Abstract: A low profile orthopedic device is used to fix and stabilize bones to correct anomalies in skeletal structure occurring naturally or by trauma. Bone screws are screwed into bones by application of torque. Connectors are attached to the anchored bone screws. Each connector includes a clamp and a compression ring. A connecting rod connects several connectors together. The clamps are tightened to hold the rod to the bone screws in a pre-selected position by linear movement of the compression ring.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising at least one fastener having a fastener head at a proximal end and at least one body. The body comprises a rod receiving channel for receiving a fixation rod, a pressure cap for engaging the fastener head, and a fastener head receiving chamber for retaining the fastener head within the body. The fastener head receiving chamber allows for multi-axial movement of the body in relation to the fastener when the pressure cap is disengaged from the fastener head. The body is secured in a mono-axial position in relation to the fastener when the pressure cap is biased against the fastener head.

Abstract: An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a system of apparatuses to correct spinal deformities along with associated surgical techniques. The apparatuses comprise passages or channels in which spinal rods of differing diameters may be secured to allow a surgeon to vary the diameter of rods used along the length of the spine. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention are directed toward instrumentation for reduction of spinal rods into spinal pedicle screws.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and kit of components useful as a stabilization or correction system for a spinal column, especially in the field of pediatrics. A threaded rod is used that can be straight, rigid, bent or flexible depending on the body condition to be addressed. The rod may be bent or flexible to achieve varying degrees of lordosis (backward curvature) or kyphosis (forward curvature) before being affixed to the anchoring means and apparatus. The straightness, curvature, bent, or flexibility of rod depends upon the location along the spinal column. Once installed to the vertebrae, the rod provides the proper, desired curvature and stabilization for the spinal column. Sharp edges and corners of the apparatus are eliminated by rounding the edges and corners.

Abstract: A method of securely connecting a spinal implant to a bone anchor by using an offset connection assembly. The variable angle connection assembly 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. The connection assembly will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.

Abstract: A spinal rod connector assembly for use with a vertebral bone screw has an articulating clamp for 1) fixing an orientation of the spinal rod connector assembly relative to and on the vertebral bone screw, and 2) attaching a separate spinal rod onto the spinal rod connector assembly in concert with one another. The articulating clamp resides in a body of the spinal rod connector assembly and transfers a received downward force laterally to a spinal rod component of the spinal rod connector assembly which is configured to abut the spinal rod and hold the spinal rod between itself and a spinal rod holder of the spinal rod connector assembly. The articulating clamp thus improves the force transfer efficacy of the system.

Abstract: A spine rod connector includes a base member and a plurality of set screws. The base member includes multiple apertures or bores arranged in different relative orientations. The spine rod connector is configured to couple at least two non aligned rods to each other.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member, a first coupler, and a second coupler. The elongate member has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a side portion. The side portion of the elongate member has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. The first receiving portion is configured to receive a first support member. The second receiving portion is configured to receive a second support member. The first coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the first support member to help retain the first support member within the first receiving portion. The second coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the second support member to help retain the second support member within the second receiving portion.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a several examples of a surgical fixation system including a plurality of anchor assemblies connected by one or more spinal rods. The anchor assemblies include a staple, bone anchor, staple cap, and lock nut. The surgical fixation system is configured for implantation on a lateral aspect of the spine.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element, and including a receiving part having a first end, a second end, and an accommodation space having an opening at the second end for inserting a head of the bone anchoring element, a pressure element insertable from the first end, positionable in the accommodation space, and configured to hold the head, the pressure element having at least one spring portion extending circumferentially around the pressure element and being radially compressible, and a rod receiving element separable from the pressure element, wherein in a first position, the spring portion is configured to engage an engagement structure at an inner wall of the receiving part to prevent movement of the pressure element towards the first end, and wherein the rod receiving element is configured to move the pressure element from the first position towards the second end.

