Abstract: An instrument for assembling a bone anchoring device includes a shank with a shaft section to be anchored in a bone and a engagement end, a head being separate from the shank and having a through bore, and a receiving part having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal bore extending from the first to the second end, the head being positionable within the bore at the second end. The instrument includes a holding portion arranged to hold a pin, which has a rod section with a length and a diameter suited to fit and extend at least through the bore of the head, and which has a free end portion extending from the rod section such as to project from the bore of the head when the pin is inserted, and configured to engage with the engagement end of the shank.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for use in forming holes in bone and for driving a cannulated fastener into the formed hole. The tool may having a cutting tip for drilling a hole into bone, and may have a shaft and sleeve for accepting the cannulated fastener and for driving it into the drilled hole. The tool may be adjustable to allow fasteners of different lengths to be accepted, while ensuring that a portion of the cutting tip protrudes beyond the end of the fastener. A multiple-screw tool is also disclosed that allows more than one cannulated fastener at a time to be stacked on the tool, thus speeding the installation process.

Abstract: A device for rotatably driving a cannulated tool along a guide wire. In one aspect, the device includes a coupling assembly for receiving the tool and guide wire as well as a ratchet mechanism permitting selective rotation between the device and the tool. The device further includes an elongate gripping portion extending transversely to the coupling assembly to provide a levered mechanical advantage while positioning the gripping portion out of the path of the guide wire. In another aspect, the device includes a handle having a through bore shorter than a predetermined length of a connection assembly through bore so that only a short portion of the guide wire is covered by the device. A method of driving a cannulated tool along a guide wire is also provided that includes rotating a gripping portion of a handle assembly about the tool in an arcuate path spaced from the tool.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a cannulated screw driver assembly which includes a rigid guide pin such that the assembly can be used to assist the surgeon in inserting and positioning the rigid guide pin and an interference screw within a bone graft tunnel. Once the screw is properly placed, screw driver assembly components to include the rigid guide pin, the driver and the handle can be removed while the screw remains in the tunnel to secure the graft. In one embodiment, the interference screw can be removed from the distal end of the driver and the driver and handle can be removed from the screw's proximal end. Embodiments of the inventions also include an interchangeable driver to mate with different size and types of interference screws.

Abstract: A self-contained orthopedic implant component assembly provides for concerted or concerted and independent installation of orthopedic components onto an orthopedic implant. The assembly includes a first orthopedic component formation for installation of a first orthopedic component thereof onto the orthopedic implant and a second orthopedic component formation for installation of a second orthopedic component thereof onto the orthopedic implant. The second orthopedic implant formation is carried by the first orthopedic implant formation such that installation of the first orthopedic implant formation into the orthopedic implant at least partially installs the second orthopedic implant formation into the orthopedic implant. One or both of the first and second orthopedic component formations includes a component driver for receipt of installation torque whereby application of rotational torque installs the orthopedic component(s) onto the orthopedic implant.

Abstract: A dynamometric tool for medical use includes: a hollow grip (10), an instrument holder (30) designed to be secured in rotation to an instrument configured to co-operate with an object to be screwed, the instrument holder being extended by a shaft (18) pivoting inside the grip, the instrument holder (30) being frictionally connected to the grip via a spring member (34) arranged between the shaft (18) and the grip (10). According to the invention, the spring member (34) includes plural blades (36) elastically deformable in a substantially radial direction.

Abstract: A medical instrument apparatus and method is provided to insert and release medical implants. This invention pertains generally to medical instruments and more specifically to spinal implant insertion instruments for spinal fixation systems. The insertion instrument may provide a positive locking and unlocking actuator, preferably in the form of a lever, which ensures that the pedicle screw and yoke assembly is either mechanically locked to the insertion instrument or unlocked to the insertion instrument. The positive locking and unlocking actuator of the insertion instrument eliminates guesswork for the surgeon because the surgeon can readily know if the pedicle screw and yoke assembly is attached to the insertion instrument or not. Superelastic components may also be included to shift components in a first direction and pull components under superelastic tension in a second direction for increased holding force.

