Abstract: A bone anchor including a bone engaging element and an implant engaging element. The bone engaging element includes a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material and extending at least partially along a length of the first portion, and with the second portion of the bone engaging element positioned between the first portion and adjacent bone tissue when the bone engaging element is engaged with the bone to provide an interface with the adjacent bone tissue. In one embodiment, the first portion of the bone engaging element exhibits a first level of rigidity and the second portion exhibits a second level of rigidity less than the first level of rigidity. In another embodiment, the bone engaging element includes external threads, with the second portion of the bone engaging element defining at least a portion of the external threads.

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: Embodiments of the invention comprise a medical implant that delivers a therapeutic substance. In some embodiments, a component that delivers a therapeutic substance is a cap secured to a portion of a fastener such as a surgical construct, surgical screw, pedicle screw, spinal rod cross-link, or other connection element or device.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for use with a fixation system for stabilizing one or more spinal bone segments by means of an elongated stabilizer includes an anchor base that receives a fastener and includes s a first coupling feature including guide slots and a recessed channel for receiving the elongated stabilizer. The anchor assembly further includes a cap that has a second coupling feature that is complementary to the first coupling feature and includes structures that are laterally received in the base guide slots for mating the cap to the base, as well as a stop element that in combination with the first coupling feature limits the lateral movement of the cap in the guide slots. The cap includes a retaining element that is driven into engagement with the elongated stabilizer so as to lock and retain the elongated stabilizer in place within the anchor assembly.

Abstract: A medical implant assembly includes a polyaxial bone anchor having a shank, a receiver and a retainer structure for capturing and supporting an upper end portion of the shank in the receiver. The shank includes radially extending projections on its upper end and the retainer structure includes shelves with seating surfaces for receiving and supporting the shank projections. Some embodiments include a lower compression insert.

Abstract: A screw sheath is provided for advancing a pedicle screw from outside a patient to the vertebra during minimally invasive spinal surgery. The sheath includes an elongate tubular construct having an open proximal end, a tapered distal tip with an open end. The conical tip can be deformed or reconfigured when subject to the axial force of the pedicle screw being advanced into the pedicle or by manual operation of the operator. The pedicle screw is advanced through the sheath to the pedicle and retained by the tip of the sheath. Then a driver is used to advance the screw through the sheath and into the vertebra.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a polyaxial bone fixation element for use in spinal fixation to interconnect a longitudinal spinal rod with a patient's vertebra. The polyaxial bone fixation element preferably includes a bone anchor, a collet, a body, and a locking cap. The polyaxial bone fixation element preferably enables in-situ assembly. That is, the polyaxial bone fixation element is preferably configured so that in use, the bone anchor may be secured to the patient's vertebra prior to being received within the body. Accordingly, the polyaxial bone fixation element enables a surgeon to implant the bone anchor without the body to maximize visibility and access around the anchoring site. Once the bone anchor has been secured to the patient's vertebra, the body can be snapped-onto the bone anchor. The bone anchor preferably also includes a second tool interface so that a surgical instrument can be directly coupled to the bone anchor.

Abstract: Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.

Abstract: A medical implant assembly includes a polyaxial bone anchor having a shank with an upper portion, a receiver, a retainer for holding the shank upper portion in the receiver, a lower compression insert with surfaces for closely receiving an elongate connecting member and a closure structure that may independently engage the lower compression insert to lock the shank with respect to the receiver while selectively not locking the elongate member. Projections or splines of the shank upper portion mate with holding pockets on the retainer. The bone anchor includes a shank upper surface exclusively engaging the lower compression insert that is spaced from the retainer, the retainer and shank being configured for polyaxial motion with respect to the receiver prior to locking.

Abstract: A receiving part for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part body including a rod receiving portion having a channel for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the head receiving portion having an open end and being flexible for inserting and clamping of the head; and a locking ring around the head receiving portion, wherein in a pre-locking position, a spring portion on one of the locking ring or the receiving part body engages a corresponding portion on the other one of the locking ring or the receiving part body, and the locking ring exerts a first force onto the head receiving portion, and wherein in a locking position, the locking ring exerts a second force greater than the first force onto the head receiving portion to lock the head therein.