Abstract: A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a head, a receiving portion having a first region adjacent to a second end for receiving the head and a recess which is open towards a first end to form two free legs for receiving a rod. The anchoring device further includes a pressure element configured to couple to the head, a first closure element and a second closure element. The first closure element cooperates with the legs to simultaneously fix the rod in the recess and fix the head in the receiving portion, and the second closure element cooperates with the legs, the second closure element acts on the pressure element and on the rod to independently fix the head in the receiving portion and fix the rod in the recess. The first closure element and the second closure element are interchangeable.

Abstract: The present method includes the following steps: removing a portion of a previously implanted spinal arthroplasty device; and attaching a revision component to a remaining portion of the previously implanted spinal arthroplasty device to alter a biomechanical characteristic of the implanted arthroplasty device. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of limiting motion between adjacent vertebrae including the steps of accessing an implanted spinal arthroplasty device comprising a cephalad component fixed to a first vertebra and a caudal component fixed to a second vertebra inferior to the first vertebra, the cephalad and caudal components having a range of motion between them, and attaching a revision component to the cephalad and caudal components to reduce the range of motion. The invention also includes revision devices for revising the biomechanics of implanted spinal arthroplasty devices.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a fixation portion configured to interface with boney tissue, a connection portion having a longitudinal axis and being configured to interface with an elongated support structure, and a flexible portion disposed between the fixation portion and the connection portion. The flexible portion is configured to permit flexure of the connection portion relative to the fixation portion. The flexible portion has a first set of opposed facing surfaces that mechanically limit the range of flexure in a first direction. It has a second set of opposed facing surfaces that mechanically limit the range of flexure in a second direction. The opposed facing surfaces are substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

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: This disclosure relates to a spinal implant that can provisionally retain a rod in an assembly head without having to first lock the rod relative to the assembly head. The spinal implant has a clip insert structured to retain the rod in the assembly head. The clip insert has a top portion with a cylindrical opening and extending over the cylindrical opening to cover the connection rod in part when the connection rod is engaged in the clip insert. The top portion is deformable by application of force on the connection rod to engage the connection rod with the clip insert. The clip insert and the assembly head are mechanically decoupled and can be fully received within the assembly head. The mechanical forces to which the assembly head is subjected are not transmitted to the clip insert.

Abstract: Connector assemblies are provided to couple an elongate member extending along the spinal column to a bone engaging implant engaged to the spinal column. The connector assembly includes a coupler having an implant coupling portion and an elongate member coupling portion. The positioning and orientation of the coupler relative to the implant and elongate member can be adjusted to facilitate engagement of the connector assembly between the implant and elongate member.

Abstract: A fusionless correction system comprises a longitudinal element extending between a first end and second end. At least one fixation element is disposed with the longitudinal element and is configured for disposal in bone. A lock is disposed with the at least one fixation element and includes at least one bone penetrating projection. The lock is movable relative to the at least one fixation element between a first non-engaging configuration and a second engaging configuration such that the at least one bone penetrating projection extends beyond an outer surface of the at least one fixation element. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides 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, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.

Abstract: A spinal connection assembly for use with a posterior spinal connector having a head and a groove adjacent the head for providing a neck and a connector element to treat a spine of a mammalian body is provided. The assembly includes a housing having first and second side portions and a top and a bottom. The first side portion is provided with a bottom-facing first opening adapted for receiving the posterior spinal connector. A capture mechanism is carried by the first side portion for engaging the head of the posterior spinal connector and extends at least partially into the groove so as to capture the head within the first opening. The second side portion is provided with a second opening. A securement mechanism is carried by the second side portion for capturing the connector element within the second opening.

