Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion, and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebra. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent an interior surface disposed about a bottom opening of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the head portion engages the interior surface so as to provide for pivotal motion between the body member and the pedicle screw. The bone anchor also includes a bushing insertable into the body member and having an outwardly projecting structure that snaps under a downward facing abutment surface to maintain the bushing within the body member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for distracting and/or compressing bone. An exemplary apparatus may comprise a rod having a thread. The apparatus also may comprise a first assembly and a second assembly each coupled, or configured to be coupled, to the rod and each configured to be attached to a respective pin extending into bone. The apparatus further may comprise a nut engaged, or configured to be engaged, with the thread and configured to be turned to drive the second assembly along the rod. In some embodiments, at least one of the assemblies may have at least two degrees of rotational freedom that can be eliminated by manipulating a single graspable member. In some embodiments, the rod and the second assembly may have anti-rotation features configured to interact with one another to permit travel of the second assembly along the rod while preventing rotation of the second assembly about the rod.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for stabilization of bone segment and an extending assembly thereof. The device comprises a screw assembly, two supporting members and two extending members. The screw assembly comprises a receiver and an anchoring member. The receiver has a retainer and two opposite arms extending along the longitudinal axis of the device from the positions adjacent to the retainer. The anchoring member is connected to the retainer. The supporting members are connected to the arms respectively and extend along the longitudinal axis. Each one of the extending members has a through hole respectively. The extending members are connected to the arms with the supporting members passing through the through holes respectively.

Abstract: Surgical support instruments are described herein that can couple to, e.g., an implanted anchor and provide a platform for coupling other surgical implements thereto. In one embodiment, an instrument can include an elongate body having opposed projections extending laterally from a distal portion thereof that can at least partially surround a shank of an implantable anchor such that a longitudinal axis of the elongate body is laterally offset from a longitudinal axis of the anchor. The instrument can further include a lock configured to exert a drag force on a head of the anchor to control polyaxial movement of the instrument relative to the anchor. Further, a proximal portion of the elongate body can be configured to receive a retractor assembly including a plurality of tissue manipulating implements and selectively lock the retractor assembly at any of a plurality of positions along a length of the elongate body.

Abstract: A bone fixation system with variable z-axis translation is provided. The bone fixation system includes an outer tulip coupled to a bone fastener. An inner tulip, which provides a seat for an elongate fixation rod, is located inside the outer tulip. The inner tulip together with a seated rod is permitted to translate along the z-axis in an unlocked position. Also in the unlocked position, the bone fastener is free to angulate relative to the outer tulip. The bone fixation system includes a locked position in which the z-axis position of the inner tulip and rod relative to the outer tulip is fixed. Also in the locked position, the bone fastener is locked with respect to the outer tulip. The system may be adjusted between the locked and unlocked positions by way of a set screw or independently by rotation of the inner tulip relative to the outer tulip.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to spinal implants for use in orthopedic stabilization assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants may be used in conjunction with laminoplasty or laminectomy procedures.

Abstract: A bone anchor system can comprise a fastener, a rod housing and a first directional component configured for connection to the fastener. The fastener can comprise a shaft having a shaft diameter, an anchoring projection on the shaft, and a head at an end of the shaft. The rod housing can be connected to the head of the fastener. The first directional component can comprise a first body portion having a first outer diameter larger than the shaft diameter, a first bore extending through the first body portion, the first bore sized to receive the shaft diameter, and a first locking component extending from the first body portion configured to engage the rod housing to limit movement of the housing.

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 friction fit compression insert (some with lock and release feature), a planar split retaining ring and a 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 and the receiver and insert may include aligned tool receiving apertures for lock and release of the polyaxial mechanism.

