Abstract: A prosthesis replaces all or a portion of a natural facet joint on a vertebral body. The prosthesis has a prosthesis body accommodating fixation to the vertebral body at or near a pedicle and without support by a lamina. The prosthesis body has a fastening element installed within the vertebral body at or near a pedicle. The prosthesis further has an artificial facet joint structure carried by the prosthesis body at a location spaced from the fastening element. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted and configured to replace all or a portion of a natural facet joint.

Abstract: A spinal prosthesis system having a caudal prosthesis provided with a pair of pedicle anchors for coupling to an inferior vertebral body, the caudal prosthesis including an artificial caudal facet joint structure comprising a pair of caudal bearing surfaces. A cephalad prosthesis is provided with a second pair of pedicle anchors for coupling to a superior vertebral body. The cephalad prosthesis includes an artificial cephalad facet joint structure having a pair of cephalad bearing surfaces. An artificial facet joint is formed between the adjoining vertebral bodies by articulation of the artificial caudal facet joint structure with the artificial cephalad facet joint structure.

Abstract: A transverse fixation device is disclosed. The device includes one or more connecting bodies disposed substantially between two elongate rods. Each connecting body includes a receptacle that is capable of engaging with the two elongate rods. A c-ring comprising an outer surface having a spherical curvature is also included. A third rod may be inserted into the c-ring. A clamp included in the connecting bodies may then be disposed about the c-ring and third rod to allow the connecting bodies to slidingly engage with the third rod.

Abstract: A stabilization system for the spine that includes an elongated member, preferably an elastic cord, and a plurality of attachment mechanisms, preferably lamina hooks. The stabilization system is configured to extend across a plurality of spinal motion segments to dynamically couple the motion segments in a manner that places the system in tension to apply a compression force to the posterior of the spine. The system and method may have particular application after a laminectomy or laminoplasty procedure.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a device for connecting an elongated member within a patient. The device includes a body with a receiving section to receive the elongated member, and an engagement section to engage a support structure, such as a vertebral member. The receiving section is sized to receive the elongated member in a first orientation. The process of securing the elongated member within the receiving section causes the device to pivot about the elongated member to a second orientation. This pivoting motion causes the engagement section to more securely attach to the support structure.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for alleviating the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis have a body including first and second supports disposed along the length of the body. The first support is configured to accommodate at least a portion of a vertebral component of a first vertebra disposed above or below a second vertebra. The second support is configured to accommodate at least a portion of a vertebral component of the second vertebra. The distance between the supports is sufficient to increase the space between the first vertebra and the second vertebra. Methods for using the apparatus include implanting the apparatus into a subject.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal implant (10) is provided for use in connecting elongate members (12) as well as vertebral spacers such as corpectomy devices, intervertebral fusion devices, and other prostheses. The implant (10) may have fittings (80) on either end comprising fixed (100) or articulating (200) jaws, endplates, or other engagement structures. The implant (10) comprises a housing (40) with an internal rotor (60); an extending shaft (20); and a locking collar (70). The extending shaft (20) has an external helical groove (23) that meshes with an internal helical groove (63) on rotor (20). Length adjustment occurs by transforming axial movement of the extending shaft (20) into a rotary movement of the rotor (60) via helical engagement. The locking collar (70) comprises protrusion (73) engaging grooves (63) of rotor (60), thus providing a simple, positive locking mechanism without requiring the surgeon to apply excessive force to lock the length.

Abstract: A surgical connector useful to link spine rods together. The connector may be used adjacent a pair of mounting screws in one vertebra to limit movement between the screws or may be used to apply a lateral force to a portion of the spine to change curvature. A method of performing spinal surgery is also provide to reinforce a patient's spine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinal implant (10) having, at a first end, fastener (20) for fastening to a vertebra, and at a second end, an assembly head (22) extending along an axis x-x?, the head (22) including a housing (26) that is open away from the fastener (20) and that presents a section that is substantially U-shaped, the head (22) being suitable for receiving a connection rod (30) extending transversely to the axis x-x? and for securing it by clip insert (40) and by locknut (50) According to the invention, in the assembled position, the clip insert (40) and the locknut (50) are fully received within the assembly head (22), and in that the clip insert (40) are mechanically decoupled from the locknut (50).

Abstract: Growth directed correction of a spine via apical vertebral control includes securing a correction system to a first vertebra and a second vertebra of the spine, the correction system defining a correction axis extending between the first and second vertebra and securing the correction system to a third vertebra intermediate the first and second vertebra, the correction system securing the third vertebra at a fixed distance from the correction axis. The correction system is secured to the first and second vertebra such that the first and second vertebra are able to grow away from one another in a direction substantially parallel to the correction axis.

