Abstract: A connection assembly connects a bone engaging fastener to an elongate member. In one example, the assembly includes a fastener connector that has two integrally formed portions. The first fastener connector portion is for location adjacent to the bone and has an opening through which the fastener can extend and into the bone. The second fastener connector portion has one part of a ball and socket connection. The assembly includes a member connector that has two integrally formed portions. The first member connector portion has another part of the ball and socket connection engaged with the part of the ball and socket connection of the fastener connector. The second member connector portion has an aperture for receiving the elongate member. In a specific example, the opening in the fastener connector is an elongate slot. An associated method is used to connect the bone engaging fastener to the elongate member.

Abstract: A connection assembly connects a bone engaging fastener to an elongate member. In one example, the assembly includes a fastener connector that has two integrally formed portions. The first fastener connector portion is for location adjacent to the bone and has an opening through which the fastener can extend and into the bone. The second fastener connector portion has one part of a ball and socket connection. The assembly includes a member connector that has two integrally formed portions. The first member connector portion has another part of the ball and socket connection engaged with the part of the ball and socket connection of the fastener connector. The second member connector portion has an aperture for receiving the elongate member. In a specific example, the opening in the fastener connector is an elongate slot. An associated method is used to connect the bone engaging fastener to the elongate member.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining vertebrae of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship includes a longitudinal member extendable along the spinal column. A fastener connects the longitudinal member to a vertebra. The fastener has a first end portion engaging a vertebra and a second end portion. A staple, through which the second end portion of the fastener is extendable, includes a plurality of projections for engaging a vertebra. A washer, including an opening through which the second end portion of the fastener is extendable, engages the staple and the longitudinal member. The washer prevents pivotal movement of the longitudinal member relative to the staple. The longitudinal member, the fastener, the staple, and the washer are connected together.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in retaining vertebrae of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship includes a longitudinal member extendable along the spinal column. A fastener for connecting the longitudinal member to a vertebra includes a first end portion for engaging a vertebra and a second end portion connectable with the longitudinal member. A staple including a plurality of mounting projections for engaging the vertebra has surfaces for defining an opening through which the second end portion of the fastener extends. The staple includes surfaces for engaging the second end portion of the fastener to prevent relative rotation between the fastener and the staple.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in retaining a longitudinally extending member in position relative to a spinal column includes a top-entry hook assembly having a hook portion which is engageable with a spinal column. A body extending upwardly from the hook portion and has an open ended recess which extends through the body and is open along one side to enable a rod or longitudinal member to be moved into the recess through the open side. An end cap is engageable with the body to close the upper side opening. A clamp member or set screw is disposed at the center of the end cap to clamp the rod in the recess in the body. The end cap and body are interconnectable by different types of connectors including a bayonet connector, a linear cam connector, or a threaded connector.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for maintaining spinal elements in a desired spatial relationship includes a plate and a fastener having a first threaded end portion for engaging a spinal element, a second threaded end portion and a seat portion. The seat portion of the fastener is received in a recess of a plate. The plate has an elongated slot for receiving the fastener that extends along one side of the longitudinal axis of the plate. A circular opening for receiving another fastener is located on the other side of the longitudinal axis and adjacent the slot. The slot extends through the plate in a first direction and the circular opening extends through the plate in a second direction at an angle to the first direction. The slot is defined by opposed slot surfaces extending longitudinally of the plate and arcuate recesses in the opposed slot surfaces and spaced therealong. The recesses in the opposed slot surfaces define a plurality of locations for receiving the fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in retaining a longitudinally extending member in position relative to a spinal column includes a top-entry hook assembly having a hook portion which is engageable with a spinal column. A body extending upwardly from the hook portion and has an open ended recess which extends through the body and is open along one side to enable a rod or longitudinal member to be moved into the recess through the open side. An end cap is engageable with the body to close the upper side opening. A clamp member or set screw is disposed at the center of the end cap to clamp the rod in the recess in the body. The end cap and body are interconnectable by different types of connectors including a bayonet connector, a linear cam connector, or a threaded connector.