Abstract: A cervical polyaxial bone anchor includes a shank having an integral spherical head and a receiver having an upper channel for receiving a rod and a lower seat near a lower opening for receiving a closed retainer that includes a compressible upper portion engaged with the receiver seat and an expandable lower portion capturing the shank head. An outer sleeve slidable with the receiver prohibits expansion of the retainer lower portion during operation. A compression insert engages the retainer upper portion and is in friction fit with the shank head prior to fixing of an angle of the shank with respect to the receiver.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The upper portion expands a retaining member in the receiver cavity to capture the shank upper portion in the receiver. In some embodiment either the retaining member or an insert provide for a friction fit of the shank upper portion in the receiver resulting in non-floppy placement of the shank with respect to the receiver. Some retainers and inserts have a lock-and-release feature. Final locking of the polyaxial mechanism is provided by frictional engagement between the shank upper portion and the retaining member. A pre-assembled receiver, retaining member and optional insert may be popped-on or snapped-on to the shank upper portion prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra.

Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A bone anchor is provided. The anchor can include a bone fastener. The bone fastener can include a head and a second end adapted to engage an anatomy. The bone fastener can extend along a longitudinal axis. The anchor can also include a coupling arrangement coupled to the head of the bone fastener so that the bone fastener is rotatable about the longitudinal axis to define a first plane of motion. The anchor can further include a saddle, which can be coupled to the coupling arrangement. The saddle can be movable relative to at least one of the bone fastener and the coupling arrangement to define a second plane of motion.

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 laminar fixation clamp has a body that utilizes a clam-shell style pivot controlled by a set screw, to grasp and attach to a spine rod, while receiving a laminar fixation band that can loop around a lamina of a vertebra in order to hold the laminar fixation clamp onto the vertebra. One form comprises a two-piece structure while another form comprises a single-piece structure. In each case, an upper and lower clamping structure situated at a front of the laminar fixation clamp, is received over and onto the spine rod, while a laminar fixation band is received through clamp. The set screw controls the amount of pivoting and thus the clamping force exerted onto the spine rod.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first member defining an implant cavity. A part is connectable with the first member. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and includes a mating surface engageable with the part. The part is engageable to selectively translate the implant cavity relative to the second member. Implants, spinal constructs, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.

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 polyaxial bone anchor has a locking element shaped and configured to allow an anchoring member (e.g., a screw or hook) to polyaxially rotate at large angles about a central axis of the bone anchor before compression locking the anchoring member within an anchor head.

Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.

Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.

Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.

Abstract: A spinal fixation construct for aligning vertebral bodies includes a bone screw, a spinal rod, a flexible member, and a fixation member. The spinal rod is disposed within a saddle portion of a housing of the bone screw, and includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end. The spinal rod is formed from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity. The flexible member is coupled to the spinal rod, and includes an elongated body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The flexible member is formed from a second material having a second modulus of elasticity that is different from the first modulus of elasticity. The fixation member includes a threaded body portion and a head portion defining a hole therethrough. A portion of the flexible member extends through the hole of the head portion.

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 vertebral column correction system for correcting a spinal deformity without fusing the joint segments is disclosed. The vertebral column correction system may have first and second vertebral anchors secured to first and second vertebrae. The vertebral column correction system may further comprise one or more intermediate vertebral anchors secured to vertebrae between the first and second vertebrae. A connection member may be disposed within a head portion of the vertebral anchors. At least a portion of the connection member may be a flexible member, such as a flexible cord, configured for tensioning between at least two vertebral anchors for providing a desired amount of tension to apply a correctional force to the spinal column. A spring member, or other tensioning member, may maintain the tension of the connection member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of stabilizing bone, including providing a fixation assembly including an anchoring element and a coupling element, the coupling element having an upper surface with a first diameter defining a first bore extending along a first axis, a lower surface with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter defining a second bore extending along a second axis, the first and second axes intersect such that the first and second bores are in communication with one another and an internal surface area defining a seating portion adjacent to the lower surface, and the anchoring element having a head portion positioned within a coupling element; securing the fixation assembly to bone.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part having a first end with an end surface, a second end, a recess at the first end for receiving a rod, and a flexible head receiving portion at the second end for pivotably holding a head of a bone anchoring element, and a clamping ring positionable around the head receiving portion and movable from a first position where the head is pivotable relative to the receiving part, to a second position where the clamping ring exerts a radial force onto the head receiving portion to lock the head. The receiving part further includes a first engagement structure at or adjacent the end surface extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the receiving part, such that a width of the receiving part including the first engagement structure is at least as wide as a maximum width of the clamping ring.