Abstract: There is shown a system and method for reducing the difficulty in percutaneous placement of a spine stabilization brace. A medical implant system has a first bone anchor having a longitudinal axis, a second bone anchor and a brace. The brace couples the first bone anchor to the second bone anchor. A the distal end of the brace may be pivotally coupled to the first bone anchor and also adapted to slide in a generally transverse direction in relation to the longitudinal axis of the first bone anchor.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation assembly usable with different long bone types and a guide assembly for guiding deployment of the intramedullary fixation assembly. The intramedullary fixation assembly includes a fixation member that has ends and a curved body extending between the ends. The curved body of the fixation member has a radius of curvature configured to extend through the medullary canal regardless of the long bone anatomy. Fasteners fix the fixation member to the bone fragments and are guided by a guide assembly. The guide assembly includes a guide body defining openings configured to guide the fasteners through openings defined in the fixation member and into the bone fragments. A fixation end of the guide body includes a pair of opposing, converging surfaces that are configured to engage in a positive fit with an exposed end of the fixation member accessible through the side aperture in the first fragment.

Abstract: The device according to the invention, for reducing a fracture, in particular a distal radius fracture, comprises: an osteosynthesis plate with an elongated body part prolongated by a single-piece head part, said head part including orifices adapted for “poly-axial” assembly of fastening screws, a guiding block type device fitted with through-orifices adapted for acting as a guide to said fastening screws, means for drilling orifices with a set of suitable drill bits, a first drilling guide whereof the threaded insert adapted for being screwed in one of the nuts of the plate head, the latter being deprived of the guiding block, to enable the realisation of an drill-hole in the bone by a “poly-axial” type technique, and a second drilling guide adapted for co-operating with one of the orifices of said guiding block positioned sur said plate head so as to enable the realisation of a drill-hole in the bone by a “mono-axial” type technique.

Abstract: A tool for implantation of a rod into a bone screw implanted in a human spine includes a guide member having a laterally opening channel disposed along an entire length thereof for side loading and receiving an implant fastener. A rod pushing member and a handle with a laterally opening channel are coaxial with the guide member, with the rod pushing member being rotatingly mateable to the guide member and the handle having a spring attachment mechanism for attaching the handle to the guide member. The guide member includes spring tabs for attachment to a bone screw, the tabs biased away from the bone screw. The rod pushing member includes a sleeve that extends substantially about the guide member, pressing the spring tabs toward the bone screw and into apertures on the bone screw arms. The rod pushing member sleeve also operatively functions as a rod pusher that abuts a rod as the sleeve is translated along the guide member and toward the bone screw.

Abstract: A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a novel screw-based retractor, disclosed herein, that allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed as an integrally formed part of the tulip of a pedicle screw assembly with opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The arms are removed by separating the arms from the tulip and pulling it out of the wound. The retractor device is intended to be made of a stiff material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a novel screw-based retractor, disclosed herein, that allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed as a co-molded part of the tulip of a pedicle screw assembly with opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The arms are removed by separating the arms from the tulip and removing them from the incision. The retractor device is intended to be made of a relatively stiff material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A screw insertion/extraction device is disclosed that is useful as a tool for screw insertion and extraction procedures. The device includes a shaft sleeve that is formed to define a passage for accommodating the shaft of a wrench. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft sleeve has a proximal portion and a distal portion interposed by an intermediate portion, where the proximal and distal portions extend along opposite sides of a central axis of the wrench shaft passage and the intermediate portion extends both along and about the central axis to connect the proximal and distal portions. A shoulder portion extends inwardly from the distal end of the shaft sleeve for engaging the base of a screw head such that the screw head can be captured between the distal end of a wrench and the shoulder portion of the shaft sleeve.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for retrograde placement of fasteners into bone.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for the fusion of joints (particularly finger joints or toe joints) in a bent (or angled) position. In certain embodiments, a device for the fusion of joints preferably allows for one or more of various angled positions, and the particular angle may differ for different joints. The device is preferably a bendable implant device for fusing together bones or a joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (and corresponding method) for holding and inserting one or more components of a pedicle screw assembly. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the present invention may be used in connection with minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A system includes a drill guide and a gauge wire. The drill guide has two arms rotatable relative to each other about a hinge, with each arm including a split portion of a guide. When the arms are in a closed configuration, the split portions come together to form a tubular guide. Because the arms can be opened and closed about the hinge, the guide can be split and removed from over a drill bit or pin without first removing the drill bit from the bone or the drill from the drill bit or pin. Each arm also includes a semicircular form which when the arms are closed defines a gauge wire hole parallel to the guide which is sized to receive a gauge wire. The gauge wire includes depth indicia along its length which is used to indicate the length of a fixation device for use in a procedure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for driving a threaded member into a substrate generally includes a drive shaft, a support member and a biasing member. The drive shaft is configured for releasable engagement with the threaded member. The drive shaft is axially coupled with the support member in a manner allowing relative axial displacement therebetween, with the drive shaft rotatably coupled with the support member. The biasing member is coupled between the support member and the drive shaft to transmit an axial force from the support member to the drive shaft as the threaded member is driven into the substrate, and with the axial force being limited as a distal end of the support member is engaged against a surface adjacent the substrate to correspondingly limit an axial force exerted onto the threaded member by the drive shaft to facilitate rotational disengagement of the drive shaft from the threaded member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guided bone anchoring device comprising a head, a shank and a passage for receiving a guide wire, the passage having a longitudinal center axis which is not concentric to the longitudinal center axis of the shank. Also disclosed is a system for guiding bone anchors, the system comprising: a guide wire, an anchor comprised of a shank wherein the shank has an offset bore at the distal end which is adapted to allow the guide wire to slide through the bore, a dilator having a longitudinal slot wherein the longitudinal slot allows the guide wire to extend through the longitudinal slot when the anchor is positioned within the dilator, and a driving device which is adapted to engage the proximal end of the anchor.

