Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion with a capture structure thereon, a retaining and articulating structure, a compression structure and a receiver for holding the capture structure, retaining and articulating structure, compression structure and a rod. The receiver includes arms that define a channel for receiving the rod. The arms have inner surfaces with a discontinuous flange form thereon for mating with a cooperating continuous flange form of a closure structure for capturing the rod within the receiver. The shank capture structure and the retaining and articulating structure are threadably attached and secured to one another with a buttress stop. In operation, the compression structure is disposed within the receiver between the shank upper portion and a rod but presses only upon the retaining and articulating structure.

Abstract: This osteosynthesis device is of the type comprising: a support provided with a through-orifice, at least one part of the height of which is threaded, and an anchoring rod having a threaded part forming a screw, the thread of said threaded part being complementary to that of said support orifice, in order to hold said rod on said support by screwing, said support and said rod furthermore including complementary bearing surfaces. The protruding ends of the screw threads and support threads are truncated in such a way that the difference between the outside screw diameter and the flank diameter is between 5 and 70% of the difference between the nominal diameter and the flank diameter, and the difference between the flank diameter Df and the core diameter is between 5 and 70% of the difference between the flank diameter and the root diameter.

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 vertebral plating system includes a bone screw and a vertebral plate. The bone screw includes a screw head and a shaft. The screw head includes at least three segments flexibly attached to the shaft and has a spherical outside surface. The plate includes holes to receive the screw and that have a spherical inside surface. A driver tool has pins that are inserted into a pin hole on each segment, and that causes the segments to move towards each other when downward pressure is applied.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a poly-axial bone securing system including a bone securing member and a coupling element. The coupling element includes an opening to permit the bone securing member to pass therethrough and a seat for contacting a head portion of the bone securing member. The opening including a discrete number of contact surfaces or points for engaging the head portion of the bone securing member so that discrete frictional or gripping forces may be generated at interface points of each contact surface or point.

Abstract: Orthopedic constructs having parts that are movable with respect to each other and one or more friction members to limit unintended movement are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-axial bone anchor having a receiver member and a screw-type anchor is provided. The receiver member includes one or more internal apertures in which a friction member is placed, and a portion of the anchor contacts or is loosely held by the friction member(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilization of a patient's head relative to the patient's neck joint includes an occi-cervical base member having a “C’-shaped central part and first and second attachment rods respectively connected to and extending transversely from free ends of the central part. An occiput attachment has a first end slideably engaged to the central part and a flat, straight second end that extends radially outwardly relative to the first end. First and second polyaxial screw heads are adapted to be implanted in first and second occipital condyles of a patient, respectively. The first and second polyaxial screw heads are adapted to engage first and second stabilizing rods, respectively, that are placed in-line with the cervical spine of a patient and to engage the first and second attachment rods, respectively.

Abstract: A spine fixation device is provided. The spine fixation device includes a bone screw, a fixation carrier, and a first locking member. The fixation carrier is rotatably coupled to a fixation unit of the bone screw. The first locking member conjugates the fixation carrier and the bone screw together. A screw unit of the bone screw is implanted into a vertebra. As the fixation carrier is rotatably coupled to the bone screw, the bone screw remains fastened to the vertebra while the fixation carrier is rotated. Through rotational adjustment of the fixation carrier, U-shaped openings of the fixation carrier are adjustable in direction. Thus, the disposition angle of a rod disposed in the U-shaped openings is easily adjustable by rotating the fixation carrier. As a result, the rod can fit an angle of the spine while surgical complexity is reduced.

Abstract: The disclosed screw assemblies include a screw that attaches onto the bone, a housing member that connects and inter-locks the bone screw to the rod, and one or more locking members that permit immobilization of various components of the assembly relative to one another while still permitting some relative movement. The bone screws and bone screw assemblies described herein permit flexible stabilization of the spine.

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.

Abstract: The disclosed screw assemblies include a screw that attaches onto the bone, a housing member that connects and inter-locks the bone screw to the rod, and one or more locking members that permit immobilization of various components of the assembly relative to one another while still permitting some relative movement. The bone screws and bone screw assemblies described herein permit flexible stabilization of the spine.

Abstract: Bone anchoring assemblies for use with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques for dynamic stabilization of the spine, together with placement systems for use in such techniques are provided.

