Abstract: An orthopedic implant is disclosed having at least one passage for an elongated member that is compressible. In certain embodiments, multiple compressible elongated member passages may be provided, or an elongated member passage may be U-shaped and closable by a closure member. Split ring members may be provided in compressible passages and around elongated members. A bone anchor may be connected to the implant so that locking the anchor to the implant compresses one or more of the elongated member passages.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic fixation device with an at least partly shaft-like fixation member, a shaft-like mounting body, and a transverse support securing the fixation member and the mounting body in a position in which they are laterally offset from one another. In order to adjust the transverse support without having to change the position of the fixation member, the fixation member can be rotated about its longitudinal axis in the transverse support and can be secured in a defined angular position.

Abstract: 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 spinal implant 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, the present invention provides a connection assembly with structure to increase the locking strength of the connection assembly.

Abstract: A bend restrictor for a flexible conduit includes at least two adjacent vertebrae. Each vertebra includes a central passage for the flexible conduit, a ball portion, and a receiver portion configured to receive the ball portion. The ball portion of one adjacent vertebra is disposed within the receiver portion of the other adjacent vertebra. The bend restrictor further includes a vertebra insert disposed between the at least two adjacent vertebrae. The vertebra insert prevents a lock out position between the ball portion and the receiver portion.

Abstract: A pedicle screw spinal rod connector arrangement is provided that includes in a body having an opening for mounting a head of an inserted pedicle screw. A bracket connected with the body forms a lateral restraint. A bridge is connected with and extends over the body. A spinal rod-receiving slot is provided between the bridge and the bracket. The connector arrangement also has a wedge axially offset from the pedicle screw moveable downward by a setscrew mounted with the bridge. The wedge imparts a locking force on the pedicle screw head and a generally lateral locking force on the spinal rod.

Abstract: A posterior fixation system includes a saddle member, an anchoring member, an occipital plate, an occipital rod, and a cross-link connector. The anchoring member anchors the saddle member to bone. The saddle member includes a pair of upright portions that define a channel. The channel is adapted to receive an orthopedic rod, and the saddle member can include a hole to receive the anchoring member. The saddle member and the anchoring member can be coupled so as to allow multi-axial movement of the members. The anchoring member in one embodiment is a screw coupled to the hole of the saddle, and in another embodiment, the anchoring member is a hook. The offset member may be coupled to the saddle member to allow for offset connection of rods. Connection of individual rods can be accomplished by connecting the rods with the cross-link connector. The cross-link connector has an integrally formed cylindrical member that couples a pair of coupling portions together.

Abstract: A vertebral rod includes a first elongated section, a second elongated section and an intermediate section disposed between the first section and the second section. The intermediate section has an inner surface and opposing end portions that define an open portion. A removable element extends from one of the first, second or intermediate sections and is disposable adjacent the opposing end portions. The element is configured to prevent engagement of the opposing end portions. A resistance member is configured for disposal with the intermediate section and engaging at least a portion of the inner surface. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vertebral rod includes a first elongated section defining a first thickness. A second elongated section defines a second thickness. An intermediate section is disposed between the first section and the second section and defines a third thickness. The third thickness has a dimension being less than a dimension of at least one of the first thickness and the second thickness. The intermediate section has an inner surface that defines an open end. A resistance member has an exterior surface configured for engaging at least a portion of the inner surface.

Abstract: A bone screw having a screw member possessing a threaded section and a head and a receiving part at the head end for receiving a rod to be connected to the bone screw is provided. The receiving part has on open first bore and a substantially U-shaped cross-section having two free legs provided with a thread. Furthermore, the receiving part has a second bore on the end opposite to the first bore whose diameter is greater than that of the threaded section and smaller than that of the head. On the bottom of the first bore a seat for the head is provided. In order that the screw member can be pivoted to at least one side by an enlarged angle, the edge bounding the free end of the second bore viewed relative to the axis of the first bore is of asymmetric construction.

Abstract: Various stabilization rods and methods for manufacturing a connection member having a flexible section coupled between two rigid sections are disclosed. The rigid sections may have exterior surfaces adapted to have an increased surface area to inhibit the flexible section from separating from the rigid sections.

