Abstract: An articulating assembly includes a first elongated element for attachment to a first anatomical region, and a second elongated element for attachment to a second anatomical region. In at least one embodiment, a coupling connects the first and second elongated elements. The coupling includes a moveable joint configured to allow polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The assembly further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operable in an unlocked condition to permit polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element, and a locked condition to immobilize the movable joint and fix the position of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element.

Abstract: An articulating assembly includes a first elongated element for attachment to a first anatomical region, and a second elongated element for attachment to a second anatomical region. In at least one embodiment, a coupling connects the first and second elongated elements. The coupling includes a moveable joint configured to allow polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The assembly further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operable in an unlocked condition to permit polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element, and a locked condition to immobilize the movable joint and fix the position of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element.

Abstract: An articulating assembly includes a first elongated element for attachment to a first anatomical region, and a second elongated element for attachment to a second anatomical region. In at least one embodiment, a coupling connects the first and second elongated elements. The coupling includes a moveable joint configured to allow polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The assembly further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operable in an unlocked condition to permit polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element, and a locked condition to immobilize the movable joint and fix the position of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element.

Abstract: An articulating assembly includes a first elongated element for attachment to a first anatomical region, and a second elongated element for attachment to a second anatomical region. In at least one embodiment, a coupling connects the first and second elongated elements. The coupling includes a moveable joint configured to allow polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The assembly further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operable in an unlocked condition to permit polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element, and a locked condition to immobilize the movable joint and fix the position of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element.

Abstract: An articulating assembly includes a first elongated element for attachment to a first anatomical region, and a second elongated element for attachment to a second anatomical region. In at least one embodiment, a coupling connects the first and second elongated elements. The coupling includes a moveable joint configured to allow polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The assembly further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operable in an unlocked condition to permit polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element, and a locked condition to immobilize the movable joint and fix the position of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element.

Abstract: A two step locking screw assembly includes a receiving member for receiving a fixation member and an anchor having an enlarged portion and a shank. The enlarged portion of the anchor may be seated in the receiving member. An insert may also extend inside the receiving member. An outer fastener may be positioned in the receiving member. The outer fastener may include a central opening and a pair of ramped flanges. An inner fastener may be disposed inside the central opening of the outer fastener.

Abstract: An implant driver assembly includes an assembly for advancing a threaded implant over a wire. The assembly may include a driver tool with a proximal end, a distal end and a first engagement surface that has a first thread. The driver tool may also include a first wire passage. The assembly may further include a wire locking mechanism with a second engagement surface having a second thread. The second thread is engaged with the first thread to rotatably couple the wire locking mechanism with the driver tool. The wire locking mechanism may further include a second wire passage. The second wire passage may be substantially coaxially aligned with the first wire passage.

Abstract: An implant driver assembly includes an assembly for advancing a threaded implant over a wire. The assembly may include a driver tool with a proximal end, a distal end and a first engagement surface that has a first thread. The driver tool may also include a first wire passage. The assembly may further include a wire locking mechanism with a second engagement surface having a second thread. The second thread is engaged with the first thread to rotatably couple the wire locking mechanism with the driver tool. The wire locking mechanism may further include a second wire passage. The second wire passage may be substantially coaxially aligned with the first wire passage.

Abstract: A cross connector for connecting elongated fixation elements, such as spinal fixation rods, includes a central body and one or more actuators. The rod to rod connector may include a first lever and a second lever coupled to the central body. The first lever may include a free end separated from the central body by a first channel. The second lever may include a free end separated from the central body by a second channel. The one or more actuators may be operable to pivot the first and second levers into a relatively closed position. When the first and second levers are in the relatively closed position, the free ends of the first and second levers are moved toward one another and toward the central body to contract the first and second channels.

Abstract: An articulating assembly includes a first elongated element for attachment to a first anatomical region, and a second elongated element for attachment to a second anatomical region. In at least one embodiment, a coupling connects the first and second elongated elements. The coupling includes a moveable joint configured to allow polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The assembly further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operable in an unlocked condition to permit polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element, and a locked condition to immobilize the movable joint and fix the position of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element.

Abstract: A cross connector for connecting elongated fixation elements, such as spinal fixation rods, includes a central body and one or more actuators. The rod to rod connector may include a first lever and a second lever coupled to the central body. The first lever may include a free end separated from the central body by a first channel. The second lever may include a free end separated from the central body by a second channel. The one or more actuators may be operable to pivot the first and second levers into a relatively closed position. When the first and second levers are in the relatively closed position, the free ends of the first and second levers are moved toward one another and toward the central body to contract the first and second channels.

Abstract: A two step locking screw assembly includes a receiving member for receiving a fixation member and an anchor having an enlarged portion and a shank. The enlarged portion of the anchor may be seated in the receiving member. An insert may also extend inside the receiving member. An outer fastener may be positioned in the receiving member. The outer fastener may include a central opening and a pair of ramped flanges. An inner fastener may be disposed inside the central opening of the outer fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reinforcing a bone fixation assembly includes a first connector element for coupling to a first bone screw assembly, a second connector element for coupling to a second bone screw assembly, and an elongated connecting element that interconnects the first connector element and second connector element. An end of the first connector element is adapted to engage an elongated fixation element in a first bone screw assembly, and an end of the second connector element is adapted to engage an elongated fixation element in a second bone screw assembly.

Abstract: A scraper instrument for preparing an intervertebral disc space is disclosed. The scraper instrument incorporates a uniquely configured end bit having a cutting head with a cavity for passing debris therethrough. Variations of the scraper instrument include one or more angled portions and shaft assemblies that transmit rotational torque applied at the proximal end of the instrument through the at least one angled portion and to the distally located end bit. An adjustable angled portion in addition to a bayonet-like angled portion is disclosed.