Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes an anchor portion and a head portion, such as a rod-receiving portion, movably mounted to the anchor portion to allow for controlled angulation between the anchor portion and the head portion. The anchor portion is pivotable in one or more selected directions about an axis relative to the head portion. A restriction member, which may be a rod seat, prevents the anchor portion from pivoting in one or more different directions about another axis relative to the head portion and/or a spinal fixation element received in the head portion. The restriction member may be inserted in the head portion to control direction that the anchor portion pivots relative to the head portion. The restriction member may also serve as a compression member and/or rod seat for seating a spinal rod coupled to the bone screw assembly.

Abstract: Systems for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive surgical procedures include one or more extenders removably engaged to one or more anchors engaged to a bony segment. The anchor extenders provide a reference to the respective anchor locations within the patient even when the anchor is obstructed by skin and/or tissue of the patient. An inserter can be movably mounted to the one or more anchor extenders, or an inserter can be employed without mounting to the one or more anchor extenders. In either form, the inserter is operable to position a stabilization element relative to the anchors for engagement to the anchors to stabilize the bony segment to which the anchors are engaged. At least one of the one or more anchor extenders includes a reduction assembly that is operable to move one or more portions of the bony segment while maintaining the minimally invasive character of the procedure.

Abstract: A fastening system for bone screws used in spinal fixation systems for reshaping the spine of a patient. The bone screw has threads on one end for anchoring in the spine. The other end has a spherical head with a multi sided recess formed therein for engagement with an appropriate driving tool. The system includes a stabilizing rod, a saddle member, a cap member and a set screw with at least one bone screw having a outer diameter that exceeds the diameter of a cavity formed in the saddle, wherein placement of the bone screw is made possible by matching the threads of the set screw to the threads of the bone screw. The head of the bone screw providing proper positioning of the stabilization rod within the patient.

Abstract: A fastening system for bone screws used in spinal fixation systems for reshaping the spine of a patient. The bone screw has threads on one end for anchoring in the spine. The other end has a spherical head with a multi sided recess formed therein for engagement with an appropriate driving tool. The system includes a stabilizing rod, a saddle member, a cap member and a set screw with at least one bone screw having a outer diameter that exceeds the diameter of a cavity formed in the saddle, wherein placement of the bone screw is made possible by matching the threads of the set screw to the threads of the bone screw. The head of the bone screw providing proper positioning of the stabilization rod within the patient.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for positioning a connecting member adjacent the spinal column that include one or more anchor assemblies having an anchor engageable to bony structure and an extended receiver having a guide portion and an implantation portion. A connecting member is movable along the guide portion from a location outside the patient to the implantation portion in the patient, where the connecting member is secured to the anchor assembly with an engaging member. The guide portion is formed as a single unit with but separable from the implantation portion to provide a modified low-profile anchor assembly after implantation of the connecting member.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as through a fixation procedure. A system for a percutaneous procedure is provided. The system can include a bone fastener including a receiver. The system can include a device having a first end, a second end and a middle portion. The first end, middle portion and second end can be disposed along a longitudinal axis, and the second end can be connected to the receiver. The middle portion can have a pair of deformable leg members extending between the first and second ends. The leg members can define a channel having a width. The leg members can be selectively movable between a retracted state and an expanded state with the width of the channel greater in the expanded state than in the retracted state.

Abstract: A polyaxial body is selectively removable from a pedicle screw in a spinal fixation system without disruption of the screw's placement in the patient's spine. The polyaxial body according to various embodiments of this invention may be locked relative to the screw head and coupled to the spine rod without deformation of the screw or body components while still allowing for subsequent removal of the body from the screw head. The head of the pedicle screw is threadably engaged with a retainer ring on the polyaxial body thereby permitting selective removal of the body from the screw head without disrupting the placement of the screw in the spine. This allows for the pedicle screw to remain in the spine as the fixation system is adjusted as required by the surgeon for subsequent and reliable reanimation.