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 low-profile rod connector is disclosed that includes two substantially conical surfaces that allows two rods to be secured together. The device is easily manipulated and occupies very little space. The connector allows for the rods to be oriented at a number of different positions prior to securing the rods in a final orientation. Medical implants utilizing the present invention include surgical implants for spine stabilization. One particular application comprises securing the shaft of a pedicle screw to a spinal rod. In such application, since the connector is relatively small, displacement and disruption to nearby tissue is minimized. The connector also has application to external fixation systems which are conducted exterior of the skin surface, as well as other mechanical devices.

Abstract: A lateral connector assembly for connecting a bone engaging fastener to an elongated member, such as a spinal rod includes a lateral connector having an opening for receiving a portion of the bone engaging fastener therethrough. The lateral connector includes a plate portion and an integral yoke portion, which yoke portion is attached to the elongated member by way of a clamp. The lateral connector assembly can include variable angle means between the clamp and the yoke portion of the lateral connector that permits rotation of the lateral connector about an axis projecting outward from the spinal rod. The clamp includes a tapering channel to capture the elongated member and lock the connector assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising at least a fixed element (2), secured to a vertebra, at least a mobile element (10), capable of moving relative to the or each fixed element, and at least an intermediate element (22) for articulating the mobile element relative to the fixed element. The intermediate element (22) is received in an internal volume of the mobile element, (10), and the fixed element (2) is received at least partly in an internal volume (26) of the intermediate element (22). Means are provided for securing, at least in translation, said intermediate element (22) to the fixed element (2), comprising the periphery of the substantially rigid outlet of the internal volume of the intermediate element.

Abstract: A crosslink member for securing spinal rods is disclosed having connector ends that include a brace and a locking member, each having an arcuate face resting on and securing a spinal rod. The locking member is secured by a cam member that rotates relative to the locking member and that cams against the connector to displace the cam member. The crosslink includes a male connector with a cylindrical cross rod received by a cavity in a female connector. The cross rod is secured by a pivotable clamp device in the female connector, and the cross rod connector and female connector may pivot, rotate, and telescope relative to each other. To reduce size without sacrificing pivot sweep, the cross rod has beveled edges, and the cavity of the female connector has windows to provide pivot clearance.

Abstract: A locking mechanism including a non-threaded, self-adjusting locking device for locking a rod in place within a screw and rod assembly. A non-threaded, self-adjusting locking device for locking a rod in place within a screw and rod assembly. A spring for locking a rod in a screw and rod fixation assembly. A assembly including an implant body including a rod seat for seating a rod therein, a biasing device seat for seating a biasing device therein, and a biasing device seated in the biasing device seat for biasing a rod against a rod seat. A method of biasing a rod against a rod seat in a screw and rod fixation assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a spinal rod to a cross bar comprising a main body having a channel with a wall for receiving a spinal rod therein, an opening for receiving a fastener with at least one tang adjacent to the opening, a clamping body pivotally disposed in the main body, the clamping body being moveable between a first position in which it does not clamp the spinal rod in the channel and a second position in which it does clamp the spinal rod in the channel, a cross bar having an opening aligned substantially with the opening of the main body and having the tang disposed therein, and a fastener for rigidly coupling the cross bar to the main body, the fastener being positioned within the openings of the cross bar and the main body, wherein the fastener is operable to force the tang into the cross bar to clamp the cross bar to the main body and simultaneously to move the clamping body between the first position and the second position.

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 fixation rod clamp is for coupling a bone pin locking assembly to a bone fixation rod. The clamp comprises a rod attachment portion including a jaw portion and a coupling portion, the jaw portion having first and second opposing jaws extending in a first direction, the jaws forming an opening there between configured to receive the bone fixation rod, the coupling portion extending from the jaw portion in a second direction; and a coupling having a pin vise cooperating portion to engage the bone pin locking assembly and a clamp cooperating portion configured to receive the coupling portion. The jaw portion is configured to engage the bone fixation rod when the bone fixation rod is located within the opposing jaws to thereby mechanically couple the bone pin locking assembly to the bone fixation rod.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a spinal stabilization rod useful for connecting a set of bone fasteners that can anchor a spinal stabilization system onto vertebral bodies. The spinal stabilization rod comprises rigid sections for coupling with bone fastener assemblies engaged in vertebrae and a flexible band for coupling the rigid sections. A bumper may be disposed around the rod to encase the flexible band. The spinal stabilization system may include a dampener.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to vertebral stabilization systems including polymeric components having improved selective visualization means, methods of improving the selective visualization of polymeric components of a vertebral stabilization system, and methods of using vertebral stabilization systems including polymeric components having improved selective visualization means to monitor the vertebral stabilization systems during their useful life.