Abstract: As implant for the stabilization of bones or vertebrae is provided, the implant being a solid body including a longitudinal axis that defines a longitudinal direction and including a flexible section that has a surface and has a length in the longitudinal direction, the flexible section including at least one cavity located near the surface and having a width in the longitudinal direction that is smaller than the length of the flexible section, the at least one cavity being connected to the surface through at least one slit, and a width of the slit in the longitudinal direction being smaller than the width of the cavity.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting a bone anchoring element into a bone is provided, the instrument including a shaft (2) having an end portion (23, 23?) for engaging the bone anchoring element and for transferring torque to the bone anchoring element (1, 1?) and a longitudinal axis defining an axis of rotation (R); a cutting member (4, 4?) connected to the shaft (2) with cutting portions (45) that are configured to cut bone material; wherein the cutting member (4, 4?) has an outer diameter (D) defined by the cutting portions (45) that is substantially the same or larger than an outer diameter (dd) of a receiving part (500) of the polyaxial bone anchor in a region at a bottom end (500b) of the receiving part.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a bone fixation assembly comprising a coupling element and a bone anchor. The coupling element has an upper surface with a first diameter defining a first bore extending along a first axis, a lower surface with a second diameter defining a second bore extending along a second axis, and an internal surface area defining a seating portion adjacent to the lower surface. The bone anchor has an insertion end opposite of a head. The head may be curved for receipt within the seating portion. The second diameter of the second bore may be greater than the first diameter of the first bore or vice versa. Likewise, the first and second axes may intersect such that the first and second bores are in communication with one another. Related elements and systems of this assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A connector for engaging two or more rods is disclosed. The connector includes a main body, at least two medial bodies and a compression mechanism. Generally, the connector provides for easy “snap-fit” lateral insertion of the rods into rod openings defined between the medial bodies and the main body. The snap-fit is achieved through a spring bias exerted by the compression mechanism. The compression mechanism may also be configured to lock the rods within the openings, such as through the use of a fastener.

Abstract: An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a rod and anchor devices that include a bone engaging fastener having a head defining a spherical socket. A ball insert is placed within the socket and rotated so that the ball insert is juxtaposed with the socket. The anchor device further includes a yoke defining a yoke channel for receiving the rod and a stem engaged to the ball insert captured within the socket. A sleeve disposed between the yoke channel and the fastener head supports the rod. A set screw is operable to clamp the rod against the sleeve and draw the insert into engagement within the socket. A friction element in the form of a wave spring is disposed between the yoke and the fastener head is configured to releasably retain the yoke in at least one discrete position relative to the fastener.

Abstract: A closure for an open headed medical implant, such as a bone screw. The closure having a cylindrical body having an axis of rotation and also having a radially outer surface with a thread or other guide and advancement structure thereon. The body having a plurality of apertures that open onto a top surface of the body and that are parallel to but spaced from the axis of rotation. The closure also has a break-off head centrally attached by a neck to the top surface of the body.

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

Abstract: This equipment comprises at least one rigid connecting bar (2), first and second bone anchoring members (3, 4) and first and second connecting parts (5, 6), capable of connecting the connecting bar (2) to said bone anchoring members (3, 4). According to the invention, each second bone anchoring member is in the form of a flexible ligament (4) capable of being engaged around the lamina (101) or an apophysis of a vertebra (100); each second connecting part (6) comprises a conduit (11) receiving said ligament (4) and means (12) for blocking said ligament (4) in the conduit, with tensing of the ligament (4), and each contact member includes at least one rotating part (16; 17) mounted in said second connecting part (6), capable of coming into contact with said connecting bar (2) by a point.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for a spinal fixation system that is particularly useful in treatment of pediatric and small-statured patients includes a fastener, an attachment member, and a locking member. The fastener has a lower portion for contacting a bone and an upper portion integral with the lower portion. The upper portion has two open channels. Each channel is configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of a longitudinal or connecting member along its circumference. The attachment member is positionable on the fastener and at least partially covers the channel that receives the longitudinal or connecting member. The locking member is operatively associated with the upper portion of the fastener and secures the attachment member and the longitudinal or connecting member to the fastener.

Abstract: A surgical implant device that controls the relative movement between a first bone or tissue portion and a second bone or tissue portion. The device has a first connector member connected for movement with the first bone or tissue portion and a second connector member connected for movement with the second bone or tissue portion. A biasing member pivotally connects the first connector member to the second connector member and resists the relative rotation between the first connector member and the second connector member.

