Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods related to surgical procedures, such as spinal surgeries. The medical devices, systems, and methods utilize an orthopedic or spinal screw system tower, such as a pedicle screw tower configured to be attachable to, removable from, and re-attachable to a pedicle screw head.

Abstract: A bone anchor, including: a bone engaging member including: a first proximal bone engaging portion and a second distal bone engaging portion; and an expansion feature configured to allow radial expansion of the first bone engaging portion and the second bone engaging portion; an expander having a first proximal expansion portion and a second distal expansion portion and displaceable between a first position relative to the bone engaging member and a second position relative to the bone engaging member; a tissue capture feature; and wherein the first expansion portion of the expander is configured to expand the first bone engaging portion of the bone engaging member and the second expansion portion of the expander is configured to expand the second bone engaging portion of the bone engaging member when the expander is in the second position.

Abstract: An anchoring element includes a shank for anchoring to bone and a separate head that is connectable to the shank. The head has an exterior surface with a spherically-shaped section and an unthreaded tool engagement surface that is engageable with a drive tool when the head and the shank are connected to one another.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint assembly is disclosed that includes a body defining a cavity, a collet disposed in the cavity to receive a ball of a connector, and an actuator shaft coupled to the collet for rotating and translating the collet in the cavity. The cavity has a distal opening to accept the ball and an engagement feature extending into the cavity. The collet has an outer diameter larger than the opening in the body when the ball is disposed in the collet, and the collet has a corresponding engagement feature around at least a portion of the outer surface for receiving the engagement feature and converting rotation of the compression member into translation of the compression member along a proximal-distal axis of the body. The collet is compressed against the opening of the cavity when the collet is advanced distally against the opening.

Abstract: Orthopedic fixation devices, assemblies, and methods for securing a spinal rod. The orthopedic fixation device may include a tulip head, a bone fastener, a rotatable saddle, and a threaded locking cap. The saddle may be insertable into the tulip head in an unlocked position with a rod seat offset relative to a rod slot of the tulip head. The saddle may be rotated into a locked position with the rod seat aligned with the rod slot such that a rod is positionable through the rod slot and into the rod seat. The threaded locking cap may secure the rod and bone fastener.

Abstract: A bone anchor, including: a bone engaging member including: a first proximal bone engaging portion and a second distal bone engaging portion; and an expansion feature configured to allow radial expansion of the first bone engaging portion and the second bone engaging portion; an expander having a first proximal expansion portion and a second distal expansion portion and displaceable between a first position relative to the bone engaging member and a second position relative to the bone engaging member; a tissue capture feature; and wherein the first expansion portion of the expander is configured to expand the first bone engaging portion of the bone engaging member and the second expansion portion of the expander is configured to expand the second bone engaging portion of the bone engaging member when the expander is in the second position.

Abstract: A bone fastener assembly including a bone screw, a receiver, a crown, a seat, and a contact pin is provided. The contact pin is formed as a leaf spring resiliently biased in a first position that affords generation of spring force via deformation thereof, and the contact pin acts as a tensioner to ultimately press against a head portion of the screw to aid movement prevention of the head portion relative to the receiver.

Abstract: A reinforcement cap for use with pedicle screws and rod receptacles (“tulips”) in spinal support systems. The unitary reinforcement cap engages both the internal and the external surfaces of the wall segments of the rod receptacle. In some embodiments, both the internal and the external surfaces are threadably engaged. By doubling the number of threads that are engaged, additional strength and structural integrity are realized over conventional set screw arrangements. Also, because of the unitary construction, wherein an internal set screw portion and an external skirt portion are integral to the reinforcement cap, lateral movement between the set screw portion and the skirt portion is limited. In some embodiments, the threads are of a canted cantilever construction, wherein the interfaces of threadably engaged components are tailored to generate reaction force vectors that mitigate slippage at the threaded interfaces.