Abstract: A dynamometric tool for medical use with a longitudinal axis AA includes: a hollow grip (10) including an interior wall having a succession of recesses (29) oriented along the axis AA and the section of which is egg-shaped, an instrument holder (30) to be secured in rotation with an instrument configured to cooperate with an object to be screwed, the instrument holder being extended by a shaft (18) with an axis AA pivoting inside the grip. The instrument holder (30) is frictionally connected to the grip using a plurality of elastic members (2) arranged between the shaft (18) and the grip (10), each elastic member (2) including a plurality of blades (4) arranged primarily along non-radial directions and elastically deformable along an essentially radial direction, the ends of the blades forming skids designed to cooperate with the recesses (29) of the interior wall.

Abstract: A one step entry pedicular preparation device works well with Minimal Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) to facilitating such approach. A related intervertebral disc access system and pedicle screw compatible with the systems is also illustrated. The systems include a manipulator having a bar handle and main body with main barrel bore a pedicle dart having a proximal tip end and a second distal open end selectably attachable to the manipulator using a variety of interconnect configurations, both of which work in conjunction with a guide pin. The pedicle darts can be made of any material, disposable or re-usable and can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including bone structure formation for faster conventional pedicle screw insertion with precision and vertebra fixation.

Abstract: A system for performing bone arthrodesis includes an implant for bone arthrodesis and a bone fastening device. The implant includes a fastener with an elongated shaft having a head at one end and a bone-piercing point at the opposite end. A first washer has structure for engaging the head of the shaft so as to be polyaxially pivotable with respect to the head. A locking member has structure for engaging the shaft. The locking member can have a second washer pivotally engaged thereto. The bone fastening device can include an elongated cannula with a collet for detachably engaging the first washer and for advancing the first washer. Structure is provided for engaging the fastener and for advancing and rotating the fastener through the collet and through the first washer. The bone arthrodesis device further includes a lower end portion extending from the cannula. The lower end portion has structure for detachably engaging the locking member.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: An adjustable screwdriver for selectively driving an adjustable compression screw into a substrate. A distal tip of a adjustable head driver is configured to engage an adjustable head of an adjustable compression screw. A shaft driver is concentrically disposed in the adjustable head driver. A distal tip of the shaft driver is configured to engage the head of the screw shaft of the adjustable compression screw for use in rotating the screw shaft. The shaft driver is configured to selectively lock in an even driving position, in which the adjustable head driver and the shaft driver cooperatively drive the adjustable head and the screw shaft. The shaft driver is configured to selectively lock in a retracted driving position wherein the distal tip of the shaft driver is recessed in the adjustable head driver to thereby drive the adjustable head without the shaft driver driving the screw shaft.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system, method, and a surgical kit having a surgical extender apparatus for implanting a surgical screw are disclosed. The extender includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a hollow interior passageway disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, a channel disposed along an exterior surface of the housing at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to at least partially expose the hollow interior passageway, an interior locking mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the housing and substantially adjacent the proximal end, wherein the interior locking mechanism is configured to allow attachment of at least one surgical tool, and at least one flexible member disposed substantially adjacent the distal end. The housing is configured to accommodate placement of a surgical screw implant. The surgical screw implant is secured to the housing a mating feature in the surgical screw implant.

