Abstract: A threaded cap or c-clip that attaches to a spinal rod or bone screw. Such a threaded cap or c-clip prevents slippage of the spinal system assemblies along or off their rods or bone screws during intra- or post-operative periods.

Abstract: Biocompatible material for bone repair, especially vertebral bone repair, preferably has three components. The first component is silicon nitride ceramic spheres or shells that can be polyhedral in shape. When grouped together, these ceramic spheres or shells form tessellates having a similar degree of stiffness, strain and stress resistance to cancellous bone. The second component comprises various bioactive factors that are preferably osteoconductive, osteoinductive and osteogenic. The third component is a liquid or gel that combines with the first and second components to form a composite.

Abstract: An artificial facet joint includes a spinal implant rod and a connector. The connector includes a screw and a rod connecting member having structure for engagement of the rod. The rod connecting member is pivotally engaged to the screw. The rod may also be held slideably within the connector enabling the rod to be moved relative to the connector.

Abstract: An artificial facet joint includes a spinal implant rod and a connector. The connector includes a screw and a rod connecting member having structure for engagement of the rod. The rod connecting member is pivotally engaged to the screw. The rod may also be held slideably within the connector enabling the rod to be moved relative to the connector.

Abstract: A bone screw with self-tapping exit flutes as well as tools for pulling a spinal rod through spinal system connector assemblies. The self-tapping exit flutes are preferably a cutting flute at the threaded end of a bone screw closest to the bone screw shank. To facilitate insertion of spinal rods into connector assemblies, a flexible thread or wire is attached to the forward end of a spinal rod. This flexible thread is then attached to the rear end of a needle-like probe. The probe helps the surgeon thread the rod into and through connector apertures. To further assist this threading process, a pulling tool with a handle, shaft and a grabbing end can be used.

Abstract: A balloon catheter tube assembly having an outer catheter tube and a concentric inner catheter onto which a generally wedge shaped balloon is attached. The catheter assembly is inserted into a damaged and compressed vertebra. Upon entry, the generally wedge shaped balloon is inflated to create a generally wedge shaped cavity. To create an optimum cavity, the inner catheter is connected to the generally wedge shaped balloon at a favorable position on either the toe or heel of the generally wedge shaped balloon. After the generally wedge shaped cavity is created, the generally wedge shaped balloon is removed and the generally wedge shaped cavity is filled with bone cement.

Abstract: A variable height, multi-axial bone screw assembly including a bone screw, a collet, a tulip shaped connector, a crown member, a rod and a set-screw. The bone screw has threads at its lower end and a generally cylindrical shaft at its upper end. The collet has a cylindrically shaped lower end to hold and grasp the bone screw shaft as well as a generally bulb shaped upper end to be received by the tulip shaped connector. By changing the position of the bone screw shaft grasped by the collet, the height of the bone screw vis-à-vis the tulip shaped connector can be varied. All the elements of the bone screw assembly are combined together by placing the collet head, crown member and rod within a central bore of the connector and firmly tightening them in place using the set screw.

Abstract: An artificial facet joint includes a spinal implant rod and a connector. The connector includes a screw and a rod connecting member having structure for engagement of the rod. The rod connecting member is pivotally engaged to the screw.

Abstract: An artificial facet joint includes a spinal implant rod and a connector. The connector includes a screw and a rod connecting member having structure for engagement of the rod. The rod connecting member is pivotally engaged to the screw.

Abstract: An artificial facet joint includes a pair of connectors, each having a first device connecting member having structure for slidably engaging a rod, and a second device connecting member having an aperture for slidably engaging a screw. The first and second device connecting members are rotatably engaged to one another. A spinal implant and spinal implant screws are also provided. The first device connecting member of each connector is slidably engaged to the rod and the second device connecting member of each connector is slidably engaged to a respective one of the pair of spinal implant screws, whereby the screws can be engaged to the pedicles on one lateral side of adjacent vertebrae and the rod and connectors will limit movement of the joint. Another artificial facet joint can be provided on another lateral side of the adjacent vertebrae. A transverse member can be connected between the rods on each lateral side of the vertebrae.

Abstract: An artificial facet joint includes a spinal implant rod and a connector. The connector includes a screw and a rod connecting member having structure for engagement of the rod. The rod connecting member is pivotally engaged to the screw. The rod may also be held slideably within the connector enabling the rod to be moved relative to the connector.

Abstract: A life preserver assembly includes a substantially planar main body portion formed from a buoyant material and separation means defining in said main body portion at least one life preserver. The separation means permits the life preserver to be removed from the main body portion. The life preserver is a unitary U shaped structure where the life preserver is preassembled for immediate use.

Abstract: An artificial facet joint includes a spinal implant rod and a connector. The connector includes a screw and a rod connecting member having structure for engagement of the rod. The rod connecting member is pivotally engaged to the screw. The rod may also be held slideably within the connector enabling the rod to be moved relative to the connector.

Abstract: A life preserver assembly includes a substantially planar main body portion formed from a buoyant material. A separation means is provided for defining at least one life preserver in the main body portion. The separation means permits the life preserver to be removed from the main body portion. A method for storing a life preserver is also disclosed.

Abstract: A timepiece includes an indicator for indicating the passage of one hundred years, and preferably in one year increments. The indicator can be a year hand which revolves, each revolution indicating the passage of one hundred years. The indicator can be set to provide an indication of the age of the owner, the number of years since activation of the timepiece, or some other period relevant to the user. The timepiece can be a watch.