Abstract: Improved bone plate systems are described herein. In some instances, a bone plate system can include a base plate, at least one retainer plate, and at least one spacer. The at least one retainer plate is configured to reside on the base plate in a free floating manner and can receive at least one fastener to secure the retainer plate to the at least one spacer, thereby providing a plate system that attaches to a spacer. In other instances, a bone plate system can include a base plate having one or more push plates that can engage at least one spacer.

Abstract: A multi-axial screw assembly comprises a receiver member, a base member, a crown and a bone anchoring member. The receiver member has an aperture configured to receive the base member and an internal groove. The base has a deflectable ring configured to mate with the internal groove of the receiver member and a slot configured to allow the deflectable ring to compress to a diameter less than the diameter of the aperture such that the base member may be compressed and axially received within the receiver member. The base member is axially restrained within the base member relative to the receiver member while allowed to rotate relative to the receiver member. The crown is received within the receiver member along the central axis of the receiver member. The crown maintains the diameter of the deflectable ring greater than the diameter of the aperture.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for devices, systems, and methods to provide spinal fixation, spinal stabilization, and/or spinal fusion. Example devices may include a first end and a second end with a middle portion extending between the first and second end. The first end may be configured to be in contact with a portion of a first or upper vertebra and the second end may be configured to be in contact with a portion of a second or lower vertebra in an adjacent vertebral pair. Portions of the vertebra which may be in contact with the device may include lamina, processes, vertebral bodies, and facet joints. The example devices may include bone engagement features, such as screws or similar fasteners, to enhance stabilization and fixation when in contact with the vertebrae. Additionally, the devices may include a bone integration feature to promote bone growth and to facilitate fusion between the vertebrae.

Abstract: An implantable device and method for fixation of spinous processes is presented. The device has first and second spaced plates configured for attachment to portions of adjacent spinous processes. The device can also have an implant configured for insertion between two adjacent spinous processes, but need not necessarily. The method has the steps of assembling the components of the implantable device and otherwise inserting them into position onto, between, and/or adjacent two desired spinous processes.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to fastener or fixation members, such as bone screws, for use in orthopedic stabilization assemblies.

Abstract: An implantable dental device comprising polymeric shape memory material for implantation into a cavity within alveolar bone of the jaw or within the root canal space of a tooth.

Abstract: A pedicle screw tower having a guide chute, open at both ends, affixed to the exterior of the main body of the tower. The guide chute extends the length of the tower and is curved inwardly at its bottom such that the exit direction is at approximately 90 degrees to and facing the central axis of tower. A guide cable is passed into and through the guide chute such that it is directed across the tower to an adjacent tower.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system that facilitates placement of a rod through receiving portions of screws placed along the spine. The system includes a rod and a cable detachably connectable to the rod to pull the rod through the receiving portions of the screws. Some embodiments include methods and devices for inserting a rod into a plurality of screws and for ex situ templating of a rod. These can include connecting a cable to a rod, inserting the cable through the plurality of screws, and using the cable to pull the rod into position. The methods of ex situ templating of the rod can include contacting a templating member to each of the screws so that a portion of the templating members replicate the relative positioning of the screws and shaping a rod to match the relative positioning of the portion of the templating members.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a bone screw, a nut, a bearing, a slider, and a plate construct. The screw has a head with a nut connection and a screw portion. The nut has an exterior wall and a bore connecting to the nut connection. The bearing has an exterior and defines a bore fitting therein the nut connection and the exterior wall of the nut. The slider defines a bore fitting the nut exterior wall therewithin and has an exterior with a given shape. The elongate plate construct has a first end defining a first opening shaped to accept the exterior of the bearing therein and a second end defining a second opening shaped to accept the slider therein and having a corresponding shape to the given shape to permit the slider to slide in at least a portion of the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a rod connector for adding a pedicle rod to an existing spinal fusion construct. Specifically, this invention relates to an open rod connector that has a swiveling rod collet that allows for a pedicle rod to be rotated into the desired alignment.

