Abstract: A flexible fastening band connector can comprises a recess to receive a distal end portion of a flexible fastening band and lumen to receive the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band. The lumen guides the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band toward a fastening mechanism. The flexible fastening band connector can comprise an opening to receive a spinal rod. In operation, the spinal rod is coupled to additional devices to secure the spinal rod to portions of one or more vertebra. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed connector is provided.

Abstract: A system for securing a spinal rod to a bone structure using a connector is provided. The connector functions by modulating friction on a band in two band channels and locking the spinal rod in a separate rod channel. An instrument is also provided for tensioning the band.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for orthopedic use having a housing that includes a top surface, a recess, a distal base and a bottom surface, the recess defining a longitudinal axis and extending through the housing from the top surface through the distal base and toward the bottom surface, and at least two through slots, each one of being disposed at a bottom or a side a surface of the housing. The assembly including a securement assembly positionable within the recess in a co-axial relationship to a mating surface on the recess, and a band sized for travel along a predetermined path defined in part by the through slots in the housing, wherein at least one of the through slots is a starting point for travel of the band along the predetermined path.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and device for treatment of spinal deformity, wherein at least one tether is utilized to maintain the distance between the spine and the an ilium to (1) prevent increase in abnormal spinal curvature, (2) slow progression of abnormal curvature, and/or (3) impose at least one corrective displacement and/or rotation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of bone ties, bone tie inserters, and methods for treating the spine are provided. The bone tie can include a proximal end and a distal end. The bone tie can include a head section comprising a rounded head. The bone tie can include a neck section extending proximally from the head section. A bone tie inserter for placing a bone tie can also be provided. The bone tie inserter can include a bone tie advancer with a curved surface configured to guide a rounded head of a bone tie. The bone tie inserter can include a bone tie retriever configured to receive the rounded head of a bone tie. The bone tie is configured to pivot and/or rotate within the retriever portion of the bone tie inserter. The method can include forming a lumen in a first bone portion and a second bone portion. The bone tie can be configured to pivot and/or rotate as the bone tie retriever is withdrawn.

Abstract: Various embodiments of bone ties, bone tie inserters, and methods for treating the spine are provided. The methods can include wrapping the bone tie around transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae to correct coronal plane deformity. The methods can include wrapping the bone tie around the spinous process of one vertebra and around the transverse process of a second adjacent vertebra to achieve rotational correction. The methods can include wrapping the bone tie around the lamina of adjacent vertebrae to achieve sagittal correction. The methods can include applying tension to the bone tie to set the sagittal correction. The methods can include passing the bone tie through a lumen in a vertebral body or a pedicle of the inferior vertebra and the lamina or articular process of the superior vertebra.

Abstract: Embodiments include a device for testing biological specimen. The device can include a receiving mechanism to receive a carrier. The carrier may include a holding area. The device includes a camera to capture a plurality of images of the holding area. A processor in the device may utilize the camera module to: adaptively select, based on the plurality of images of the holding area, an analytical algorithm suitable for a motion property that is characteristic of the biological specimen being tested; and perform a set of analytic processes that corresponds to the selected analytic algorithm on the captured imagery to generate an analytic result associated with the biological specimen.

Abstract: A flexible implant system includes a flexible implant, an implant housing, and an implant set screw. The flexible implant is configured to loop around a portion of a bony element. The implant housing includes a housing body defining a rod passage configured to receive an rod. The housing body also defines an implant passage that receives a portion of the flexible implant. The implant set screw engages the flexible implant within the implant passage to fix the flexible implant to the implant housing.