Abstract: A spine alignment system is disclosed. The spine alignment system includes a pedicle screw having a longitudinal axis, the pedicle screw having a screw head. The screw head includes a slot having a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw. An extension shaft is secured to the pedicle screw, such that a longitudinal axis of the extension shaft is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw. The spine alignment system also includes a cap having a slot that forms a substantially cylindrical passage with the slot of the pedicle screw head. The substantially cylindrical passage is configured to receive an alignment rod such that alignment of the spine occurs as the rod is translated along the extension shaft to the pedicle screw.

Abstract: An implant for use with a bone screw for fixation of at least one bone or bone fragments. The implant includes a top end and a bottom end. The implant may also include an exterior surface extending from the top end to the bottom end and a central bore extending from the top end to the bottom end along a central axis. The implant may further include a slot extending through the exterior surface and intersecting with the central bore of the implant. A bone fixation assembly including a fixator and an implant configured to engage the fixator is also disclosed. A surgical kit for bone fixation is also disclosed. The surgical kit includes at least one force distribution member and at least one elongate member.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: A spine alignment system is disclosed. The spine alignment system includes a pedicle screw having a longitudinal axis, the pedicle screw having a screw head. The screw head includes a slot having a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw. An extension shaft is secured to the pedicle screw, such that a longitudinal axis of the extension shaft is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw. The spine alignment system also includes a cap having a slot that forms a substantially cylindrical passage with the slot of the pedicle screw head. The substantially cylindrical passage is configured to receive an alignment rod such that alignment of the spine occurs as the rod is translated along the extension shaft to the pedicle screw.

Abstract: A positioning and installation tool for a fixation implant is inserted through a single, simple drill hole and positioned in place. The device controls the degree to which the implant is deployed and prevents accidental disengagement of the device from the implant before deployment has completed. The device also guides the components of the implant involved in active tendon compression at the aperture of the bone tunnel. The implant is deployed simply by rotating a knob, thereby creating an anchor point of high stiffness and fixation strength. When deployment has completed, the inserter is disengaged from the affixed implant by simply pulling a release mechanism.

Abstract: A method for treating vertebrae comprises the steps of: connecting at least one fastener with portions of vertebrae; providing a fastener comprising a first portion including a receiver defining an implant cavity and a member disposable with the implant cavity and movable relative to the receiver, and a second portion defining a longitudinal axis and being configured to penetrate vertebral tissue, wherein the receiver is non-pivotable relative to the longitudinal axis and connecting the fastener to the vertebrae; providing a longitudinal element; connecting a first portion of the longitudinal element with the at least one fastener; derotating the vertebrae to a selected orientation; and connecting a second portion of the longitudinal element with the fastener to substantially maintain the vertebrae in the selected orientation. Systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping element for setting a bone fracture. The element comprises a closed contoured body which has a substantially hollow cross-section and is enclosed by a peripheral wall. The contoured body has two opposite receiving portions at the end faces thereof, the receiving portions being intended to receive fixing elements which can be pushed through the body, and has two lateral flanks having angled portions. The peripheral wall of the contoured body is resiliently deformable at least in sections, in particular in the region of the receiving portions on the end faces of same and in the region of the lateral angled portions. A defined resilient behavior of the clamping element can be impressed via the angled portions in such a way that a predetermined tension can be generated between the receiving portions. Also disclosed are a method for producing the clamping element and a setting device for using said clamping element.

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: A bone screw that is a low-profile, uniplanar bone screw is provided. The bone screw is for adjusting a position of a rod. The bone screw includes a main body, a rocker and a rod-securing element. The main body has a shaft with a threaded part. The rocker is coupled to and moveable relative to the main body. The rocker is configured to at least partially receive the rod. The rod-securing element is configured to secure the rod between the rocker and the rod-securing element and relative to the main body. The rod-securing element includes a fulcrum serving as an axis of rotation about which the rod rotates.