Abstract: A surgical screw cartridge system apparatus and method is provided wherein the cartridge has a body for storing a plurality of surgical screws. A spring-biased plunger is positioned within the body for presenting the surgical screws head first to a driver. A tab within the body prevents removal of the surgical screws from the body in absence of a screwdriver.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device for a spinal column fixation system includes an anchoring part, a bearing part for mounting at least one connection element thereon and a fixing element. The connection element is adapted for fixing to at least two bone anchoring devices. The anchoring part and the bearing part are mounted on each other, movable relative to each other in an assembly position and fixable relative to each other by the fixing element in an implantation position. The fixing element is of integral construction and has a proximal fixing element section, a distal fixing element section and a predetermined break-off area formed between the proximal and distal fixing element sections. The distal fixing element section has a receptacle for engagement with a tool for transferring the bone anchoring device from the assembly position to the implantation position. The device may be part of an improved spinal column fixation system.

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: It is a device (1) for anchoring a tissue (2) in a bone (3), which comprises an anchor (6) extended around an axis (7), comprising a head (8) pierced with an eyelet (24) for suture threads (5) to pass through, and a body (9) for inserting and maintaining the head in the bone. The body (9) has an external thread (11) for screwing into the bone. The anchor (6) comprises means (10, 10?) for fastening the head (8) onto the body (9), which means are arranged so as to fasten one to the other in the axial direction and to allow free rotation of one with respect to that other about said axis (7), such that the head can remain immobile when the body is screwed into the bone.

Abstract: A scoliosis correction device includes a first fixed anchor that is adapted to be secured to be secured to a vertebra of a spine and a second fixed anchor that is adapted to be secured to be secured to a vertebra of a spine. A rotatory anchor includes a head portion, a shank portion that extends from the head portion and is adapted to be secured to a vertebra of a spine, and a sprocket that is supported on the head portion for rotational movement relative thereto. A cable extends from the first fixed anchor to the rotatory pedicle screw to the second fixed anchor. The rotatory anchor may be configured to allow unidirectional movement of the sprocket relative to the head portion. A rigid member may extend between the fixed anchor and an intermediate anchor.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper head portion with a mating segment and a first partial spherical surface, a retainer structure being mateable with the mating segment of the upper head portion, the retainer structure having a second partial spherical surface such that when mated, the first and second partial spherical surfaces form a spherical ball member, a receiver defining an open channel and having a base with a seating surface partially defining a cavity, the open channel communicating with the cavity, the cavity communicating with an exterior of the base through an opening sized and shaped to receive the shank upper head portion therethrough, and a bushing sized and shaped to fit within open channel and cavity, the bushing having a lower rounded surface engageable with a top surface of the spherical ball member formed by the shank and retainer structure.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for receiving a rod, the receiving part has a first bore coaxial with a longitudinal axis and a second bore, and an anchoring element having a first end for insertion into the bone and a second end positionable within a second bore, the anchoring element being movable relative to the receiving part in limited angular range about the longitudinal axis, the angles lying in a single plane. The bone anchoring device further includes a fixation element cooperating with the receiving part to lock the anchoring element relative to the receiving part. The anchoring element is pivotable relative to the receiving part around one rotational axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Mechanisms for connecting an elongated member for orthopedic support or therapy to bone or other tissue are disclosed. Embodiments may include a receiver member with a channel for accommodating an elongated member such as a spinal rod and a channel for accommodating a bone-engaging member, a bone-engaging member that is insertable into the channel in the receiver member, and a lock member for locking the receiver member, bone-engaging member, and elongated member together. The channels may be variously oriented with respect to each other. Methods for using such embodiments are also disclosed.

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: The disclosed screw assemblies include a screw that attaches onto the bone, a housing member that connects and inter-locks the bone screw to the rod, and one or more locking members that permit immobilization of various components of the assembly relative to one another while still permitting some relative movement. The bone screws and bone screw assemblies described herein permit flexible stabilization of the spine.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw assembly includes an internal load dampening mechanism for sharing and dampening loads between at least one screw member and at least one rod member interconnected by the assembly. A method of interconnecting the orthopedic screw with the rod includes dampening with a body member interconnecting the screw to the rod.

Abstract: A thread-thru polyaxial pedicle screw fastening system. The fastening system consists of an anchoring bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the screw to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a U-shaped connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. The U-shaped connecting assembly, for receipt of a spinal connecting rod, has a biased retainer ring for maintaining a positive tension between the connecting assembly and the anchored screw. The system allows for an improved manufacturing step wherein the threaded shank of a bone screws can be passed through a lower portion of the connecting assembly allowing a variety of bone screw sizes to be used with a common sized connector.

Abstract: A limited angulation bone screw assembly adapted to couple a spinal rod with a vertebra including a bone screw, a bushing and a housing. The pedicle screw having a shaft and an upper head portion, the upper head portion comprising a spherical surface with flats disposed on opposite sides of the upper head portion. The bushing comprising a lower rounded surface for mating with the spherical surface and flats of the upper head portion to restrict the angular movement of the bone screw. The coupled bone screw and bushing are inserted into the housing in a first orientation and then rotated to a second orientation to secure the coupled bone screw and bushing to complete the housing.