Abstract: A driver apparatus for implanting spinal rod fixation devices including an anchor member and a coupling member pivotable relative to the anchor member is disclosed. The driver apparatus generally immobilizes the anchor member and coupling member relative to each other and to the driver apparatus during insertion to minimize interference between the coupling member and tissues surrounding the implantation site, as well as to minimize the clearance required for implantation. The driver apparatus includes a driver portion engageable with the anchor member for effecting seating of the anchor member, such as by threadably driving the anchor member in the bone. The driver portion is closely fit between portions such as upstanding walls of the coupling member to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A radiopaque guide pin that is insertable into a pedicle of a vertebra to be used as a guide to determine the proper and safe entry point and angular trajectory for a pedicle screw placed in a pedicle, has a distal part and terminal tip for initial entry of the guide pin, an opposite proximal part that serves as a handle, and a central part that includes a first radiopaque marker spaced proximally from the tip and a stop element spaced proximally from the first marker, the stop element having greater diameter than the distal and central parts of the guide pin and adapted to be stopped by the lamina surface from further advancement into the pedicle. The invention further includes a method for pedicle screw placement using the new pedicle screw guide pin.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first component and a second component moveable about an axis relative to the first component. The second component is moveable between a first position and a second position. Movement of the second component from the first position to the second position applies a torsional force to an orthopedic fastener to remove a portion of the orthopedic fastener.

Abstract: An intramedullary implantation system includes a nail with a head having a first locking element. A targeting guide includes a tubular body and a bore with first and second open ends. A locking device includes a shaft with a distal end having a non-threaded second locking element such that the locking device has a first angular orientation relative to the tubular body in which the first and second locking elements are engaged to secure the nail to the targeting guide. The locking device has a second angular orientation relative to the tubular body in which the first locking element is disengaged from the second locking element.

Abstract: A bone screw system is disclosed. The bone screw system allows a bone screw to be inserted into a bone via a guide set with a plurality of pins. After the bone screw is inserted, a head portion of an extension member attached to the bone screw remains external to the wound such that the bone screw can be tightened later without re-opening the wound. The bone screw system is applicable to bone fractures, bone fusions, Osteomonies and other bone connectivity procedures. After healing, the bone screw may be left in the patient by removing an upper portion or the screw may be removed with additional incisions and a local anesthetic.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a break-off device including a proximal portion removably attached to a distal portion by a region of reduced strength to allow selective removal of the proximal portion from the distal portion. The surgical instrument includes an inner drive shaft extending generally along a longitudinal axis and having a distal end portion engaged with the proximal portion of the break-off device, and an outer retention sleeve positioned about the drive shaft and including a distal receiver portion engaged about the proximal portion of the break-off device. A force applied to the proximal portion of the break-off device by the drive shaft causes the break-off device to fracture at the region of reduced strength to separate the proximal portion from the distal portion, with the proximal portion maintained in engagement with the surgical instrument by the retention sleeve.

