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 durability enhanced 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: 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: A configurable dynamic spinal rod for connecting levels of a dynamic stabilization system to support the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. Embodiments of the dynamic stabilization system have an anchor system, a deflection system, a vertical rod system and a connection system. The deflection system provides dynamic stabilization and load-sharing. The dynamic spinal rod connects different levels of the construct in a multilevel construct. The dynamic spinal rod cooperates with the deflection system to further reduce stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. A configurable lock is provided which can selectably lock an angle between the dynamic spinal rod and a dynamic bone anchor.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal rod for connecting levels of a dynamic stabilization system to support the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. Embodiments of the dynamic stabilization system have an anchor system, a deflection system, a vertical rod system and a connection system. The deflection system provides dynamic stabilization and load-sharing. The dynamic spinal rod connects different levels of the construct in a multilevel construct. The dynamic spinal rod cooperates with the deflection system to further reduce stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw having a bone implantable shank, a head and a retaining ring. The retaining ring includes an outer partial hemispherical surface and an inner bore with radially extending channels and partial capture recesses. The shank includes a bone implantable body with an external helical wound thread and an upwardly extending capture structure. The capture structure includes at least one spline which extends radially outward and has a wedged surface that faces radially outward therefrom. The capture structure operably passes through a central bore of the retaining ring while the spline passes through a suitably shaped channel so that the spline becomes positioned above the head at which time the shank is rotated appropriately and the shank is drawn back downwardly so that the spline engages and seats in the capture recess.

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

Abstract: Versatile polyaxial connector assemblies are provided for a dynamic stabilization system which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. Embodiments of the dynamic stabilization system include versatile polyaxial connectors in addition to bone anchors, a deflection system and a vertical rod system. The bone anchors connect the construct to the spinal anatomy. The deflection system provides dynamic stabilization while reducing the stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. The vertical rod system spans different levels of the construct. The versatile polyaxial connectors include connectors mounted coaxially and/or offset with the bone anchors to adjustably connect the deflection system, vertical rod system and bone anchors allowing for safe, effective and efficient placement of the construct relative to the spine.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization bone anchor 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 centering spring. 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: An improved method and apparatus for anchoring bone screws into bones of living beings includes a cannulated screw or bone anchor that is provided with at least one discharge opening in the distal end thereof. The head of the screw is configured to receive therein a material delivery probe in sealing relationship therewith. A fluid insertion device is connected to the material delivery probe and pumps a highly viscous material through the material delivery probe and into the interior of a bone in which the distal end of the screw has been inserted. The screw can be anchored proximally in bone to prevent backpressure from dislodging the delivery cannula and aides in achieving the high pressures necessary to cause the positive effects of materials previously not injectable in the bone or surrounding areas with the current methods and apparatia.

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

Abstract: The present application is directed to set screws used with fasteners to capture and engage an elongated member. The set screws include a body sized to attach to a receiver of the fastener. A deformable member may be attached to an end of the set screw and provides for the set screw to more fully engage the elongated member to prevent potential damage to the elongated member and prevent the set screw from backing out of the fastener. In one embodiment, just the deformable member contacts the elongated member. In another embodiment, the deformable member and the body contact the elongated member. In yet another embodiment, a contact member is attached to the deformable member to contact against the elongated member.

Abstract: An integrated wound dressing system and method including a bandage and a self-contained receptacle that stores treatment material for the care and treatment of wounds. The treatment material is easily accessible and can be removed from the receptacle through an exit. The treatment material can then be used to control bleeding and/or clean the wound before dressing. The bandage may include a layer of plastic that acts as an occlusion barrier to reduce heat loss and maintain moisture levels at the wound site. The occlusion barrier also acts to prevent the passage of air into or out of the wound site. The bandage also includes fasteners that act to prevent unintentional unraveling and to secure the bandage during final packaging. These fasteners help facilitate the wrapping of amputations, stumps, and extremities. The integrated wound dressing system provides an all-in-one system for treating and dressing wounds and reduces the time required to do so.