Abstract: A hinged bone screw and tool set is used for implanting such bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws. The hinged bone screw includes a shank with an upper portion and a receiver with integral arms forming a U-shaped channel. A lower curved seat partially defining the U-shaped channel cooperates with an upper portion of the bone screw shank for hinged movement of the shank with respect to the receiver. The tool set includes an insertion tool, a bone screw driver, a reduction tool and a closure starter. The insertion tool includes a bone screw attachment structure and a laterally opening channel. The insertion tool further includes a threaded portion for cooperation with the reduction tool to provide synchronized placement of a closure structure in the bone screw receiver while reducing and capturing a longitudinal connecting member within the receiver.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having at least one transition portion and cooperating outer sleeve, both the transition portion and sleeve being disposed between the two bone anchors. In a first embodiment, the transition portion includes a rigid length or rod having apertures therein for tying or otherwise attaching the rigid length to a second rigid length or to a flexible cord. Slender ties or cords extend through a plurality of apertures in the rigid lengths or are threaded, tied or plaited to the larger flexible cord or cable. In a second embodiment, a transition portion includes slender ties of a cord that are imbedded in a molded plastic of a more rigid member. The outer sleeve may include compression grooves. The sleeve surrounds the transition portion and extends between the pair of bone anchors, the sleeve being compressible in a longitudinal direction between the bone anchors.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of accessing an intervertebral space of a patient's spine in a minimally invasive manner compromises creating a passage from a posterior end of a pedicle of a vertebral member using a probe, advancing the probe through the pedicle and to a main body portion of the vertebral member, advancing the probe through a superior endplate of the vertebral member and into the intervertebral space and enlarging the passage using at least one tap to create an enlarged passage from a posterior of the pedicle to the intervertebral space. In some embodiments, the enlarged passage traverses at least three cortical layers of the vertebral member.

Abstract: A system used for connecting a first implant and a second spinal implant. Among other things, the system includes a connector with a flexible member that allows the connector to be positioned a plurality of angles relative to the first implant.

Abstract: A spinal distractor for distracting opposed vertebrae in which a pair of elements are threadably connected by a screw having opposing threads, wherein actuating the screw spreads the elements apart and pushes the vertebrae apart.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization apparatus may be implanted and secured to at least two vertebrae. The spinal stabilization apparatus may promote and enforce a relatively natural motion of spine flexion of one or more regions of the spine. In one embodiment, the spinal stabilization apparatus may be secured to a plurality of vertebrae and biasing the entire spine to a fully normal curvature. The spinal stabilization apparatus may dynamically stabilize the spine while preserving spinal motion. In other embodiments, the spinal stabilization apparatus may be utilized for spine fusion treatments and may provide load sharing either as an enhancement to a fusion device or as a motion-preserving non-fusion apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical fastener and a related deployment device as well as their methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the deployment device includes one or more surgical fasteners including a head and a distally extending coil body attached to the head. The head includes a through hole with an internal thread. The deployment device also includes a mandrel including a threaded portion located at a distal end of the mandrel. The threaded portion is engaged with the internal thread of the one or more surgical fasteners. A rotator is associated with the one or more surgical fasteners such that the rotator can selectively rotate the one or more surgical fasteners relative to the mandrel to displace the one or more surgical fasteners in a distal direction.

Abstract: A laminar fixation system includes a laminar fixation implant and a laminar fixation implant tensioning tool for use with laminar fixation tape for retaining a spine rod relative to a vertebra of the spine. The laminar fixation implant has a hook at one end thereof that defines an arcuate pocket for holding a spine rod, a threaded angled bore with a set screw that contacts and fixes a spine rod received in the arcuate pocket, a passage extending through the hook for receiving laminar fixation tape, and a fixation plate disposed in a sidewall of the arcuate pocket of the hook and abutting the passage, whereby pressure exerted on the fixation plate by the spine rod presses against and fixes the laminar fixation tape in the passage relative to the laminar fixation implant.

Abstract: A pedicle screw of the type used in spinal fixation surgery has integral structure for anchoring artificial ligament tape. A tape-receiving passageway is formed through the tulip assembly of the pedicle screw. The passageway has open ends and is configured to receive an artificial ligament tape threaded through the passageway. An opening is formed in the tulip assembly, transversely intersecting the passageway and opening to the exterior of the tulip assembly. A clamping member is movable along the opening into clamping engagement against a segment of the artificial ligament tape that is threaded through the passageway.