Abstract: Rod delivery tools, methods for delivering a connecting rod of a pedicle screw system into seating slots of at least first and second long arm screw towers of a pedicle screw system, and a rod reduction tool and related methods for urging a distal leading end of a connecting rod and an opening of a long arm screw tower into alignment with one another, where the two are initially misaligned.

Abstract: An assembly for performing a gradual lateral spinal alignment of a spine. The assembly includes an inflatable bone anchor that includes an inflatable balloon, a hollow tube attached to the balloon and attached to an external support, such as a brace. The inflatable balloon extends into or through a vertebra of the misaligned spine and deployed. The inflatable balloon is pulled using the vertebra and attached to the brace to pull the spine into alignment. The device allows the spine to be gradually placed into alignment helping to avoid trauma on the spine and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Red light implants for delivering red light to spinal implants to enhance osteointegration.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a spinal implant assembly having features to prevent or minimize fixation elements, such as screws, from being dislodged, or from backing out over time and with use. The spinal implant assembly may comprise an implantable body having first apertures for receiving fixation elements. A plate configured to nest against the posterior portion of the implantable body and comprising one or more second apertures can be provided. These second apertures permit access to the head portions of the fixation elements. One or more locking elements are then passed through the second apertures and engage the head portions of the fixation elements. In addition, the plate may comprise an adjustable arm to allow the plate to be used with implantable bodies of different size.

Abstract: In a fixation system for controlling the alignment of adjacent vertebra after spinal surgery, aligned fixation rods are held in a mount on each of such vertebra, with their juxtaposed ends received in a sleeve between the mounts. At least one of the rods is movable in the sleeve relative to the other to allow controlled movement of adjacent vertebra. In some embodiments, the sleeve can itself be held in a mount installed on one of such vertebra with the aligned fixation rods being capable of relative movement therein. The system allows the spine to grow without the need for further surgery.

Abstract: A cable threader device for passing a guide cable between pedicle screws during minimally invasive spinal surgery, the device comprising a handle with a trigger mechanism, the handle mounted onto an elongated shaft having a curved free end with a detachable curved lead member retained in telescoping manner on the end of the body. The guide cable is affixed to the lead member, the instrument is inserted into a first screw tower, the trigger mechanism is activated to advance the lead member into the adjacent tower, and the lead member and guide cable are retrieved through the second tower.

Abstract: A receiving part for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part body having a first end, a second end, a channel for receiving a rod, an accommodation space for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, and an opening at the second end for inserting the head, and a pressure element configured to be positioned at least partly in the accommodation space, the pressure element having a first end, a second end, a central axis, and a flexible portion to clamp an inserted head. The flexible portion has a first slit spaced apart from the second end of the pressure element that extends at least partially around the central axis, and a second slit that extends from the second end of the pressure element into the first slit. The first slit extends away from the second slit and is longer than the second slit.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of spinal stenosis. An implant for insertion between adjacent spinous processes is provided. The implant can include a body having a first end, a second end and defining a bore. The implant can include a first cap coupled to the first end of the body, a second cap coupled to the second end of the body, with each of the caps defining a space. The implant can include a connector coupled to the first cap and the second cap through the bore. The implant can include at least one deployable member coupled to the first end of the body and the first cap. The at least one deployable member can be retained within the first space in a first position, and can extend from the first space in a second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyaxial screw including a friction element (12) positioned between the head (3) of the threaded bone anchoring portion (2) and the head (9) of the mechanical thread anchoring portion (4) on the one hand, and a retaining element (13, 18) ensuring that the anchoring portions (2, 4) cannot separate from each other while guaranteeing that the anchoring portion with the mechanical thread (4) is free to move in vertical translation and angular pivoting with respect to the threaded bone anchoring portion (2) so as to be able to axially preposition the mechanical thread anchoring portion (4) with respect to the axial anchoring position of the threaded bone anchoring portion (2).