Abstract: Bone screws and bone plates are provided that offer the surgeon the ability to either assemble the screws to the plate, or the plate to the screws, depending on the surgeon's preference and the patient's circumstances. The bone screws and bone plates of the present invention include a combination of geometric configurations that allow the screws and plates to fit together from different assembly directions. Additionally, the bone screws and bone plates can include material resilience features to allow expansion/contraction during assembly to allow bi-directional attachment to one another.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw having a bone implantable shank, a head and a retaining ring. The retaining ring includes an outer partial hemispherical surface and an inner bore with radially extending channels and partial capture recesses. The shank includes a bone implantable body with an external helical wound thread and an upwardly extending capture structure. The capture structure includes at least one spline which extends radially outward and has a wedged surface that faces radially outward therefrom. The capture structure operably passes through a central bore of the retaining ring while the spline passes through a suitably shaped channel so that the spline becomes positioned above the head at which time the shank is rotated appropriately and the shank is drawn back downwardly so that the spline engages and seats in the capture recess.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system having cylindrical bodies, plates, transverse members and resilient inserts for coupling a rod to bone fasteners. A first resilient insert may be positioned on a first rod. A cylindrical body, plate or transverse member may be positioned on the first resilient insert such that the first resilient insert is in a passage. A second resilient insert may be positioned on a second rod and positioned in the cylindrical body, plate or transverse member. The resilient inserts are advanced into the cylindrical body, plate or transverse member to lock the resilient inserts in place and couple the rods.

Abstract: A spine stabilization may include a rod and bone fastener assemblies. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Each bone fastener may have a threaded shank and a head. Each collar may have a first end with a cavity for accommodating the bone fastener and a second end having a channel for accommodating the rod. The channel may have a first portion for positioning the rod. The channel may have a second portion for advancing the rod, wherein rotating the collar advances the rod in the channel.

Abstract: A bone anchor includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, a bore extending from the first end to the second end, and a plug member which is insertable into the bore and guidable through the bore for closing the bore at the second end. The bone anchor is suitable for minimally invasive surgery in such a way a guide wire can be guided through the bone anchor and after the bone anchor has been anchored in the bone the plug member is inserted to close the open end of the bone anchor. A bone cement or a pharmaceutical substance can be introduced into the bone anchor.

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 spinal fixation assembly has a bone screw with head having a continuously curved spherical outer surface. The curved surface nests in a split annular bushing having a plurality of segments curving around the screw head. The bushing has an outward extending flange that fits into a recess in a socket in a fixation plate. The plate has at least three legs which extend from ends of a cross-member to form one of an H shaped, X shaped or A shaped configuration. Each socket is curved to rotatably receive rotation of the bushing. The socket recess is larger than the bushing flange to allow the bushing to tilt a predetermined amount depending on a thickness of the outward extending flange.

Abstract: A spinal implant system for stabilization of the spine is disclosed comprising a pair of bone anchors, an elongate stabilization device received in the bone anchors, the stabilization device having an elongate inner stabilizing member and an outer stabilizing member disposed about the inner member and wherein said anchors are configured to inhibit translation of the outer member and to permit translation of the inner member.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device has an anchoring element, a receiving portion, and a pressure element. The anchoring element includes a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra and a head, the head having an exterior surface with a spherical segment-shaped portion. The shank and the head are separate parts. The receiving portion includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, a longitudinal axis passing through the two ends, a bore coaxial with the longitudinal axis, and a first region adjacent to the second end for receiving a spherical segment-shaped section of the head. The pressure element exerts pressure on the head to lock the head in the receiving portion. The head has a hollow inner portion to receive a free end portion of the shank and wherein the head and the end portion are formed such that the end portion can be elastically clamped by the head.

Abstract: A method for anchoring autologous or artificial tendon grafts in bone is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes affixing a stabilizing element in bone; and placing the stem of an insertion element therein. A tendon graft may be secured to the insertion element either before or after its placement in the stabilizing element. Two such anchors may be linked with one or multiple grafts, in either a two-ply or four-ply arrangement.

Abstract: A bone anchoring assembly includes a bone anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra, and a receiving part for receiving a rod. The assembly includes a rod made at least partly of a material which exhibits a material flow under pressure. The receiving part includes a channel with an approximately U-shaped cross-section with two free legs, a first locking element cooperating with the legs to secure the rod in the channel, and a second locking element cooperating with the first locking element and acting independently from the first locking element onto the rod. A pin-shaped projection is provided at the second locking element which comes into contact with the rod when tightening the second locking element, and at least one pin-shaped projection is provided in the channel which comes into contact with the rod when tightening the first locking element.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A system for fixation of bone, including a bone plate with an opening comprising threads made of a first material and a fastener with a head at least partially comprising a polymeric material that is softer than the first material. In some embodiments, when the fastener is inserted into the first opening, the threads of the first opening form threads in the polymeric material on the head of the fastener and secure the fastener in place at one of a plurality of possible angles within the first opening. The first opening additionally accepts a fastener with a substantially spherical head for compression of a fracture, or a fastener with a threaded head that engages with the threads of the threaded opening. In some embodiments the first opening includes a substantially frustoconical-shaped top portion. In other embodiments there may be a second opening that is either non-threaded or comprises a plurality of protruding fins.

