Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for retaining a plate, such as a cervical plate, to a substrate, such as bone, through a locking screw with upper asynchronous threads and lower cancellous threads. The present invention utilizes the locking screw with cancellous-type threads to draw the screw into the substrate. The screw is operable to retain a plate to the substrate and is configured to gall and lock to the plate through the upper threads which are out-of-phase with corresponding threads on the plate thereby preventing reverse threading or backing out of the screw.

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.

Abstract: A method of treating a spinal column shape deformation includes fixing at least two fixation screw assemblies to respective vertebrae, sliding a rod between the arm extensions on each of the fixation screw assemblies, swinging the channels of the screw assemblies relative to the fixation screws so that the channels become less inclined to the axes of the fixation screws, and so that the rod is located generally posteriorly of the spinal column, locking the channel against swinging relative to the screw, rotating the rod about its axis relative to at least one of the channels, and locking the rod against movement relative to the channel.

Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.

Abstract: A screw, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tissue injury of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee or osteochondritis dissecans. The screw has a root, a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end, and a thread along at least a portion of the root between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a leading section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a trailing section between the leading section and the root's proximal end, the helical pitch decreases. The substantially constant pitch along the leading section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the screw.

Abstract: An assembly including a connector element including a receptacle from which extends a neck, a lug element sized to fit in the receptacle of the connector element, ears pivotally connected to the lug element, and a mechanical fastener that fastens the connector element together with the lug element, thereby causing the ears to pivot and grip a connector rod placed between the ears.

Abstract: A bone screw, which can be a pedicle screw, is generally tulip-shaped. A bore in the bottom of the tulip permits a threaded shaft to be partially inserted into the open interior of the tulip. A seat is formed on the threaded shaft and receives the bottom of the tulip, and prevents the threaded shaft from being inserted too far into the tulip. A saddle is positioned in the interior of the tulip and receives the end of the threaded shaft on one end and can include a trough on its opposite face which can receive a rod that connects together two or more such assemblies. A retaining screw threads into the upper interior surface of the tulip to hold the subcomponents together.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor has a headless anchor member (e.g., a screw, hook, or other structure for attaching to bone) that allows the size of the bone anchor to be small. A locking element securely snap-fits over the headless anchor member such that inadvertent separation from the anchor member is unlikely. When the anchor member is attached to the locking element and the locking element is seated within the anchor head of the bone anchor, the headless anchoring member can polyaxially rotate about a central axis of the bone anchor before being locked in place.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting a support element to a bone. The assembly comprises: a bone screw having a head at one end of a threaded shaft; and a clamp comprising: a base at a first end of the clamp delimiting an opening for receiving the head of the bone screw; and at least two side members extending from the base towards a second end of the clamp. The head of the bone screw and the clamp are configured to allow the head of the bone screw to be inserted into the base from the direction of the first end at a first orientation of the base to the bone screw, and to retain an inserted bone screw within the base at a second orientation of the base relative to the bone screw. This allows the screw to be inserted into the bone without requiring prior assembly of the screw and clamp. It also allows later revision whereby the clamp can be removed from the screw without requiring an implanted screw to be removed from the bone.

Abstract: A biocompatible interference screw for soft tissue or bone-to-bone fixation comprises a screw body extending from a screw head to a distal tip of the screw. The screw body has an outer surface, and comprises polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) material. Advantageously, the body outer surface has a textured surface finish for substantially improving pull-out strength of the interference screw. The textured surface finish is textured, in preferred embodiments, with a minimum of approximately 16 micro inches of surface roughness. The screw head comprises a tapered square keyhole for receiving a distal end of a driver instrument. The screw comprises a series of threads, which have a relatively smooth profile, in order to prevent graft tissue laceration as the screw is being inserted. The distal tip of the screw body comprises a narrow tip, and a distal end of the screw body is angled inwardly toward the narrow distal tip.

