Abstract: An assembly for rigid bone fixation includes a plate and a screw. The screw can be rotated freely within the plate in a non-locking configuration to secure the plate against the bone. A locking mechanism is engaged to prevent the screw from moving relative the plate. In one embodiment, the plate includes a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion. The screw head rotates within the non-threaded portion to tighten the screw and pull the plate against the bone. The locking mechanism can include a moveable nut that rotates within the threaded portion of the plate to lock the screw and plate in a locking mode. The locking mechanism can include a second screw to actuate and expansion portion of screw inserted into the bone. The assembly can be used for rigid fixation of bones that experience cyclic loads, such as the sternum and mandible. Methods of rigid bone fixation are also described.

Abstract: A bone plate, having a bone screw and a rotatable lock for retaining the bone screw in place, includes a retainer element and/or a stop element. The retainer element inhibits the lock from being pushed off of the bone plate, while the stop element limits the rotational range of motion of the lock.

Abstract: Novel bone screw and plate assemblies including locking confirmation mechanisms are provided. In certain cases, a locking confirmation mechanism is operably attached to the plate, and comprises a toggling arm having an upper portion, a mid-portion and a lower portion. When a bone screw is positioned in a plate in an unlocked configuration, the locking confirmation mechanism assumes a first position. When the bone screw is positioned in the plate in a locked configuration, this causes the locking confirmation mechanism to pivot and assume a second position. The locking confirmation mechanism thus provides a convenient visual and/or tactile means to assess when the screw is in a locked configuration.

Abstract: A spinal plating system for vertebral fixation includes a plate, a compression screw, multiple fixation members and polyaxially adjustable locking rings. The plate is shaped to conform to the curvature of the spine and the surfaces of the vertebral bodies. The compression screw fits through an insert, and together they are guided by the plate as the screw is driven into one of the vertebrae, producing compression between the adjacent vertebrae. A retaining lip on the plate prevents backout of the compression screw. The polyaxial locking rings can be polyaxially pivoted to attain a desired orientation, and are lockable to the plate to maintain the orientation. The fixation members fit through openings in the polyaxial locking rings and the plate to fix the plate to the vertebrae. Locking the polyaxial locking rings fixes the position of the fixation members relative to the plate, and prevents backout of the fixation members.

Abstract: Bone plate systems and methods for implanting. A bone plate system includes a bone plate having a first surface, a second, bone contacting surface opposed to the first surface, and at least one aperture extending through the first and second surfaces. The system includes a bone screw having a threaded shank along a distal end portion thereof, the threaded shank configured to pass through the aperture. A dynamic member is configured to fit between portions of the screw and the bone plate and allow movement of the dynamic member and the screw relative to the bone plate in a first direction, while preventing movement of the dynamic member relative to the bone plate in a direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism for use in affixing a stratum to bone is disclosed. The retaining mechanism comprises a stratum, a retaining element and a spring element. The stratum comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a hole extending between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the second surface is configured to engage at least a portion of the bone. The retaining element comprises a first position that permits a fastener to be passed through the hole, and a second position that at least partially overlaps the hole. The spring element is configured to engage the stratum and configured to engage the retaining element such that the spring element helps maintain the retaining element in its second position so as to help prevent inadvertent backing out of the fastener after the fastener has been fully inserted into the hole.

Abstract: In one aspect, a bone anchor assembly is provided having a bone anchor with a head, a resilient locking cap extending about a portion of the bone anchor head, and a cap drive member having a depending annular wall. The annular wall and locking cap have engagement surfaces configured to engage and expand the locking cap as the cap drive member is shifted from an unlocked to a locked position. In another form, a bone plate system is provided including a bone plate having an elongated throughbore and a resilient support member received therein. The support member has an opening sized to receive a bone anchor head and an actuator device carried thereon. The bone plate and support member have interfering portions configured to be shifted to a locked orientation to lock the support member and the bone anchor head at an axial position in the throughbore.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly includes a plate, at least one bone screw, and at least one cap member. The screw extends into a through hole of the plate and a head of the screw seats in the through hole. The plate includes an undercut slot adjacent to the through hole. The cap includes at least one tab member that extends radially outward. The cap is mounted in the through hole with the tab member positioned in the undercut slot to inhibit the screw from backing out of the plate. In some arrangements, the tab member is rotatable within the undercut slot from an unlocked position to a locked position.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism for use in affixing a stratum to bone is disclosed. The retaining mechanism comprises a stratum, a retaining element and a spring element. The stratum comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a hole extending between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the second surface is configured to engage at least a portion of the bone. The retaining element comprises a first position that permits a fastener to be passed through the hole, and a second position that at least partially overlaps the hole. The spring element is configured to engage the stratum and configured to engage the retaining element such that the spring element helps maintain the retaining element in its second position so as to help prevent inadvertent backing out of the fastener after the fastener has been fully inserted into the hole.