Abstract: A novel cross-connector assembly for interconnecting first and second bracing members or rods, one to the other. The cross-connector assembly is capable of multi-directional articulation in three dimensions, length, azimuth, and elevation and is also capable of having one end rotated along its longitudinal axis in relation to the other end so as to custom fit and securely connect the assembly to two opposing bracing members or rods. Also provided is a kit including the device and ancillary instrumentation to facilitate the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The device is used for mutually securing or clamping a longitudinal carrier (e.g., a spinal rod) to a bone fixing element (e.g., a pedicle screw). The device includes a body having a channel that is open along its longitudinal axis on one side for receiving the longitudinal carrier. The body has a bore that extends fully through the body and at least partially intersects the channel. The bore is conical in form and has a large opening, a small opening, and an inner thread. The head of the bone fixing element has an outer thread that corresponds to the inner thread. As the fixing element is secured in the bore, it locks the longitudinal carrier to the device.

Abstract: A vertebral stabilization assembly for stabilizing vertebrae is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the assembly comprises a first vertebral screw having a shaft with a threaded portion and an engaging portion and a second vertebral screw having a shaft with a threaded portion and an engaging portion. The assembly also comprises a first connecting screw having a first end configured to be engaged by the engaging portion of the first vertebral screw, and a second connecting screw having a first end configured to be engaged by the engaging portion of the second vertebral screw. The assembly further comprises a first horizontal connecting member configured to be coupled to the first vertebral screw and the first connecting screw, and a second horizontal connecting member configured to be coupled to the second vertebral screw and the second connecting screw.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization system. The system can include a spinal stabilization rod and a pivoting collar which can be attached to a vertebra. The pivoting collar can define a bore which has internal surfaces and corresponding contact points. The bore can accept the rod and allow it to pivot about a contact point. The internal surfaces can be structured, shaped, and dimensioned to limit the range of motion of the rod in some or all directions. One portion of the rod can be flexible while another portion of the rod can be flexible. The flexible portion of the rod can engage the pivoting collar and bend within the pivoting collar to provide a greater range of motion.

Abstract: An anchor with a non-threaded securing mechanism for attaching an elongated member to a bone. The anchor includes a receiver, shaft, and securing mechanism. The receiver includes spaced-apart arms that form a channel sized to receive the elongated member. The shaft extends from the receiver and is configured to engage with the bone. The securing mechanism, including a base and an insert, attaches to the receiver to capture the elongated member in the channel. The base is configured to attach to the arms and includes an aperture that receives the insert. The insert extends through the aperture and may contact against the elongated member.

Abstract: Devices and methods that securely engage an elongated connecting element in a receiver of an anchor assembly are provided. The anchor assembly includes an anchor member engageable to bony structure and the receiver includes a passage for receiving the connecting element when the connecting element is positioned along the bony structure. The anchor assembly includes an engaging member that engages the receiver and the connecting element to secure the connecting element in the receiver.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly for use in spinal fixation surgery is disclosed. The bone fixation assembly has a rod receiving portion, a sliding component, a first locking element, and a second locking element. A method of fixing two vertebrae with respect to each other is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system for surgical implantation in the spine having a bone fastener. The bone fastener is provided with a head portion and a shaft portion. A housing is also provided with a recess defined by sidewalls and an opening for receiving the head portion of the bone fastener. A seating element is disposed within the housing and positioned over the head portion of the bone fastener. An elongate rod is positioned on the seating element within the recess of the housing. The system also includes a cap capable of engaging with a top portion of the housing and capturing the elongate rod within the recess of the housing when the cap is rotated. The bone fastener articulates in a single plane with respect to the housing and the seat element.

Abstract: The present application is directed to pedicle-based posterior stabilization members and methods of stabilizing vertebral members. The stabilization members generally include a body with first and second connector sections. The first connector section is configured to connect to a pedicle of a first vertebral member. The second connector section is configured to contact an adjacent vertebral member. The second connector section may be positioned at an end of the body, or an intermediate section away from the end.

