Abstract: A low-profile surgical rod implant device is provided that allows the length of a rod spanning two bone screws to be adjusted at the time of implantation. In a separate aspect of the invention, the rod implant device can be secured by tightening and securing an end of the rod implant device at one of the bone screws. Embodiments are provided for use with polyaxial pedicle screws and substantially straight shank pedicle screws in spinal applications. In a separate aspect of the invention, a bone screw connector having an interference type fit is also provided. A method for implanting the device is also provided.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws.

Abstract: A retractor is provided for performing spinal surgery with a minimal approach, and which spares the lumbar muscles from surgical disruption. A preferred embodiment includes a blade having first and second faces wherein the faces are positioned substantially transverse to one another, and wherein at least one of the faces has a tapered width. Alternatively, both the first and second faces are tapered. Additionally, a third face positioned transverse to the first face and substantially parallel to the third face may be incorporated into the retractor. The second face also preferably includes at least one tooth, and more preferably, a plurality of teeth at its distal end for laterally engaging an articular process of a vertebra of the spine.

Abstract: To avoid traditional muscle dissection required in the placement of a screw for a pedicle screw fixation, a retractor is provided having a guide of an appropriate length to provide access from the skin surface to the dorsal aspect of the vertebra over the pedicle. The retractor has a handle to provide appropriate holding leverage and to maintain the guide so as to stabilize the guide against the lateral aspects of the facet with the paraspinous musculature. The retractor has a channel of an appropriate size to accommodate a variety of tools, including a drill bit or a tap. The channel also provides a pathway for a probe or feeler to inspect the placement of the screw.

Abstract: To avoid traditional muscle dissection required in the placement of a screw for a pedicle screw fixation, a retractor is provided having a guide of an appropriate length to provide access from the skin surface to the dorsal aspect of the vertebra over the pedicle. The retractor has a handle to provide appropriate holding leverage and to maintain the guide so as to stabilize the guide against the lateral aspects of the facet with the paraspinous musculature. The retractor has a channel of an appropriate size to accommodate a variety of tools, including a drill bit or a tap. The channel also provides a pathway for a probe or feeler to inspect the placement of the screw. A tool groove may be provided in the channel to support the shaft of a tool, such as a tap.

Abstract: A low-profile surgical rod implant device is provided that allows the length of a rod spanning two bone screws to be adjusted at the time of implantation. In a separate aspect of the invention, the rod implant device can be secured by tightening and securing an end of the rod implant device at one of the bone screws. Embodiments are provided for use with polyaxial pedicle screws and substantially straight shank pedicle screws in spinal applications. In a separate aspect of the invention, a bone screw connector having an interference type fit is also provided. A method for implanting the device is also provided.

Abstract: A device is presented for temporarily mounting an image tracker to a patient during surgery. The device preferably includes a first aperture and a axially-align second aperture. The apertures are sized to receive a securing mechanism, such as a bone screw that is temporarily inserted into a patient's bone for holding the image tracker near the vicinity of a surgical site. The device further preferably includes at least one projection such as a pin to stabilize the device from rotating.

Abstract: A guide is provided for insertion into a surgical incision to create interior access along a preferred plane to an interior surgical site. After inserting the guide into an incision, a retractor or other tool may be inserted though the guide to the interior surgical site. The guide serves as a pathway for the retractor to the interior surgical site of the patient.

Abstract: A low-profile surgical rod implant device is provided that allows the length of a rod spanning two bone screws to be adjusted at the time of implantation. In a separate aspect of the invention, the rod implant device can be secured by tightening and securing an end of the rod implant device at one of the bone screws. Embodiments are provided for use with polyaxial pedicle screws and substantially straight shank pedicle screws in spinal applications. In a separate aspect of the invention, a bone screw connector having an interference type fit is also provided. A method for implanting the device is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical implant assembly, and components thereof, are disclosed. Such assemblies include a connector device and an anchoring shaft. The assemblies are useful for insertion into bone and connecting a foreign object to bone via a polyaxial coupling mechanism.

Abstract: An instrument useful in performing lumbar arthrodesis with a minimal approach which spares the lumbar muscles from surgical disruption and includes one of two retractor designs having blades angled approximately 90° with respect to each respective retractor handle. One blade is bent at an end portion thereof in a direction away from the handle portion. The other blade has first and second blade faces, with the second face having at least two toothed structures located thereon.

Abstract: A surgical implant assembly, and components thereof, are disclosed. Such assemblies include a connector device and an anchoring shaft. The assemblies are useful for insertion into bone and connecting a foreign object to bone via a polyaxial coupling mechanism.

Abstract: An instrument useful in performing lumbar arthrodesis with a minimal approach which spares the lumbar muscles from surgical disruption and includes one of two retractor designs having blades angled approximately 90° with respect to each respective retractor handle. One blade is bent at an end portion thereof in a direction away from the handle portion. The other blade has first and second blade faces, with the second face having at least two toothed structures located thereon.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the normal axis of rotation of the vertebrae is substantially duplicated by the dynamic fixation device. The flexible portion of the dynamic fixation device can include a geometric shape and/or a hinge portion.

Abstract: To avoid traditional muscle dissection required in the placement of a screw for a pedicle screw fixation, a retractor is provided having a guide of an appropriate length to provide access from the skin surface to the dorsal aspect of the vertebra over the pedicle. The retractor has a handle to provide appropriate holding leverage and to maintain the guide so as to stabilize the guide against the lateral aspects of the facet with the paraspinous musculature. The retractor has a channel of an appropriate size to accommodate a variety of tools, including a drill bit or a tap. The channel also provides a pathway for a probe or feeler to inspect the placement of the screw. A tool groove may be provided in the channel to support the shaft of a tool, such as a tap.

Abstract: A device for assisting in positioning implants and/or implanting aids on or in a bone structure includes an outer part having a holder section and a guide section, and an inner part having a guide engagement section and a passage defined within the guide engagement section for an implant and/or implanting aid. A navigational reference for navigating the device by means of a medical navigation system can be on the outer part and/or on the inner part, by which the implant and/or implanting aid can be positioned with navigational assistance.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws.

Abstract: A low-profile rod connector is disclosed that includes two substantially conical surfaces that allows two rods to be secured together. The device is easily manipulated and occupies very little space. The connector allows for the rods to be oriented at a number of different positions prior to securing the rods in a final orientation. Medical implants utilizing the present invention include surgical implants for spine stabilization. One particular application comprises securing the shaft of a pedicle screw to a spinal rod. In such application, since the connector is relatively small, displacement and disruption to nearby tissue is minimized. The connector also has application to external fixation systems which are conducted exterior of the skin surface, as well as other mechanical devices.

Abstract: A low-profile surgical implant assembly is provided that includes a connector device that is an integral part of a rod, the connector device allowing the rod to be attached directly to a bone screw, such as a pedicle screw. Another aspect of the invention is a clamp device that allows the length of a rod spanning to attachment devices to be adjusted at the time of implantation, and further allows the clamp device to be secured by tightening a securing end of the clamp at the attachment device. The assemblies are useful for insertion into bone and connecting a foreign object to bone via a polyaxial coupling mechanism. A method for implanting the assembly is also provided.