Abstract: A multiple zone bone fastener includes a head attached to an elongated shaft with a leading edge. The elongated shaft has a first zone, a second zone and a third zone, such that the second zone is disposed between first and third zones. The shaft has a continuous helical thread along the length of the first, second and third zones wherein the distance between the threads in the second zone is twice the distance between the threads in the first and second zones.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization apparatus and method according to which a fastener is engaged with a bone structure of a spinal system. The fastener is connected to a rod by moving the rod sideways toward the fastener in a coronal plane, and the direction of extension of at least a portion of the rod in the coronal plane may be selectively adjusted in predetermined angular increments through 360 degrees.

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 pre-assembled spinal construct is provided which includes an elongated member, a plurality of heads spaced apart at select positions around the elongated member, each of the plurality of heads defining an enclosure configured to receive a first securing member for securing the heads around the elongated member and each head aligned for coupling with a second securing member. A method for treating a spine utilizing the pre-assembled spinal construct of the present application is also provided, the method including the steps of providing a pre-assembled spinal construct, implanting the pre-assembled spinal construct into the spine of a patient in need thereof and coupling the pre-assembled spinal construct to at least two bone fasteners.

Abstract: A connector is provided for linear implants such as spinal rods which are disposed within the coronal plane of a body. The connector includes a first portion having a first cavity for disposal therethrough of a first spinal rod. A second portion has a second cavity for the disposal therethrough of a second spinal rod. The second portion is rotatable relative to the first portion. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Vertebral rods are provided that have predetermined curvatures to support various sections of the spine. The vertebral rods include a first end that is attached to a lower region of the spine, and a second end that is attached to an upper region of the spine. The construction of the rod results in a change in stiffness along the length between the first and second ends. The rods may also include predetermined curvatures to support various sections of the spine. The rods may include two of more longitudinal sections with different radii of curvatures to accommodate attachment to the various regions of the spine. The rods may also include one or more substantially straight sections. The rods may include a length to extend along a limited portion of the spine, or may extend along a majority of the spine. Further, the rods include a varying stiffness along the length.

Abstract: A medical implant device has in one embodiment a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, a crown member, an anchor member and a retaining member. An embodiment of the receiver member has an axial opening, a transverse channel, a chamber including at least one substantially flat wall, and a groove. An embodiment of the crown member has at least one substantially flat side. An embodiment of the anchor member has a head with at least one substantially flat surface that may be parallel to the anchor member's longitudinal axis, and an anchoring portion. An embodiment of the retaining member is a substantially flat clip. The crown member and anchor member are inserted into the chamber, and the retaining member is inserted into the groove beneath them. The anchor member may be pivoted substantially in one plane with respect to the receiver member until locked.

Abstract: A medical implant device has in one embodiment a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, a crown member, an anchor member and a retaining member. An embodiment of the receiver member has an axial opening, a transverse channel, a chamber including at least one substantially flat wall, and a groove. An embodiment of the crown member has at least one substantially flat side. An embodiment of the anchor member has a head with at least one substantially flat surface that may be parallel to the anchor member's longitudinal axis, and an anchoring portion. An embodiment of the retaining member is a substantially flat clip. The crown member and anchor member are inserted into the chamber, and the retaining member is inserted into the groove beneath them. The anchor member may be pivoted substantially in one plane with respect to the receiver member until locked.

Abstract: The present application is directed to multi-axial screw assemblies to connect a longitudinal member to a vertebral member. In one embodiment, the multi-axial screw assembly includes a screw comprising a threaded shank and an enlarged head. The assembly may also include a body with an upper channel sized to receive the longitudinal member, a lower chamber to receive the head. The body is constructed to maintain the head in the lower chamber.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for reducing a rod toward a bone fastener and securing it thereto with a set screw having a cylindrical fastener engaging member extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal portion of said fastener engaging member being adapted to receive a portion of the rod therein and being further adapted to engage the bone fastener. The instrument further being provided with a coaxial set screw installation member extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the set screw installation member being adapted to receive and hold the set screw securely within its distal end. The fastener engaging member and coaxial set screw installation member being operable together to reduce the rod distally into the bone fastener and then rotationally attach the set screw into the bone fastener while holding the rod in contact with the bone fastener.

Abstract: Elongated connecting elements include bodies having composite cross-sections defined by a center core that is surrounded by an outer portion. The center core includes a first material and the outer portion includes a second material that is distinct from the first material. In one particular form, a connecting element includes a maximum dimension across an outer cross-sectional shape of the outer portion that is less than a minimum dimension across an oblong or round outer cross-sectional shape of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) connecting element, and the connecting element exhibits mechanical properties that are at least equivalent to the mechanical properties of the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) connecting element. In another form, the center core has a non-circular cross-sectional shape and the first material is defined by a reinforcing material randomly dispersed throughout a polymer, and the outer portion includes a circular, outer cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for implementing a spinal fixation system with supplemental fixation includes a spinal fixation rod assembly and at least one supplemental fixation device. The spinal fixation rod assembly is adapted to provide primary fixation at a plurality of first fixation points by being secured to a plurality of first vertebral components except not into one of the first vertebral components of the plurality that is in a weakened structural condition and located between other of the first vertebral components of the plurality. The supplemental fixation device is adapted to provide supplemental fixation for the assembly at a second fixation point by being secured to a second vertebral component located adjacent to and offset from the one first vertebral component in the weakened structural condition and also to interconnect with the assembly to provide anchorage and thus additional fixation supplemental to the primary fixation.

Abstract: A method of conducting a surgical procedure including implanting an anchor into a bone, wherein the anchor comprises a receiving portion and a screw, the screw including a screw head contained within the receiving portion and pivotally engageable with a surface of the receiving portion, and wherein the receiving portion and the screw comprising a different material. The method further includes selecting a rod from a group of rod types and coupling the rod with the receiving portion to stabilize a position of a portion of the spine.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for marking a spinal rod to aid medical personnel in placement of the spinal rod in a medical patient are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a spinal rod is anodized a first color. Next, a portion of the anodized color is removed from the spinal rod to form a marking. In other embodiments, the anodized spinal rod is anodized a second time to better differentiate the marking from the remainder of the spinal rod.

Abstract: An adjustable vertebral body elevator is disclosed and can include a handle and a spoon rotatably coupled to the handle by a locking assembly. The handle can rotate with respect to the spoon around an axis or rotation. Further, the locking assembly can be coaxial with the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A mechanism for preventing rattling between a display cover that is pivotable about a chassis includes a first engagement surface associated with a display cover, and a second engagement surface associated with a chassis, the first and second engagement surfaces being slidably rotatable to allow the display cover to pivot about the chassis in a rotational range defined between open and closed positions. The mechanism includes a device for substantially preventing relative axial movement between the first and second engagement surfaces in the rotatable range. An elongated arcuate segment mounted on the first engagement surface mates with a corresponding elongated slot formed on the second engagement surface. The slot may be sized and dimensioned so as to constitute a stop for the positioning projection so that damage can be prevented that would otherwise occur between the liquid crystal display panel and the keyboard.