Abstract: A fixation element for use in orthopedic surgery, particularly spinal surgery is disclosed. The fixation element is capable of being screwed, hooked, or otherwise attached to a bone, and is configured to accommodate two or more rods or other elongated members. The head of the fixation elements thus has multiple places for positioning a rod, either vertically or horizontally spaced from each other.

Abstract: The equipment (1) includes at least one connecting bar and at least one anchor member (1) of the “tulip” type and of the so-called “polyaxial” type. According to the invention, the head (3) forms an articulation portion (15). The body (2) forms an articulation cavity (8) for receiving the articulation portion (15), defined by a bearing wall (9). The anchor member (1) includes a ring (20) bearing against said bearing wall (9). The ring (20) and a distal bearing surface of the head (3) includes inter-engagement means (16, 21) having, in a first angular position of the ring (20), a first inter-engagement position of the ring (20) in which play exists between the ring (20) and the bearing wall (9), and having, in a second angular position of the ring (20), a second inter-engagement position in which said play is eliminated such that the head (3) is made immobile, or substantially immobile, relative to the body (2).

Abstract: A connection assembly configured to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, a variable angle connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly includes a plurality of bone fixation elements that each include a bone anchor configured to be implanted into underlying bone, such as a vertebra. Each bone anchor is received in an anchor seat, and the anchor seats are joined by a fixation rod so as to operatively couple and fix the position and orientation of the vertebrae relative to each other. The bone anchor is free to rotate relative to the anchor seat, and is also free to pivot in a desired direction relative to the anchor seat.

Abstract: A method of planning a procedure to fasten an implant to a bone includes displaying a model of the bone and a model of the implant on a display device. The model implant is positioned on the model bone in a desired implant position. A first boundary volume of a first fastener configured to fasten the prosthesis to the bone is also displayed on the display device. The first boundary volume represents a range of possible positions that the first fastener may have with respect to the prosthesis when fastened to the bone. The boundary volume may be used to determine a desired size, shape, and/or positioning of the fastener with respect to the bone.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided. The spinal implant includes a body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end defines a notch configured for disposal of a first vertebra. The distal end includes a protrusion configured for disposal in a second vertebra. The proximal and distal ends are movable relative to one another between an unexpanded position in which the spinal implant is inserted between lamina and an expanded position in which the spinal implant is disposed between the lamina.

Abstract: Methods of correcting a spinal deformity, including securing a first rod on a first side of a spine, securing an anchor on a second side of a spine, securing a lateral coupling between the rod and the anchor, translating and/or derotating the spine and securing a second rod on a second side of the spine to provide secondary stabilization to the spine.

Abstract: Compression screw systems for stabilizing and/or compressing bones of the extremities, characterized by a compression screw component and a hook component. The hook component is received on the compression screw component in any rotational position relative to the compression screw component in order to orient the hook component relative to a bone or bones requiring stabilization and/or compression. The hook component includes an anti-rotation feature, while a configured flange thereof provides a hook that extends about and overhangs a part of the bone. The compression screw component and the hook component may include cooperating structures that allow the hook component to attach to the compression screw component or allow the compression screw component to self-orientate with respect to the hook component upon compressing engagement of the compression screw head with the hook component. The configured flange of the hook component may terminate with a single, double or multiple tined prong.

Abstract: A translating polyaxial bone anchor for anchoring a connecting rod to a spinal vertebra comprises a fastener having a bone engaging portion and a head, the head defining a socket. An insert is captively retained in the socket and configured for swiveling polyaxial movement therein. The insert includes an elongate connecting element defining an axis, the connecting element projecting outwardly from and through the socket. A yoke having at one end a rod receiving channel for receiving a connecting rod is coupled to the fastener by a coupling member. The coupling member couples the yoke to the insert connecting element for joint polyaxial movement relative to the fastener and for translational movement of the yoke in a direction transverse to the axis of the connecting member. A fastening element is supported by the yoke for securing the connecting rod between the fastening element and the coupling member.