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

Abstract: Embodiments of an orthopedic implant assembly include an apparatus having a receiver member and a fixation member. The receiver member includes first and second branches which define a channel extending along a longitudinal axis. The channel is configured to receive an elongated member. Additionally, the fixation member can include a threaded portion configured to engage bone. The orthopedic implant system can further include a one-step locking mechanism operably connected with the receiver member, the locking mechanism being configured to lock an elongated member in the channel. The locking mechanism includes a first closure device operably connected with the first branch and a second closure device operably connected with the second branch. The first and second closure devices are configured to cooperate with each other along a lateral axis to lock an elongated member in the channel. In certain embodiments, the lateral axis does not intersect the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for the placement of a bone fusion implant between vertebral bodies in a human or animal subject. In an exemplary method a pathway is formed in the first sacral vertebrae along a trajectory that has a starting point between the inferior aspect of the facet joint and the first posterior sacral foramen and transverses at least one pedicle, at least a portion of the first sacral vertebra and the disc space immediately superior to the sacrum. A fusion implant is placed into the formed pathway. Additional bone fasteners and inter-connecting rods are added to the fusion implant in order to further strengthen the construct. Embodiments that can be used to fuse an additional level are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for spinal fixation. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices provide one or more points of fixation located adjacent to a first fixation point at which a bone anchor is implanted in bone. For example, an extension member can be coupled, either directly or indirectly, to a bone anchor, and a fastener can be used to anchor the extension member to bone at a second point of fixation adjacent to the first point of fixation. The second point of fixation can be effective to prevent rotation or other movement of the bone anchor, thereby stabilizing the bone anchor. The methods and devices are particularly useful for unilateral fixation, in which one or more levels of the spine are stabilized along a single lateral side of the spine.

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: The present invention relates to medical devices and methods generally aimed at spinal surgery. In particular, the disclosed system and associated methods relate to performing spinal fixation.

Abstract: Connection devices and methods for connecting a rod to a vertebral member. The device may include a receiver mounted to a proximal end of an anchor. The receiver includes a receiving section size to accommodate the rod and adjustable between open and closed orientations. One or more members are mounted to the receiver to adjust the size of the receiving section. In some embodiments, the movable members may be rotated and/or are rotatable to accommodate a rod at different angular positions relative to the anchor.

Abstract: Derotation instrument assemblies and systems are provided to facilitate positioning one or more vertebrae of a spinal column into a desired alignment. The instrument assemblies and systems include implant holders engageable to respective implants engaged to vertebrae of the spinal column, transverse bridges to connect implant holders associated with a particular vertebra, and inter-level linking assemblies to connect instrument assemblies associated with different vertebrae. Derotation handles can be provided to facilitate application of the alignment forces, while the assemblies distribute the corrective forces to the connected implants and vertebrae.

Abstract: A connector assembly including a bone anchoring element including a spherical head, a double collet that includes an inner clamping portion formed by inner surfaces of a plurality of resilient fingers, the resilient fingers defining a first wedge surface and a second wedge surface, an outer closure element that includes an inner clamping portion that corresponds in shape to an outer contour of the double collet, the outer closure element including a pair of arms that define a channel shaped for receiving therein a connector element, and an interface ring that includes a base formed with an inner wedge surface and a pair of wing extensions that extend from the base.

Abstract: A system and method for ameliorating spinal column anomalies, such as scoliosis, includes bone screws which are to be implanted in the pedicle region(s) of individual to-be-derotated vertebrae and in vertebrae to which balancing forces must be applied as the spinal column is manipulated en mass to achieve an over-all correction of the condition. A pedicle screw cluster derotation tool simultaneously engages multiple pedicle screws and transmits manipulative forces to multiple vertebrae to effect a whole-spine correction. Pre-contoured spinal rods are engaged post-derotation to secure the correction.

Abstract: A spinal rod having first and second end members. The end members may be flexible or rigid. An expandable intermediate section is positioned between the first and second end members. The intermediate section may be axially expandable upon the introduction of a substance into a port that may be located in either of the first and second end members or the intermediate section. The intermediate section may be expandable between a first size, where the first and second end members are spaced a first distance apart, and a second enlarged size, where the first and second end members are spaced a second greater distance apart.

Abstract: A bone fastener assembly and a method of stabilizing a bone using such an assembly are presented. The bone assembly includes a bone fastener and a connecting member for holding a stabilizing member, such as a rod or plate, mounted together via an armature that allows the connecting member to be offset from the longitudinal axis of the bone fastener and optionally also permits the bone fastener to pivot relative to a longitudinal axis of the assembly and the connecting member swivel about the longitudinal axis of the assembly. By allowing the connecting member to be offset and independently swivel about the longitudinal axis of the fastener, the bone assembly of the current invention allows for an unprecedented degree of freedom in positioning an interconnecting rod to that assembly.

