Abstract: A pedicle screw fastening system that consists of an anchoring bone screw having a first diameter with threads on one end for use in anchoring the screw to the bone and a spherical ball connector member having a second diameter on the other end, with the second diameter smaller than the first diameter; the spherical ball connector member operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. The connecting assembly has a lower connector member with an attachment ring to secure the spherical ball connector member, allowing the use of the small diameter spherical ball connector member with a large shank anchoring bone screw. A biased retainer member maintains a positive tension between the connecting assembly and the anchored screw. The system allows for large shank screws with small connecting assemblies.

Abstract: A bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with an anchoring bone screw. The system allows attachment of a connector assembly to the anchoring bone screw having a spherical ball connector using a blocker ring preloaded with a split ring. Upon installation, the blocker ring and split ring are expanded into an expansion slot, causing relocation of said split ring into a lower groove, permanently attaching said connector assembly to said anchoring bone screw. The blocker ring having a counter-bored inner surface allowing said split ring to be preloaded to facilitate manufacturing. Dislodgement of the split ring from the blocker ring produces an audible and tactile indication that the sufficient force has been applied to lock the connector assembly to the bone screw.

Abstract: The bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle having at retainer ring captured by a blocker split ring for use in securing the spherical connector to the connecting assembly.

Abstract: The bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw. The system allows attachment to a bone screw using a retaining ring spot welded to a blocker ring to assure proper ring positioning. Upon installation the retainer wall is expanded causing a break from the blocker ring producing an audible and tactile indication that the sufficient force has been applied to set the retainer and blocker rings locking the bone screw to a U-shaped connecting assembly.

Abstract: The bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw. The system allows attachment to a bone screw using a retaining ring with a blocker ring to assure proper ring positioning. The retaining ring having a continuous inner surface wall and an outer wall having a notch. Upon installation the retainer wall is expanded causing a break at the notch producing an audible and tactile indication that the sufficient force has been applied to set the retainer and blocker rings locking the bone screw to a U-shaped connecting assembly.

Abstract: A low profile orthopedic device is used to fix and stabilize bones to correct anomalies in skeletal structure occurring naturally or by trauma. Bone screws are screwed into bones by application of torque. Connectors are attached to the anchored bone screws. Each connector includes a clamp and a compression ring. A connecting rod connects several connectors together. The clamps are tightened to hold the rod to the bone screws in a pre-selected position by linear movement of the compression ring.

Abstract: A low profile orthopedic device is used to fix and stabilize bones to correct anomalies in skeletal structure occurring naturally or by trauma. Bone screws are screwed into bones by application of torque. Connectors are attached to the anchored bone screws. Each connector includes a clamp and a compression ring. A connecting rod connects several connectors together. The clamps are tightened to hold the rod to the bone screws in a pre-selected position by linear movement of the compression ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument to assist in installing bottom loading orthopedic devices. The orthopedic devices are used to fix and stabilize bones to correct anomalies in skeletal structure occurring naturally or by trauma. Bone screws are anchored and tulips by the disclosed instrument wherein push/pull forces are equalized to eliminate the imposition of stress on the skeletal of individual.

Abstract: The bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle having at least two retainer rings within at least two retaining ring grooves for use in securing the spherical connector to the connecting assembly.

Abstract: A low profile orthopedic device is used to fix and stabilize bones to correct anomalies in skeletal structure occurring naturally or by trauma. Bone screws are screwed into bones by application of torque. Connectors are attached to the anchored bone screws. Each connector includes a clamp and a compression ring. A connecting rod connects several connectors together. The clamps are tightened to hold the rod to the bone screws in a pre-selected position by linear movement of the compression ring.

Abstract: A prosthetic spinous process cross-link implant for the replacement of a posterior vertebral element. The implant includes a cross link body member with a pair of adjustable link arms connected to the cross link body to size the implant to specific anatomical configurations. The implant includes a rod clamp that is spring loaded to a forward position such that capturing a spinal rod on to the adjustable link arms to achieve a snap on effect thereby increasing the ease of installation. A plurality of spinous process cross-link implants can be assembled as a kit wherein the set includes a group of spinous process type yokes and bridge type yokes each group including both fixed and variable sized implants.

Abstract: The bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle having at least two retainer rings within at least two retaining ring grooves for use in securing the spherical connector to the connecting assembly.

Abstract: The bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle having a retainer ring within a retaining ring groove for use in securing the spherical connector to the connecting assembly.

Abstract: A low profile orthopedic device is used to fix and stabilize bones to correct anomalies in skeletal structure occurring naturally or by trauma. Bone screws are screwed into bones by application of torque. Connectors are attached to the anchored bone screws. Each connector includes a clamp and a compression ring. A connecting rod connects several connectors together. The clamps are tightened to hold the rod to the bone screws in a pre-selected position by linear movement of the compression ring.

Abstract: The fastening system consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle that operates as a socket for housing a retainer ring within a retaining ring groove.

Abstract: The fastening system consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle that operates as a socket for housing a retainer ring within a retaining ring groove. The retaining ring cooperates with the connector assembly and a saddle that is positioned atop the spherical connector.

Abstract: The bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle having a retainer ring within a retaining ring groove for use in securing the spherical connector to the connecting assembly.

Abstract: A polyaxial ball and socket joint that can be locked into a fixed position. The fastening system consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle that operates as a socket for housing an upper retainer ring and a lower split retaining ring. The socket is receptive to the spherical connector which is inserted through the lower split retainer ring causing a momentary displacement thereof which allows for the positioning of the spherical connector between the upper and lower retainer rings.

Abstract: The fastening system consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle that operates as a socket for housing a retainer ring within a retaining ring groove.

Abstract: The fastening system consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle that operates as a socket for housing a retainer ring within a retaining ring groove. The retaining ring cooperates with the connector assembly and a saddle that is positioned atop the spherical connector.