Abstract: Device for fixing a bony structure to a support member, the device comprising a first connecting member which comprises: a main body provided with a first passage configured for receiving the support member, and with a first opening configured for passing a flexible member therethrough; and a rod fixed to and/or monobloc with the main body and protruding therefrom. The device further comprises a first flexible member passing through the first opening of the main body and extending beyond the main body for attachment to the bony structure.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a body including an inner surface that defines a cavity configured for disposal of a member. A locking element is engageable with the member within the cavity to fix the member with the body. The body further includes a wall that defines a bay configured for disposal of a longitudinal element being engageable with the wall to fix the longitudinal element with the body independent of the member. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible implant system includes a flexible implant, an implant housing, and an implant set screw. The flexible implant is configured to loop around a portion of a bony element. The implant housing includes a housing body defining a rod passage configured to receive a rod. The housing body also defines an implant passage that receives a portion of the flexible implant. The implant set screw engages the flexible implant within the implant passage to fix the flexible implant to the implant housing.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant having two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having a transition portion and cooperating outer sleeve, both the transition portion and sleeve being disposed between the two bone anchors. In a first embodiment, the transition portion includes a rigid length or rod having apertures therein for tying or otherwise attaching the rigid length to a second rigid length or to a flexible cord. Slender ties or cords extend through a plurality of apertures in the rigid lengths or are threaded, tied or plaited to the larger flexible cord or cable. In a second embodiment, a transition portion includes slender ties of a cord that are imbedded in a molded plastic of a more rigid member. The sleeve surrounds the transition portion and extends between the pair of bone anchors, the sleeve being compressible in a longitudinal direction between the bone anchors.

Abstract: A spinal treatment system includes a constraint device having an upper tether portion, a lower tether portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The upper tether portion is coupled with a superior spinous process of a spinal segment in a patient and the lower tether portion is coupled with an inferior spinous process or sacrum of the spinal segment. The length or tension in the constraint device is adjustable so that the construct of the tether portions and the compliance member provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. The system also includes a first prosthesis coupled with the spinal segment, wherein the constraint device modulates loads borne by the prosthesis or by tissue adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A system for securing a spinal rod to a bone structure using a connector is provided. The connector functions by modulating friction on a band in two band channels and locking the spinal rod in a separate rod channel. An instrument is also provided for tensioning the band.

Abstract: The spinal implant includes a tissue barrier. A first member extends in a transverse orientation from the tissue barrier and is connectable with vertebral tissue adjacent a lamina. A second member is spaced from the first member and extends in a transverse orientation from the tissue barrier. The second member is connectable with vertebral tissue adjacent a lamina. At least one of the members includes an end that is disposable about at least a portion of the vertebral tissue. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal construct comprises a pliable lead. A longitudinal member is flexible relative to the lead. The longitudinal member extends between a first end connected to the lead and a second end defining an opening configured for movement of the lead therethrough and disposal of the longitudinal member such that the longitudinal member is disposed about spinal tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal correction system comprises a first member configured for attachment to a first portion of vertebral tissue and a second member is configured for attachment to a second portion of the vertebral tissue spaced from the first portion. A third member has a non-flexible configuration relative to the first and second members and is configured for attachment to an apical portion of the vertebral tissue and along at least a portion of at least two vertebrae. The third member extends between a first end connected to the first member at a first transition configured for attachment to the first vertebral tissue and a second end connected to the second member at a second transition configured for attachment to the vertebral tissue. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element and a retention member is configured to allow polyaxial rotation of the bone fastener and also to lock the bone fastener in place upon application of a force on a saddle and clamp in the coupling element.

Abstract: Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element.

Abstract: A dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly includes an anchor member having an integral or otherwise fixed elongate core of circular or non-circular cross-section. The core is pre-tensioned and extends through at least one elastic spacer and at least one outer sleeve. The anchor member and the outer sleeve each attach to at least one bone anchor. In operation, the core is held in tension by the spacer.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for securing a bone to a rod, the system comprising a ligature, a body, and two fasteners. The ligature has two free ends and an intermediate portion therebetween, the intermediate portion being configured to engage a bone. A portion of a rod can be fastened to the body using one of the fasteners. The ligature can be fastened to the body using another one of the fasteners. The two fasteners are distinct from one another and are adapted to fasten two free end portions of the ligature to the body independently from fastening the portion of the rod to the body.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a method of placing a vertebral fixing system on a vertebra. The vertebral fixing system comprises a connecting part with members forming a space into which a rod may be inserted. The members are moveable relative to each other. A portion of a ligature may be passed through the connecting part to form a loop extending from the connecting part. When the rod is inserted in the space between the members, the ligature may be tensioned against the rod. The members of the connecting part may be driven together to hold the ligature in place. An adjustable locking means may be utilized to fix simultaneously in position the connecting part relative to the rod and at least one portion of the ligature relative to the connecting part, so as to prevent relative displacement of the rod and the vertebra in opposite directions.