Abstract: A bone screw that is a low-profile, uniplanar bone screw is provided. The bone screw is for adjusting a position of a rod. The bone screw includes a main body, a rocker and a rod-securing element. The main body has a shaft with a threaded part. The rocker is coupled to and moveable relative to the main body. The rocker is configured to at least partially receive the rod. The rod-securing element is configured to secure the rod between the rocker and the rod-securing element and relative to the main body. The rod-securing element includes a fulcrum serving as an axis of rotation about which the rod rotates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a bone screw device including a bone screw with a temporary encasement. In some embodiments, the temporary encasement comprises a biocompatible material that may be an osteoinductive, a hemostatic and or a bacteriocide. Some embodiments include a temporary encasement including a therapeutic. In some embodiments, the temporary encasement comprises a wax. In some embodiments, the screw head is substantially U-shaped. In some embodiments, the screw includes an extension tip extending from the screw shaft. Some embodiments of the invention include a system for percutaneous implantation of a bone screw including a screwdriver shaft rotatably coupled to a screw that includes a temporary encasement. In some embodiments, the screw shaft can be at least partially rotated by the screwdriver shaft. Some further embodiments further include a retractable sleeve at least partially surrounding the screwdriver shaft and the bone screw.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate coil-like outer member and an inner cylindrical core attached to the outer member at only one end thereof. Some assemblies include a second longitudinal connecting member in the form of a rod that is fixed to the inner core and extends outwardly from the assembly. Certain assemblies include a threaded core or threaded inserts that cooperate with a helical slit of the coil-like outer member. Two or more cooperating bone screw assemblies attach to the connecting member assembly. The bone screw assemblies may include upper and lower compression members for affixing to and cradling the coil-like outer member only, allowing relative movement between the outer member and the inner cylindrical core. Press fit or snap-on features attach one end of the coil-like outer member to one end of the inner cylindrical core.

Abstract: First and second bone segments separated by a fracture line or joint can be fixated or fused by creating an insertion path through the first bone segment, through the fracture line or joint, and into the second bone segment. An anchor body is introduced through the insertion path. The distal end of the anchor body is anchored in the interior region of the second bone segment. An elongated implant structure is passed over the anchor body to span the fracture line or joint between the bone segments. The proximal end of the anchor body is anchored to an exterior region of the first bone segment to place, in concert with the anchored distal end, the anchor body in compression, to thereby compress and fixate the bone segments relative to the fracture line or joint.

Abstract: An implant having a receiver that is adapted to receive a polyaxial screw in the bore and either an internal or external cap. The cap can be an external or internal cap and the implant further has at least one locking aid in the form of at least one of a tactile feedback, a visual feedback or an enhanced fixation between the cap and a rod that is received in the receiver.

Abstract: An implant assembly can include an implant configured to be coupled to at least one bone part. The implant can include an implant body that defines at least one unsmooth surface. The assembly can further include a cap configured to be coupled to the implant body such that the cap overlies the at least one unsmooth surface. The cap can include a shell that defines a cavity that is configured to receive at least a portion of the implant body such that the shell flexes relative to the implant body as the cavity receives the at least a portion of the implant body to thereby couple the cap to the implant. The cap defines an outer surface that is curved.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, methods and surgical techniques for the retention of bone screws used in surgical applications. Various aspects of the invention include features to retain bone screws that are placed in an elongated plate and into a bony member to create a rigid construct and stabilize the member for the purpose of fusion. When the screws are placed through the plate, the retention systems can be engaged to prevent the screws from backing out.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pedicle screw fixation system which can be made for either posterior cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine, or elsewhere. With this type of system a surgeon can implant a pedicle screw system utilizing the same instrument set for an open or closed procedure. The system is designed to avoid cross threading and splitting of tulip heard by use of an outer threaded tulip and reducing donut. The system also provides the ability for superior angulation for hard to reach areas that are common in spinal procedures. The system allows for a bio-absorbable part (the reduction donut) that enhances fusion in the coming months after the procedure. With the elongate tulip portion of the system the user is able to avoid the need for other cannula type instruments; the need of additional parts; the need of additional instruments which could introduce bacteria into the patient and the need for fluoroscopy. The system is completely cannulated so as to permit a HOLDING wire driven procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping element for setting a bone fracture. The element comprises a closed contoured body which has a substantially hollow cross-section and is enclosed by a peripheral wall. The contoured body has two opposite receiving portions at the end faces thereof, the receiving portions being intended to receive fixing elements which can be pushed through the body, and has two lateral flanks having angled portions. The peripheral wall of the contoured body is resiliently deformable at least in sections, in particular in the region of the receiving portions on the end faces of same and in the region of the lateral angled portions. A defined resilient behaviour of the clamping element can be impressed via the angled portions in such a way that a predetermined tension can be generated between the receiving portions. Also disclosed are a method for producing the clamping element and a setting device for using said clamping element.