Abstract: An open implant closure structure includes a helically wound guide and advancement structure having at least two helically wound forms thereon providing a multi-start closing mechanism for use between spaced arms of a cooperating open medical implant having mating helically wound structure thereon. Illustrated structures include interlocking flange forms, v-threads, square threads, reverse angle threads and buttress threads and receivers with break-off extensions and cooperating tooling.

Abstract: An anchoring element for a stabilization device for bones or vertebrae, with which a bone or vertebra can be connected to a rod-shaped element is described. By providing for at least one degree of rotational freedom between the rod and an anchoring element that is firmly connected to the bone or vertebra, the transfer of torque (M) onto the anchoring element and can be prevented as well as loosening or even separation of the bone anchoring element from the bone or vertebra. Moreover, the invention provides a stabilization device, in which such bone anchoring elements are used.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a spine includes providing a coupling element having upper and lower ends, a rod receiving opening adapted to receive an elongated stabilizing rod, a bore extending through the lower end and a seat surrounding the bore adjacent the lower end; providing a fastener having upper and lower ends, a head having a radial surface, and at least one anchoring element between the lower end of the fastener and the head; assembling the fastener with the coupling element; anchoring the fastener to bone; moving the coupling element relative to the fastener for capturing the elongated stabilizing rod in the rod receiving opening; and urging the captured stabilizing rod toward the head of the fastener so that the rod contacts the head and forces the radial surface of the head against the seat.

Abstract: A multi-piece disc replacement implant for replacing a disc removed by a discectomy including an upper plate member, a lower plate member, and an intermediate resilient member providing movement between te two plate members replicating the natural movement of the spine. The plate members are rigid and have orthogonal sidewalls forming an enclosure. The resilient member is an elastic solid or a multi-chamber balloon structure of fluid-filled sacks that collectively define a non-uniform shape such as an oblate spheroid, or a helically coiled string of beads. Such an implant is capable of supporting the compressive and cyclic loads required of a natural disc. The upper and lower plate members are cooperatively formed to selectively limit the allowable range of motion in any given direction and a provided with protrusions to be received in one or more channels cooperatively formed in the vertebrae and secured in place by a bone screw.

Abstract: A guide assembly includes a spinal screw assembly having a bone screw and a spinal rod holder; and a spinal rod guide having first and second elongated arc portions defining a pair of longitudinal slots extending along the first and second arc portions, each of the first and second arc portions further defining at least one recess extending transversely from each of the longitudinal slots, the at least one recess configured to receive at least a portion of a reduction tool to enable reduction of a spinal rod received within the spinal rod holder.

Abstract: A rod connector for joining a first rod and a second rod includes bore holes that are offset and/or non-parallel to each other. The rod connector provides an offset or non-parallel connection between the rods that allows for the rods to match the contour of a patient's body without requiring bending of the rods. The rod connector may include a first bore hole for receiving the first spinal rod and a second bore hole for receiving the second spinal rod that is adjustable relative to the first bore hole to adjust the position and/or orientation of the second spinal rod relative to the first spinal rod. The rod connector may comprise a first housing component defining the first bore hole and a second housing component that is movable relative to the first housing component and defining the second bore hole.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and methods for assembling and implanting a polyaxial bone screw assembly. The polyaxial bone screw assembly includes, but is not necessarily limited to, a bone screw that can be initially secured to a bony structure and subsequently have a receiver assembly attached to the implanted bone screw. Additionally, a closure structure is a part of the polyaxial bone screw assembly and functions to secure an elongate member within the receiver assembly.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for connecting spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, implanted in a patient's spinal column. In particular, various spinal cross connectors are provided for connecting to one or more spinal fixation elements implanted in a patient's spine. The cross connectors can have a variety of configurations, including a fixed or adjustable length, as well as various features that allow certain portions of the cross connectors to be angularly oriented.

