Abstract: A system for implanting a disk prosthesis within a cervical spine includes a disk prosthesis holder having tines for frictionally engaging the disk prosthesis through an anterior to posterior movement, and a cervical disk distractor having jaws with guide rails for freely receiving the disk prosthesis. Inserting the cervical distractor while in a closed position into the intervertebral space allows an opening of the jaws for increasing a separation between opposing vertebrae. Inserting the disk prosthesis between the opened jaws using the cervical disk holder allows for a placing of the disk prosthesis within the cavity of the intervertebral space with an aligning of the disk prosthesis. Closing the jaws permits a removing of the cervical disk holder from the disk prosthesis with a subsequent removing of the cervical distractor resulting in an implanting of the disk prosthesis within the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A pedicle screw includes a cradle carrying a stabilization rod and a side entry channel for placing the rod into the cradle. A protuberance extends into the channel for providing an initial stop for the stabilization rod when being directed into the channel and is dimensioned for providing an audible sound through a snap fit of the stabilization rod in response to a biasing against the protuberance during a passing of the rod into the channel. An articulating ahead includes an insert carried within a cavity for making frictional contact with the stabilization rod and with the shank such that biasing a set screw against the rod results in a biasing of the rod against the insert and thus with the shank. Increasing the biasing by the setscrew against the rod results in a locking of the head with the shaft and thus a fixation of the stabilization rod.

Abstract: A cervical disk prosthesis includes a ball and socket joint interposed between opposing plates for attaching to adjacent vertebrae. The bearing plate has a dimension in the frontal plane larger than a corresponding dimension of the upper plate for providing a limit stop for the upper plate, and by its outside face, a bearing surface for a vertebra that is greater than that presented by the second plate. The disk prosthesis has a trapezoidal form in the horizontal plane with the upper and smaller plate having a parallelepiped shape for defining flexion and extension mobility. One of the plates carries an elastic ring about the perimeter for making a shock absorbing contact with the opposing plate.

Abstract: A system for connecting a spinal osteosynthesis rod and a crossbar include a passage for receiving the corssbar and hinge mounted jaws for clamping the rod. A locking device biases the crossbar against the jaws. A return spring pulls the jaws relatively close to one another independently of the crossbar such that the jaws may clamp the osteosynthesis rod to ensure a stable mounting of the connection system to the osteosynthesis rod.