Abstract: A load sensing assembly for a spinal implant includes a set screw having a central opening that extends from a first end of the set screw toward a second end of the set screw. The second end of the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member. The load sensing assembly includes an antenna, an integrated circuit in communication with the antenna, where the integrated circuit is positioned within the central opening of the set screw, and a strain gauge in connection with the integrated circuit. The strain gauge is located within the central opening of the set screw in proximity to the second end of the set screw.

Abstract: An energy transfer system includes a spinal implant having an antenna, an antenna extender attached to a portion of the spinal implant in proximity to the antenna, and a reader device configured to send energy to the spinal implant via the antenna extender. The antenna extender extends away from the spinal implant. The spinal implant is configured to be positioned within a spinal area of a patient.

Abstract: An energy transfer system includes a spinal implant having one or more antennae, and the spinal implant is configured to be positioned within a spinal area of a patient, and a relay device configured to be positioned within the patient between the implant and the skin of the patient when implanted. The relay device is configured to receive energy from a reader device located externally to the patient and convey at least a portion of the received energy to the one or more antennae of the spinal implant.

Abstract: A spinal implant assembly includes a set screw having a central opening that extends from a first end of the set screw toward a second end of the set screw. The second end of the set screw includes a bottom bore portion, and the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member. The spinal implant assembly includes a capacitive assembly having an integrated circuit located within an internal portion the capacitive assembly, and a plurality of capacitive plates positioned on an outside bottom surface of the capacitive assembly. Each of the capacitive plates is in operable communication with the integrated circuit, and the capacitive assembly is configured to be received within the central opening of the set screw, such that the plurality of capacitive plates are positioned above the bottom bore portion.

Abstract: A system for assessing a status of a spinal implant includes a reader device, a wearable body sensor, and a spinal implant. The wearable body sensor includes a first short-range receiver, a first short-range transmitter, and an inertial measurement unit. The wearable body sensor is configured to be positioned over a portion of a spine of a wearer, and measure movement information corresponding to spinal motion of the wearer while the wearer performs one or more movements while wearing the wearable body sensor. The spinal implant includes one or more sensors configured to measure implant information comprising one or more characteristics of a fusion status of the spinal implant, a second short-range receiver, and a second short-range transmitter. The wearable body sensor is configured to communicate movement information to the reader device. The spinal implant is configured to communicate implant information to the reader device via the second transmitter.

Abstract: A system for assessing a status of a spinal implant includes a wearable apparatus having an electronics system and one or more spinal implants in communication with the wearable apparatus. The electronics system includes a first short-range receiver, a first short-range transmitter, and an inertial measurement unit. The wearable apparatus is configured to constrain one or more movements of a wearer when worn. The one or more spinal implants include one or more sensors configured to measure one or more characteristics of a fusion status of the spinal implant, a second short-range receiver, and a second short-range transmitter. The one or more spinal implants are configured to communicate one or more of the measured characteristics to the wearable apparatus via the second transmitter.

Abstract: A spinal implant assembly includes a set screw having a central opening that extends from a first end of the set screw toward a second end of the set screw. The second end of the set screw includes a bottom bore portion, and the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member. The spinal implant assembly includes a capacitive assembly having an integrated circuit located within an internal portion the capacitive assembly, and a plurality of capacitive plates positioned on an outside bottom surface of the capacitive assembly. Each of the capacitive plates is in operable communication with the integrated circuit, and the capacitive assembly is configured to be received within the central opening of the set screw, such that the plurality of capacitive plates are positioned above the bottom bore portion.

Abstract: An energy transfer system includes a spinal implant having one or more antennae, and the spinal implant is configured to be positioned within a spinal area of a patient, and a relay device configured to be positioned within the patient between the implant and the skin of the patient when implanted. The relay device is configured to receive energy from a reader device located externally to the patient and convey at least a portion of the received energy to the one or more antennae of the spinal implant.

Abstract: An energy transfer system includes a spinal implant having an antenna, an antenna extender attached to a portion of the spinal implant in proximity to the antenna, and a reader device configured to send energy to the spinal implant via the antenna extender. The antenna extender extends away from the spinal implant. The spinal implant is configured to be positioned within a spinal area of a patient.

Abstract: A load sensing assembly for a spinal implant is disclosed. The load sensing assembly may include: a set screw having a drive interface, a lower cavity for receiving a cover, the cover including a protrusion that may engage with an anchoring member. The load sensing assembly may further include an antenna, and at least one sensor having an integrated circuit in communication with the antenna. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit is positioned within a sealed cavity of the set screw. In some embodiments, a connecting wire extends through a through hole of the set screw and into the sealed cavity to connect the antenna with the at least one sensor. In some embodiments, the cap is welded to the set screw, the through hole is filled with an insulative material, and the sealed cavity of the set screw is hermitically sealed.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of: providing an implant support including a first portion frangibly connected to a second portion that defines an implant cavity and supports a bone fastener; connecting a surgical introducer instrument with the implant support and engaging the surgical introducer instrument with the bone fastener; percutaneously introducing the surgical introducer instrument, implant support and bone fastener assembly to a surgical site including tissue; attaching the second portion with the bone fastener to the tissue; and removing the first portion from the second portion. Systems, fasteners and instruments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of: providing an implant support including a first portion frangibly connected to a second portion that defines an implant cavity and supports a bone fastener; connecting a surgical introducer instrument with the implant support and engaging the surgical introducer instrument with the bone fastener; percutaneously introducing the surgical introducer instrument, implant support and bone fastener assembly to a surgical site including tissue; attaching the second portion with the bone fastener to the tissue; and removing the first portion from the second portion. Systems, fasteners and instruments are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization apparatus and method according to which an anchor element is engaged with a bone structure of a spinal system. The anchor element defines a reservoir adapted to contain a bone-growth promoting material and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the bone structure via at least one aperture defined in the anchor element. A rod-connecting element extend from the anchor element and is adapted to extend outward from the bone structure to engage at least a portion of a rod when the rod extends within a vicinity of the spinal system and the bone structure.

Abstract: A system for reducing curvature of a spine is provided, the system comprising a spinal construct having an elongated longitudinal element affixed to and extending between a first fixation element and a second fixation element, the first fixation element having a first end configured to engage at least a portion of a first anchor member, and the second fixation element having a second end configured to engage at least a portion of a second anchor member, the first and second anchor members configured to pierce the spine, wherein the elongated longitudinal element is configured to generate a corrective force sufficient to reduce curvature of the spine. The systems and methods provided allows a surgeon to select a tether, determine its length, and pre-assemble the spinal construct, which then can be coupled onto the head of a bone anchor.

Abstract: A method for anchoring a portion of material to bone is disclosed. One such method comprises affixing the portion of material to a neck of a fastener, and driving the fastener into the bone such that the portion of material becomes fixed to the bone.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization apparatus and method according to which an anchor element is engaged with a bone structure of a spinal system. The anchor element defines a reservoir adapted to contain a bone-growth promoting material and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the bone structure via at least one aperture defined in the anchor element. A rod-connecting element extend from the anchor element and is adapted to extend outward from the bone structure to engage at least a portion of a rod when the rod extends within a vicinity of the spinal system and the bone structure.