Abstract: A fastener assembly including an installed pedicle screw including a fastener head to which a prosthetic member is secured, a fastening portion fastened to the fastener head over the prosthetic member, and a connector element that extends from the fastening portion, the connector element being connected to another spinal structure.

Abstract: A fastener assembly including an existing polyaxial pedicle screw that has been previously installed in a spinal structure, the polyaxial pedicle screw including a polyaxial head to which a prosthetic member is secured, a fastening portion fastened to the polyaxial head over the prosthetic member, and a connector element that extends from the fastening portion, the connector element being connected to another spinal structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dynamic fixation system for engaging, via bone fixation elements, one or more parts of a patient's body. Preferably, the dynamic fixation system is used to engage one or more vertebrae for stabilizing the attached vertebrae with respect to one another while still permitting the vertebrae to move with respect to one another. The dynamic fixation system may include a first rod having first and second ends, a second rod having first and second ends, and a damping component and/or a damping mechanism for interconnecting the first and second rods. In one embodiment, the damping component is injection molded in-between the one of the ends of the first rod and one of the ends of the second rod so that the first and second rods are prevented from separating with respect to one another but are still permitted to move with respect to one another.

Abstract: A dynamic motion component for a spinal implant is provided, comprising a first rod coupled to an enclosure and a second end of a second rod captured in a cavity of the enclosure. A dampener unit surrounds a captured portion of the second end and is positioned between the first end and the second end. In response to pivotal or translational movement of the second rod relative to the first rod, the dampener unit is compressed against one or more inner surfaces of the cavity to provide for progressive resistance of movement of the second rod.

Abstract: The present application is directed to connectors for attaching a vertebral rod to an anchor. The connectors may include a body with a first channel to receive the vertebral rod and a second channel to receive the anchor. A cradle may be positioned in the body to contact the vertebral rod. The cradle may be pivotally positioned in the body to accommodate a vertebral rod that is at various angular positions within a predetermined plane. A set screw may engage with the body to secure the vertebral rod to the body and the body to the anchor.

Abstract: A polyaxial transverse connector for stabilizing a portion of the spine. Connector bodies are coupled to rods attached to either side of the spine. Heads of transverse members are positioned in the connector bodies such that they exhibit polyaxial motion. The transverse members may have curves or offsets to accommodate other components or patient anatomy. A connector connects the transverse members and male threaded inserts are advanced into the connector bodies to inhibit motion of the polyaxial transverse connector.

Abstract: A system for connecting a spinal osteosynthesis rod and a crossbar include a passage for receiving the crossbar and hinge mounted jaws for clamping the rod. A locking device biases the crossbar against the jaws. A return spring pulls the jaws relatively close to one another independently of the crossbar such that the jaws may clamp the osteosynthesis rod to ensure a stable mounting of the connection system to the osteosynthesis rod.

Abstract: A vertebral rod is provided having a first elongated section and a second elongated section. An intermediate section is disposed between the first section and the second section. The intermediate section has an inner surface that defines a first locking part. A resistance member has an exterior surface that defines a second locking part configured for engagement with the first locking part such that the resistance member is fixed with and engaging at least a portion of the inner surface.

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: An apparatus for stabilizing vertebrae while permitting a range of motion therebetween may include first and second fasteners for engaging adjacent vertebrae and a motion preserving device that can be coupled to the first and second fasteners. The motion preserving device may include a longitudinal member that includes an array of load-bearing elements. The longitudinal member may be configured to permit the load-bearing elements to move relative to each other and/or relative to other portions of the member. In some embodiments, the longitudinal member is relatively inflexible along a longitudinal axis and relatively flexible in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A rigid fixation system for stabilizing the posterior element(s) of the spine is provided. The system includes a components that surround a spinous process of the affected vertebra(e). The system also includes a component that allows the assembled system to articulate to allow better positioning of the assembly and to provide maximum purchase with the bony surface of the spinous process. A method of stabilizing posterior element(s) of the spine is also provided.