Abstract: A bone screw and method of inserting a bone screw into a bone is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes a tip segment for creating a starter hole in the bone. A pilot segment is located proximally of the tip segment for creating a pilot hole in the bone after creation of the starter hole. The starter hole and pilot hole are created by a longitudinal pushing force exerted on the bone screw by the surgeon. A threaded segment is located proximally of the pilot segment for fixedly securing the bone screw in the bone by the use of a rotational force exerted on the bone screw by the surgeon. A head is located proximally of the threaded segment for allowing the bone screw to affix an implant or other soft tissue to the bone. In one embodiment the implant is a plate.

Abstract: A device for attaching an elongate support member to the spinal column includes a head portion and a fastening member. The head portion may have a U-shaped portion defining a transverse passage therethrough. The passage may be sized to receive a portion of the elongate support member. The head portion may have an opening between a pair of spaced apart arm portions, the arm portions having end surfaces and having inwardly facing threads. The device also may include a fastening member comprising a body portion having threads sized to interface with inwardly facing threads on the head portion, the body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The fastening member also may include a flange portion adjacent the body portion. The flange portion may extend outwardly about the longitudinal axis to define a circular flange perimeter. The flange portion may include a transversely extending protruding portion and an angled protruding portion.

Abstract: Methods and devices for locking a fastener in a thru-bore are provided herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal anchor is provided that includes a bone engaging fastener, an anti-backout mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The anti-backout mechanism can be movable between a retracted position in which it is disposed within the fastener and a deployed position in which is extends from the bone engaging fastener. The locking mechanism can be matable to the bone engaging fastener and can be configured to move the anti-backout mechanism from the retracted position to the deployed position. In the deployed position, the anti-backout mechanism can prevent the bone engaging fastener from backing out of a thru-bore in a spinal plate.

Abstract: A facet screw system for surgical implantation into bone tissue having a shaft, a compression member and a washer. The shaft includes a shaft having a bone engaging portion and a compression member engaging portion. The compression member includes a spherical head portion having a recess for engaging with a driving instrument, and an elongated coupling portion having internal threads for coupling with the compression member engaging portion of the shaft and a washer coupled to the spherical head portion of the compression member and having a plurality of bone engaging protrusions. The washer is adapted to be polyaxially rotatable with respect to the compression member.

Abstract: A screw, comprising a head, and a shaft, wherein the shaft comprises a first threaded shaft portion; a second threaded shaft portion disposed contiguous to said head; and a middle shaft portion disposed between said first threaded shaft portion and said second threaded shaft, wherein said middle shaft portion is an irregular form.

Abstract: The present application is directed to embodiments of a pedicle screw assembly to position an elongated member within a patient. The assembly may include a receiver with a channel sized to receive the elongated member and a chamber. The assembly may also include an anchor with a head sized to fit within the chamber. The assembly may include a compression member sized to fit within the chamber and include a first side that contacts against the head and a second side that contacts against the receiver. At least one of the receiver, anchor, and compression member may be constructed of a first material, and at least one of the receiver, anchor, and compression member may be constructed of a second material. The first and second materials may include different moduli of elasticity to prevent deformation of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention facilitates the fixation of bone fractures. In particular, the invention relates to a cap that has an inside surface comprising an interface component that is operable to engage a flexible wire. The flexible wire is connected to a head component that engages a first bone fragment. The outside surface of the cap may include cutting threads to facilitate attachment to a second bone fragment. A tensioner may be used to exert tension on the wire, the cap and the head component, thereby drawing the first bone fragment to the second bone fragment. In various embodiments, the cap is a planar disk that has a central hole that restricts backward translation and expands when the cap is translating down a wire.

Abstract: An improved guide wire having a collar member for affixation to a pedicle screw, the guide wire assembly used in a system, set of instrumentation and method comprising the combination and use of plural pedicle screws, a rod for connecting pedicle screws in a relatively rigid manner, and instrumentation means to optimize insertion of the rod into the pedicle screws, such means comprising a guide wire and instrumentation to position the guide wire in the pedicle screws, whereby the guide wire is mounted to a pedicle screw, all the screws are implanted into the vertebrae, and the rod subsequently guided into the pedicle screws along the guide wire, all using minimally invasive surgical incisions.