Abstract: A spinal construct comprises a member that defines an axial cavity and includes a transverse rod. The member further defines a groove configured for disposal of a band. A part is disposed with the axial cavity and engageable with the band to provisionally fix the part relative to the member. An implant receiver is disposable with the axial cavity to move the part and engage the band to connect the member with the implant receiver. Implants, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Connectors are disclosed herein that can be used to attach a rod to a bone anchor assembly that is already occupied by a separate rod. Various ways of attaching the connector to the bone anchor assembly are disclosed, including arrangements in which the connector is locked to the bone anchor, arrangements in which the connector is constrained in one or more degrees of freedom relative to the bone anchor, arrangements in which the connector is adjustable in one or more degrees of freedom relative to the bone anchor, and arrangements that include a spherical articulation joint. In some embodiments, attachment of the connector to a bone anchor can be aided with the use of a positioner. The geometry of the connector can be selected to minimize the offset between a first rod received in the bone anchor assembly and a second rod received in the connector, for example using an angled or curved rod recess and/or a fastener, or set screw, that is offset from the center of the rod or angled relative to the bone anchor.

Abstract: Systems, assemblies, components and methods for correcting alignment of one or more vertebrae of a spine are provided. A first elongate derotator member includes a first elongate element having a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion. The first distal end portion is releasably engageable with a first implant implanted in one of the vertebrae. A second elongate derotator member comprising a second elongate element is releasably engageable with a second implant implanted in the same vertebra. A transverse member is engageable with the first and second elongate elements.

Abstract: An implant having a receiver that is adapted to receive a polyaxial screw in the bore and either an internal or external cap. The cap can be an external or internal cap and the implant further has at least one locking aid in the form of at least one of a tactile feedback, a visual feedback or an enhanced fixation between the cap and a rod that is received in the receiver.

Abstract: A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable and contractable. The device includes a body assembly, a top member configured to fit within a gap in the body assembly, a drive gear disposed within the body assembly at a distal end of the body assembly, a proximal gear assembly, and a distal gear assembly. The drive gear includes a receiver accessible from outside the body assembly and configured to be rotated in order to rotate the drive gear. Each gear assembly is attached to the top member. The distal gear assembly engages the drive gear. Rotation of the drive gear in a first direction causes the gear assemblies to translate the top member away from the body assembly, and rotation of the drive gear in a second direction causes the gear assemblies to translate the top member towards the body assembly.

Abstract: The outer periphery of a head section (11e) of a medical screw (11) is provided with an inverse external screw thread (11h) that is formed in the opposite screw direction from that of a screw thread (11b) provided to a tip section (11a). An inverse internal screw thread (14a) provided to the leading end of a rod-shaped body constituting an extraction jig (14) is rotated in the opposite direction from the screw direction of the screw thread (11b) so as to be screwed onto the inverse external screw thread (11h) and thereby integrate the screw (11) and the extraction jig (14). The screw (11) is gently extracted from the bone fracture site (D) and is removed from the body by rotating the extraction jig in the reverse direction from the insertion direction of the screw (11).

Abstract: A revision connector is configured to couple a new spine fixation rod to a previously implanted spine fixation rod that is secured to a plurality of vertebrae. The new spine fixation rod can be implanted and secured to vertebrae that are caudal and/or cranial with respect to the previously secured vertebrae.

Abstract: An osseous anchoring implant, various embodiments of which comprise an osseous anchor and a head bearing fixation structure capable of receiving and fixing at least one bar, the head of the implant being traversed by at least one duct, which receives the bar through a lateral aperture, and by a threaded channel, whose axis is not parallel to the axis of the duct, which receives a fixation screw of the bar, the implant being characterized in that it comprises fixation structure of the head on the part of the implant which extends from the osseous anchor, these fixation structures allowing, prior to blocking and fixing, at least a determined mobility of the head around at least one axis not parallel to the axis of symmetry of the osseous anchor. The fixation screw of the bar may comprise a ball and socket at its base.