Abstract: A receiving part for receiving a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part body including: a rod receiving portion with a channel for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the head receiving portion having an open end and being flexible for inserting and clamping of the head, and an exterior surface with a curved portion; and a locking ring around the head receiving portion, wherein the locking ring has an interior surface with a curved portion for engagement with the curved portion of the exterior surface of the head receiving portion for locking a position of the head relative to the head receiving portion.

Abstract: A receiving part for receiving a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part body including a rod receiving portion with a channel for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the head receiving portion having an open end and being flexible so as to allow introduction and clamping of the head, the head receiving portion having an exterior surface with a tapered portion; and a locking ring around the head receiving portion and including an interior surface with a curved portion configured to engage the tapered portion of the exterior surface of the head receiving portion to clamp the head.

Abstract: A receiving part for receiving a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element, the receiving part including: a receiving part body including a rod receiving portion with a channel for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the head receiving portion having an open end and being flexible for inserting and clamping of the head; a locking ring around the head receiving portion to exert a first force onto the head receiving portion to lock the head therein; and a pre-locking ring separate from the locking ring and around the head receiving portion to exert a second force less than the first force onto the head receiving portion to clamp the head in a temporary pre-locking position.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly includes a plurality of bone fixation elements that each include a bone anchor configured to be implanted into underlying bone, such as a vertebra. Each bone anchor is received in an anchor seat, and the anchor seats are joined by a fixation rod so as to operatively couple and fix the position and orientation of the vertebrae relative to each other. The bone anchor is free to rotate relative to the anchor seat, and is also free to pivot in a desired direction relative to the anchor seat.

Abstract: Bone fixation systems for stabilizing bones such as vertebral bodies are disclosed. The fixation systems include fixation connectors that preferably are equipped with bone anchors (e.g., screws, hooks, pins or like structures) for securing the fixation connectors to bones desired to be stabilized. The fixation systems also include linking elements (e.g., rods, plates or other members) for linking the fixation connectors together to form a stabilizing construct capable of maintaining a desired spacial relationship between bones desired to be stabilized.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly and associated method. The bone fixation assembly includes a bone fastener having a head and a bone-engaging portion, a receiver defining an opening along a first axis for receiving the bone fastener at a variable angle, and at least one supporting augment coupled to the bone fastener. The receiver has an inner articulation surface at a lower portion of the opening and matingly articulates with the supporting augment.

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: A bone fixation element (10) for use in spinal fixation facilitates insertion of a longitudinal spinal rod (45) in a rod-receiving channel (26) formed in the bone fixation element. The bone fixation element engages a coated spinal rod, preferably a dynamic spinal rod made from a generally non-biocompatible material such as nickel, cobalt chromium or Nitinol. The bone fixation element preferably incorporates first (120) and second (140) rod protectors to contact the coating on the spinal rod when the rod is received in the rod receiving channel of the hone fixation element. The first and second rod protectors are preferably constructed of a material having a hardness that is less than a hardness of a material of the coated spinal rod.