Abstract: A pedicle screw (1) with a closure device (13) for securing a rod for stabilization of the vertebral column comprises a screw-in part (2), a head part (3) provided on the screw-in part (2), a U-shaped recess (4) disposed in the head part (3), which recess is formed by the inner surfaces (5) and (6) of two arms (7) and (8) a bottom surface (9) connecting the two inner surfaces (5) and (6), in which recess (4) the rod is insertable and is held by the closure device (13). The closure device (13) comprises a yoke-shaped locking element (15), which has a collar (20) on each of the two end regions opposite each other, on each of which collars projections (21) are provided, directed toward each other.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system, method, and a surgical kit having a surgical extender apparatus for implanting a surgical screw are disclosed. The extender includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a hollow interior passageway disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, a channel disposed along an exterior surface of the housing at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to at least partially expose the hollow interior passageway, an interior locking mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the housing and substantially adjacent the proximal end, wherein the interior locking mechanism is configured to allow attachment of at least one surgical tool, and at least one flexible member disposed substantially adjacent the distal end. The housing is configured to accommodate placement of a surgical screw implant. The surgical screw implant is secured to the housing a mating feature in the surgical screw implant.

Abstract: A bone plate for use in anterior lumbar spinal fixation has interlocking components to prevent dislodgement of the plate due to anatomical forces. The exposed surface of the plate is smooth to prevent trauma to internal body tissue. The plate spans the intervertebral space with each end attached to an adjacent vertebrae by locking screws threadably engaged with tubular bone anchors. The bone anchors include helical members are threaded through the bone plate and inserted into holes within the bone. The plate has a countersunk cavity including portions overlapping the locking screws. A locking cap fits in the cavity to secure the other end of the locking screws from backing-out of the plate. The locking cap includes at least two chamfered portions that cooperate with mating recesses in the countersunk cavity of the bone plate.

Abstract: An instrument includes components configured to secure a locking device inside a rod fixation assembly. In one embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve and a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve. A drive assembly cooperatively engages the pusher member. In another embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve, a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve, and a pair of drive assemblies. A first drive assembly engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a first loading. A second drive assembly also engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a second loading, the second loading being substantially greater than the first loading. In another embodiment, a method for reducing and locking a spinal rod includes the step of advancing a locking element while the locking element is retained in a fixed orientation.

Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring a rod in a bone or a vertebra and for use with at least two rods having a different diameter is provided. The anchoring device includes a shaft and a head for connection to one of said rods. The head is connected to said shaft and has a recess with a base and two substantially vertically extending legs defining a channel for receiving the rod in said channel. The anchoring device further includes a fixation element for clamping said rod in said channel. The fixation element and said base each have a contact surface contacting said rod, the contact surfaces being shaped so as to be able to clamp any of the different rods.

Abstract: A capless multiaxial screw fixation assembly, including: a screw having a threaded portion and a screw head portion positioned at one end thereof; and, a retainer having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a bore for receiving the screw threaded portion so that the screw head portion is seated therein. At least one of the screw and the retainer is configured such that the retainer is able to pivot about the screw head portion in a non-symmetrical manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dynamic bone fixation elements and a surgical method to stabilize bone or bone fragments. The dynamic bone fixation elements preferably include a bone engaging component and a load carrier engaging component. The bone engaging component preferably includes a plurality of threads for engaging a patient's bone and a lumen. The load carrier engaging component preferably includes a head portion for engaging a load carrier (e.g., bone plate) and a shaft portion. The shaft portion preferably at least partially extends into the lumen. Preferably at least a portion of an outer surface of the shaft portion is spaced away from at least a portion of an inner surface of the lumen via a gap so that the head portion can move with respect to the bone engaging component. The distal end of the shaft portion is preferably coupled to the lumen.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first component and a second component moveable about an axis relative to the first component. The second component is moveable between a first position and a second position. Movement of the second component from the first position to the second position applies a torsional force to an orthopedic fastener to remove a portion of the orthopedic fastener.