Abstract: A cranial flap fixation system and method are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a rod having first and second ends, and an intermediate portion. The rod has a threaded portion between the first end and the intermediate portion. The system also includes an inferior disk coupled with the rod, proximate the first end of the rod, and a superior disk with an orifice through a central region of the superior disk. The orifice is sized to allow the superior disk to engage the threaded portion and movably couple the superior disk to the rod. The system further includes an installation tool having a central cavity. The installation tool is configured to engage the superior disk and the threaded portion, such that rotation of the installation tool in a first direction directs the superior disk toward the inferior disk.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a driver for use in surgical procedures. The driver includes a shaft with an elongated shape for accessing locations within a patient. The shaft includes a first section and a second section that may be positioned at various relative angles depending upon the context of use. A mount is positioned at an end of the shaft to receive a variety of tool bits. A drive mechanism extends through the shaft to provide rotation to the mount and engaged tools. The drive mechanism includes a first wheel in the first section of the shaft and a second wheel in the second section. The wheels include rounded nubs that mesh together to transfer the rotational torque from the first section to the second section when the sections are at the various relative angles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insertion device including a shaft with a head supported on a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a proximal end with an engagement member that is configured to frictionally engage a distal end of a surgical fastening apparatus such that an interference fit is created therebetween to facilitate selective detachment of the insertion device from the surgical fastening apparatus. The head has an atraumatic configuration, and is dimensioned to be received in a body orifice.

Abstract: A gripping tool includes a pair of handles and a resilient element integrally formed with and connecting the pair of handles. An opening is defined on at least one of the pair of handles or the resilient element. The opening is adapted to receive an article to be gripped. One of the handles of the pair of handles comprises a jaw adapted to grip the article against at least one of the other handle of the pair of handles or the resilient member.

Abstract: An instrument for attachment to a bone is disclosed herein. The instrument comprises a body portion providing a cutting guide. At least one hole extends through the body portion. The at least one hole includes a first portion configured to engage a handle. The at least one hole further includes a second portion configured to pass a bone engaging member having a shaft, such as a bone pin or a bone screw. The second portion of the at least one hole is not configured to pass the handle. The handle and the bone engaging member may be provided in various configurations. For example, the handle may be releasably connected to the shaft in a cannulated relationship. In another embodiment, the handle is integrally connected to the shaft.

Abstract: A bone-fastening system includes an implant with a threaded screw, a distal nut with a threaded bore, and a proximal washer which may also be threaded. An instrument for implanting the implant includes a handle and a barrel terminating in a holder for the washer. A c-shaped bridge assembly has a first end connected to the barrel and a second end including a holder for the nut in axial alignment with the washer. A manually operated control on the instrument, coupled to an elongated element in the barrel, causes the washer to move toward the nut, thereby applying compressive pressure to bone portions to be fastened together. A drive mechanism disposed within the barrel has a distal end with a holder for the screw and a proximal end that is turned by a user, thereby advancing the screw through the washer to the nut to fasten the bone portions under compression. The manually operated control is preferably a trigger that is squeezed toward the handle by a user.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for securing a graft ligament in a bone tunnel. A method is disclosed comprising the steps of forming a first bone tunnel and a second bone tunnel being transverse to, and intersecting one another; positioning a closed loop of a flexible member within the first bone tunnel and a portion of the second bone tunnel such that the closed loop extends out of the first bone tunnel and the second bone tunnel, parting the closed loop outside the second bone tunnel so as to create a first free end and a second free end, and passing the second free end through the opposite end of second bone tunnel, and positioning the graft ligament over a portion of the flexible member extending out of the first opening; and pulling the flexible member so as to draw the graft ligament into the first bone tunnel.

Abstract: A lag tool device can include a driver, an outer sleeve, and a bushing. The device enables a fastener receiving member to be maintained against a bone surface while a fastener is inserted within an aperture of the fastener receiving member. The driver can rotate within the outer sleeve while threadingly mated to the bushing. The driver can advance the fastener within the aperture of the fastener receiving member while the outer sleeve can maintain the fastener receiving member against and in contact with the bone surface. Such a device can prevent the undesirable formation of a gap between the fastener receiving member and the bone surface.

Abstract: An improved guide system and method permits a user to insert a fixation device, such as a pin, screw, wire and/or the like, into a bone portion. A guide system may comprise a handle portion and a body portion, wherein the body portion comprises one or more channels configured to facilitate placement and insertion of a fixation device.