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank and a head, a receiving part having a first end and a second end, a central axis, and an accommodation space for accommodating the head, the accommodation space having an opening at the second end, a sleeve-like insert piece configured to be arranged around a portion of the head and to be arranged in and to pivot in the accommodation space, and a pressure member including a portion configured to exert pressure onto the head, wherein the anchoring element and insert piece are pivotable with respect to the receiving part such that respective angles formed by a central axis of the insert piece with the central axis of the receiving part and a central axis of the anchoring element are adjustable, and can be locked by exerting pressure with the pressure member onto the head.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices are provided for positioning a spinal fixation element in relation to adjacent spinal anchors. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a percutaneous access device that can be coupled to a spinal anchor, and the method includes the step of positioning a spinal fixation element through at least one sidewall opening of at least two percutaneous access devices such that the spinal fixation element extends in a lengthwise orientation that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of each percutaneous access device. The spinal fixation element can then be advanced in the lengthwise orientation to seat the spinal fixation element in or adjacent to the receiver heads of at least two adjacent spinal anchors. A fastening element or other closure mechanism can then be applied to each spinal anchor to engage the spinal fixation element within the receiver heads of the adjacent anchors.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A down-loadable compression insert having a sub-structure, a down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring having inner and outer tangs and an up-loadable shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled.

Abstract: An implantable tensile device and method of use thereof for flexibly securing skeletal parts. The device includes a planar tensile portion between fixation ends adapted to be fastened to skeletal parts. The tensile portion includes flexure slots extending from its sides beyond a longitudinal central axis to a terminal bottom. The flexure slots are keyhole shaped. The fixation ends are fastened to the skeletal parts with screw fasteners. The device can be fastened to the skeletal parts after pre-tensioning with an extension tool such that the skeletal parts to which the fixation ends are fastened are biased toward one another. Without pre-tensioning, the skeletal parts are flexibly secured and further expansion thereof is resisted. Abutment elements on the fixation ends are engaged by the extension tool for pre-tensioning.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly comprising a bone fixation plate having an outer surface, a bone contact surface, and at least one bore sidewall defining at least one bore extending between the outer surface and the bone contact surface, the outer surface being located outwardly of the bone contact surface; at least one slot sidewall defining at least one slot formed in the bone fixation plate, the at least one slot being adjacent to the at least one bore sidewall and between the outer surface and the bone contact surface, the at least one slot having at least one slot passage adjacent to a corresponding bore and a slot opening adjacent to the slot passage; at least one stop formed by the at least one sidewall, the at least one stop positioned opposite of the slot passage from the corresponding bore; and at least one retaining member insertable into the at least one slot from the at least one bore, wherein the at least one retaining member is bendable between a normally-open position having a width greater than the

Abstract: An assembly for treating a spinal disorder includes a sleeve having a socket end, a tool-receiving end and a wall extending between the socket end and tool-receiving end. The socket end has a socket opening for receiving a bone fixation screw cap and a pair of opposing notches for accommodating an elongated fixation member. A sleeve wall forms a bore extending axially between the tool-receiving end and the socket end of the sleeve. A method for repairing a spinal disorder includes the step of inserting a polyaxial screw into a vertebral bone, where the polyaxial screw has a screw cap. An elongated fixation member is inserted into the screw cap, followed by a fastener which is inserted into the screw cap in proximity to the fixation member. An adjustment device is connected to the screw cap to adjust the position of the polyaxial screw and vertebral bone.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a connecting rod and a bone screw. The connecting rod includes an elongate rounded section, a pair of elongate rail portions, and a pair of neck portions connecting the elongate rounded section with the respective pair of elongate rail portions. Each elongate rail portion extends radially outward from the elongate rounded section and is diametrically opposed to the other elongate rail portion. The bone screw includes a head portion defining a slot, a shank extending longitudinally from the head portion, and a set screw configured to secure the connecting rod in the slot. The slot includes a leading end portion configured to receive one of the pair of elongate rail portions and a trailing end portion configured to engage the set screw, wherein the connecting rod is pivotable about the elongate rounded section in the slot.

