Abstract: A thread 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: Systems and methods for positioning a connecting member adjacent the spinal column include at least one anchor assembly having an anchor engageable to bony structure and a receiver for receiving the connecting member. An elongated extension is removably engaged to the receiver and extends proximally from the receiver. The extension and at least a portion of the receiver is removable from the remaining portion of the receiver of the bone anchor after the connecting member is positioned in the receiver to provide a low profile anchor and connecting member assembly when finally implanted in the patient.

Abstract: A multi-axial screw assembly comprises a receiver, a base member, and a crown. The receiver comprises a channel for receiving a rod and an aperture extending from a bottom portion of the receiver. The base member comprises an aperture extending through the base member and an opening on a bottom portion of the base member. The base member is configured to couple to the receiver such that the aperture of the receiver is generally aligned with the aperture of the base member. The base member is rotatable relative to the receiver. The crown is received in the receiver and configured to mate to the base member. The crown has a mating feature configured to couple to the base member such that the crown rotates the base member when the crown is rotated.

Abstract: An implant is described having a shaft (1) and a holding element (3; 30) connected therewith for connecting with a rod (100). A recess is provided in the holding element. The recess has a U-shaped cross section for accommodation of the rod and two free legs (7, 8; 32, 33) at one end which include an inner thread (9; 34). A closure element (20; 36) fixes the rod inserted into the U-shaped recess. The closure element has an outer thread cooperating with the inner thread of the legs. An abutment is provided at or in the holding element (3; 30) to limit tilting of the closure element about the rod at the time of final tightening of the closure element in the holding element. As a result thereof it is possible to keep the wall thickness of the receiver member small in spite of the large forces acting at the time of final tightening. The invention is applicable to both monoaxial screws and polyaxial screws as well as bone hooks.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly comprises a bone screw having a shaft and a head, a stabilizer retainer, a set screw, and a housing having a proximal opening, biased to one side, and a distal opening that open on an interior cavity. The stabilizer retainer has a cylindrical channel that receives a stabilizer. The retainer has flexible portions that allow passage of the stabilizer into the channel. An arcuate wall of the channel maintains contact with the stabilizer within the channel. The housing is adapted to receive the bone screw, the stabilizer retainer and the set screw in the interior cavity. The housing has a channel that permits passage of the stabilizer though the housing. The set screw is engaged in the distal opening. The set screw and stabilizer retainer engage and prevent movement of the flexible portions, preventing movement of the stabilizer from the stabilizer retainer.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw body includes a side wall defining a lumen having a first end and a second end. An opening disposed at the first end of the lumen, includes an interior surface disposed in the side wall thereabout. The interior surface is adapted to accommodate a head portion of a pedicle screw. A transverse channel extends from a first aperture through the side wall to a second aperture and is adapted to accommodate a portion of a fixation rod therebetween. A lateral connector extending integrally from the side wall.

Abstract: A bone screw having a screw member possessing a threaded section and a head and a receiving part at the head end for receiving a rod to be connected to the bone screw is provided. The receiving part has on open first bore and a substantially U-shaped cross-section having two free legs provided with a thread. Furthermore, the receiving part has a second bore on the end opposite to the first bore whose diameter is greater than that of the threaded section and smaller than that of the head. On the bottom of the first bore a seat for the head is provided. In order that the screw member can be pivoted to at least one side by an enlarged angle, the edge bounding the free end of the second bore viewed relative to the axis of the first bore is of asymmetric construction.

Abstract: A distal loading receiver for a polyaxial bone screw includes a body member having a circumferential wall defining a bore disposed longitudinally through the body member. A skirt depends from a distal end of the body member. The skirt defines one or more distally opening slots and an abluminal surface of the skirt includes one or more transverse ribs proximate to a distal end of the skirt. A retaining ring includes a luminal surface having one or more transverse recesses proximate to a distal end of the luminal surface and one or more walls extending inwardly from the luminal surface. The slots accommodate the walls and the recesses accommodate the ribs to attach the body member to the retaining ring when the distal end of the skirt is inserted into a proximal end of the retaining ring.

Abstract: The present invention may provide various improvements over conventional cross connectors. For example, the present invention may provide various types of Real-X cross connectors, which may have an arch shape X-bridge that curves above the spinal bone segments of the patient. As such, the Real-X cross connectors may be more adaptive to the patient's spinal provide and provide better protect for the patient's the spinal bone segments. For another example, the present invention may provide various types of Real-O cross connectors, which may have a protection ring for protecting the patient's spinous process. Because of its protection ring, the implantation of one of the Real-O cross connectors may eliminate the need of spinous process removal. Furthermore, a Real-O cross connector may be combined with a Real-X cross connector to form a Real-XO cross connector, which may inherit the functional benefits of both the Real-X and Real-O cross connectors.