Abstract: An implant assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and proximal head portion, and a cradle movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the cradle and the screw body. The cradle is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The cradle may be generally, substantially spherical in shape and allow for unrestricted movement in one or more directions around one or more axis.

Abstract: Improvements for a pedicle screw that is pre-connected to a support rod by an articulation joint so that the pedicle screw can be installed with the support rod attached to it. A first driven interlock element is joined to the pedicle screw. A driver interlock element is formed at a first end of the support rod and is matingly engageable with the driven interlock element of the pedicle screw. The support rod is retained in the joint in a manner that allows it to be pivoted between a position that is substantially coaxial with the pedicle screw and an installed position transverse to the pedicle screw. The support rod, when aligned coaxially with the pedicle screw is able to slide axially within the articulation joint to permit engagement of the driver interlock element of the rod with the driven interlock element of the screw.

Abstract: A fastening system for bone screws used in spinal fixation systems for reshaping the spine of a patient. The bone screw has threads on one end for anchoring in the spine. The other end has a spherical head with a multi sided recess formed therein for engagement with an appropriate driving tool. The system includes a stabilizing rod, a saddle member, a cap member and a set screw with at least one bone screw having a outer diameter that exceeds the diameter of a cavity formed in the saddle, wherein placement of the bone screw is made possible by matching the threads of the set screw to the threads of the bone screw. The head of the bone screw providing proper positioning of the stabilization rod within the patient.

Abstract: A pedicular percutaneous minimally invasive screw for use in connection with progressive cannulae which allows screws to be installed in a patient without necessarily cutting or destroying ligaments and muscles, the progressive cannulae going from larger to smaller diameters until the point where a perforation is made, through which the pedicular percutaneous screw enters, guided by a fine filament which precisely positions the screw in the location desired. Adjacent screws are connected via a connection bar that unites the two screws and fixes the bones of a patient's column, wherein the connecting bar is attached to the screw by a compression screw, which is threaded on the body itself.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body integral with an upper capture structure and a head having an inner cavity for receiving the capture structure. The capture structure is threaded and the head includes a threaded opening for rotatable assembly with the capture structure and eventual locking frictional engagement between the capture structure and 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 the threaded opening that allows for loading the capture structure into the head but prevents pushing or pulling of the capture structure out of the head. The capture structure and the head provide a ball joint, enabling the head to be disposed at an angle relative to the shank body. The capture 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 polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head and a multi-piece retainer, articulation structure. The geometry of the retainer structure pieces corresponds and cooperates with the external geometry of the capture structure to frictionally envelope the retainer structure between the capture structure and an internal surface defining a cavity of the head. The head has a U-shaped cradle defining a channel for receiving a spinal fixation or stabilization longitudinal connecting member. The head channel communicates with the cavity and further with a restrictive opening that receives retainer pieces and the capture structure into the head but prevents passage of frictionally engaged retainer and capture structures out of the head. The retainer structure includes a substantially spherical surface that mates with the internal surface of the head, providing a ball joint, enabling the head to be disposed at an angle relative to the shank body.

Abstract: A system and method for anchoring a connector to a bony portion of a spinal column is provided. The connector is engaged to the spinal column with an anchor. The connector receives an elongate connecting element that extends along two or more vertebrae of the spinal column. The connector includes an eyelet portion that houses a retaining member through which the anchor extends. The retaining member allows movement of the connector relative to the anchor prior to engagement of the connecting element to the connector. When the connecting element is engaged to the connector, the connector is fixed relative to the anchor and the retaining member.

Abstract: A method of securing vertebrae includes inserting a first pedicle screw into a first pedicle of a first vertebra. The first pedicle screw includes a first channel running perpendicular to a first central axis of the first pedicle screw. The first pedicle screw has a first engagement structure. The method further includes inserting a second pedicle screw into a second pedicle of a second vertebra. The second pedicle screw includes a second channel running perpendicular to a second central axis of the second pedicle screw. The second pedicle screw has a second engagement structure. The method also includes inserting a guidewire through the first and second channels, threading a tether attached to an end of the guidewire through the first and second channels, securing the tether to the first pedicle screw, applying tension to the tether, and securing the tether to the second pedicle screw.