Abstract: Spinal fusion system and method utilizing an implant plate and screw, wherein at least one pawl is mounted on or integral with at least one of said plate and becomes operatively related to the screw after the screw is inserted in the implant plate to prevent the screw from moving in at least one of an axial direction or a rotational direction. Other features and embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bone plate system. The bone plate system comprises a base plate having two generally parallel elongated screw slots extending therethrough. Two bone screws are provided that are capable of securing the base plate to a bone by insertion through the screw slots into the bone. Each bone screw has a screw head and a threaded portion extending therefrom. An interference device is attached to the base plate and retains the bone screws while permitting the bone screws to toggle and to controllably slide in the screw slots of the base plate. This design is particularly useful for joining adjacent vertebral bodies, as it permits controlled settling of the vertebral bodies, thereby enhancing the healing process.

Abstract: A bone fixation plate includes a first opening formed in a plate that is configured to receive a first fastener; a second opening formed in the plate that is configured to receives a second fastener, and a retention member that extends into a third opening formed in the plate between the first opening and the second opening, wherein the retention member is elastically deformable between at least three positions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to (1) a plating system having multiple and single locking mechanisms for general skeletal use other than in the anterior cervical spine; (2) an orthopedic plating system that permits a pair of bone screws to be inserted into a bone in a crossed over orientation and locked to the plate; (3) a segmentable plating system which can be made to a selected length by the surgeon; and (4) a combination screw-lock-plating system for allowing and/or causing intersegmental compression of bone portions.

Abstract: A plate (1) includes blocking elements (4b, 5, 6) including: at least one slot (5) comprising a first portion opening into the hole (2) and a second portion extending over a section of this hole (2), at a distance from the edge defining this hole (2), this slot (5) thereby isolating a portion of material (6); this portion (6) has a first part (6a) with a radially increased thickness and a second part (6b) having a radially reduced thickness; this part (6b) has a thickness such that the portion (6) may be radially mobile between a withdrawn position and an active position; a pad (4b) engaged in the slot (5), able to be moved in such a way as to bring the portion of material (6) from its withdrawn position to its active position.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an orthopedic plate blocking assembly that can be used for the fixation or fastening of an orthopedic plate to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention, in one embodiment, provides an orthopedic plate having a plurality of cavities where each cavity is configured and dimensioned to receive a bone anchoring member. The orthopedic plate further provides a blocking mechanism having a plurality of blocking members that block the bone anchoring members to prevent the bone anchoring members from “backing out” of cavities once the bone anchoring members are finally seated in the cavities.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an orthopedic plate blocking assembly that can be used for the fixation or fastening of an orthopedic plate to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention, in one embodiment, provides an orthopedic plate having a plurality of cavities where each cavity is configured and dimensioned to receive a bone anchoring member. The orthopedic plate further provides a blocking mechanism having a plurality of blocking members that block the bone anchoring members to prevent the bone anchoring members from “backing out” of cavities once the bone anchoring members are finally seated in the cavities.

Abstract: A fracture fixation plate with cover sheath having a head element that is rigidly connected to a plate element in an upwardly angled direction. The head element is anatomically shaped and includes medial and lateral sheath recesses wherein non-threaded bone screw holes and a threaded sheath screw hole are located. Cylindrical head bone screws are inserted through the sheath recess and oriented at set angles allowing for bone fragment fixation and fracture reduction. Medial and lateral sheath elements are placed within the boundaries of their respective sheath recesses and are secured with a sheath screw. The sheath elements contact the heads of the inserted bone screws restricting and maintaining their implanted positions. Alternative sheath elements with outreaching medial, lateral and distal fragment capture flanges may also be utilized. The plate element includes at least one longitudinal slot with several bone screw holes for use with pivotable spherical headed bone screws.

