Abstract: A fastener comprises a threaded shank extending along an axis between top and bottom ends and a semi spherical body affixed at the top end of the threaded shank. The fastener further comprises a head having a receptacle adapted to closely surround the semi-spherical body, the head being pivotable about the semi spherical body and rotatably fixed relative to the semi spherical body about the axis of the threaded shank and a drive disposed on the head adapted to receive a tool for rotating the head and the threaded shank about the axis of the threaded shank.

Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a shank having an upper capture portion and a lower anchor portion for fixation to the bone of a patient, and a receiver having an open channel for receiving a rod and a lower cavity for pivotably supporting the capture portion in a non- locked configuration. The assembly also includes an insert positionable into the receiver separate from the capture portion and thereafter downwardly deployable by tooling to apply a frictional force toward the capture portion that holds the angular position of the shank relative to the receiver prior to locking the assembly with a closure, with exterior surfaces of the insert entering into a non-threaded frictional biased engagement with interior surfaces of the receiver to maintain the insert in the deployed position. The exterior surfaces of the insert are further disengageable from the interior surfaces of the receiver by tooling to re-establish pivotal movement between the shank and the receiver.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element with a spherical segment-shaped head, a receiving part configured to couple a rod to the bone anchoring element, and having a top end, a bottom end, a first passage at the bottom end with a first longitudinal axis, and a second passage at the top end with a second longitudinal axis that intersects the first longitudinal axis, a compression element, and a locking element. The receiving part also has a recess for the rod, the recess extending from the top end towards the bottom end and having a bottom that extends along an axis that is perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis. The receiving part or the compression element further has a seat. The compression element is configured to move along the first longitudinal axis while the locking element is configured to move along the second longitudinal axis.

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: An orthopedic implant has a plate and bone screws. Configured bone screw pockets of the plate provide variable angling and positional locking of a received bone screw relative. Each bone screw includes distal threads, a neck, and a dual threaded head. The plate has a bone screw pocket on a distal end, a bone screw pocket on a proximal end, and a strut extending between the two bone screw pockets. The bone screw pockets are at least generally cup shaped for receipt of a bone screw. The lower periphery of the opening of each bone screw pocket has an arrangement of configured prongs with configured openings to receive threading on the underside of the dual threaded head of the bone screw. The prongs can preferably, but not necessarily, deform slightly and grab onto the threading of the bone screw head to lock the bone screw in the bone screw pocket. Each prong can act independently.

Abstract: Provided is a spinal implant which includes a compact housing usable in common regardless of a bone screw diameter and is good at assembling properties. A spinal implant includes a screw head holding member, a housing, and an insert. The screw head holding member includes a cylindrical section which is elastically deformable in the radial direction and which includes a support section that supports a screw head from a lower side. The housing accommodates the screw head holding member holding the screw head. The screw head holding member further includes an elastic deformable section which is elastically deformable in the radial direction of the cylindrical section so that an engagement section can engage with the inner circumferential surface of the housing.

Abstract: A device for placing a receiving part of a bone anchoring device onto a head of a bone anchoring element includes a holding portion, a collet configured to be held by the holding portion, the collet having a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis, and a distal end portion configured to be flexibly expanded and compressed in a radial direction, and a plunger configured to be positioned in the collet. The collet is movable axially relative to the plunger between a first position wherein the distal end portion of the collet is configured to have a first width in a first radial direction and the plunger prevents the distal end portion from assuming a width less than the first width, and a second position wherein the distal end portion of the collet is radially compressible to a second width that is less than the first width.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element with a spherical segment-shaped head, a receiving part configured to couple a rod to the bone anchoring element, and having a top end, a bottom end, a first passage at the bottom end with a first longitudinal axis, and a second passage at the top end with a second longitudinal axis that intersects the first longitudinal axis, a compression element, and a locking element. The receiving part also has a recess for the rod, the recess extending from the top end towards the bottom end and having a bottom that extends along an axis that is perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis. The receiving part or the compression element further has a seat. The compression element is configured to move along the first longitudinal axis while the locking element is configured to move along the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion with a capture structure thereon, a retaining and articulating structure, a compression structure and a receiver for holding the capture structure, retaining and articulating structure, compression structure and a rod. The receiver includes arms that define a channel for receiving the rod. The arms have inner surfaces with a discontinuous flange form thereon for mating with a cooperating continuous flange form of a closure structure for capturing the rod within the receiver. The shank capture structure and the retaining and articulating structure are threadably attached and secured to one another with a buttress stop. In operation, the compression structure is disposed within the receiver between the shank upper portion and a rod but presses only upon the retaining and articulating structure.