Abstract: An orthopedic screw assembly including a proximal member positioned at a proximal end of the orthopedic screw assembly, a distal member positioned at a distal end of the orthopedic screw assembly, and an elongate element having a first end and a second end. The elongate element is coupled to the proximal member at the first end and coupled to the distal member at the second end. The elongate element is configured to apply a dynamic compressive force on each of the proximal member and the distal member, thereby coupling the proximal member to the distal member.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a tulip-shaped seat, a bone fixation device, a ring-shaped washer, a rod and a cap. The tulip-shaped seat comprises a through opening dimensioned to receive the bone fixation device and a horizontal channel dimensioned to receive the rod. The washer is placed into the seat on top of the bone fixation device head and comprises first and second side tabs and a first pair of upward extending projections separated by a first gap and a second pair of upward extending projections separated by a second gap. The side tabs interface with a groove formed in the bottom portion of the seat. The rod is placed within the channel and positioned within a groove formed on the top surface of the washer. The cap includes first and second projections extending downward from its bottom surface and each of the first and second downward projections comprises first and second sidewise extending ridges.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver and retained within the receiver by a retaining structure in the form of an open ring. The retaining structure is compressible, having an opening with two ends that may be pressed toward one another. The receiver has a U-shaped cradle defining a channel for receiving a spinal fixation rod. The receiver channel communicates with a cavity partially defined by an upper spherical surface and a substantially cylindrical surface communicating with a bottom opening of the receiver that allows for bottom loading the shank upper portion and the compressed retaining structure into the receiver, but prevents passage of the retaining structure out of the receiver once the retaining structure expands to an original form thereof and thus retains the shank upper portion within the cavity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing spinal stabilization rods. In one embodiment, a method can include attaching a collar to a boney structure. The collar can include a body and an extension, each including arms further defining threaded slots. A separation member can couple the body and the extension to each other. The method can include reducing the rod using the collar and separating the extension from the body by applying a torque to the extension. The separation of the extension from the body can be accomplished with one substantially continuous motion and can leave tissues adjacent to the collar substantially undisturbed. The arms of the extension can be prevented from splaying, thereby mitigating a moment during the reduction of the spinal stabilization rod through the extension. Thus, the separation member can transmit tensile forces and certain amounts of torques between the body and the extension.

Abstract: A dynamic bone anchor for anchoring a spine stabilization assembly which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. The dynamic bone anchor provides load sharing while preserving range of motion and reducing stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. The dynamic bone anchor includes a deflectable post connected by a ball-joint to a threaded anchor. Deflection of the deflectable post is controlled by a compliant sleeve. The force/deflection properties of the dynamic bone anchor may be adapted to the anatomy and functional requirements of the patient. The dynamic bone anchor may be used as a component of a dynamic stabilization system which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion.

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: A lagwire system and method for facilitating the fixation of bone fractures is disclosed. The lagwire system includes an anchor component, a wire, a threaded sleeve, a tubular sleeve and a cap. The threaded sleeve, tubular sleeve and cap are operable to slide along the length of the wire. The threaded sleeve and tubular sleeve may be integrally formed. The wire may comprise a filament to allow at least some movement of the bone fractures. The cap may comprise a tapered interior operable to restrict further movement of the cap relative to the wire.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bone screw, a nut, and a washer. The bone screw has a first threaded portion, a second threaded portion, and a recessed portion disposed between the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion. The first threaded portion is configured to be threaded into a bone tissue. The nut is threadedly coupled to the second threaded portion of the bone screw. The nut having a tool engagement portion and a seating portion. The washer is disposed about the bone screw such that a first surface of the washer is disposed about the seating portion of the nut and a retention portion is disposed within the recessed portion of the bone screw. The washer is configured to rotate about an axis substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the bone screw.

Abstract: A surgical system comprising: an object to be secured to bone, the object comprising an opening extending therethrough; and a sleeve/screw construction for securing the object to bone, the sleeve/screw construction comprising: a sleeve adapted for positioning through the opening in the object and into the bone, the sleeve comprising: a shank having a distal end and a proximal end and an opening extending from the distal end to the proximal end, wherein the opening narrows toward the distal end of the shank, and further wherein the distal end of the shank is slit so as to form a plurality of radially-expandable segments; and an enlarged head formed at the proximal end of the shank, the enlarged head being formed so as to be radially-expandable; the sleeve being sized so that when the sleeve is positioned through the opening in the object and into the bone, at least a portion of the radially-expandable segments extend into the bone beyond the cortical bone/cancellous bone interface; and a screw adapted for

Abstract: A top loading polyaxial spinal rod screw assembly is configured for simultaneous or one step lockup of angular orientation of a rod holder portion of the screw assembly relative to a bone screw and of a spinal rod within the rod holder portion of the screw assembly. The spinal rod and the angular orientation of the rod holder holding the spinal rod are thus fixed upon receipt of a lockup component of the present assembly. Components of the present spinal rod screw assembly cooperate to allow reception of a spinal rod in a rod holder that is adapted for pivotal retention on a bone screw and to lock or fix the spinal rod within the rod holder while also locking or fixing the angular orientation of the rod holder relative to the bone screw upon receipt of a lockup cap component of the screw assembly in the rod holder. In one form, the present screw assembly is defined by a three-piece polyaxial screw head assembly for a bone screw.