Abstract: An external fixation system having a fixation component (20) comprising: a) a first capture member (24) adapted to capture a second element (26) of an orthopedic fixation system; and (b) a second capture member (22) adapted to capture a second element (28) of an orthopedic fixation system and coupled to the first capture member such that the coupling (86,94,110) allows the first capture member and the second capture member to rotate about three axes relative to each other element and move along that axis; wherein the coupling is adapted to secure the first and the second capture members from rotation with an activation (100); and wherein the second capture member is adapted to capture the second element by snapping onto the second element from substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the second element

Abstract: This equipment comprises at least one anchoring assembly including two antagonistic hooks connected to each other through a rod, a first of these hooks having a body crossed by a hole for letting through the rod and being able to be connected to connection means with which the anchoring assembly may be connected to another part of the equipment; said body has an aperture laid out substantially perpendicularly to the axis of said hole, communicating with this hole, and the anchoring assembly comprises has a tightening member which may be engaged into this aperture until it abuts against the rod engaged in the hole, and tightened in order to immobilize this rod in this hole. Said tightening member is directly connected to a part belonging to said connection means, which allows the mounting of the latter on the body of said first hook.

Abstract: A mechanism for fixing a spinal support to vertebrae includes a support member and a pedicle screw component. The support member comprises an elongated end comprising a longitudinal axis. A hook connects to the elongated end and receives the vertebrae. The hook is angled in three different planes with respect to the longitudinal axis. A connector section connects the elongated end to the hook and is angled with respect to the elongated end and comprises a thickness less than a thickness of the elongated end. The pedicle screw component comprises a fixation component anchored in the vertebrae. The fixation component comprises a socket; a screw head comprising a bulbous end that fits into the socket; and a channel that receives the elongated end. A pin causes outward expansion of the bulbous end; and a blocking mechanism is attached to the screw head and adjacent to the elongated end.

Abstract: A fixing device to connect a bone to a linking member (18) is characterized in that it comprises; —a connecting part (12, 20, 22) to be connected to said linking member (18), having an outer face; —a conformable elongate ligature (14) cooperating with said bone suitable for securing said connecting part to said bone; said ligature applying a portion of the outer surface of the connecting part against a portion of said bone; and—adjustable locking means (46) fastened to said connecting part (12) to maintain said ligature in a state which allows a controlled relative mobility between said bone and said connecting part (12).

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a spinal interconnecting device and a stabilizing system using the same. The spinal interconnecting device has a connecting body and a hook member fixed to the connecting body for securing the connecting body to a vertebra. The connecting body has a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member is adapted to receive the extremity of a spinal construction. The second connecting member is adapted to receive a first end of a separate rod, so that the direction of the separate rod is adaptable with respect to the direction of the spinal construction.

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

Abstract: A surgical implant assembly, and components thereof, are disclosed. Such assemblies include a connector device and an anchoring shaft. The assemblies are useful for insertion into bone and connecting a foreign object to bone via a polyaxial coupling mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable rod for spinal corrective surgery is provided that includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member, each having rod portions couplable to one or more bone connecting elements and expansion portions slidably moveable with respect to one another. A plurality of holes in each expansion portion are alignable with one another to choose the length of the adjustable rod and a locking element is inserted through a pair of aligned holes to couple the first and second elongate members and secure or fix the length of the expandable rod.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization device for bones, in particular vertebrae, is made with two bone anchoring elements and a rigid rod with a longitudinal axis connecting them. An elastic element is inserted between the two bone anchoring elements. It acts on the bone anchoring elements to exert a force in a direction of the longitudinal axis. Each bone anchoring element has a first section to be anchored in a bone and a second section to be connected to the rod. At least one of the bone anchoring elements is fixedly connected to the rod to prevent translational movement of the rod relative to it. Further, at least one of the bone anchoring elements is a polyaxial bone screw. Also disclosed is a method for stabilizing vertebrae adjacent to a defective intervertebral disc. A dynamic stabilization device is provided. The anchoring elements are attached to two vertebrae on opposite sides of the defective intervertebral disc.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a save and single method, as well as a new instrumentation to improve the technique of the minimally invasive spine surgery in only one side with the use of hooks and a new interspinal device of improved stabilization which is placed to decrease the pressure on the affected disk, fastening the intervertebral space and achieving the segmentary stability.

Abstract: A connector for a spinal alignment system includes a base, a hook, a guide aperture, and a locking portion. The base includes a channel extending therethrough to receive a fixation rod. The hook extends from the base. The guide aperture is adapted to receive a bone fastener and the locking portion is adapted to engage the bone fastener. The guide aperture extends through one of the base and the hook and the locking portion is located in the other of the base and the hook. The locking portion is coaxial with the guide aperture such that the guide aperture guides a shaft of the bone fastener into alignment with the locking portion when the bone fastener is received by the guide aperture. The bone fastener cooperates with the base and hook to form a tension band construct that resists opposing forces acting on the construct. A rod locking fastener engages the channel and the fixation rod to secure the fixation rod in the channel.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in stabilizing and/or aligning the spinal column. The apparatus utilizes hooks and rods to effectively transfer load from the vertebrae to the apparatus regardless of the angle and the height of the pedicular screws. The screws are retained to a screw cap that includes a hook forming a cradle for receiving the rod therein and a bore to which an extension is releasably secured. The extension includes a plurality of notches forming a ladder, each notch being formed so as to releasably retain the rod to the notch so that the rod can be moved down the ladder until it is positioned in the cradle of the screw cap, after which the extension is removed from the screw cap and a set screw is utilized to secure the rod in the cradle. The apparatus is also configured for transverse spinal fixation with rods that extend across the vertebral body to which longitudinal rods are affixed.