Abstract: A bionic fixing apparatus is provided. The bionic fixing apparatus includes a flexible portion having at least one trench. The trench is disposed on the surface of the flexible portion and has a first end and a second end. An interval is disposed between the first end and the second end. The trench is disposed for spreading the stress applied on the bionic fixing apparatus and preventing stress concentration and stress shielding.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to tissue anchors and methods of delivering same to the intervertebral disc or other sites within the body. In some embodiments, the anchors provide pull-out resistance, stability and/or maximize contact with tissue involving a minimum amount of penetration. In some embodiments, delivery methods are minimally invasive and include linear, lateral, and off-angle implantation or driving of anchors along, against or within tissue surfaces.

Abstract: The sacral-iliac joint between an iliac and a sacrum is fused either by the creation of a lateral insertion path laterally through the ilium, through the sacral-iliac joint, and into the sacrum, or by the creation of a postero-lateral insertion path entering from a posterior iliac spine of an ilium, angling through the sacral-iliac joint, and terminating in the sacral alae. A bone fixation implant is inserted through the insertion path and anchored in the interior region of the sacrum or sacral alea to fixate the sacral-iliac joint.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable devices for stabilizing or fusing bone structures within the spine. More specifically, the present invention is a spinal plate assembly that includes an automatic mechanism for blocking the pathway of a bone fastener once inserted to prevent unwanted backwards migration of the bone screw.

Abstract: A clip includes a body and a pin. The body includes a first end, a second end, and a backspan extending between the first and second ends. The backspan defines a through hole. Each of the first and second ends of the body are configured to releasably couple to a rail of a dynamic spinal clip between two adjacent segments of a dynamic spinal clip to maintain a span between two adjacent segments. The pin defines a longitudinal axis and includes a head and a shaft. The shaft extends from the head to a tip. The tip is configured to penetrate bone. The shaft is configured and dimensioned to be slidably received through the through hole of the body The head is sized to prevent the head from passing through the through hole of the body.

Abstract: An anchor-in-anchor fixation system is provided for securing underlying structure, such as bone. The fixation system includes a first bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone, and a head that defines an internal bore. A second bone anchor extends through the bore and into underlying bone. A fixation assembly is also provided that includes one or more fixation systems coupled to an auxiliary attachment member configured for long bone fixation, spinal fixation, or fixation of other bones as desired.

Abstract: A prosthesis replaces all or a portion of a natural facet joint on a vertebral body. The prosthesis has a prosthesis body accommodating fixation to the vertebral body at or near a pedicle and without support by a lamina. The prosthesis body has a fastening element installed within the vertebral body at or near a pedicle. The prosthesis further has an artificial facet joint structure carried by the prosthesis body at a location spaced from the fastening element. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted and configured to replace all or a portion of a natural facet joint.

Abstract: A laterally deflectable asymmetric implant for implanting into a body may comprise a deflectable piece having distal and proximal ends and assuming a straightened insertion state. The backbone may abut or interconnect with said deflectable piece at the distal end of the deflectable piece. In a fully deflected state the implant may define an asymmetric shape, e.g. a D-shaped loop, defining an at least partially enclosed volume. The deflectable piece may comprise a sequence of segments interconnected at effective hinges. Longitudinal pressure applied to the proximal end of the deflectable piece (or applied to the backbone in an opposite direction) may cause relative longitudinal movement between the backbone and the proximal end of the deflectable piece and may generate outward horizontal movement of the deflectable piece away from the backbone. In one embodiment, the implant is implanted using lateral access into an anterior zone of a vertebra and deployed posteriorly.