Abstract: A pedicle screw has quadruple screw threads capable of moving forward a long distance in a bone upon rotation. For a screw to be embedded in a dense cortical bone of a vertebra, the threads include relief screw threads, to strongly couple with bone tissue in the cortical bone. For a screw to be embedded in a cancellous bone of the vertebra, two lines of threads (odd or even) include relief screw threads while the other two lines of threads include intaglio screw threads, thereby more strongly coupling with relatively soft cancellous bone tissue. The threads are provided in the whole pedicle screw, to move forward at 4-fold higher speed than a single screw thread, and intaglio screw threads are formed at a position to which the cancellous bone is fixed, so that cancellous bone tissues penetrate between the intaglio threads, thereby strongly coupling to the cortical and cancellous bones.

Abstract: An orthopedic locking screw is be configured to be retained inside the bore of an orthopedic implant provided as part of an orthopedic fastening system. The orthopedic locking screw includes a shaft extending axially, a drive member, and a casing secured around an outer surface of the shaft. The casing is formed of a plastically deformable material. The casing has an outer cross-sectional width that is larger than a cross-sectional width of the shaft adjacent the casing. When operably disposed in the bore, an axial and/or radial press-fit pressure is formed between the casing and the bore. A method of securing an orthopedic screw in a bore of an orthopedic implant is provided, in which the shaft is rotated to operably engage the casing to the bore to achieving a deformable press-fit of the casing against the bore.

Abstract: A device for placing a receiving part of a bone anchoring device onto a head of a bone anchoring element includes a holding portion, a collet configured to be held by the holding portion, the collet having a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis, and a distal end portion configured to be flexibly expanded and compressed in a radial direction, and a plunger configured to be positioned in the collet. The collet is movable axially relative to the plunger between a first position wherein the distal end portion of the collet is configured to have a first width in a first radial direction and the plunger prevents the distal end portion from assuming a width less than the first width, and a second position wherein the distal end portion of the collet is radially compressible to a second width that is less than the first width.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an implant having a protrusion. The protrusion aids in the insertion and placement of the implant as well as the spinal fixation element. In certain embodiments the protrusion may be configured as a guide for the insertion of the spinal fixation element as well as closure mechanisms for connecting the spinal fixation element to the implant.

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: A bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element with a spherical segment-shaped head, a receiving part configured to couple a rod to the bone anchoring element, and having a top end, a bottom end, a first passage at the bottom end with a first longitudinal axis, and a second passage at the top end with a second longitudinal axis that intersects the first longitudinal axis, a compression element, and a locking element. The receiving part also has a recess for the rod, the recess extending from the top end towards the bottom end and having a bottom that extends along an axis that is perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis. The receiving part or the compression element further has a seat. The compression element is configured to move along the first longitudinal axis while the locking element is configured to move along the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part having a first end, a second end, a recess having a bottom for receiving the rod, and an accommodation space having an opening at the second end of the receiving part for accommodating a head of the bone anchoring element, and a retainer element configured to be inserted into the receiving part from the first end and to hold at least part of the head, the retainer element having a first portion and a spring portion compressible in an axial direction attached to the first portion. When the retainer element is in the accommodation space in a first position, the spring portion extends in the axial direction from the first portion of the retainer element to an axial position between the first end of the receiving part and the bottom of the recess.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shaft for anchoring in the bone and a head, a receiving part formed in one piece, and a pressure element formed in one piece. The receiving part has a seat for receiving the head and an outer channel for receiving a rod to be connected to the anchoring element, which is pivotable with respect to the receiving part and can be fixed at an angle by exerting pressure via the pressure element onto the head. The pressure element is movable in the receiving part and includes an inner channel for receiving the rod and a spring element that engages a portion of the receiving part via a detent connection so that the pressure element can be held in a position that allows pivoting of the anchoring element. The spring element is formed by at least a first portion of one of two side walls forming the inner channel, the first portion being spaced apart from a second portion of the one side wall by a slot.

Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies are disclosed herein that include one or more features for indicating the relative positioning of the receiver member and the shank, or for selectively maintaining the receiver member and the shank in a fixed relative position. For example, the head of the shank can include a surface feature that interacts with a drag ring to provide tactile or audible feedback when the shank is positioned at a particular orientation with respect to the receiver member. By way of further example, the head of the shank and a compression cap disposed in the receiver member can each include engagement features that cooperate to allow for selective locking of the orientation of the shank with respect to the receiver member.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw having a bone implantable shank, a head and a retaining ring. The retaining ring includes an outer partial hemispherical surface and an inner bore with radially extending channels and partial capture recesses. The shank includes a bone implantable body with an external helical wound thread and an upwardly extending capture structure. The capture structure includes at least one spline which extends radially outward and has a wedged surface that faces radially outward therefrom. The capture structure operably passes through a central bore of the retaining ring while the spline passes through a suitably shaped channel so that the spline becomes positioned above the head at which time the shank is rotated appropriately and the shank is drawn back downwardly so that the spline engages and seats in the capture recess.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion, a receiver member or head, a retaining and articulating structure, and a pressure insert disposed between the shank upper portion and a rod. The receiver has a U-shaped cradle defining a channel for receiving a spinal fixation rod and a receiver cavity. The retaining and articulating structure attaches to the shank and rotates with the shank in the cavity during positioning. The pressure insert presses upon the shank upper portion and not the retaining and articulating structure.

