Abstract: Disclosed is a spinal transconnector device for coupling longitudinal spinal rods on either side of the mid-sagittal plane. The device includes two interconnected rod engagement elements, a first rod engagement elements having a vaulted surface adapted to secure to a first longitudinal spinal rod via an interference fit comprising compression of the first longitudinal spinal rod against the generally vaulted surface; and an interference pin that advances into a bore of the first rod engagement element forming an interference fit between the interference pin and the rod engagement element. The interference fit can be associated with elastic deformation of the first rod engagement element occurring as a consequence of the interference pin being advanced through the bore in the engagement element and contacting a surface of the first longitudinal spinal rod.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw assembly includes an internal load dampening mechanism for sharing and dampening loads between at least one screw member and at least one rod member interconnected by the assembly. A method of interconnecting the orthopedic screw with the rod includes dampening with a body member interconnecting the screw to the rod.

Abstract: A dynamic bone stabilization system is provided. The system may be placed through small incisions and tubes. The system provides systems and methods of treating the spine, which eliminate pain and enable spinal motion, which effectively mimics that of a normally functioning spine. Methods are also provided for stabilizing the spine and for implanting the subject systems.

Abstract: A spinal rod system includes a first rod and a second rod engaged to a connector with the first and second rods extending axially therefrom in opposite directions from one another. The connector is mountable to a mounting anchor and securable thereto with an engaging member. The connector secures the first rod in the mounting anchor and the connector is clampingly engaged between the engaging member and the first rod. The second rod is engageable in a receiving portion of the connector adjacent to the mounting anchor.

Abstract: The disclosed screw assemblies include a screw that attaches onto the bone, a housing member that connects and inter-locks the bone screw to the rod, and one or more locking members that permit immobilization of various components of the assembly relative to one another while still permitting some relative movement. The bone screws and bone screw assemblies described herein permit flexible stabilization of the spine.

Abstract: This equipment includes: bony anchoring members whereof at least one includes a proximal threaded stud for receiving a nut and a base portion for anchoring to a vertebra; one or two linking rods to be connected to the anchoring members and be attached to the vertebrae thereby parts for connecting the linking rod(s) to the anchoring members, and extension pieces for engaging on the proximal stud(s) of the anchoring member(s) for running down connecting parts on the stud(s) until they rest on the proximal zone(s) of the base portion(s) of the anchoring members. The stud of at least one anchoring member and the extension piece used therewith include positioning elements.

Abstract: A device for connecting bony portions, such as a dynamic intervertebral connection device, includes a female member (2) having a cavity (5) and intended to be connected to a first bony portion, a male member (1) articulated in the cavity (5) and intended to be connected to a second bony portion, the male member (1) having a lateral articulation surface (13) coacting with a lateral surface (6a) of the cavity (5) to guide movements of inclination of the male member (1) relative to the female member (2), and resilient elements (8) arranged to exert an action countering the inclination movements. The resilient elements (8) are disposed in a recess (10) of the male member (1) delimited laterally by a surface (12) that is opposite the articulation surface (13).

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-level, multi-functional stabilization of a spinal column segment are provided. The systems include one or more constructs having a motion preserving portion that permits motion of at least a portion of a vertebral level and a motion preventing portion that substantially prevents motion of at least a portion of a second, adjacent vertebral level.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to bone alignment rod connectors, and more particularly to traverse rod connectors. In one embodiment, the connector includes a housing having an opening configured to accommodate at least one rod, a setscrew assembly configured to secure the at least one rod when the at least one rod is placed in the opening. The setscrew assembly includes a setscrew and at least one circular/spherical object configured to interact with the setscrew when the setscrew is inserted in the housing. Upon insertion of the setscrew, the at least one spherical object is configured to laterally move towards the at least one rod to secure the at least one rod inside the housing.

Abstract: A multi-level spine stabilization system comprises a plurality of securing members configured for attachment to a plurality of vertebrae. A plurality of adjustable rods segments extend between the plurality of securing members. The adjustable rod comprises a first rod segment that engages a second rod segment in an adjustable relationship. The length of the rod may be adjusted by moving the first rod segment relative to the second rod segment. For example, the first rod segment may be in a slideable relationship with the second rod segment such that sliding the first rod segment relative to the second rod segment results in a change in the length of the rod. In one embodiment, portions of both the first rod segment and the second rod segment are positioned within and secured to the securing member. Advantageously, the multi-level spine stabilization system described herein may be used to center dynamic portions of the rod between securing members.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a plurality of contiguous segments in which said contiguous segments form an angle at a location in which two adjacent segments of the plurality of contiguous segments intersect. At least one of said contiguous segments is prestressed to form a selected radius of curvature prior to implantation. At least one mounting connection is configured to connect said spinal implant to a mounting mechanism, said mounting mechanism being configured to attach said spinal implant to a degenerate spinal segment.

Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided comprising at least one dynamic interbody device and at least two dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic posterior stabilization system may be coupled on contralateral sides of vertebrae. In some embodiments, a bridge may couple a dynamic interbody device to a dynamic posterior stabilization system.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a plurality of contiguous segments, said contiguous segments being prestressed to apply torque that is a function of a negative slope of a moment difference between a degenerative torque-rotation signature and a healthy torque-rotation signature. At least one mounting connection is configured to connect said spinal implant to a mounting mechanism, said mounting mechanism being configured to attach said spinal implant to a degenerate spinal segment.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a plurality of contiguous segments, said plurality of contiguous segments configured to apply a torque to a degenerate spinal segment in any of three orthogonal axes. At least one mounting connection is configured to connect said spinal implant to a mounting mechanism, said mounting mechanism being configured to attach said spinal implant to said degenerate spinal segment.

Abstract: A transverse connector system for interconnecting two spinal rods includes a connector arranged to span the distance between the rods with a rod receiving recess and a pin receiving bore on each end. A one-piece pin member such as a set screw is disposed within each bore with an enlarged head protruding from the bottom of the connector so that when the set screw is retracted into the bore the head engages a side of the respective rod to clamp the rod within the recess. The connector may comprise two elongated members with a recess and pin receiving bore at one end of each member, a middle coupler which allows three degrees of freedom between the members to accommodate any anticipated spatial orientation between the members and a set screw for securing the other ends of the members together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a percutaneous vertebral stabilization system. A first anchor is positionable within a body of a patient through a first percutaneous opening and a second anchor is positionable within a body of a patient through a second percutaneous opening. A stabilization member is positionable within the body of a patient through the first percutaneous opening to engage and connect the first and second anchors.

Abstract: A spinal rod system includes a first rod and a second rod engaged to one another in end-to-end fashion. The first and second rods include rod portions with differing characteristics, and a coupling mechanism allows the spinal rod system to be assembled with rod portions having the desired characteristics while minimizing the footprint of the coupling arrangement between the first and second rods.

Abstract: A stabilization system for implantation in a patient includes: at least first and second bone anchors, each bone anchor including a shaft extending in a respective bone insertion direction for connection to a respective bone of a patient, and a fastening member; and an elongate member comprising a first end portion, a first transverse portion extending transversely from the first end portion, a second end portion, a second transverse portion extending transversely from the second end portion, and a connecting portion extending in a longitudinal direction between the first and second transverse portions.

Abstract: A dynamic rod implantable into a patient and connectable between two vertebral anchors in adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The dynamic rod fixes the adjacent vertebral bodies together in a dynamic fashion providing immediate postoperative stability and support of the spine. The dynamic rod comprises a first rod portion dynamically connected to a second rod portion at a retainer that has separate chambers for receiving rod portions. One rod portion is configured for longitudinal movement and the other rod portion is configured for polyaxial angulation relative to the retainer. The dynamic rod is configured such that the retainer is located proximate to one of the facet joints when implanted into a patient. The dynamic rod permits relative movement of the first and second rod portions allowing the rod to carry some of the natural flexion, extension and rotation moments of the spine.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization linkage for use in stabilizing of the spine. The linkage connects adjacent vertebrae to provide load-sharing and stabilization while allowing natural kinematics. The linkage comprises three rigid bodies joined in series with 3-degree-of-freedom spherical joint between each body. The joints have range-of-motion constraints which limit undesirable intervertebral motion.

Abstract: A spine reconstruction rod extender may be used to extend an existing spine reconstruction rod without skipping a pedicle screw in the new construct, exposing the entire old construct, or adding a significant amount of size to the junction between the old and new construct. The resulting extended rod is a strong, durable inline spine reconstruction rod extender.

Abstract: A rod assembly for spinal stabilization is provided comprising a flexible tubular element having a first end section and a second end section, an adapter connected to the second end section, the adapter having an engagement structure for connection to other rod portions or other rod assemblies of a spinal stabilization device, wherein at least a portion of the adapter extends into or onto the second end section, a longitudinal core extending through the tubular element, the core having a first end extending through at least a portion of the first end section and a second end extending into the portion of the adapter and being freely movable therein.