Abstract: Present invention depicts a poly-porous (micropore) hollow screws as diffusion chamber filled with core matrix for targeted delivery of growth factors and bone marrow stem cells. The screws comprise at least two parts: the distal part of the screw consists of the tip of the screw made of poly porous material and hollow inside proximally. It has threaded navel attached to the threaded nipple of the distal part of the proximal screw which has the screw head and is made of the solid material of the same kind. The screw head had hexagonal recess targeted for screw driver insertion. Assembly of screw created a chamber in the middle of the screw. The chamber is filled with core matrix consisting of gelatin nano-particles pre-impregnated with BMPs (BMP2/BMP7 for bone or BMP12 for tendon, ligament) and fibrin sealants or Chitosan dispersed with bone marrow stem cells and/or other growth factors. Bioactive protein core material is prepared during the surgery and filled the chamber of the screw by the surgeon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alternatively monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle or other similar surgical screw that can be used in a polyaxial manner and then locked or otherwise secured at a desired angle or orientation, i.e. used in a monoaxial manner, prior to engaging a rod or other similar stabilization member with the pedicle or other similar surgical screw. In other words, the present invention provides a pedicle or other similar surgical screw that can be selectively used in either a monoaxial or polyaxial configuration, as is desirable in a particular application or at a particular point of a given surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A uniplanar bone anchor system for a fixation procedure is provided. The system can include a bone fastener including a head with a bearing surface and a shaft adapted to engage an anatomy. The system can also include a saddle, which can include a first bore formed about a longitudinal axis that receives the bone fastener and a coupling bore defined transverse to the longitudinal axis. The system can also include a coupling system, which can have a second bearing surface. The coupling system can be received through the coupling bore such that the second bearing surface of the coupling system can contact the bearing surface to permit the bone fastener to move in only one plane.

Abstract: A clip for retaining a screw on a tip of a screwdriver shaft. The clip comprises a housing that has a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The housing includes a longitudinal bore that is accessible from both the first and second ends of the housing. A pair of jaw members is provided on the housing proximate the first end thereof. The jaw members surround a first portion of the bore and are configured to capture and retain a length of the screwdriver shaft therebetween. A pair of clamping members is formed on the housing proximate the second end thereof. The clamping members surround a second portion of the bore and are configured to capture a head of the surgical screw therebetween. During use, the screwdriver shaft is pushed downwardly and twisted slightly within the bore to engage the head of the screw. The screw is threadably engaged in a pre-drilled hole in the patient's bone.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate coil-like outer member and an inner cylindrical core attached to the outer member at only one end thereof. Some assemblies include a second longitudinal connecting member in the form of a rod that is fixed to the inner core and extends outwardly from the assembly. Certain assemblies include a threaded core or threaded inserts that cooperate with a helical slit of the coil-like outer member. Two or more cooperating bone screw assemblies attach to the connecting member assembly. The bone screw assemblies may include upper and lower compression members for affixing to and cradling the coil-like outer member only, allowing relative movement between the outer member and the inner cylindrical core. Press fit or snap-on features attach one end of the coil-like outer member to one end of the inner cylindrical core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sleeve (1), for a bone fixation element, in particular, a wire (10), comprising A) two tubular elements (3; 4), having a common longitudinal axis (2), each with a central drilling (8) of the same diameter (D), an external end (20; 21) and an intermediate end (22; 23) with a front face (28; 29) and B) a shearable connector web (5), fixed to the two tubular elements (3; 4), outside the central drilling (8), by means of which the two tubular elements (3; 4) are axially connected to each other.

Abstract: A pre-assembled orthopaedic implant adapted for improved gas sterilization. The implant includes a first component adapted for assembly with a second component such that a mating surface of the first component is in close proximity with a mating surface of the second component. At least one gas conduit associated with the mating surface of the first component facilitates a sterilizing gas to penetrate into and dissipate from the interface defined by the mating surfaces.

