Abstract: A method of inserting a spinal stabilization system into a patient generally comprises inserting a first positioning tool through a first location on a patient's skin and along a path generally toward a first vertebral anchor, coupling an end of the first positioning tool to the first vertebral anchor, positioning at least a portion of a delivery device over a connecting element, and inserting the delivery device and the connecting element through the patient's skin at the first location and along at least a portion of the first positioning tool. The first positioning tool is configured to facilitate directing the delivery device and connecting element generally toward a second vertebral anchor within the patient's body.

Abstract: A method of inserting a spinal stabilization system into a patient generally comprises inserting a first positioning tool through a first location on a patient's skin and along a path generally toward a first vertebral anchor, coupling an end of the first positioning tool to the first vertebral anchor, positioning at least a portion of a delivery device over a connecting element, and inserting the delivery device and the connecting element through the patient's skin at the first location and along at least a portion of the first positioning tool. The first positioning tool is configured to facilitate directing the delivery device and connecting element generally toward a second vertebral anchor within the patient's body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus includes a vertebral anchor having a head portion and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion of the vertebral anchor and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot in the head portion of the anchor. An elongate cord may be received within the channel to facilitate inserting and securing a spacer between pairs of anchors installed into adjacent vertebrae of a person's spine.

Abstract: A system for implantation of a spinal stabilization system includes a vertebral anchor having a top portion. The top portion has a perimeter and a first engaging element. The first engaging element has a first longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to a second longitudinal axis of the top portion. The perimeter extends around the second longitudinal axis. The system also includes a driving tool that has a second engaging element that is configured to cooperate with the first engaging element to substantially restrict rotation of the driving tool relative to the top portion about the second longitudinal axis. The first engaging element is configured to slidably receive the second engaging element in a direction along the first longitudinal axis, and the second engaging element is configured to extend substantially within the perimeter of the top portion.

Abstract: A system for implantation of a spinal stabilization system includes a vertebral anchor having a top portion. The top portion has a perimeter and a first engaging element. The first engaging element has a first longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to a second longitudinal axis of the top portion. The perimeter extends around the second longitudinal axis. The system also includes a driving tool that has a second engaging element that is configured to cooperate with the first engaging element to substantially restrict rotation of the driving tool relative to the top portion about the second longitudinal axis. The first engaging element is configured to slidably receive the second engaging element in a direction along the first longitudinal axis, and the second engaging element is configured to extend substantially within the perimeter of the top portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus includes a vertebral anchor having a head portion and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion of the vertebral anchor and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot in the head portion of the anchor. An elongate cord may be received within the channel to facilitate inserting and securing a spacer between pairs of anchors installed into adjacent vertebrae of a person's spine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus includes a vertebral anchor having a head portion and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion of the vertebral anchor and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot in the head portion of the anchor. An elongate cord may be received within the channel to facilitate inserting and securing a spacer between pairs of anchors installed into adjacent vertebrae of a person's spine.

Abstract: A transition connector of a vertebral stabilization system for connecting a rigid rod and a flexible cord to provide regions of rigid support and regions of dynamic support along a region of the spinal column is disclosed. A rigid rod may form one portion of the transition connector and a clam shell connector configured to receive a flexible cord may form another portion of the transition connector. The clam shell connector may be configured to be clamped around and secure the flexible cord.

Abstract: A system for implantation of a spinal stabilization system includes a vertebral anchor having a top portion. The top portion has a perimeter and a first engaging element. The first engaging element has a first longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to a second longitudinal axis of the top portion. The perimeter extends around the second longitudinal axis. The system also includes a driving tool that has a second engaging element that is configured to cooperate with the first engaging element to substantially restrict rotation of the driving tool relative to the top portion about the second longitudinal axis. The first engaging element is configured to slidably receive the second engaging element in a direction along the first longitudinal axis, and the second engaging element is configured to extend substantially within the perimeter of the top portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spinal support devices and, more specifically, to a flexible member having variable flexibility attributable to a specified configuration for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. The flexible member generally includes a body having a lengthwise axis, an outer surface, and opposing first and second ends with an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The outer surface has one or more grooves providing the flexible member with a variable flexibility. The one or more grooves may be situated generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the body and extending around less than the outer surface of the body, and/or situated generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the body and extending around the outer surface of the body substantially directly in-between the ends.

Abstract: A system for implantation of a spinal stabilization system includes a vertebral anchor having a top portion. The top portion has a perimeter and a first engaging element. The first engaging element has a first longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to a second longitudinal axis of the top portion. The perimeter extends around the second longitudinal axis. The system also includes a driving tool that has a second engaging element that is configured to cooperate with the first engaging element to substantially restrict rotation of the driving tool relative to the top portion about the second longitudinal axis. The first engaging element is configured to slidably receive the second engaging element in a direction along the first longitudinal axis, and the second engaging element is configured to extend substantially within the perimeter of the top portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus includes a vertebral anchor having a head portion and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion of the vertebral anchor and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot in the head portion of the anchor. An elongate cord may be received within the channel to facilitate inserting and securing a spacer between pairs of anchors installed into adjacent vertebrae of a person's spine.