Abstract: Orthopedic devices including a connecting element suited for receiving at least part of a first rod, and a lock screw. The connecting element includes an anchor for securing the connecting element to a bone, in particular a vertebra, a first lateral opening, and a top opening with a first inner screw thread. The lock screw is received within the top opening and includes a proximal face presenting a screw drive, accessible from outside the connecting element, a distal end for locking the first rod within the connecting element, and wherein the lock screw is adapted to fit through the first lateral opening to be subsequently introduced into the top opening with the proximal face leading.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw assembly having a threaded shaft, a rod receiver, a bushing, and a deformable tab is provided. The rod receiver includes a side wall forming a proximal end with an interior portion configured to receive a spinal rod and a distal end configured to receive the spherical head. The bushing is disposed between the spherical head and the sidewall of the rod receiver is configured to engage the spinal rod. The deformable tab is within one of the rod receiver and the bushing and engages with the other of the rod receiver and the bushing. The deformable tab may be disposed within the side wall of the bushing. The deformable tab may be configured to apply an axial force along a longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft to increase a friction force between the rod receiver, the bushing, and the spherical head.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods for treating spinal deformities. One embodiment includes inserting an elongated corrective member into the patient. During insertion, the corrective member is operatively attached to a first vertebral member that applies a first corrective force to correct a first vertebral member alignment. The corrective member is further inserted into the patient and subsequently operatively attached to a second vertebral member that applies a second corrective force to correct a second vertebral member alignment. The corrective member is further inserted and subsequently operatively attached to a third vertebral member that applies a third corrective force to correct a third vertebral member alignment. The embodiment may further include operatively attaching the corrective member to additional vertebral members to correct further misalignment. In one embodiment, a second member is attached to the vertebral members after they have been aligned to maintain the alignment.

Abstract: A spinal fixation construct for aligning vertebral bodies includes a bone screw, a spinal rod, a flexible member, and a fixation member. The spinal rod is disposed within a saddle portion of a housing of the bone screw, and includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end. The spinal rod is formed from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity. The flexible member is coupled to the spinal rod, and includes an elongated body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The flexible member is formed from a second material having a second modulus of elasticity that is different from the first modulus of elasticity. The fixation member includes a threaded body portion and a head portion defining a hole therethrough. A portion of the flexible member extends through the hole of the head portion.

Abstract: Spinal fixation system connectors comprising spring cage elements. In some embodiments, an engagement member, such as a bone screw, may be configured to be coupled with and received within a connector body. A spring cage structure may also be configured to be coupled with the connector body. The spring cage structure may comprise a spring configured to be positioned in a relaxed configuration and a flexed configuration, such that the spring defines an opening having a first size in the relaxed configuration and a second, larger size in the flexed configuration to allow the opening to receive and engage a head of the engagement member within the connector body.

Abstract: An apparatus is designed to attach an implant to bone in a manner that permits rotational adjustment of the implant about multiple axes prior to securement via the apparatus. The apparatus includes separate rotational and translational fasteners that can be individually locked to independently restrict rotation and translation of the implant relative to the bone. The rotational fastener includes an interpositional member, an expandable engagement member, and a rotational locking member that urges the expandable engagement member to advance along the interpositional member. The resulting expansion of the engagement member causes it to engage the implant. The rotational fastener is slidable along a fixation member implanted in the bone until the translational fastener is applied to restrict relative translation between the rotational fastener and the bone.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate generally to an apparatus operable to couple a pair of implantation rods that are surgically implanted adjacent to a plurality of vertebrae. Each implantation rod is secured by at least one fastener element having a head. The apparatus comprises at least one main assembly, said main assembly operable to move relative to a head of one of the fastener elements when not in a locked position. The apparatus also comprises a center link extending in an axial direction, said center link operable to move relative to the main assembly when not in a locked position. The main assembly is operable to receive the center link and a head of one of the fastener elements and secure the center link and the head relative to the main assembly when in a locked position.