Abstract: A flexible implant system includes a flexible implant, an implant housing, and an implant set screw. The flexible implant is configured to loop around a portion of a bony element. The implant housing includes a housing body defining a rod passage configured to receive an rod. The housing body also defines an implant passage that receives a portion of the flexible implant. The implant set screw engages the flexible implant within the implant passage to fix the flexible implant to the implant housing.

Abstract: Dynamic spinal plating systems that can be placed on the anterior aspect of the spine to aid in spinal fusion and surgical methods for using the dynamic spinal plating systems are disclosed. The dynamic spinal plating systems including a plate and at least one bone attachment mechanism. The plate including a superior end with at least one screw hole, an inferior end, and two lateral sides forming an opening that is transverse by the bone attachment mechanism. The dynamic spinal plating systems also include at least one screw plate with a center screw hole and two passageways that mate with two transverse members of the bone attachment mechanism. When implanted the vertebral stabilization devices may provide a degree of movement in the superior-inferior direction providing for a minimal change in length as the patient moves and as vertebral body height decreases.

Abstract: The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize an apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for removably suspending a spacer in the intervertebral space while forming such a channel as well as systems, apparatuses and methods for use of dynamized implant members.

Abstract: Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.

Abstract: In one aspect, a bone plate system is provided including a bone plate and a plurality of cable connector devices configured to be inserted into throughbores formed in bone portions and through openings of the bone plate member aligned therewith. The cable connector devices each include opposite end portions with one end portion configured to abut against the bone adjacent the throughbore and the other end portion configured to be operatively fixed to the bone plate member with the cable portion extending therebetween and in the bone throughbore for securing the bone plate member to the bone portion with the cable connector devices including a cable portion thereof extending in the bone throughbore.

Abstract: A spinal correction system comprises a first member configured for attachment to a first portion of vertebral tissue and a second member is configured for attachment to a second portion of the vertebral tissue spaced from the first portion. A third member has a non-flexible configuration relative to the first and second members and is configured for attachment to an apical portion of the vertebral tissue and along at least a portion of at least two vertebrae. The third member extends between a first end connected to the first member at a first transition configured for attachment to the first vertebral tissue and a second end connected to the second member at a second transition configured for attachment to the vertebral tissue. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A vertebral fixing system suitable for being mounted on a vertebra of the spine for connecting it to a rod. The system includes: a connecting part suitable for being connected to the rod, a flexible ligature of elongate shape having two free ends suitable for connecting together the connecting part and at least a portion of a vertebra and/or a rib, and an adjustable locking member mounted on the connecting part. The connecting part defines at least one passageway for passing the ligature in such a manner that two distinct strands of the ligature can be engaged in the passageway so that the two strands of the ligature define a first ligature portion forming a loop extending from one side of the connecting part, and second and third ligature portions extending from the other side of the connecting part.

Abstract: A spinal treatment system includes a constraint device having an upper tether portion, a lower tether portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The upper tether portion is coupled with a superior spinous process of a spinal segment in a patient and the lower tether portion is coupled with an inferior spinous process or sacrum of the spinal segment. The length or tension in the constraint device is adjustable so that the construct of the tether portions and the compliance member provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. The system also includes a first prosthesis coupled with the spinal segment, wherein the constraint device modulates loads borne by the prosthesis or by tissue adjacent thereto.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses are provided for torsionally stabilizing a spinal motion segment. One or more implants are placed between two vertebrae to provide torsional stabilization. In particular, one or more implants may be fixed between a superior vertebral body, such as at the spinous process, and an inferior vertebral body. The implants may be connected to the superior vertebral body using a fixation device such as a turnbuckle, an outrigger, a thimble, an endobutton, a suture plug or combinations thereof. The implant may also be connected to the inferior vertebral body using various types of hardware, including staples, screws and anchors. The implant may be kept in tension to provide torsional stabilization and may be comprised of one or more sutures. A multi-functional instrument having one or more arms having holes can be used to clamp onto the superior vertebral body and guide one or more implants to various locations for fixation in accordance with the methods described herein.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for tensioning a tether. In one embodiment, a tether tensioning device is provided and includes an elongate shaft adapted to be positioned adjacent to a bone anchor implanted in bone, and a tensioning mechanism pivotally associated with the elongate shaft and adapted to couple to a tether seated across the bone anchor and to pivot relative to the elongate shaft to apply a tensioning force to the tether.

