Abstract: A new spinal hook of the present invention which comprises a hook-configured shoe with an integral portion. The top portion includes a pair of central posts which are displaced to form a slot therebetween. Each central post includes a groove colinearly formed to receive a spinal rod within. The slot between the two posts is oriented with respect to the grooves so that an eyebolt assembly may be used to engage the hook to the fixation rod. In another aspect of the invention, a slot is formed in the end faces of the hook. The slot forms one part of a tongue and slot instrumentation engagement arrangement, with the hook-holding instrument including a correspondingly configured tongue. In another aspect of the invention, each of the pair of central posts include grooves on both lateral faces of the posts so that the spinal rod can be situated on either side of the spinal hook.

Abstract: A one piece item of stainless steel or other material suitable for permanent placement in the human body, forms the eye and shaft of an eyebolt by a combination of two shell-like portions, each having threaded bosses at distal ends thereof. The distal ends are placed around a spinal rod simultaneously with insertion of one of the shell-like portions through the yoke of a spinal column connecting hook device. Then the bosses are brought toward each other and the two bosses combine to form a bolt on which a nut is received and advanced along the threads. As this is done, it forms the eye of the eyebolt and it is brought into cooperation with the hook device to clamp tightly on a spinal rod with which the eyebolt is used. The two threaded bosses have interfitting, and thus mating, rib and groove to establish and maintain alignment of the threads of the two bosses to facilitate reception of the nut on the bosses.

Abstract: A lateral offset connector is provided for engaging a spinal rod to a vertebral fixation element, such as a hook or a bone screw. The lateral offset connector includes a head portion from which a pair of parallel arms extend to form a slot opening between the arms. The arms are configured with grooves on their underside for receiving the spinal rod. The slot opening between the arms is configured to receive an eyebolt engagement assembly therebetween. The eyebolt is disposed between the arms of the connector and a nut is threaded onto the threaded post of the eyebolt to clamp the spinal rod between the eyebolt and the offset connector arms. The offset connector further includes a threaded post extending from the end of the connector for engagement with the spinal fixation component, such as the bone screw or hook. A nut clamps the fixation component between a rounded shoulder of the connector and the nut.

Abstract: A sacral implant system includes first and second sacral plates that are affixed on opposite sides of the sacrum adjacent the lumbosacral junction. Pedicle, lateral and oblique mounting means are provided for rigidly affixing the sacral plates to the sacrum. First and second fixation rods extend in a superior direction along the lumbar portion of the spine. One or more connecting members tie the rods together. The superior most vertebra to be fixed is tied to the implant system with a special offset fixation plate and pedicle screw. Conventional vertebra hooks can also be used as necessary. Intermediate vertebra are tied to the system with a straight fixation plate and pedicle screw.