Abstract: Pedicle screws with a closure device for receiving and securing a rod made up of a flexible plastic, for stabilization of a vertebral column, comprising a screw-in part, a head part with a U-shaped recess formed by two arms and into which the rod to be held is insertable. The U-shaped recess is closable by means of a locking element. A clamping screw, put into the locking element, presses an insert on the rod and clamps the latter between a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface. The insert is provided with stop faces by means of which the clamping action against the rod, transmitted to the insert by the clamping screw during the clamping step, is limited. An optimal connection between rod and pedicle screw is thereby obtained.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head and an open, compressible retainer collar. The capture structure and retainer collar 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 attached retainer collar out of the head. The open retainer collar may be bottom- or top-loaded by compressing open ends of the ring towards each other, the collar springing back into a rounded shape after insertion in the head. The open collar 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.

Abstract: The cavity of a screw body presents a portion with an enlarged cross-section forming a chamber, positioned such that it is set back from the proximal surface of said head, over a sufficient distance so that first slots and first expandable portions which define these first slots constitute a gripping element to drive the screw in rotation. The expansion rod comprises a proximal head equipped with gripping element to drive it in rotation, intended to be found in the chamber in the non-expanded position of the screw head: The cavity has a first portion with a limited cross-section located at the expandable portions, this limited cross-section portion being intended to cooperate with the head to achieve expansion of the expandable portions while also defining a passageway having a cross-section sufficient to allow access, from the outside of the screw, to the gripping means comprised by the expansion rod.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant for attachment to at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having first and second rigid sections, at least one section having a convex or frusto-conical surface held in spaced relation with the other section by an elastic spacer. The spacer may be an over-mold that connects the first and second rigid sections. Some embodiments include an inner, tougher spacer and a separate over-molded spacer.

Abstract: A pedicle screw is provided that includes an upwardly extending collet. The collet may include downwardly extending slots that define deflectable segments therebetween. When a spherical element or other structure, e.g., a non-dynamic stabilizing element, is positioned around the collet, introduction of a set screw causes outward deflection of the upstanding segments into engagement with the spherical element. A snap ring may be interposed between the collet and the spherical element to facilitate positioning therebetween. In an alternative embodiment, a non-slotted collet is employed. In such embodiment, the collet and the spherical element may be threadingly engaged and may include a snap ring therebetween. The pedicle screw subassemblies may be incorporated into a spinal stabilization system which may include a dynamic stabilizing member to provide clinically efficacious results.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing the load caused by the insertion of a fastening device into bony tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a crown having a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions may have any desired physical properties, and function to obtain purchase in the bony tissue. Preferably, the crown includes an opening that is selectively engageable with a spherical head of the fastening device. The opening preferably comprises a spherical curvature that allows the surfaces of the spherical head and the opening to maintain flush contact, even when the fastening device is inserted into the bony tissue at a non-orthogonal angle. When the fastening device is inserted into the bony tissue, the crown distributes the load over a wider section of the bone, allowing the bone to maintain its structural integrity.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system is disclosed that includes an anterior cervical plate with a locking mechanism feature, bone screws, and a locking element. The bone screws fasten the anterior cervical plate to the spinal vertebrae and locking elements are inserted into a housing to prevent withdrawal of the bone screws from the vertebrae. The anterior cervical plate has at least one pair of adjacent bone screw holes, with the housing mounted perpendicularly between adjacent bone screw holes. When the bone screws are fully inserted into the vertebrae through the anterior cervical plate, the locking element prevents the retraction of the bone screws from the vertebrae. The elastically-deformable locking element holds the bone screws inside the screw holes.

Abstract: A bone plate system is provided that includes bone plates and bone anchor assemblies for being inserted into bone plate bores to secure the bone plates to one or more bones. In one aspect, the bone plate system includes a bone anchor assembly having a locking cap and a locking fastener connected to a head portion of a bone anchor. The bone anchor assembly is driven into a bone plate bore before the locking fastener is shifted to expand the locking cap and fix the bone anchor assembly within the bore. In another aspect, the bone plate system includes a bone anchor assembly having a locking cap that deflects radially inward due to contact with the bone plate at large bone anchor assembly insertion angles. In addition, a bone anchor assembly having a preassembled condition with a locking cap resisting back out of a locking fastener.