Abstract: An instrument guide and implant holding device is provided which releasably secures an implant to the instrument guide. The device provides a convenient guide for surgeons to perform various operative techniques on the subject bone without the need for separate devices, and allows all these operative techniques to be performed without removing the instrument guide from the dissected area until all operative techniques have been completed. The releasable mechanism allows the surgeon to easily hold the instrument to an implant using a simple press-fit approach, and easily releases from the implant with a minimal amount of force. An embodiment also allows the surgeon to releasably lock the cannula in a given orientation about the centroidal axis of the implant fastener hole.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for guiding a surgical implant to a bone anchor during surgery. The apparatus includes a bone anchor extender releasably attachable to the bone anchor wherein the bone anchor extender clips onto a head portion of the bone anchor to assist in guiding the surgical implant to the bone anchor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for securing an anchor in a target area of the skull of a patient, wherein the anchor has a shaped surface, a top and a base. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument includes a driver having a first end, an opposite, second end, and a body portion defined therebetween forming a bore therein along a longitudinal axis, where the bore is configured to allow the anchor to be received therein, a first inner surface formed inside the bore proximate to the first end, wherein the first inner surface is formed with a shape that is complimentary to the shaped surface of the anchor, and a second inner surface formed inside the bore and between the first inner surface and the second end, wherein the second inner surface is formed with a shape that is different from that of the first inner surface.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a joint treatment device for improved treatment of a diseased joint. The joint treatment device comprises first and second components, which are coupled to first and second bone portions, respectively, at the joint. The first component and the second component are configured to be coupled together in a first configuration to promote fusion of the joint, and further are configured to be coupled together in a second configuration to promote arthroplasty of the joint. Additionally, a screwdriver is disclosed that may advance the first and second component simultaneously or independently. Further, a joint distraction device is disclosed, which may be used to vary spacing between the first bone portion and the second bone portion at the joint.

Abstract: An improved distraction bone screw and a method for its use are described. The distraction screw is comprised of an implantable distal segment and a detachably secured proximal segment. The distal segment includes a head portion and a threaded shank portion. The proximal segment is represented as an elongated body having an internal bore that extends through its length. A deployable member is disposed within the bore, which is extendible outside the internal bore to securely couple to the distal segment. As an assembly, the distraction screw is used to affix and realign bone during surgical reconstruction. Upon completion of the surgical work, the proximal segment is removed and the distal segment is left attached to the reconstructed bone. Securely affixed, the distal segment provides an additional point of fixation for the skeletal plates that are used to preserve the bony alignment while bone healing occurs.

Abstract: A cranial flap fixation system and method are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a rod having first and second ends, and an intermediate portion. The rod has a threaded portion between the first end and the intermediate portion. The system also includes an inferior disk coupled with the rod, proximate the first end of the rod, and a superior disk with an orifice through a central region of the superior disk. The orifice is sized to allow the superior disk to engage the threaded portion and movably couple the superior disk to the rod. The system further includes an installation tool having a central cavity. The installation tool is configured to engage the superior disk and the threaded portion, such that rotation of the installation tool in a first direction directs the superior disk toward the inferior disk.

Abstract: A device, is provided for implanting in bony tissue a bone fastener rotatably connected to a collar. The sleeve is configured for threaded connection to the collar and has a central bore aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve for receiving an inner shaft. The inner shaft inserts in the sleeve and has a distal end configured for connection to a portion of the bone fastener, such as an internal hex feature. In some embodiments a movable member may be inserted in an opening transverse the central bore and positionable to either rotatably or fixedly connect the inner shaft to the sleeve. In other embodiments, a collet nut threads onto a collet thread to radially compress sleeve tangs to frictionally engage inner shaft to sleeve.

Abstract: A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient.

Abstract: A bone screw driver (12) for inserting a bone screw (14) into a bone region (218A) includes a driver shaft (12B) that selectively engages the bone screw (14). The bone screw (14) includes a screw threaded region (14A) and a screw engagement region (14B). The screw engagement region (14B) includes a screw shaft (14D) and an engager ring (14E). The driver shaft (12B) includes a shaft aperture (322), a first resilient member (324A), and a first shaft projection (326A). The shaft aperture (322) receives at least a portion of the screw shaft (14D), the first resilient member (324A) engages the screw shaft (14D) to inhibit movement of the screw shaft (14D), and the first shaft projection (326A) engages the engager ring (14E) so that rotation of the driver shaft (12B) results in rotation of the bone screw (14).