Abstract: A connector assembly including a bone anchoring element including a spherical head, a double collet that includes an inner clamping portion formed by inner surfaces of a plurality of resilient fingers, the resilient fingers defining a first wedge surface and a second wedge surface, an outer closure element that includes an inner clamping portion that corresponds in shape to an outer contour of the double collet, the outer closure element including a pair of arms that define a channel shaped for receiving therein a connector element, and an interface ring that includes a base formed with an inner wedge surface and a pair of wing extensions that extend from the base.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a bone fixation assembly that can provide polyaxial fixation. The polyaxial fixation may be provided by fins that protrude from an opening in a bone plate or fins that protrude from a fastener head.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra, a rod for connecting at least two anchoring elements, the rod being made of an elastic material. The bone anchoring device further includes a receiving part being connected to the shank for receiving the rod, a seat for the rod being provided in the receiving part the seat having a rod contacting surface, and a locking device cooperating with the receiving part for fixation of the rod in the seat. The locking device includes a rod contacting surface, wherein the rod contacting surface of the seat and/or the rod contacting surface of the locking device includes an engagement structure for engaging the rod, the engagement structure having an asymmetric cross section.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device, includes a receiving part for receiving a rod-shaped implant element, the receiving part having a first bore coaxial with a longitudinal axis and extending from a first end of the receiving part, and a recess extending from the first end to accomplish insertion of the rod-shaped implant element. The device further includes a bone screw having a threaded section for insertion into the bone and being fixed at or positionable at a second end of the receiving part and a fixation element provided to the first bore to fixate a rigid section of the rod-shaped implant element. The rigid section of the rod-shaped implant element has a first width, and the recess of the receiving part has a second width. The second width is larger than the first width, such that the recess may accommodate a stepped portion of the rod-shaped implant element that has an increased thickness.

Abstract: A surgical bone screw includes an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, a threaded portion on the circumference of the body, and a passage extending between the proximal and the distal ends of the body. An electrical conductor is disposed in the passage between the proximal and the distal ends of the screw body. The conductor has a first terminal at the proximal end and a second terminal at the distal end. The conductor and both of the terminals are electrically insulated from surrounding portions of the screw body. When the screw is driven into bone tissue and a stimulating current is applied to the first terminal, the current is directed substantially through the conductor to flow into tissue adjacent to the second terminal at the distal end, without shunting by other tissue that surrounds the screw body.

Abstract: Embodiments of a bone anchoring systems are disclosed. In one such embodiment, there is disclosed a bone anchoring system, comprising a bone anchor having a distal end portion adapted to engage a bone and a proximal end portion, a head coupled to the proximal end portion wherein the head is adapted to rotate with respect to the bone anchor, and a locking element coupled to the head and adapted to rotate with respect to the head to create additional rotation with respect to the bone anchor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides pedicle-based facet fixation systems and methods. The pedicle-based construct utilized includes a pedicle screw, pedicle anchor, or the like that is selectively secured to a pedicle of a spine of a patient. The pedicle-based construct is selectively coupled to one end of a rod or other elongate member. The other end of the rod or other elongate member is selectively coupled to a clamping mechanism. This clamping mechanism is selectively secured to a facet joint of the spine of the patient, engaging one or both of the associated superior facet and inferior facet. In operation, the pedicle-based construct, rod or other elongate member, and clamping mechanism securely grasp and compress the facet joint, thereby fixing it.