Abstract: A reduction sleeve for facilitating insertion of a spinal rod into a rod-receiving channel formed in a bone fixation element. The reduction sleeve may include a through-bore sized and configured to receive the bone fixation element and a substantially transverse channel sized and configured to receive the spinal rod. The channel being substantially aligned with the rod-receiving channel formed in the bone fixation element so that, once the bone fixation element has been inserted into the reduction sleeve, the spinal rod can pass through the aligned channels. The reduction sleeve may also include at least one break-off point or region for facilitating breaking and removal of the reduction sleeve once the spinal rod has been clamped into the rod-receiving channel of the bone fixation element.

Abstract: A locking peg includes a head and a shaft. The head is at the proximal end of the locking peg, and a shaft extends distally from the head to a distal end of the locking peg. The shaft has a threaded proximal portion and an unthreaded distal portion. A length of the unthreaded distal portion of the shaft is greater than a length of the threaded proximal portion of the shaft. When the locking peg is inserted into a bone through a bone plate, the threaded proximal portion of the shaft extends into the bone. This extended threading provides additional axial force to help explant the locking peg during removal of the locking peg.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shaft for anchoring in the bone and a head, a receiving part formed in one piece, and a pressure element formed in one piece. The receiving part has a seat for receiving the head and an outer channel for receiving a rod to be connected to the anchoring element, which is pivotable with respect to the receiving part and can be fixed at an angle by exerting pressure via the pressure element onto the head. The pressure element is movable in the receiving part and includes an inner channel for receiving the rod and a spring element that engages a portion of the receiving part via a detent connection so that the pressure element can be held in a position that allows pivoting of the anchoring element. The spring element is formed by at least a first portion of one of two side walls forming the inner channel, the first portion being spaced apart from a second portion of the one side wall by a slot.

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 bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shaft for anchoring in the bone and a head, a receiving part formed in one piece, and a pressure element formed in one piece. The receiving part has a seat for receiving the head and an outer channel for receiving a rod to be connected to the anchoring element, which is pivotable with respect to the receiving part and can be fixed at an angle by exerting pressure via the pressure element onto the head. The pressure element is movable in the receiving part and includes an inner channel for receiving the rod and a spring element that engages a portion of the receiving part via a detent connection so that the pressure element can be held in a position that allows pivoting of the anchoring element. The spring element is formed by at least a first portion of one of two side walls forming the inner channel, the first portion being spaced apart from a second portion of the one side wall by a slot.

Abstract: A coupling device for securing an elongate member to the spine is provided. The coupling device comprises a compressible inner member that secures an anchor member therein when the inner member is axially shifted within an outer member. Structures are provided to prevent disassembly of the anchor and coupling device prior to locking of the elongate member.

Abstract: In a rod fixation system of the type used to treat various spinal conditions, the same fastener is used to lock both a polyaxial screw and a rod in position. A spinal correction device according to the invention, adapted for use with a rod and a polyaxial screw having a ball-shaped head and a threaded end, comprises a head-body and a cap. The head-body includes a lower internal cavity to receive the ball-shaped head of the screw, an upper bore to receive a fixation rod therethrough, and an upper end configured to receive the cap. The head-body and the cap are configured such that a first rotation of the cap locks the polyaxial screw in position, and a second rotation of the cap locks the rod in position. In the preferred embodiment, the head-body includes one or more gaps to facilitate flexion of the head-body as a rotational torque is placed on the cap. The gap or gaps may be horizontal, vertical or other angles relative to the axis of the entrapped rod.

Abstract: A pedicle screw and rod fixation assembly including a pair of opposing tabs having a proximal end and a distal end, the pair of opposing tabs being coupled to one another about the distal end thereof by a screw head member, a decoupling mechanism for decoupling the pair of opposing tabs from the screw head member, a rod receiving slot between the pair of opposing tabs, and a sliding member configured for coupling to the pair of opposing tabs. The sliding member and the pair of opposing tabs are configured for allowing movement of the sliding member distally along the pair of opposing tabs and preventing movement of the sliding member proximally along the pair of opposing tabs.