Abstract: A multi-level polyaxial screw connection mechanism includes a bone fixation component and a head component directly connected to the bone fixation component. The head component includes a lower portion comprising at least one lower portion concave socket configured and an upper portion elevated compared with the lower portion. The upper portion comprises at least one upper portion concave socket configured and the lower portion(s) concave socket comprises a volume substantially equal to a volume of the upper portion(s) concave socket.

Abstract: A headless polyaxial screw system comprises a longitudinal member comprising an outwardly protruding and expandable round bulbous body, a fixation component directly connected to the bulbous body, where the fixation component receives the bulbous body, and a pin engaged within the longitudinal member via a first channel bored through the longitudinal member and contacting the bulbous body causing the bulbous body to outwardly expand.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including at least one double-jointed bone fixation element. A rod is coupled to the bone fixation element. A rod retaining portion retains the rod in place with respect to the bone fixation element. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly (10) that includes a cannulated pedicle screw (20) having a scalloped shank (24), a swivel top head 30 having inclined female threads (44) in a left and right arm (34, 36) to prevent splaying, a set screw (50) having mating male threads 52, a rod conforming washer (60) that is rotatably coupled to the set screw (50), the conforming washer including reduced ends to induce a coupled rod (80) to bend. A rod reduction system including an inner and an outer cannula (90, 100), the inner cannula (90) including a left and right arm (92, 94) that engage the swivel top head's (30) left and right arm (34, 36) and the outer cannula (100) dimensioned to securely slide over the inner cannula (90) to reduce the rod (80) into the swivel top head's (30) rod receiving area (38).

Abstract: Polyaxial bone anchors include a retainer for holding a shank within a receiver, the retainer being in at least two discrete pieces and cooperating with a variety of inserts, some of which independently lock the polyaxial mechanism. Polyaxial and mono-axial bone anchor assemblies include pivot and/or pressure inserts or pads that cooperate with longitudinal connecting members to provide a desired degree of continued control of angulation of the longitudinal connecting member in the sagittal plane or to hold the connecting member in place. Pressure pads for deformable rods may also be made from a deformable plastic material.

Abstract: An adapter attached between a dispenser containing a bone void filler and the head of a cannulated surgical screw allows the cannulated surgical screw to be used as a port to inject bone void filler into a bone void during the course of a surgical repair which would use a surgical screw to attach broken or separated bone fragments providing a more secure bone anchor matrix within which the surgical screw is set.

Abstract: A bone screw has a screw head and a threaded shank. An axial bore into which a plurality of radial bores set at a distance from each other open, extends through the threaded shaft. The axial bore is open at the screw head side end, and the radial bores are also open at the radially outer end. The axial bore is closed in an axial direction in the area of the end of the screw shank that lies opposite the screw head.

Abstract: A surgical method and implant for directing and securing a replacement ligament into the femur or tibia of the knee. A transverse tunnel may be formed in the femur approximately perpendicular to a femoral tunnel. A flexible strand passing through the transverse tunnel may be used to draw the replacement ligament into the femoral tunnel. The implant may then be placed into the transverse tunnel and through the replacement ligament to secure the replacement ligament in place. The implant may include an eyelet to receive the flexible strand and a tapered portion forming a shoulder to prevent the implant from being inserted too far into the transverse tunnel. The implant may also have a multi-angular configured portion to secure the implant within the transverse tunnel through an interference fit.

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: Screw mechanisms that securely connect with and contain an elongated support structure are disclosed. Some of these have locking mechanisms as alternatives to conventional set screws. Some of these use ratcheting systems for securing the elongated support structure. Some of these are multi-axial systems. Some of these are alternatives to conventional systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are spinal fusion assemblies for use in skeletal systems. The assembly includes a coupling element that can be coupled to a fixation element, such as, for example, a screw with a head that removably mates with the coupling element. The coupling element and fixation element are configured to be coupled to an elongate stabilizer, such as a rod, that is positioned between a top and a bottom saddle. A compression member, such as a compression nut, is configured to mate with the coupling element and provides a compressive force to the top and bottom saddles to secure the elongate stabilizer therebetween. The top and bottom saddles are movably positioned within the coupling element such that they can gradually reposition and self-align into a secure engagement with the stabilizer as the compression member provides the compressive force.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization apparatus comprises a stabilization device such as a rod or a plate. Elongated bores, interfaces, or terminations packed with elastic material provides relative movement between the devices to allow spinal flexion and extension. Initially, relative movement may be constrained by a degradable materials, such as a resorbable material, to allow and screws to fuse to the associated bone.