Abstract: Spinal fusion system and method utilizing an implant and screw, wherein at least one pawl is mounted on or integral with the screw to prevent said plate or screw from moving in at least one of an axial direction or a rotational direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: A plating system and method include a bone plate with at least a first hole therethrough between an upper surface and a lower surface of the bone plate to receive an anchor for engaging the plate to a bony segment. The system and method also include a retaining member engageable to the bone plate that includes a head with an outer perimeter having a ramped or camming portion that is positionable in contact with the anchor to prevent the anchor backing out of the first hole.

Abstract: A device for use in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures, comprising a substantially spoon-shaped body having a blade-like proximal portion intended to complement the humerus head and provided with at least one seat in which to insert a wire, a threaded nail, or a similar element to stabilize the fracture, a plate-like and elongate distal portion, intended to complement the humerus neck and provided with at least one seat in which to insert a screw or a similar element to fix the body to the humerus, and a central bulge, or block, interposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion and wherein a seat is obtained in which to insert a screw intended to stabilize the humerus head.

Abstract: A sliding bone support plate assembly comprises at least first and second plates which slide with respect to each other, varying the length of the plate assembly by plate-on-plate sliding after bone screws mount the plate assembly to vertebrae in a recipient. The plates comprise cooperating sliding structures which cooperate with each other to interconnect the plates to each other and to facilitate sliding movement of the plates with respect to each other. Such sliding accommodates varying the length of the plate assembly, and relieving stress which would otherwise be imposed on the plate assembly by post-procedural settling of respective vertebrae to which the plates are mounted without requiring any movement of a plate with respect to a bone to which that plate is mounted. The plate assembly is fabricated using bio-compatible, bio-stable materials which are safe for extended use in a living human, and which are not generally assimilated.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system having moveable plate segments to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a non-detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements, each locking element adapted to lock at least two bone screws to the plate, instrumentation, and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.

Abstract: A bone plate includes one or more locking devices which rotate to inhibit or prevent bone screws from backing out of the plate when installed on a patient. The locking devices can be in the shape of a bow tie or a capital letter I.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imagable fiducial locator head, an integral bone screw, and an integral divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example includes a fluid/gel-absorbing coating or cover into which a magnetic resonance (MR) imagable fluid is introduced, thereby permitting both CT and MR imaging. Protective caps and collars may be used to protect the fiducial marker from mechanical impact and/or to guide the fiducial marker during affixation. A bull's-eye or other template is used to select a center of a substantially spherical fiducial marker head on an image, such as for use during patient registration.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system having moveable plate segments to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a non-detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements, each locking element adapted to lock at least two bone screws to the plate, instrumentation, and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system generally comprises an anchor member configured to be secured to the patient's spine, a transition member received by the anchor member, and a flexible element coupled to the transition member. The transition member is positioned between a rigid member and a flexible member, which are each adjacent to the flexible element.

Abstract: A fixation assembly is described, comprising a fixation plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, a longitudinal axis, and a first opening extending from the upper surface through to the lower surface; a first resilient element extending through at least a portion of the first opening; wherein the first opening is configured to receive a first bone fastener, the first bone fastener having a head and a shaft; wherein the first resilient element is deflectable from a first condition to a second condition; and wherein the first resilient element is configured to engage at least a portion of the head of the first bone fastener when the first bone fastener is at least partially inserted into the first opening. A method of use is also described.

Abstract: An improved distraction bone screw and a method for its use are described. The distraction screw is comprised of an implantable distal segment and a detachably secured proximal segment. The distal segment includes a head portion and a threaded shank portion. The proximal segment is represented as an elongated body having an internal bore that extends through its length. A deployable member is disposed within the bore, which is extendible outside the internal bore to securely couple to the distal segment. As an assembly, the distraction screw is used to affix and realign bone during surgical reconstruction. Upon completion of the surgical work, the proximal segment is removed and the distal segment is left attached to the reconstructed bone. Securely affixed, the distal segment provides an additional point of fixation for the skeletal plates that are used to preserve the bony alignment while bone healing occurs.

Abstract: The cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention is elegant in its design and effective in its performance, and utilizes a plate with holes that each incorporate a locking lip structure and locking screws that each incorporate a head portion having petal structures that are outwardly biased prior to insertion via an internally-disposed c-ring or the like. Advantageously, the lead-in torque of each of the locking screws is less than the lead-out torque of each of the locking screws. Thus, reverse threading or backing out is prevented. Alternatively, the cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention utilizes a locking plate having petal structures that are inwardly biased prior to insertion of the head portion of the locking screws via an externally-disposed c-ring or the like.