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 bone anchor system anchors a support member to a bone. The bone anchor system comprises a body having a shank adapted for insertion into a hole in the bone. A head is formed on the shank. The head has a support engagement portion adapted to secure the support member to the body. A passage extends from an entry point to an exit point formed in the body. An expandable member has a flexible wall at least partially enclosing an anchoring chamber. The expandable member has an expanded state configured to conform to a cavity in the bone. The anchoring chamber is in fluid communication with the exit point. The expandable member is adapted to expand when a filler material is provided into the anchoring chamber. A portion of the expandable member conforms to the cavity and the body and the support member are substantially anchored to the bone.

Abstract: A bone screw system is presented. The bone screw system has a fixation element, a receiving element, coupling element, and a compression element. In one aspect, the fixation element is adapted to engage a bone and has a head portion and a threaded shank portion.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a fiducial marker kit. In one example, the kit includes a fiducial marker assembly that includes a bone screw base for receiving an imageable marker or locatable divot. A valved protective sleeve prevents debris from accumulating in a receptacle portion of the base, which may otherwise degrade the accuracy of patient registration in an image-guided surgical procedure. In one example, the valve automatically opens or closes upon insertion or removal of a screwdriver or other tool, or a shaft portion of the imageable marker or locatable divot. Various bone screw base and receptacle combinations are also discussed.

Abstract: A bone instrumentation cover or shield has a hollow cap or casing for encapsulating projecting parts of instrumentation installed in a bone, and a fastener portion for securing it to the bone or to parts of the instrumentation. The instrumentation shield or cover is made of medically safe material, in various sizes, and may be a rigid casing or pliable, stretchable, or adaptable with slidable, displaceable or pleated panels to provide a medically safe physical barrier between projecting parts of bone instrumentation constructs and surrounding bone and soft tissues, in order to minimize local irritation or injury and to provide a barrier to ingrowth from bone and/or fibrous tissues. The cap or casing is readily applied over the instrumentation, then cinched, tied or fastened to the instrumentation or adjacent areas.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. The anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a receiver mounted to the bone anchor, a saddle within the receiver, a spacer within the receiver, and an engaging member. The receiver extends along a central longitudinal axis proximally away from the bone anchor. A rod or other elongated connecting element is received in a passage of the receiver in contact with the saddle, and the engaging member engages the connecting element against the saddle, which engages the saddle against the spacer, which in turn engages the proximal head of the bone anchor in the receiver. The orientation of the saddle in the receiver is adjustable to correspond to the orientation of the connecting element relative to the central longitudinal axis of the receiver.

Abstract: A bone instrumentation cover or shield has a hollow cap or casing for encapsulating projecting parts of instrumentation installed in a bone, and a fastener portion provided at a lower edge of the cap or casing for securing it to the bone or to parts of the instrumentation where it is installed in the bone. The instrumentation shield or cover is designed to provide a medically-safe physical barrier for implantation between projecting parts of bone instrumentation constructs and surrounding bone and soft tissues, in order to minimize local irritation or injury and also serve as a barrier to ingrowth from bone and/or fibrous tissues. The shield or cover can be formed in a variety of forms, from rigid casing, to semi-pliable sheath-like structure, to soft pouch or cinch sack. The cap or casing is readily applied over the instrumentation, then cinched, tied or fastened to the instrumentation or adjacent areas, using a locking toothed edge, suture ties, suture strings, drawstrings and the like.