Abstract: Equipment includes bony anchoring members one or two linking rods, intended to be connected to the anchoring members, and parts for connecting the linking rod(s) to the anchoring members, at least one anchoring member including a proximal threaded stud and a clamping element for assembling a connecting part thereon, the connecting part including a clamping element for immobilizing the linking rod with respect thereto. The connecting part includes a rounded section for hugging a linking rod and two parallel branches having holes enabling engagement on the proximal threaded stud of the anchoring member; and the clamping elements may be engaged coaxially on the proximal threaded stud of the anchoring member, a first clamping element enabling the assembly of the connecting part on this proximal threaded stud and the second clamping element enabling to clamp both branches of this connecting part.

Abstract: Bone fixation systems for stabilizing bones such as vertebral bodies are disclosed. The fixation systems include fixation connectors that preferably are equipped with bone anchors (e.g., screws, hooks, pins or like structures) for securing the fixation connectors to bones desired to be stabilized. The fixation systems also include linking elements (e.g., rods, plates or other members) for linking the fixation connectors together to form a stabilizing construct capable of maintaining a desired spacial relationship between bones desired to be stabilized.

Abstract: A surgical implant engageable by a surgical tool having spaced apart jaws with inward facing tubular protrusions, is provided. The implant includes a body for interfacing with a bone structure. The implant also includes a head connected with the body having spaced apart posts juxtaposed by a stabilization member receiving area. Each post has an outward side face that includes an upper generally vertical surface intersecting with a generally inward directed under surface that in turn intersects with a lower generally vertical surface. The side face has a generally tubular cylindrical indention intersecting the upper vertical surface and the inward directed under surface.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction.

Abstract: A variable angle connector for engaging a bone fastener to a spinal rod includes a body defining a channel for receiving the spinal rod and a set screw arrangement for clamping the rod within the channel. The body defines an engagement face configured for interdigitating engagement with the head of the bone fastener. The fastener is mounted on a post projecting from the engagement face of the body, with means for engaging the fastener to the post. The body of the connector includes a deformable portion at one portion of the engagement face that deforms when the set screw is tightened to clamp the rod within the rod channel. As the connector body deforms, the portion of the engagement face is brought into engagement with the head of the bone fastener.

Abstract: A screw and coupling element assembly for use with an orthopedic rod implantation apparatus includes a screw with a head and a shaft extending from the head, a coupling element with a seat within which the head is seatable such that the shaft protrudes from the coupling element, and a locking element mateable with the coupling element and when mated is selectively movable through a plurality of positions including unlocked and locked positions. When in the unlocked position, the locking element presents a rod-receiving channel and the head is movable in the seat such that the shaft is directable in a plurality of angles relative to the coupling element. When in the locked position, a rod disposed within the rod-receiving channel is fixed relative to the coupling element and the head is immovable in the seat such that the shaft is fixed at an angle relative to the coupling element.

Abstract: A spinal fixation assembly and capless multi-axial screw system and method are shown. The assembly comprises a receiver having a rotary lock which in one embodiment includes a plurality of channels which urge and lock the elongated member to the screw using a bayonet type connection.

Abstract: Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.

Abstract: A system for stabilization of the spinal column, including an elongate support member extending along an axis and a plurality of anchor members configured for anchoring to respective vertebrae. A first of the anchor members is engaged to the support member in a manner that substantially prevents axial movement of the support member relative to the first anchor member, and a second of the anchor members is engaged to the support member in a manner that allows substantially unconstrained axial movement of the support member relative to the second anchor member. In a further embodiment, a third of the anchor members is engaged to the support member in a manner that also allows substantially unconstrained axial movement of the support member relative to the third anchor member, with the second and third anchor members positioned on opposite sides of the first anchor member.

Abstract: A tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation device includes at least one inner member configured to fix the tulip assembly to the head of a bone fixation device, and an outer member including at least one engagement surface configured to selectively fix a rod in the tulip assembly via rotation of the outer member, wherein the fixation of the tulip assembly to the head of the bone fixation device is independent of the fixation of a rod in the tulip assembly.

Abstract: A side-loading bone anchor is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. In one embodiment, the anchor includes an anchoring portion and a receiving portion. The anchoring portion is attached to a bone, and is connected to the receiving portion. A rod or other elongated support member is received in the receiving portion in contact with a crown member in the receiving portion and above the anchoring portion. The receiving portion, with or without the rod, may be rotated or pivoted with respect to the anchoring portion, and a set screw is threaded into the receiving portion to lock the rod within the receiving portion.