Abstract: A pedicle screw with a closure device (16) for securing a rod (10) for stabilization of the vertebral column comprises a screw-in part (2), a head part (3) provided on the screw-in part (2), and a U-shaped recess (4) disposed in the head part (3), which recess is formed by the inner surfaces (5, 6) of two arms (7, 8) and a bottom surface (9) connecting the two inner surfaces. The rod (10) is insertable into this recess, and is held by the closure device (16). The rod (10) is provided with ridges (12) and grooves (13) running transversely with respect to the rod axis (11). Likewise provided with corresponding ridges (14) and grooves (15) is the bottom surface (9). The closure device (16) comprises a support element (17), which is insertable between the two arms (7, 8).

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring section for anchoring in a bone or a vertebrae, a receiving part for receiving a connection element, a connection element which is at least partly made of a flexible material, a fixation element for fixing the connection element in the receiving part, and wherein a sleeve is provided around the connection element in the receiving part.

Abstract: The invention is a bone screw apparatus. The bone screw apparatus has two specialized functions for stabilizing the screw within a bone. The first is a mechanical structure that anchors the screw within a bone and the second is a structure that allows injection of bone cement through the screw assembly and into the interior structure of the bone. The anchoring mechanism functions by an expandable member that slides concentrically over the shaft of the screw. When the expandable member is forced over a portion of the screw shaft with an enlarged diameter, the expandable member extends radially from the screw shaft, and the bone screw is anchored to the interior structure of the bone. The injecting function of the bone screw apparatus functions through the use of a hollow core within the screw shaft. The hollow core of the screw shaft has an inlet at the top of the shaft and at least one outlet near the tip of the screw shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes an anchor defining a cavity and an opening to the cavity and an insertion member including a body having a proximal end portion and a flat distal end portion, and a head coupled to the proximal end portion of the body. The insertion member is configured for arrangement within the anchor cavity. A method of tissue repair and other anchor assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic damper system and method to control the degree of flexion and/or extension motion of the mobile vertebral segment while providing additional stability to the spine. The damper system includes an anchor having a spring hitch, a spring coupled to the spring hitch, and a cap coupled to the spring. The anchor is adapted to connect to a spinous process. The spring includes an inner hollow area adapted to accommodate the spring hitch. The cap includes an opening connected to an inner cavity that is adapted to accommodate the spring and the spring hitch.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a bone anchor to a support rod includes a connector body and a cap. The connector body has a channel to receive and locate the support rod relative to the bone anchor. The cap is moveable longitudinally into a partially installed position in the channel, and snaps into non-threaded engagement with the connector body by rotating from the partially installed position to an installed position without moving axially relative to the connector body. In some embodiments, a sleeve fits over a socket portion of the connector body in a temporary position in which the sleeve permits insertion of the bone anchor into the socket. The sleeve engages the connector body so as to be restrained from axial and rotational movement relative to the connector body when in the temporary position. Tools are provided for installing the connector body, sleeve, cap, and support rod.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the fixation of bone fractures is disclosed. The system includes a flexible wire attached to a tip. The tip may comprise a substantially planar surface and a pointed cutting edge and cutting threads. The system may further comprise a sleeve that is insertable over the flexible wire to provide additional stability and strength. The sleeve may be smooth or may comprise a gripping means to increase the holding strength of the system. The system and method may be used to deliver treatment to a bone to facilitate fixation. The treatment may comprise medications, adhesives, implants, fasteners, suturing materials, and/or other means of fixation.