Abstract: An interspinous spacer having a pair of hooks that, upon lateral insertion between opposed spinous process, bear upon the opposed spinous processes.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes vertebral engagement members and an intermediate structure. The vertebral engagement members are configured to be disposed between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The vertebral engagement members generally include seating surfaces for accommodating at least a portion of a laminar region of adjacent vertebra and are adjustable between an operable and inoperable configuration. The intermediate structure extends between the vertebral engagement members. The structural cooperation of the vertebral engagement members and the intermediate structure is such that the engagement members distract the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A spinal implant procedure and system includes vertical rods fastened to the spine on opposite sides. A cross connector is arranged on each vertical rod and to opposite ends of a cross member. The cross member includes a block having a lateral opening and that includes a forked end that is arranged at a bottom side of a spineous process. A strap fastener include openings through which the cross member passes. An opening of the strap fastener hooks on a catch on the side of the block. The block limits prevents rotation, blocks extension and limits flexion of the affected vertebrae.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device for stabilizing bone segments is provided, with a bone anchoring element which has a shank part and a head, a receiver part for articulated connection of the bone anchoring element to a rod, wherein the receiver part has a first end and a second end opposite this, a bore extending from the first end in the direction of the second end for guiding through the shank part, adjacent to the bore a section for receiving the head, an opening extending from the second end in the direction of the first end for inserting the shank part with the head and a recess extending from the second end in the direction of the first end for forming a channel for receiving the rod, forming two open legs, wherein the receiver part has two slit-shaped recesses extending at the front from the floor of the channel in the direction of the first end.

Abstract: A force diffusion hook includes a hook element and a connecting member receiving portion for receiving a connecting member to stabilize a spinal column segment. The hook element defines a receptacle for receiving a bony portion. A force diffusion member extends along the receptacle between the hook element and the bony portion. The force diffusion member is deformable to distribute load between the bony portion and the hook element.

Abstract: A connector for a spinal alignment system includes a base, a hook, a guide aperture, and a locking portion. The base includes a channel extending therethrough to receive a fixation rod. The hook extends from the base. The guide aperture is adapted to receive a bone fastener and the locking portion is adapted to engage the bone fastener. The guide aperture extends through one of the base and the hook and the locking portion is located in the other of the base and the hook. The locking portion is coaxial with the guide aperture such that the guide aperture guides a shaft of the bone fastener into alignment with the locking portion when the bone fastener is received by the guide aperture. The bone fastener cooperates with the base and hook to form a tension band construct that resists opposing forces acting on the construct. A rod locking fastener engages the channel and the fixation rod to secure the fixation rod in the channel.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization apparatus can reduce side effects from occurring in free spines adjacent to stiffly stabilized spines and reduce additional injury on a patient by easily extending new rod to adjacent, free spines without removing pre-installed spinal stabilization apparatus during re-surgery. According to one embodiment of the present invention, is provided a spinal stabilization apparatus comprising: at least one first stabilization member which is installed to a first spine; at least one second stabilization member which is installed to a second spine adjacent to the first spine; and a rod comprising one end engaged with the first stabilization member, the other end engaged with the second stabilization member, and a convolution portion formed by rolling the rod at least once in an extension direction from the first spine to the second spine or a curved portion protruding at least once perpendicular to the extension direction.

Abstract: A three element spinal fixation system for implantation from a posterior lateral incision. The first element in the form of a translaminar cannula is adapted to be implanted along a longitudinal axis of a lamina of a vertebra. A bracket is provided as a second element with a first end removably secured to the translaminar cannula and the second end secured to vertebra inferior to an adjacent vertebra in which the translaminar cannula is implanted. The translaminar cannula has a hollow central bore which receives a third element in the form of a translaminar facet screw. The translaminar facet screw is sufficiently long to be able to pass through the central bore and out of the translaminar cannula, passing through the facet joint to fix the two vertebra at the facet joint. Both contralateral and ipsilateral fixation are thus provided with all three elements implanted from a single ipsilateral incision.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for attaching one or more elongated members to a posterior surface of a vertebral member. The devices may include a body with a first face that contacts the vertebral member and a second opposite face. A hook may extend outward from the first face to engage the vertebral member. The body may also include one or more receivers to receive the elongated members. An engagement member may be movably connected to the body. The engagement member may include a first section that contacts the body, and a second section that includes a second hook. The engagement member may be positioned relative to the body to adjust a distance between the first and second hooks to attach the body to the vertebral member. A fastener may secure the engagement member to the body at the desired position. The fastener may also attach the one or more elongated members to the body.