Abstract: The pedicle screw system may be used for fixation of spinal segments and may be advantageous when minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques are employed. The pedicle screw system includes a tulip assembly comprising of a tulip body, a inner member, and an expansion member. Installation of the pedicle screw system into pedicles of the spine, for example, includes inserting the pedicle screw into a portion of the spine and then coupling the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw. The tulip assembly may be locked onto the pedicle screw before a distraction rod is placed in the tulip assembly. After the rod is placed in the tulip assembly, the tulip body and the inner member can be rotated relative to one another to lock the rod into the tulip assembly. In addition, the relative rotation may also provide additional locking of the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw.

Abstract: A spinal rod includes an elongated tubular member that is inflatable from a first insertion profile to a second enlarged profile. An expandable tubular reinforcement sleeve is concentrically positioned adjacent to the balloon. The balloon may be bonded to the sleeve. The spinal rod may also have longitudinal reinforcement members. A joining member may join two or more of the longitudinal reinforcing members at a discrete point along each. The spinal rod may further include end portions on either side of an inflatable portion.

Abstract: A connection assembly for spinal osteosynthesis has a bone-anchor having a connection zone intended to cooperate with a connection device, in which the connection device has, in its lower part, a spherical shape in order to permit a free positioning of the connection device in connector. The connector has a cavity of complementary shape to the spherical shape. This spherical shape forms a limit of longitudinal positioning with the connector.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a rod connecting the bone anchors and a connecting plate extending from a proximal surface of at least one of the bone anchors. A method of fixing vertebrae relative to each other comprising the steps of: implanting bone anchors in two adjacent vertebrae, each bone anchor having a rod receiving portion; placing a rod in the rod receiving portions, thereby connecting the bone anchors; threadably engaging set screws in the rod receiving portions of at least a portion of the bone anchors, thereby fixing the rod to the bone anchors; mating one end of a connecting plate to a proximal bearing surface of at least a portion of the bone anchors; and engaging a cap with at least a portion of the set screws, thereby fixing the connecting plate to the bone anchors.

Abstract: A spine stabilization may include a rod and bone fastener assemblies. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Each bone fastener may have a threaded shank and a head. Each collar may have a first end with a cavity for accommodating the bone fastener and a second end having a channel for accommodating the rod. The channel may have a first portion for positioning the rod. The channel may have a second portion for advancing the rod, wherein rotating the collar advances the rod in the channel.

Abstract: A tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation device includes at least one inner member configured to fix the tulip assembly to the head of a bone fixation device, and an outer member including at least one engagement surface configured to selectively fix a rod in the tulip assembly via rotation of the outer member.

Abstract: A pedicle screw with a closure device including a seat element and a closure cap for quick closure of the seat element of the pedicle screw. An elastic rod element inserted therein in the seat recess, which element serves to stabilize a vertebral column, is held in a form-locking way. The closure cap of the closure device has the function of a cross-brace, and can transfer the forces absorbed by it from the rod element to the pedicle screw. Disposed on the closure cap with a holding recess are engagement elements which, during insertion of the closure cap, automatically lock in place in a stable position in the seat element provided with a U-shaped seat recess. The seat recess and the holding recess preferably have a ridged or grooved structure corresponding to the rod element used.

Abstract: A stabilization rod engaging apparatus for implantation in a patient includes: a first pivot element including at least one first aperture, a first engagement element, and a first locking element; a second pivot element including at least one second aperture, a second engagement element, and a second locking element, wherein: the first and second apertures are sized, shaped and disposed in substantial axial alignment such that they are operable to receive the stabilization rod therethrough, and displacement of the first and second locking elements relative to one another urges the first and second apertures to misalign and thereby clamp the stabilization rod.

Abstract: Multifunction surgical devices and methods that can be used for implanting a spinal fixation system. Surgical devices of the invention can be used for positioning a bone engaging element with respect to a component of a spinal fixation system and for attaching the bone engaging element to the component of the spinal fixation system. Generally, surgical devices of the invention include a translating member and an attachment device. The translating member can be attached to a bone engaging element implanted in a vertebra, such as a pedicle screw or hook or the like. The translating member can be driven with a driving device to translate the bone engaging element with respect to a component of a spinal fixation system such as a connector or the like. The bone engaging element can be translated to an attachment position with respect to the connector or other component. An attachment device can then be used to attach the bone engaging element to the connector with a fastener such as a nut or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic fixation device for securing a rod-like fixation element, with two clamping jaws which can be moved relative to one another and which, when brought together, clamp the fixation element between them. In order to permit space-saving configurations of a fixation device that can be introduced and operated through small orifices in the body, a cam body is provided which is mounted on the fixation device so as to be able to rotate next to the clamping jaws in the direction of tightening and which, when rotated, pushes one clamping jaw toward the other.

