from backing out from the base plate. The present invention also provides for a device for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on a plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to an aperture for preventing a bone screw from backing out from the base plate. Additionally, the present invention provides for a snap ring for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing a screw from backing out.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly is disclosed utilizing at least one bone screw for fixation of adjacent bones of a spine including a base plate having at least one aperture extending therethrough and screw retaining mechanism mounted and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing the bone screw from backing out from the base plate. A device is disclosed for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on a plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to an aperture for preventing a bone screw from backing out from the base plate. A snap ring for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing a screw from backing out is disclosed.