Abstract: Locking mechanisms and methods of fixation, such as the fixation of a fixation device like a bone screw and of a rod to the spine. The locking mechanism includes a body, a rod seat and a set screw. The rod seat is configured to separate into two pieces when the rod exerts force on the top portion of the washer and the set screw limits movement of the washer toward the bottom of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A device for fixing vertebral has developed that is comprising: a constrainer having a constraint base and a constraint mount forming two lateral cutouts for receiving a connecting rod; an anchor having a screw for installing into the vertebral, a stem to be inserted into the constrainer, and an annular ring; a pivot having an insertion hole, a plurality of slits extended from a mouth of insertion hole, a snap-fitting groove forming on the inner peripheral surface for snapping-fit to the annular ring: and a constraint nut having a male thread formed on outer peripheral surface, and a hexagonal recess on the head for rotating by a tool. When the constraint nut is rotated clockwise, the constraint members and connecting rod are depressed against the peripheral seat to be immobile. But, the counterclockwise rotation of constraint nut makes the constraint members releasing and the pivot is free to swivel with respect to the anchor.

Abstract: A device having a universal coupling linkage for stabilizing vertebrae is developed that is comprising: a first link integrally forming a hook-shaped end to engage the connecting rod, a first flat top surface with first thread hole, a sink-down middle portion, an uprising wall in a right angle, an inner flat top surface adjacent to inner end with a central thread hole, a mounting cavity formed at the uprising wall and a circumference edge seat; a second link integrally forming a second hook-shaped end to engage the connecting rod, a second flat top surface adjacent to the outer end with a second thread hole, a sliding rod at opposite end; a swivel forming a plurality of slits for squeezing, a through-hole for inserting the sliding rod to adjust a clearance between the first and second connecting rods; a plurality of plug bolts and thread holes for depressing the connecting rods and the swivel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertebral fixing system suitable for being mounted on a vertebra of the spine for connecting it to a rod (18), the system comprising: a connecting part (20, 22) suitable for being connected to said rod; a flexible ligature (14) of elongate shape suitable for connecting together said connecting part and at least a portion of the posterior arc of a vertebra and/or a transverse process and/or a rib, said ligature presenting two free ends (50, 52); and adjustable locking means (26) mounted on said connecting part; said connecting part defining at least one passageway (46) for passing said ligature in such a manner that two distinct strands (42, 44) of said ligature can be engaged in said passageway so that said two strands of the ligature define a first ligature portion forming a loop (48) extending from one side of said connecting part, and second and third ligature portions extending from the other side of said connecting part.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization device for use in the human spine, comprising i) a hollow, closed-end cylinder component that is configured for attachment to a first pedicle screw, ii) a solid rod component that is configured on one end to slide freely within the hollow cylinder component, and configured at the other end for attachment to a second pedicle screw and iii) an elastomer component contained within the hollow cylinder and located between the closed end of the hollow cylinder and the end of the solid rod component.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bone fixing device (1) for immobilizing a linking rod (2) designed to connect at least one bone fragment (3) to another, said device comprising: at least one anchoring means (4) designed to be fixed on or in said bone fragment (3); at least one receiving part (7), secured to said anchoring means (4), designed to receive at least part of said linking rod (2); locking means (8) designed to lock said part of the linking rod (2) within said receiving part (7). The invention is characterized in that said locking means comprise at least one solid element (8) having a longitudinal axis, said solid element including at least one inclined surface (9) capable, under the action of a thrust directed along the longitudinal axis of said solid element, of gradually wedging by friction said part of the linking rod (2) into said receiving part (7), until said part of the linking rod (2) is completely locked inside said receiving part (7).

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: The present application is directed to transverse connectors that connect first and second vertebral rods that extend along the spine. In one embodiment, the transverse connector includes an elongated base with a first receiver at a first section of the base to receive the first vertebral rod, and a second receiver at a second section of the base to receive the second vertebral rod. Osteoconductive material is positioned on at least the first receiver.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw system includes a drive cap having a partition wall with a first side and an opposing second side, a passage extending through the partition wall. A sleeve projects from the second side of the partition wall, the sleeve and partition wall bounding a socket. A shaft outwardly projects from the first side of the partition wall. A screw has a threaded portion and a head formed on an end thereof. The head of the screw is at least partially disposed within socket of the drive cap. A collet is at least partially disposed within the socket of the drive cap. At least a portion of a compression cap movably extends through the opening in the partition wall so that the compression cap can selectively move the collet relative to the drive cap.