Abstract: Spinal adjustment system including at least three implant modules, at least one of the implant modules being a first implant module including: means for engaging the first implant module with a first vertebra; and first force application means; characterised in that: the first force application means is adapted to engage with a second implant module engaged with a second vertebra superior to the first vertebra; the first force application means is adapted to also engage with a third implant module engaged with a third vertebra inferior to the first vertebra; and the first implant module includes means of adjusting the force applied to the first vertebra by the first force application means.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for correcting a spinal deformity. A spacer is positioned between processes that extend outward from a pair of vertebral members. A force applicator is operatively connected to apply a force to the vertebral members. The spacer then acts as a fulcrum with the force causing the vertebral members to pivot about the spacer and become aligned in a more desired orientation to eliminate or reduce the deformity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertebral fixation device, system and method for holding a spinal vertebra on a rod (2), having a fixation element comprising a component of substantially U-shaped cross section with a first branch, a bottom and a second branch, a loop (25) formed by a flexible band (22) for connecting the vertebra to the component, the component being provided on each of its branches with a recess for the band to pass through, the recesses being situated opposite each other, and adjustable means (26) for immobilizing the flexible band against the wall of the bottom of the U via the rod, comprising a connector screw which connects the two branches of the U and which is provided, at one end, with a head (31) for longitudinal immobilization of the screw with respect to a first branch of the U and, at the other end, with a thread for screwing in the second branch of the U.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a non-invasively adjustable spinal system for treatment of a subject having spondylolisthesis includes a first implantable actuator having at least one anchoring structure, the anchoring structure configured to facilitate securement of the first implantable actuator to a portion of the sacrum of the subject. The non-invasively adjustable spinal system can further include an adjustment element, configured to be coupled to the first implantable actuator, the adjustment element having an engagement structure configured to engage at least one transverse process of a lumbar vertebra of the subject. The non-invasively adjustable spinal system can further include a driving element, wherein remote activation of the driving element causes movement of the adjustment element in relation to the first implantable actuator.

Abstract: A device for fixing a bony structure to a support member. The device includes a main body with first and second members, the second member being movable in rotation with respect to the first member, around a first axis. A flexible member passes between the members and forms a loop around a bony structure. A clamping mechanism moves the first and second members into a clamping position. A support member and the flexible member are secured between the members in the clamping position. The first axis is movable in translation along a first direction and the second member is movable in translation along the first direction. The clamping mechanism cooperates with the first and second members to move the second member in translation in the first direction.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device that includes: a longitudinal member having first and second ends and a flexible member interposed between the first and second ends, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engaged by a first bone securing member; and at least one spacer located between the first and second ends, the spacer comprising a resilient element and a ring element encircling at least a portion of the resilient element, wherein the ring element is configured to be engaged by a second bone securing member.

Abstract: A fixing device to connect a bone to a linking member is characterized in that it includes a connecting part to be connected to said linking member, a conformable elongate ligature cooperating with the bone suitable for securing the connecting part to the bone, and an adjustable locking means fastened to the connecting part to maintain the ligature in a state which allows a controlled relative mobility between the bone and the connecting part. The ligature applying a portion of the outer surface of the connecting part against a portion of the bone.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for spinal stabilization, including: a first end portion having a first longitudinal channel and configured to be coupled to a first securing member secured to a patient's spine; a second end portion having a second longitudinal channel and configured to be coupled to a second securing member secured to the patient's spine; and a flexible wire extending through at least a portion of the first and second longitudinal channels and flexibly linking the first and second end portions.

Abstract: A vertebral fixing system suitable for being mounted on a vertebra of the spine for connecting it to a rod. The system includes: a connecting part suitable for being connected to the rod, a flexible ligature of elongate shape having two free ends suitable for connecting together the connecting part and at least a portion of a vertebra and/or a rib, and an adjustable locking member mounted on the connecting part. The connecting part defines at least one passageway for passing the ligature in such a manner that two distinct strands of the ligature can be engaged in the passageway so that the two strands of the ligature define a first ligature portion forming a loop extending from one side of the connecting part, and second and third ligature portions extending from the other side of the connecting part.