Abstract: Non-load-bearing, drug-eluting components that can be added to load bearing spinal implants.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for ball and socket joint reconstruction. The anchor stem is adapted to be anchored in a medullary canal. A proximal portion of the anchor stem includes a threaded hole oriented along a longitudinal axis thereof. Metaphyseal portion includes a proximal end with recess and a longitudinal bore in fluid communication with the recess, and a distal end adapted to interface with the proximal portion of the anchor stem. An anti-rotation structure is preferably located at an interface of the anchoring stem to the metaphyseal portion to prevent rotation of the anchor stem relative to the metaphyseal portion around the longitudinal axis. A fastener is provided to extend through the longitudinal bore and to engage with the threaded hole on the anchor stem to fix the metaphyseal portion to the anchoring stem. The locking assembly is located in the recess and mechanically couples the head of the fastener to the metaphyseal portion to limit rotation of the fastener relative to the metaphyseal portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expanding fastener. The expanding fastener includes two walls configured to be inserted in a bore in a bone, said two walls include: one first wall having at least one first flat planar wall portion, and one second wall. The expanding fastener further including a shaft having one flat planar shaft portion configured to slide along said one first flat planar wall portion, said shaft further having a shape configured to cause radial outward movement of at least one of said two walls during said sliding.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head and a closed retainer ring. The external capture structure surface and retainer ring internal bore surface are both threaded for rotatable attachment within a cavity of the head. The head has a U-shaped cradle defining a channel for receiving a spinal fixation rod. The head channel communicates with the cavity and further with a restrictive opening that allows for loading the capture structure into the head but prevents passage of the closed retainer ring out of the head. The retainer ring has an external substantially spherical surface that mates with an internal surface of the head, providing a ball joint, enabling the head to be disposed at an angle relative to the shank body. The threaded capture structure or the closed retainer structure includes a tool engagement formation and gripping surfaces for non-slip engagement by a tool for driving the shank body into bone.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element having a shaft for anchoring in the bone and a head; and a receiving part for coupling a rod to the bone anchoring element. The receiving part includes a first portion with a first end and a second end and a U-shaped recess for receiving the rod, the recess extending from the first end in the direction of the second end thereby forming two free legs and a second portion at the side of the second end opposite to the first end for accommodating the head, the second portion having a free end and being flexible so as to allow introduction and clamping of the head. The bone anchoring device also includes a locking ring embracing the second portion. The head is locked by means of exerting pressure with the rod onto the locking ring resulting in compression of the second portion of the receiving part and wherein the locking ring is mounted to the receiving part from the free end of the second portion.

Abstract: A fastener and a bone fixation assembly for the internal fixation of vertebral bodies such as a pedicle screw is provided which allows a detachable tulip to be provisionally locked to a pedicle screw, while separately, the rod securely locks to the tulip. According to one exemplary embodiment, the tulip assembly includes a tulip body and an inner tulip member, the tulip body having a non-circular surface disposed on an outer surface. Additionally, a fastener is coupled to the tulip assembly and positionable to retain the tulip assembly on the head of a screw. Further, a cap having an outer surface and a plurality of inner protrusions is provided, wherein the plurality of inner protrusions are configured to mateably connect to the non-circular surface on the tulip body to compress the tulip assembly and secure a rod.

Abstract: An antimicrobial containment cap is provided for use in a bone anchored prosthesis mounting system of the type having an externally protruding fixator pin carried by all implanted bone anchored mounting post, wherein the fixator pin accommodates removable attachment to an exoskeletal prosthesis such as a prosthetic limb or the like for an amputee. The containment cap, when mounted onto the fixator pin, is interposed between the prosthesis and soft tissue covering the end or stump of an amputated residual limb or the like. The containment cap carries and supports a selected antimicrobial or antibacterial agent in substantial contact with the soft stump tissue in a position closely overlying and substantially circumscribing the tissue interface with the externally protruding fixator pin to safeguard against infection. The containment cap is adapted for quick and easy periodic removal for cleaning and/or replenishment of the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A device, is provided for implanting in bony tissue a bone fastener rotatably connected to a collar. The sleeve is configured for threaded connection to the collar and has a central bore aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve for receiving an inner shaft. The inner shaft inserts in the sleeve and has a distal end configured for connection to a portion of the bone fastener, such as an internal hex feature. In some embodiments a movable member may be inserted in an opening transverse the central bore and positionable to either rotatably or fixedly connect the inner shaft to the sleeve. In other embodiments, a collet nut threads onto a collet thread to radially compress sleeve tangs to frictionally engage inner shaft to sleeve.