Abstract: A rod connector for transversely connecting two vertebral column rods has two clamps and a transverse bridge that fixes the clamps to each other. The clamps have a spring device with a spring force that is low enough to allow the clamp to be manually snapped onto the vertebral column rod, to be slid onto the same in the installed state, and to be released from same. An attaching device for the clamp, which is independent of the spring device, generates a retaining force that is high enough to solidly attach the clamp on the vertebral column rod in the installed state. The transverse bridge has a connection part with a frame for receiving a first branch connected to one clamp and with a ball rotatably mounted in the frame and having a second branch pass therethrough that connects to another clamp.

Abstract: A bone fixation device adapted to be coupled to bone anchors that allows movement of rods to permit a screw-rod construct to lengthen in response to bone growth without necessitating post surgical installation adjustment of the device. The bone fixation device includes a locking mechanism that is operably associated with a housing to allow relative movement of a rod and a housing in a first direction and inhibiting relative movement of the rod and the housing in a second direction.

Abstract: A connector assembly for attaching multiple spinal rods to each other, the connector assembly including a connector body having a top surface, first and second ends, a first opening extending along a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end, a second opening offset from the first opening and extending along a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end, and a threaded opening extending along a longitudinal axis from the top surface and into the connector body; and a set screw assembly having a threaded portion that is engageable with the threaded opening of the connector body.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element with a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra and a head. The anchoring device also includes a receiving portion with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a longitudinal axis passing through the two ends, a bore coaxial with the longitudinal axis, and a first region adjacent to the second end for receiving a section of said head. The anchoring device further includes an element which exerts pressure on said head to lock said head in the receiving portion. The receiving portion and the anchoring element are connected such that the longitudinal axis of the receiving portion and the shank axis have a fixed angle relative to each other. Additionally, the receiving portion and the shank are rotatable with respect to each other around the longitudinal axis and are locked in the rotational position when pressure is exerted on the head.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a rod extension for extending a fusion construct is provided. The rod extension allows a surgeon to connect a stabilization rod implant to at least a portion of a patient's spine, and also to connect the stabilization rod implant to an existing implant that has been previously installed in the patient. The existing fusion implant typically includes at least one existing pedicle screw, at least one existing rod, and at least one existing connector interconnecting the existing pedicle screw to the existing rod. The extension implant comprises a rod, an offset beam connected to the rod, and a clamp interconnected to the offset beam, wherein the clamp can be secured to the existing rod, thereby extending the fusion construct. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies are disclosed herein and include bone anchors, receiver members, and closure mechanisms. In one embodiment, a receiver member can be configured to seat a portion of a bone anchor and to receive a spinal fixation element, such as a rod. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver member is bottom-loading and can include a seat having an opening that can be selectively increased and decreased in size so as to allow a bone anchor to be bottom-loaded. A force can be applied to the receiver member to increase a size of the opening, allowing a portion of the anchor to pass through the opening and into the seat. A closure element can be coupled to the receiver member and can apply a force to decrease a size of the seat and a size of the opening, angularly fixing the receiver member relative to the bone anchor.

Abstract: An implant includes an implantable portion and a housing. The implantable portion has a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank has a solid outer surface and defines a radius of curvature. The housing is pivotally and rotatably coupled to the head and is configured to secure a rod to the implantable portion. The housing is fixed relative to the implantable portion when a rod is secured within the housing.

Abstract: Reinforcement systems including clamp devices and reinforcement rods to stabilize pre-existing or co-existing spine stabilization constructs.

Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies and methods are provided having a multi-component bone anchor that is configured to allow the shank of the bone anchor to be bottom loaded into a receiver member. In one embodiment, a bone anchor assembly is provided having a shank with a distal threaded portion and a proximal head portion, a ball having a spherical exterior surface and a central lumen sized to receive the head portion of the shank, and a clip configured to be engaged between the head portion and the ball such that the clip is effective to lock the ball in engagement with the shank.