Abstract: A pedicle screw system includes a multi-threaded bone fastener configured with a constant pitch and a placement tower assembly for delivery of the bone fastener.

Abstract: A bone screw comprises an interior channel and at least one opening extending from the interior channel to an exterior of the screw shaft. A head is connected to the screw shaft. A fluid delivery probe comprises an interior channel. The fluid delivery probe is locked to the head so that the fluid delivery probe does not separate from the head under extremely high pressures when a fluid is pumped through the fluid delivery probe and into the screw shaft. Also, a leak-free seal is formed between the fluid delivery probe and the screw shaft so that the leak-free seal does not leak under extremely high pressures when a fluid is pumped through the fluid delivery probe and into the screw shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and devices for adding an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. In one arrangement the additional spinal construct extends an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an inline rod connector in a minimally invasive or preferably, percutaneous procedure. In another arrangement, the ipsilateral extension of an existing spinal construct uses an offset rod connector for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spine stabilization system having a first bone anchor having a first receiving portion and a second bone anchor having a second receiving portion. The first and second elongated rods are positioned within the first and second receiving portions. The first and second locking caps are configured to retain and capture the first and second elongated rods within the first and second bone anchors. The top connector is configured with a first and a second end, which are provided with elongated openings. The first and second locking caps have a threaded portion for coupling to a first and second locking nut. The locking caps are also provided with at least one flange for coupling to the bone anchor, and a bearing surface spaced apart from the bone anchor, the bearing surface configured to contact the top connector.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system, apparatus, and method are disclosed which include an interconnection mechanism for engaging stabilization members to one another. In one embodiment, the interconnection mechanism comprises a locking member having first and second threaded segments. An anchor member is provided having an upper segment and a lower segment, wherein the lower segment is structurally configured for engagement with a respective bone segment. A first stabilization member is connected to the upper segment of the anchor member. A locking member is engaged with the anchor member such that the first stabilization member is fixedly secured to the anchor member by a lower portion of the locking member having a first threaded segment. A second stabilization member is connected to an upper portion of the locking member by a cap that is threaded onto a second threaded segment of the locking member.

Abstract: A pedicle screw and rod system that has particular application for spinal fusion surgery. The system includes pedicle screws having ball-shaped heads that are threaded through pedicles of adjacent vertebra into the vertebral body. The system also includes two cannulated posts having a head portion with a planar portion and an opening for accepting the head of the pedicle screw in a secure and multi-axial engagement. The system further includes a tube portion that is coupled to the head portion and extends above the patient's skin. The system also includes a lordotic slotted rod that is slid down the tube portions to be positioned on top of the head portions of the posts so that the planar portions are locked within the slot. Bolts are then slid down the tube portions and are threaded to a threaded portion on the planar portion.

Abstract: A low-profile surgical implant assembly is provided that includes a connector device that is an integral part of a rod, the connector device allowing the rod to be attached directly to a bone screw, such as a pedicle screw. Another aspect of the invention is a clamp device that allows the length of a rod spanning to attachment devices to be adjusted at the time of implantation, and further allows the clamp device to be secured by tightening a securing end of the clamp at the attachment device. The assemblies are useful for insertion into bone and connecting a foreign object to bone via a polyaxial coupling mechanism. A method for implanting the assembly is also provided.

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: What is provided is a fixation system that offers a strong and stable construct for maximum fusion augmentation and yet is versatile enough for any patient and is easy to use. Disclosed is a connection assembly for connecting a spinal implant, the assembly comprising: a body, the body including a body opening for receiving at least a portion of a first connector; a swivel having first and second ends and being operatively connected to the body, the first end including a swivel opening for receiving at least a portion of a second connector; a locking plate having an arm at least partially extending into the body opening; a locking unit operatively connected to the body and contacting the second end of the swivel; and whereby activation of the locking unit causes the arm to engage the first connector and swivel opening to engage the second connector thereby preventing relative rotation between the first and second connectors.

Abstract: A pivoting connector couples a vertebral member to a longitudinal member. An anchor is pivotally attached to a body by positioning a head of the anchor within a cavity in the body. A longitudinal rod is inserted into a channel also positioned within the body and axially aligned with the cavity. A retainer applies a force to maintain the longitudinal rod within the channel, however the force may be isolated from the anchor. The cavity is adjustable between a plurality of sizes that apply different resistances to pivoting movement of the anchor relative to the body. The adjustment may be performed before or during a surgical procedure. The adjustment may be performed by inserting different components or by rotating a threaded element to create more or less rotational interference.