Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener assembly for a spinal fixation system and is particularly useful in treatment of pediatric and small-statured patients. The fastener assembly includes a fastener, an attachment member, and a locking member. The fastener has a lower portion for contacting a bone and a upper portion integral with the lower portion and having two open channels. Each channel is configured and dimensioned for receiving a portion of the longitudinal member along its circumference. The attachment member is positionable on the fastener and at least partially covers the channel that receives the longitudinal member. The attachment member is configured and dimensioned for receiving another portion of the longitudinal member along its circumference. The locking member is operatively associated with the upper portion of the fastener and secures the attachment member and longitudinal member to the fastener.

Abstract: A hand tool having first and second handle portions and a toothed bar that has first and second terminal ends, a plurality of teeth having free ends, and at least one shield member adjacent the teeth and having at least a portion which extends beyond the free ends of the teeth, wherein the toothed bar is pivotally attached at its first terminal end to a first handle portion and the teeth of the toothed bar engage with a pawl associated with the second handle. The invention is also directed to a safety ratchet mechanism for preventing undesired relative movement of two handle portions of a hand tool, wherein the toothed bar has a first end that is pivotally connected to at least one handle portion and a second end adapted and configured to move relative to the second handle portion when the handle portions undergo relative movement, and wherein the toothed bar has a plurality of teeth that are designed to interact with a pawl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener assembly for a spinal fixation system and is particularly useful in treatment of pediatric and small-statured patients. The fastener assembly includes a fastener, an attachment member, and a locking member. The fastener has a lower portion for contacting a bone and a upper portion integral with the lower portion and having two open channels. Each channel is configured and dimensioned for receiving a portion of the longitudinal member along its circumference. The attachment member is positionable on the fastener and at least partially covers the channel that receives the longitudinal member. The attachment member is configured and dimensioned for receiving another portion of the longitudinal member along its circumference. The locking member is operatively associated with the upper portion of the fastener and secures the attachment member and longitudinal member to the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener assembly for a spinal fixation system and is particularly useful in treatment of pediatric and small-statured patients. The fastener assembly includes a fastener, an attachment member, and a locking member. The fastener has a lower portion for contacting a bone and a upper portion integral with the lower portion and having two open channels. Each channel is configured and dimensioned for receiving a portion of the longitudinal member along its circumference. The attachment member is positionable on the fastener and at least partially covers the channel that receives the longitudinal member. The attachment member is configured and dimensioned for receiving another portion of the longitudinal member along its circumference. The locking member is operatively associated with the upper portion of the fastener and secures the attachment member and longitudinal member to the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection on the medial end. The projection includes a recess defined by lateral and medial walls. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member secures the position and orientation of the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different separation distances and orientations between the first and second fixation elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection on the medial end. The projection includes a recess defined by lateral and medial walls. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member secures the position and orientation of the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different separation distances and orientations between the first and second fixation elements.