Abstract: A spinal interbody implant has a bone screw retention mechanism that prohibits bone screws from backing out after the bone screws are installed. A bone screw retention plate is received in a plate retention area of the implant to provide a barrier that keeps the installed bone screws from backing out of their bone screw pocket. The bone screw retention mechanism consists of a retention plate and a configured plate retention area in a face of the implant body. Retention plate fasteners may be used to retain the configured plate. In one form, the bone screw retention mechanism consists of a retention plate, a configured plate retention area in a face of the implant body, and a retention plate bolt. In another form, the bone screw retention mechanism consists of a retention plate, a configured plate retention area in a face of the implant body, and a retention plate bolt.

Abstract: A spine prosthesis is provided and in particular, related to the facet joint of a spine. A spinal implant comprises a facet prosthesis including an insert to be positioned within a joint capsule between facets of a zygapophyseal joint. The insert may comprise a member having two opposing facet interfacing portions. A facet prosthesis exerts a distraction force between facets of a facet joint and may comprise a curable material to be injected into the facet joint. A facet prosthesis may also comprise a pair of magnets, each magnet coupled to a facet and oriented with like poles facing each other to provide a distracting force away from each other. A spine implant may also include an insert to be positioned within the joint capsule, a securing member comprising an elongate portion extending through part of a facet, and an anchor to anchor the securing member to the facet.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a barrel. The barrel has a first portion and a second portion. The implantable device includes a first plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the first plate, where the first plate is configured to movably couple to the first portion of the barrel. The implantable device includes a second plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the second plate, where the second plate is configured to movably couple to the second portion of the barrel. The barrel is configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height, where the second height is greater than the first height.

Abstract: Correction of a scoliotic curve in a spine comprises the steps of implanting an expanding rod isolated completely under the skin and attached to selected portions of the scoliotic curve of the spine at opposing ends of the rod; and producing a controlled force by means of expansion of the rod over at an extended time period under external control until a desire spinal curve is obtained. An incremental force is generated to stretch the scoliotic curve of the spine between the selected portions where attachment of the rod is defined. The controlled force is provided steadily for at least one month or alternatively 1-3 months. Multiple rods may be employed each associated with a different scoliotic curve of the spine or a different portion of the scoliotic curve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for connecting to a bone, which avoid the use of bone screws. A triangular shaped modular implant is used, with two sides of the structure and their respective vertex secured generally within the bone, with the base of the triangle outside the bone. These two arms, whether straight or arcuate, are cannulated, and are held together at their distal ends by a tightened cable that runs through both of the arms. The proximal ends of these arms are connected to a base side that completes the triangular structure. The device may be inserted into a vertebra and the base used for vertebral fusion. Alternatively, the arms themselves may be used to stabilize and fixate adjacent vertebrae, by insertion through adjacent vertebrae trans-segmentally. In the latter case, the vertex may be within the intervertebral space or within the vertebral body close to the intervertebral space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to implant placement into bone. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to implant placement across the sacro-iliac joint. Placement can be facilitated using various CT imaging views that allow the implants to be placed in bone associated with articular cartilage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a worm drive screw, a spur gear and superior and inferior screws which turn simultaneously in a bi-directional manner. A rotating mechanism drives the first and second screw members in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. A device employing two screws (two-in-one) can be combined with a capping horizontal mini-plate. A device employing three screws can be combined in enclosures (three-in-one). The stapling apparatus includes grip handles, transmission linkages, a drive rod a fulcrum and a cylinder.

