Abstract: This invention relates to spinal implants of improved strength and rigidity. One embodiment relates to U-shaped, top loading spinal rod receivers wherein the threading on the receiver ends above the top of the rod when the rod is in the locked positions. Other embodiments relate to improved thread designs based on minimizing the gap between the minor diameter of the receiver and the minor diameter of the securing member and by ensuring an equal or substantially equal number of full width threads on each of the flanges of the U-shaped receiver.

Abstract: A transverse connector for a spinal column corrective device for interconnecting two components connectable with vertebrae of a spinal column includes a first member having a body portion and a connector portion extending from the body portion, the connector portion including an opening for receiving the first component, a second member having a body portion and a connector portion extending from the body portion, the connector portion including an opening for receiving the second component, and a clamp extending between the first and second member body portions, the clamp being movable into a tightened position to lock the first and second members into position relative to one another, and a loosened position to permit adjustment of the position of the first and second members relative to one another. The first and second member body portions having mating retaining surfaces to prevent relative movement between the first and second members when the clamp is in the tightened position.

Abstract: A screw placement guide tool for use in minimally invasive surgery has a proximal handle portion, an extension member extending distally from the handle portion, and an alignment element connected transversely to a distal portion of the extension member and having a screw placement guide located thereon. In this aspect of the invention, the tool is configured so that a surgeon may operate the tool using the handle portion external to a patient's body to align the alignment element with implanted screws so that the screw placement guide indicates a desired position for implantation of an additional screw. Systems and methods for placing a rod receiving screw are also provided.

Abstract: A compressor tool for use in minimally invasive surgery is provided having first and second elongate elements where each elongate element is connected to the other at a pivot point within a pivot region of each element for rotating articulation in an articulation plane with respect to each other. The first and second elongate elements are configured to provide a tool pivot region including the pivot point, a tool handle proximal to the tool pivot region, and a tool working portion distal to the too pivot region so that pressure applied to the tool handle portion results in a compressive force being applied by the tool working portion. The tool has a first closed position for insertion of the tool through an incision or portal so that the pivot region is located within the incision or portal, and a second working position where the tool working portion is arranged to provide a compressive force to spaced apart elements within a patient's body.

Abstract: A closure system for fixing a spinal fixation element to a spinal fixation element receiving body includes a low profile outer locking nut for engaging an outer surface of the spinal fixation element receiving body and an inner set screw for engaging an inner surface of a spinal fixation element. The outer locking nut includes opposed proximal and distal ends, a generally cylindrical, low profile outer surface, an inner surface defining an inner bore, and a spinal fixation element closure surface provided on the distal end. An engagement element is formed on the inner surface adjacent the distal end for engaging an outer portion of the spinal fixation element receiving body so as to close the spinal fixation element to the spinal fixation element receiving body upon tightening of the engagement element. A driving element is formed at the proximal end within a periphery defined by the low profile outer surface and is configured to receive a driving tool to tighten the engagement element.

Abstract: A closure system for fixing a spinal fixation element to a spinal fixation element receiving body includes a low profile outer locking nut for engaging an outer surface of the spinal fixation element receiving body and an inner set screw for engaging an inner surface of a spinal fixation element. The outer locking nut includes opposed proximal and distal ends, a generally cylindrical, low profile outer surface, an inner surface defining an inner bore, and a spinal fixation element closure surface provided on the distal end. An engagement element is formed on the inner surface adjacent the distal end for engaging an outer portion of the spinal fixation element receiving body so as to close the spinal fixation element to the spinal fixation element receiving body upon tightening of the engagement element. A driving element is formed at the proximal end within a periphery defined by the low profile outer surface and is configured to receive a driving tool to tighten the engagement element.

Abstract: A transverse connector for a spinal column corrective device for interconnecting two components connectable with vertebrae of a spinal column includes a first member having a body portion and a connector portion extending from the body portion, the connector portion including an opening for receiving the first component, a second member having a body portion and a connector portion extending from the body portion, the connector portion including an opening for receiving the second component, and a clamp extending between the first and second member body portions, the clamp being movable into a tightened position to lock the first and second members into position relative to one another, and a loosened position to permit adjustment of the position of the first and second members relative to one another. The first and second member body portions having mating retaining surfaces to prevent relative movement between the first and second members when the clamp is in the tightened position.

Abstract: A transverse connector for a spinal column corrective device for interconnecting two components connectable with vertebrae of a spinal column includes a first member having a body portion and a connector portion extending from the body portion, the connector portion including an opening for receiving the first component, a second member having a body portion and a connector portion extending from the body portion, the connector portion including an opening for receiving the second component, and a clamp extending between the first and second member body portions, the clamp being movable into a tightened position to lock the first and second members into position relative to one another, and a loosened position to permit adjustment of the position of the first and second members relative to one another. The first and second member body portions having mating retaining surfaces to prevent relative movement between the first and second members when the clamp is in the tightened position.

Abstract: An alignable orthopedic prosthesis system includes a prosthesis and an alignment guide. The prosthesis includes a stem having at least one keyed component extending along its outer surface. The alignment guide has an alignment body with a guide surface disposed on an inner portion thereof. The guide surface has a key element formed therein for engageably receiving the keyed component of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An alignable orthopedic prosthesis system includes a prosthesis and an alignment guide. The prosthesis includes a stem having at least one slot extending along its length. The alignment guide has an alignment body with a guide surface extending from an end thereof, namely a key element formed as a blade for engaging and guiding the slot to orient the prosthesis stem. The alignment body also fits against a machined bone surface so that the blade is positioned in a plane that is oriented to guide the stem smoothly into contact with a recess formed in the bone.

Abstract: A method and tool for inserting a prosthetic stem component in an aligned position into a prepared bone cavity. The bone is prepared by removing bone material from the bone canal and preferably also machining an entry opening of a predetermined shape and desired orientation in the bone, or marking the plane of the joint on the bone end. The tool includes an upper component that engages the top of the prosthesis stem to fix its rotational alignment, and an arm that extends to the opening in the bone and is aligned at its distal end. The upper component rides along the arm, and orients the stem with respect to the bone as the stem is inserted. The tool may include a lower element that engages the machined or marked bone and holds the arm to orient the head of the prosthesis. Optionally, the lower element may guide the distal stem. Alternatively, the guide may include an arm that simply points to, contacts or fastens at the bone end, orienting the prosthesis insertion without sighting errors.