Abstract: An exemplary tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation device includes an inner tulip member including a lower portion configured to couple the head of the bone fixation device and an upper portion including a plurality of flexible protrusions extending from the lower portion. According to one exemplary embodiment the plurality of flexible protrusions are configured to provisionally couple a rod. The exemplary tulip assembly also includes an outer tulip member including a first position and a second position, the first position being configured to enable an expansion of the lower portion of the inner tulip member and the second position being configured to compressibly lock the lower portion of the inner member on the bone fixation device. Moreover, the present exemplary tulip assembly also includes a cap having a generally planar top and at least one locking member extending from the top.

Abstract: An intervertebral joint with one embodiment comprising a socket screw, a ball screw, and two support screws. The socket screw and ball screw form a socket joint between two vertebral members. A first support screw braces the socket screw. A second support screw braces the ball screw.

Abstract: A novel spinal stabilization instrumentation construct and method for use after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. The instrumentation construct consists of single pedicle screw attached to a translaminar screw with a rod (V construct). The V construct is superior to unilateral pedicle screws (UPS) construct in all movements except right lateral bending and left axial rotation and compares favorably with the unilateral pedicle screws with a translaminar screw. It provides bilateral fixation with minimal implant load and preserves the anatomical integrity of the superior facet joint. The construct offers significant advantages of reduction in surgical time, duration of hospitalization, cost of implants and a possibility of decreased incidence of adjacent segment disease.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an orthopedic fastener blocking system that allows for a desirable number of fasteners to be used with an orthopedic device even when the orthopedic device is too small to accommodate a desired number of traditionally located and oriented fasteners or when the accessibility to the device is reduced so that addressing a desired number of traditionally located and oriented fasteners is not possible. The system includes an orthopedic implant and at least first and second fasteners where one of the first and second fasteners prevents the other of the first and second fasteners from uninstalling when the first and second fasteners are in the installed position.

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: A bone fixation element comprises a shaft extending substantially along a longitudinal axis of the fixation element in combination with a head including a plurality of fixation element openings distributed about a perimeter thereof. Each of the fixation element openings extends through the head from a proximal surface thereof to a distal surface of the head. Each of the fixation element openings extends through the head along an opening axis.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion, a receiver member or head, a retaining and articulating structure, and a pressure insert disposed between the shank upper portion and a rod. The receiver has a U-shaped cradle defining a channel for receiving a spinal fixation rod and a receiver cavity. The retaining and articulating structure attaches to the shank and rotates with the shank in the cavity during positioning. The pressure insert presses upon the shank upper portion and not the retaining and articulating structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking mechanism and method of locking the relative positions of a fixation device like a bone screw and of a stabilization device like a rod. The locking mechanism includes a seat, a washer and a cap. The seat includes a bottom portion configured to receive the fixation device such that a socket of the bottom portion engages part of the fixation device and prevents the fixation device from passing entirely therethrough. The seat further includes a side portion configured to receive the stabilization device, a washer and a cap. When the washer and cap are fully engaged with the seat, the fixation device may be locked independent of the stabilization device. The locking mechanism may also include a locking element for locking the stabilization device.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a system for connecting a fastener element (e.g., a pedicle screw) relative to a rod for the purposes of vertebral fixation is provided. The system may permit multi-axial movement between the fastener element and the rod. Further, the system may permit the angular relationship between the fastener element and the rod to be held in a desired orientation. For the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “rod” is intended to refer to any elongated structure. Such an elongated structure may be solid or hollow and may have any desired cross-section (e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular). Further, for the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “interference fit” is intended to refer to physical contact between two or more components.

Abstract: A bone fixation screw comprises a proximal head being configured to lockingly engage a bone plate hole and a substantially helical shaft extending distally from the head along a substantially helical path.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for locking a spinal rod in a top loading pedicle screw. In one form, the device includes a slider geometrically shaped to secure the spinal rod in the bone screw in its final resting position. Engagement pins located on the slider mate with notches located on the bone screw that both provisionally, and eventually, lock the spinal rod in the bone construct. The device replaces threaded set screw designs that have been known to incur cross threading problems. Thus, the device can also make spinal rod tightening faster and easier when compared to a threaded set screw.

Abstract: A screw for fixation of, for example, a fracture having a hollow shaft, a first outer thread and radial openings at its distal end, and a second outer thread and an inner engagement portion at its proximal end. The second outer thread is adapted to engage with a tissue protection sleeve. The inner engagement portion is adapted to fit to a driving end of a driving tool. By way of this, forces in axial or radial direction may be applied to the screw by the sleeve, and forces in rotational direction may be applied by the driving tool. Therefore, the screw can be installed accurately at the intended site in an object.