Abstract: Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, derotation apparatus and systems that can be used to reduce the rotation of vertebral bodies. Derotation apparatus that may comprise a tube assembly comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed over the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve may have a distal end for attachment to an implant. The tube assembly may further comprise a handle assembly. The tube assembly may further comprise a ball joint assembly disposed between the tube assembly and the handle assembly. The ball joint assembly may comprise a ball joint configured for attachment to a coupling rod. The ball joint assembly further may comprise a reducing extension below the ball joint, the reducing extension being sized to fit in a central bore of the inner sleeve. Orthopedic fixation devices comprising a ball joint are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a bone screw, a nut, a bearing, a slider, and a plate construct. The screw has a head with a nut connection and a screw portion. The nut has an exterior wall and a bore connecting to the nut connection. The bearing has an exterior and defines a bore fitting therein the nut connection and the exterior wall of the nut. The slider defines a bore fitting the nut exterior wall therewithin and has an exterior with a given shape. The elongate plate construct has a first end defining a first opening shaped to accept the exterior of the bearing therein and a second end defining a second opening shaped to accept the slider therein and having a corresponding shape to the given shape to permit the slider to slide in at least a portion of the second opening.

Abstract: The plate (1) has a generally triangular shape and includes two juxtaposed lower holes (7), intended to receive implantation screw (2) in the sacrum (100), and a first upper hole (8) for receiving an implantation screw (2) in the fifth lumbar vertebra (101). According to the invention, the plate (1) includes an extension (6) integral therewith, extending its upper side, i.e. protruding from the side opposite the two juxtaposed lower holes (7), the extension (6) having a second upper hole (15) formed in its entirety thereon, for receiving a second screw (2) intended to be implanted in the fifth lumbar vertebra (101), and having, at all points of its length, a width not greater than two times the diameter of the second upper hole (15); the direction in which the extension (6) protrudes from the plate (1) is such that the first upper hole (8) and the second upper hole (15) are placed on a first line (L1) substantially perpendicular to a second line (L2) passing through the two juxtaposed lower holes (7).

Abstract: Various spinal plating systems for use in treating spinal pathologies are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, the spinal plating systems can be configured to allow a surgeon to select a bone screw construct having a particular range of motion for attaching a spinal plate to bone as needed based on the intended use. In one exemplary embodiment, the spinal plating system includes a first bone screw that is polyaxially movable relative to the spinal plate, and a second bone screw that has a range of motion that is substantially limited to a single plane.

Abstract: A sacroiliac joint fusion system including a joint implant, an anchor element and a delivery tool including an implant arm, an anchor arm, and a positioning arm coupling the implant arm and the anchor arm. The implant arm includes an implant shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the implant arm. The anchor arm including an anchor shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the anchor arm. The positioning arm coupled with the implant arm at a first end and coupled with the anchor arm at a second end.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, for spinal surgery, there is provided an offset arm system that has angular adjustment capability. In an embodiment, there are provided a hook system that is polyaxially or otherwise movably coupled to a body that receives a spinal rod.

Abstract: A robotic system for performing minimally invasive spinal stabilization, using two screws inserted in oblique trajectories from an inferior vertebra pedicle into the adjacent superior vertebra body. The procedure is less traumatic than such procedures performed using open back surgery, by virtue of the robot used to guide the surgeon along a safe trajectory, avoiding damage to nerves surrounding the vertebrae. The robot arm is advantageous since no access is provided in a minimally invasive procedure for direct viewing of the operation site, and the accuracy required for oblique entry can readily be achieved only using robotic control. This robotic system also obviates the need for a large number of fluoroscope images to check drill insertion position relative to the surrounding nerves. Disc cleaning tools with flexible wire heads are also described. The drilling trajectory is determined by comparing fluoroscope images to preoperative images showing the planned path.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an implant, which may include a cannulated pedicle screw having a screw head, a tulip connected to the screw head, an extension connected to the tulip, an ini threadedly engaged with at least one of the tulip and the extension, and/or a guide wire disposed in at least one of the extension, the tulip, and the implant.

Abstract: Plate devices are provided for mounting to bone and receiving one or more spinal rods. The devices may include coupling members or rod receiving members coupled to the plate member and configured to have multiple degrees of adjustability in order to accommodate elongate connecting members of various orientations. The plate devices may also include quick locking features or locking devices that secure multiple points of articulation simultaneously.