Abstract: A crosslink is provided for joining two spine rods. The crosslink includes an elongate tie rod and a pair of housings at each end of the tie rod. The housings are preferably identical and have independent fasteners including a spine rod fastener and a tie rod fastener for connecting each housing to one of the spine rods and fixation of the tie rod. The tie rod fasteners include a pair of hemisphere clamps residing within a chamber in the housing which grip the tie rod therebetween to fix the tie rod to the clamp when a set screw applies a clamping force on the hemisphere clamps. The tie rod fastener is adjustable, so that both translation of the tie rod relative to the housings and rotation about three mutually perpendicular axes can be accommodated for orienting of the housings relative to the tie rod precisely where desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for rigid fixation of individual vertebra to the stabilizing rod. It consists of an anchor secured to the vertebra and a connector with multiple degrees of freedom linking each anchor to a rod. Pressure from the rod against a connector engages internal constricting mechanism and eliminates movement within the connection. This results in rigid fixation between individual anchors and the rod.

Abstract: A connector (1) for a spinal osteosynthesis device, for connecting two rods to a plate fixed in a vertebra, includes a first orifice (2) opening onto two opposed faces (3, 4) of the connector (1), and two other orifices (5, 6) opening onto two other opposed faces (7, 8) of the connector (1). Each of the two other orifices (5, 6) are each designed to receive a rod (14, 15) of the osteosynthesis device. The connector (1) includes a mechanism making it possible, when the connector (1) is push-fitted onto a protrusion (100) of a bone anchor member, to tighten the rods (14, 15) simultaneously in the two other orifices (5, 6) when a nut (22) is screwed onto the protrusion (100). An assembly for spinal osteosynthesis device includes a plate (16) that includes a protrusion (100), a connector (1) as previously described, and a nut (22).

Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring a rod in a bone or a vertebra and for use with at least two rods having a different diameter is provided. The anchoring device includes a shaft and a head for connection to one of said rods. The head is connected to said shaft and has a recess with a base and two substantially vertically extending legs defining a channel for receiving the rod in said channel. The anchoring device further includes a fixation element for clamping said rod in said channel. The fixation element and said base each have a contact surface contacting said rod, the contact surfaces being shaped so as to be able to clamp any of the different rods.

Abstract: An instrument includes components configured to secure a locking device inside a rod fixation assembly. In one embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve and a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve. A drive assembly cooperatively engages the pusher member. In another embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve, a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve, and a pair of drive assemblies. A first drive assembly engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a first loading. A second drive assembly also engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a second loading, the second loading being substantially greater than the first loading. In another embodiment, a method for reducing and locking a spinal rod includes the step of advancing a locking element while the locking element is retained in a fixed orientation.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head, a retaining ring and a nut. The external capture structure surface includes a threaded portion and a smooth portion; the smooth portion for slidably mating with the retaining ring and the threaded portion for rotatable attachment to the nut within a cavity of the head. The nut fixes the retaining ring to the shank and also provides a tool engagement formation for driving the shank body into bone.

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

Abstract: A spinal surgical system includes at least two extenders extending proximally from respective ones of first and second anchors engaged to the spinal column. A connecting member is positionable between the at least two extenders such that the connecting member extends between the at least two extenders. The connecting member is movable distally along the at least two extenders and engageable to the first and second anchors.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization assembly includes a flexible inner cord, an outer spacer, and a pair of anti-torque and anti-shear sleeves located on either end of the spacer and rotationally fixed with respect to the spacer, each sleeve having at least one and up to a plurality of protrusions or radially directed ridges and grooves on an outer surface thereof. Bone screws cooperating with the sleeves include at least one aperture or a plurality of ridges and grooves for close cooperation and engagement with the ridges and grooves of the anti-torque/anti-shear sleeves.

Abstract: A bone stabilizing system includes a collar that has a tubular sidewall with an interior surface and an exterior surface each extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the interior surface at least partially bounding a longitudinal passage extending therethrough. The collar also includes a pair of opposing spaced apart channels transversely extending through the sidewall at the first end thereof and a pair of spaced apart bayonet prongs projecting from the first end of the tubular sidewall. A screw has a threaded portion and a head disposed on an end thereof, the head of the screw being disposed within the longitudinal passage of the collar. A locking cap has a hole extending therethrough and a pair of spaced apart bayonet slots formed thereon, the bayonet slots being configured to receive and engage with the pair of bayonet prongs.