Abstract: A screw and rod fixation assembly includes a body member including a screw seat for seating a screw head therein and a rod seat for seating a rod therein. An adjustable locking ring applies a locking force against the screw head seated in the screw seat and a locking cap adjustably applies a locking force against a rod seated in the rod seat. The adjustable screw locking ring and locking cap function independent of each other. A method of fixing the rod to the screw includes the steps of inserting a screw head into a screw seat in one end of a body member and inserting a rod into a rod seat in a second end of a body member and selectively and independently adjusting a locking force on both the screw head and the rod within the screw seat and rod seat, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a novel mono-axial taper lock screw for connecting a connecting rod to bone. The screw is capable of being secured to the underlying bone while the screw head adapted to securely hold a connecting rod is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the screw to facilitate a stable connection to the connecting rod. The screw head can be partially locked to hold the device in place while permitting manipulation of the spine. The screw head can then be fully locked securing the connecting rod into a selected position. The screw is configured for easy insertion and connection as well as easy removal and disconnection from the connecting rod. Also provided is a bone fragments. A method of fixing bones or bone fragments is also provided.

Abstract: A coupling device for securing an elongate member to the spine is provided. The coupling device comprises a compressible inner member that secures an anchor member therein when the inner member is axially shifted within an outer member. Structures are provided to prevent disassembly of the anchor and coupling device prior to locking of the elongate member.

Abstract: Provided is a novel uni-planar taper lock screw for connecting a connecting rod to bone. The screw is capable of being secured to the underlying bone while the screw head adapted to securely hold a connecting rod is articulated in a unidirectional manner to facilitate a stable connection to the connecting rod. After the screw had been articulated and properly positioned, it can be partially locked such that the connecting rod will remain in relative position to the bone while permitting flexibility of the screw head relative to the bone along a single plane. The screw head can then be fully locked securing the connecting rod into a selected position. The screw is configured for easy insertion and connection as well as easy removal and disconnection from the connecting rod. Also provided is a system for fixing two or more bones or bone fragments and a kit for fixing bones or bone fragments. A method of fixing bones or bone fragments is also provided.

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

Abstract: A transfacet-pedicle locking screw fixation assembly includes a plurality of pedicle screws each including threads at a distal end and a connecting receptacle at a proximal end. The connecting receptacle is oriented perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw. A basic transfacet locking screw including threads at least at a distal end has the distal end engaging the connecting receptacle in one of the pedicle screws. The transfacet locking screw may also be interlocked with another transfacet locking screw.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head, a retaining ring and a nut. The external capture structure surface includes a threaded portion and a smooth portion; the smooth portion for slidably mating with the retaining ring and the threaded portion for rotatable attachment to the nut within a cavity of the head. The nut fixes the retaining ring to the shank and also provides a tool engagement formation for driving the shank body into bone.

Abstract: A polyaxial locking screw system includes a bone plate defining a plate hole with an inner spherical surface and a relatively harder split polyaxial bushing with a outer spherical surface provided within the plate hole for receiving a bone screw. In one embodiment, the plate is formed from titanium alloy, while the bushing is formed from a cobalt chrome alloy. The outer surface of the polyaxial bushing includes a plurality of spikes. When the screw is inserted into the bushing, since the bushing material is considerably harder than the plate material, the forceful expansion of the bushing during screw insertion causes the spikes to penetrate into the inner spherical surface of the hole, thereby increasing the frictional engagement of the bushing to the plate to lock the screw at a desired angle.

Abstract: Alignment apparatuses, methods, and systems for positioning guidewire insertion devices into a patient's vertebrae. The alignment apparatus can facilitate insertion of a guidewire insertion device through a stab incision made in a patient's skin and into target vertebrae of the patient in a spinal fixation procedure. The apparatus may comprise a housing having at least one opening. The housing can be positionable against the patient's skin proximate to the target vertebrae. The opening may be configured to receive the guidewire insertion device so that it directs the advancement of the guidewire insertion device through the opening and the stab incision.