Abstract: A bone screw including a head portion, an intermediate portion, and a threaded portion. The intermediate portion further includes a wave-type spring formed therein. In one exemplary embodiment, the wave-type spring is formed to have a lattice structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the wave-type spring of the intermediate portion is formed by laser cutting. By providing a wave-type spring in the intermediate portion of the bone screw of the present invention, the bone screw provides dynamic tension to maintain a bone plate or other orthopedic device in its desired position substantially adjacent a bone.

Abstract: Anchors to secure a rod to a vertebral member. The anchors may include a fastener with a distal end adapted to be connected to the vertebral member and a proximal end. A receiver may be operatively connected to the proximal end of the fastener. The receiver may include a channel sized to receive the rod. The receiver may further include at least one convex section that extends inward towards a longitudinal axis of the rod. The receiver may be formed in a unitary one-piece construction. The anchor may also include a securing member that connects to the receiver and may include a lower edge that extends into the channel and may contact the rod.

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: An orthodontic anchorage screw (1, 1?, 1?) with a barrel provided with a thread (8) and formed onto a screw head (2) shall guarantee a particularly high and lasting strength after having been put in place in the jaw bone. For this purpose, according to the invention, the thread (8) is designed, viewed along the longitudinal axis of the threaded barrel (4), with at least one non-constant thread parameter.

Abstract: The invention facilitates the fixation of bone fractures. In a particular embodiment, the head component includes a tip, cutting threads and mating threads which are inserted into the far cortex of the bone. A wire extends from the head component and exits from the near cortex. A cap device having a sawtooth inner surface is threaded over the wire having an inverse sawtooth outer surface such that the cap is restricted from backwards movement. Tension is then applied to the wire while the cap is tightened against or within the bone surface to thereby apply an appropriate amount of pressure between the surfaces of the fracture. The excess wire beyond the cap can then be removed.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system including an implant assembly and an instrument configured to work in conjunction to manipulate vertebral bodies to affect derotation. The implant assemblies include a removable attachment element that allows for the attachment of the instrument. The instrument is configured to attach to two implant assemblies that have been inserted bilaterally into a vertebral body. When the instrument is attached to the implant assemblies, forces applied to the instrument are translated and transferred to the implant assemblies and the vertebral body into which the implant assemblies have been inserted thereby providing a rotational force on the vertebral body.

Abstract: The present invention provides minimally invasive devices and methods for delivering a spinal connector to one or more spinal anchor sites in a patient's spinal column. In one embodiment, a spinal implant and access device is provided that includes a U-shaped receiver member, a bone-engaging member, and an extension member. The U-shaped receiver member can have a recess formed therein that is adapted to seat a spinal connector. The bone-engaging member can extend distally from the receiver member and it can be adapted to engage bone to thereby mate the receiver member to bone. The extension member can extend proximally from the receiver member and it can include a frangible portion formed thereon that is adapted to break when a predetermined force is applied thereto thereby allowing at least a portion of the extension member to be separated from the receiver member.

Abstract: The present patent of invention that refers to a bone plate screw fixation. It refers to a system comprising a screw (3) and a plate (1) for bone synthesis, wherein the screw (3) after being placed in the bone in the final tight will stay blocked on the plate (1) whether using the lock ring (2) or not. On A Version (FIG. 1) the system will be comprised by screw (3), plate (1) and lock ring (2). The screw (3) has its conical head that may receive a thread or not. The ring (2) has in its internal outline a cone that may have a thread to receive the screw (3) or not. Outside the lock ring (2) there is a spherical surface that will connect to the plate (1), which will fix the set when tightened; this ring is cut so that it can be expanded. The plate (1) has its spherical hole similar to ring's outward to receive the set (2) and (3) where the block will occur. However, on B Version (FIG. 2) the screw (3) may be placed on the plate (5) even without the lock ring following the screw (3) thread outline (4).

Abstract: A system for implantation of a spinal stabilization system includes a vertebral anchor having a top portion. The top portion has a perimeter and a first engaging element. The first engaging element has a first longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to a second longitudinal axis of the top portion. The perimeter extends around the second longitudinal axis. The system also includes a driving tool that has a second engaging element that is configured to cooperate with the first engaging element to substantially restrict rotation of the driving tool relative to the top portion about the second longitudinal axis. The first engaging element is configured to slidably receive the second engaging element in a direction along the first longitudinal axis, and the second engaging element is configured to extend substantially within the perimeter of the top portion.