Abstract: A bone anchor (100) for attaching a rod (108) to a bone has an anchor member (106) for attachment to the bone and an anchor head (104) having a U-shaped opening for receiving the rod. The bone anchor also includes a locking cap (102) that has a main body (900) and a set screw (1000). Advantageously, in one embodiment the locking cap preferably is designed such that a single tool can be used to lock the locking cap in place on the anchor body preferably with a 90° turn and preferably then drive the set screw to clamp the rod. The locking cap also preferably non-threadingly engages the anchor body. The anchor body preferably has an inclined surface on its top surface which elastically deflects extending tabs on the main body to secure the locking cap to the anchor body. A method of implantation and assembly of the bone anchor are also described.

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: The present invention is directed generally to a biomedical system(s) and method(s). More specifically, some embodiments may include system(s) and method(s) used in medical treatment(s). Various embodiments may include medical system(s) and method(s) that may use an anchoring mechanism and screw (bolt, etc.) arrangement that increases the strength of attachment. Some embodiments may further include, for example, an anchoring mechanism that expands upon insertion of a screw (bolt, etc.) into an opening. Some embodiments may include, for example, a system(s) and method(s) for improvement of structural tissue (e.g., bone, cartilage) fixation and safety. Further, some embodiments may also include, for example, an anchoring mechanism and screw (bolt, etc.) system that may be utilized in orthopedic procedures. Still some embodiments may further include system(s) and method(s) providing improved screw fixation and enhanced stabilization in structural tissue or fracture repair.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a biomedical system(s) and method(s). More specifically, some embodiments may include system(s) and method(s) used in medical treatment(s). Various embodiments may include medical system(s) and method(s) that may use an anchoring mechanism and screw (bolt, etc.) arrangement that increases the strength of attachment. Some embodiments may further include, for example, an anchoring mechanism that expands upon insertion of a screw (bolt, etc.) into an opening. Some embodiments may include, for example, a system(s) and method(s) for improvement of structural tissue (e.g., bone, cartilage) fixation and safety. Further, some embodiments may also include, for example, an anchoring mechanism and screw (bolt, etc.) system that may be utilized in orthopedic procedures. Still some embodiments may further include system(s) and method(s) providing improved screw fixation and enhanced stabilization in structural tissue or fracture repair.

Abstract: An improved bone screw is disclosed which includes a shaft with distal portion having a threaded surface thereon, a sleeve having an opening which receives the shaft such that the shaft is able to move within the sleeve without moving the sleeve. A compressive device may be incorporated between the sleeve and the proximal portion of the shaft such that the compressive device forces the shaft and sleeve towards at least a portion each other, thereby maintaining the compressive load at the union of the fracture. As additional compression is exerted on the load from weight bearing, the force may be reduced, but the head of the sleeve is still substantially maintained against the lateral cortex.

Abstract: A spinal fixation access system includes a vertebral anchor with selectively attached extension members to extend percutaneously from the spine. The surgical procedure associated with this invention involves making small, discrete incisions for the placement of select vertebral anchors. The extension members retract soft tissue, muscle and the like to thereby provide visibility and access to the head of the anchor. Through the extension members, instrumentation such as a spine rod, set screw and other required hardware may be delivered to the anchors. Once a spine rod or other components are secured to the pedicle screws, the extension members are disengaged from the anchors and removed from the patient.