Abstract: A surgical system comprising: an object to be secured to bone, the object comprising an opening extending therethrough; and a sleeve/expander construction for securing the object to bone, the sleeve/expander 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; and an expander adapted for positioning through the opening in the sleeve, the expander being sized so as to (i) radially expand the distal end of the sleeve so that the sleeve is secured to the bone, and (ii) radially expand the enlarged head of the sleeve

Abstract: A bone attachment device comprises an attachment collar having a hinged lid is disclosed. The bone attachment device may also comprise a bone fastener (such as a bone screw). A bone attachment device including an attachment collar and a spinal rod locking device is disclosed. A bone attachment device as described herein may be used together with a spinal stabilization rod and one or more additional bone attachment devices. Such devices are adapted to clamp and hold a spinal stabilization rod. Methods for implanting a spinal stabilizer having a bone attachment device including a hinged lid are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for aligning and implanting orthopedic fixation or stabilization implants within the body. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two bone anchors, at least one of which is provided with an angularly adjustable connector. In one aspect, the system also includes at least one linkage rod, for linking two or more bone anchors through their respective adjustable connectors. The bone anchors and the linkage rod may be locked into place to form a spinal fusion or fixation prosthesis. An alignment tool is provided, for guiding a guidewire through one or more connectors.

Abstract: A remodelable spacer for use in a bone plating procedure is fabricated from an extracellular matrix material. The remodelable spacer is positionable between a bone plate and a bone during an orthopaedic plating procedure. A method of using a remodelable spacer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for a bone anchored hearing device for anchoring hearing aid devices or extra-oral prostheses in the form of ear and orbital prostheses in the skull bone. The apparatus comprises a screw-shaped anchoring fixture configured to be inserted into the skull bone and a skin-penetrating abutment coupled to the fixture by a screw connection. The fixture comprises a main body with an external screw thread and a flange having a substantially planar bottom surface. The flange is configured to stop the anchoring element from penetrating through the skull bone. The skin-penetrating abutment comprises a substantially conical outer surface. The upper end surface of the fixture is designed with an open cavity with a tapered inner contour forming a seat for the bottom part of the abutment. The bottom part of the abutment is configured to create a good connecting fit between the fixture and abutment.

Abstract: A vertebral anchoring device includes connectors (2) linked to one another by connecting rods (3) and fixed on bone-anchoring screws (5) implanted in the vertebrae (4) of a vertebral column, each connector (2) being composed of a connection element (6) that includes receiving and fixing members to permit immobilization of the connecting rod (3) in translation and in rotation. Each connection element (6) includes, opposite the members for receiving and fixing the connecting rod (3), a seat (12) that cooperates with a connecting device (17) permitting assembly of the anchoring screw (5). The connecting device (17), before immobilization of the connecting rod (3) in the connection element (6), permits lateral and independent tilting movements of the connection element (6) and of the anchoring screw (5) relative to each other, and rotation of the anchoring screw (5) for fixing it in the body of the vertebra (4).

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of spinal fixation system connectors and related methods and apparatus. In one embodiment, a connector body is provided which comprises a slot configured to allow a spinal fixation rod to extend therethrough. The connector may also include a cap configured to be connected with the connector body and thereby circumscribe a portion of the rod. The cap may comprise at least two interior groove portions that may be configured to receive top portions of two opposing sidewalls on the connector body when the cap is engaged with the connector body.

Abstract: A dynamic screw system for stabilizing a vertebral body includes a bone screw adapted to connect to the vertebral body, the bone screw including an open concave head, a connecting element coupled to the bone screw, a joint element coupled around a middle cylindrical portion of the connecting element, an elongated bar element coupled to the upper spherical portion of the connecting element, and a pin adapted to fit inside the elongated bar element and a slot of the connecting element. The connecting element may include an upper spherical portion including a first diameter, a middle cylindrical portion including a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a lower spherical portion having a plurality of outwardly expandable legs adapted to lock into the open concave head of the bone screw.