Abstract: A pre-assembled orthopaedic implant adapted for improved gas sterilization. The implant includes a first component adapted for assembly with a second component such that a mating surface of the first component is in close proximity with a mating surface of the second component. At least one gas conduit associated with the mating surface of the first component facilitates a sterilizing gas to penetrate into and dissipate from the interface defined by the mating surfaces.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A uniplanar bone anchor system for a fixation procedure is provided. The system can include a bone fastener including a head with a bearing surface and an engagement surface, and a shaft adapted to engage an anatomy. The system can include a saddle, which can include a first bore that receives the bone fastener and a coupling bore defined transverse to the longitudinal axis. The system can include a pressure cap received within the first bore having an engagement surface in contact with the engagement surface of the bone fastener. The system can further include a coupling system that can be received through the at least one coupling bore and can cooperate with the pressure cap to permit the bone fastener to move in only one plane.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A uniplanar bone anchor system for a fixation procedure is provided. The system can include a bone fastener including a head with a bearing surface and a shaft adapted to engage an anatomy. The system can also include a saddle, which can include a first bore formed about a longitudinal axis that receives the bone fastener and a coupling bore defined transverse to the longitudinal axis. The system can also include a coupling system, which can have a second bearing surface. The coupling system can be received through the coupling bore such that the second bearing surface of the coupling system can contact the bearing surface to permit the bone fastener to move in only one plane.

Abstract: An implant having a receiver that is adapted to receive a polyaxial screw in the bore and either an internal or external cap. The cap can be an external or internal cap and the implant further has at least one locking aid in the form of at least one of a tactile feedback, a visual feedback or an enhanced fixation between the cap and a rod that is received in the receiver.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. The anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a receiver mounted to the bone anchor, a saddle within the receiver, a spacer within the receiver, and an engaging member. The receiver extends along a central longitudinal axis proximally away from the bone anchor. A rod or other elongated connecting element is received in a passage of the receiver in contact with the saddle, and the engaging member engages the connecting element against the saddle, which engages the saddle against the spacer, which in turn engages the proximal head of the bone anchor in the receiver. The orientation of the saddle in the receiver is adjustable to correspond to the orientation of the connecting element relative to the central longitudinal axis of the receiver.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly includes a receiver extending along a central longitudinal axis between a proximal end and an opposite distal end and a bone anchor extending from the receiver. The receiver includes a distal portion defining a receptacle opening at the distal end and a pair of arms extending from the distal portion along the central longitudinal axis on opposite sides of a passage. The receiver includes a saddle that is adjustable in the receiver in one plane to accommodate the angle of placement of the connecting element through the receiver. The receiver is adjustable in another plane that is transverse to the adjustment plane of the saddle to better position the receiver to receive the connecting element. The adjustable saddle and receiver reduce the bending or contouring of the connecting element that may be required to position the connecting element in the receiver.

Abstract: A bottom-loading multi-axial bone anchor apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiver member, a crown member, a bone anchor and a retaining member. The receiver member defines an upper opening and a lower opening, which may form part of the same opening, a channel, and a groove. The crown member and bone anchor are loaded into the lower opening of the receiver member, and the retaining member fits around the bone anchor and into the groove in the receiver member. The bone anchor is capable of multi-axial positioning with respect to the receiver member. An elongated member is placed in the channel of the receiver member, contacting the crown member, and a compression member is applied via the upper opening. The compression member presses down on the elongated member, which presses down on the crown member and locks the bone anchor between the crown member and the retaining member.

Abstract: A thread is located on a cylindrical closure for an open headed medical implant. The thread has a leading surface and a trailing surface that both slope rearwardly from an interior edge to an exterior edge thereof.

Abstract: A bone fixation element for use in posterior spinal fixation including a pair of spaced apart arms defining a rod-receiving channel and a pair of reduction tabs integrally formed and extending from the arms to facilitate insertion of a rod into the channel. The reduction tabs also preferably include a break-off region so that after the rod has been inserted in the channel, the reduction tabs can be removed leaving behind the bone fixation element and rod. The reduction tabs may also include a cap for coupling a proximal end of the reduction tabs.

Abstract: A posterior dynamic spinal stabilization device utilizing a spinal rod, a fixed anchor, a mobile anchor adapted for both translation and pivoting, a mobile anchor-limiting stop affixed to the rod and an optional bumper-type, a rod with at least one limiting stop. It allows predetermined and prescribed interpedicular motion. It allows the use of traditional pedicle screw-rod placement techniques in a flexible system possessing many treatment options using familiar components that are familiar to the surgeon, and can be used on multiple levels (especially to top off) and can transition loads by limiting displacements.