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. The shank mates and polyaxially rotates with the retaining ring inside the head. The head includes an internal cavity having a spherical shaped surface that mates with the ring surface and has a lower restrictive neck that prevents passage of the ring once the ring is seated in the cavity.

Abstract: Compound spinal rods function as part of the dynamic stabilization prosthesis to provide load sharing with motion preservation as part of a dynamic stabilization prosthesis. Compound spinal rods are used to span from one vertebra to an adjacent vertebra. Compound spinal rods include a first rod connected by a linkage to a second rod. The linkage allows for movement of the first rod relative to the second rod. The movement permitted by the compound spinal rod is designed to enhance the ability of a dynamic stabilization prosthesis to more closely approximate the natural kinematics of the spine without impairing stabilization of the spine.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for a pedicle screw system including a bone anchor, linkage rod, tulip, set screw, and detent plate. When the set screw is fully tightened against the detent plate, pluralities of ridges on opposing faces of the detent plate and set screw cooperate by providing catches to prevent unwanted loosening of the set screw, which could lead to unwanted rod slippage and instability in the orthopedic fixation unit.

Abstract: A method for mounting a polyaxial screw into a bone includes rotating a drive cap so that a screw mounted to the drive cap is screwed into a bone, the drive cap having a socket in which a portion of the screw is pivotably disposed, at least a portion of a collet being disposed within the socket between the screw and the drive cap. A stabilizing structure and a fastener are positioned onto a shaft projecting from the drive cap. The fastener is advanced along the shaft so as to push a portion of a compression cap against the collet which in turn wedges the collet within the socket of the drive cap and causes the collet to bias against a portion of the screw, thereby locking the position of the screw, the collet, and the drive cap relative to each other.

Abstract: An instrument for reducing a spinal rod includes a reduction member sized and shaped to be positioned about an anchor extension connected to a bone anchor, an actuator assembly connected to the reduction member and operable to move the reduction member distally relative to the anchor extension along a longitudinal axis of the anchor extension, and a connection mechanism for removable and replaceable connection of the actuator assembly to a proximal end of the anchor extension. The connection mechanism is adjustable between a first position in which the connection mechanism connects the actuator assembly to the proximal end of the anchor extension and a second position in which the connection mechanism and the actuator assembly are released from the anchor extension.

Abstract: An implant extends along a central axis, and includes first and second members spaced along the central axis. The implant can include a compliant interface. The compliant interface includes a plurality of spring members, the plurality of spring members arranged to space apart the first member from the second member along the central axis.

Abstract: The present invention may include a pedicle screw with a multifunctional adaptor, a strain reliever, and a dual-surface cap. The multifunctional adaptor may include a convex pivot ring for improving multi-axial movement and locking stability, an integrated locking mechanism for improving maneuverability, and an integrated compression member for improving the assembly process. The strain reliever may be formed along a neck of the pedicle screw for relieving mechanical stress asserted thereto, and thereby preventing a breakage thereof. The dual-surface cap may provide a slightly sloped surface for reducing the tension of the stabilizing rod. The present invention may also provide for a dynamic adaptor for flexibly connecting two stabilizing rods, which may be versatilely adapted to various pedicle screw configurations.

Abstract: A modular dynamic pedicle screw system including anchoring device having a threaded shank for anchoring within a vertebra, an intermediate element and a head portion configured to receive and secure a rigid or non-rigid stabilization rod. The threaded shank, the intermediate element and the head portion of the anchoring device are cannulated to permit percutaneous implantation of the device. The intermediate portion is designed to be removable from the threaded shank portion subsequent to implantation of the anchoring device to enable substitution of another intermediate element having different dynamic characteristics. The dynamic stabilization system includes an adjustable torque limiting device that is interchangeable between a tap device and a screw driver. The torque device provides information relative to the patient's bone quality inter-operatively in order to determine the appropriate modulus of elasticity for the dynamic pedicle screw.

Abstract: There is provided a polyaxial vertebral assembly. This assembly includes a polyaxial vertebral anchor and an articulating connector. The polyaxial vertebral anchor is configured to penetrate and secure to a vertebra. The articulating connector has a common trajectory split lock, which is configured to engage rigidly the polyaxial vertebral anchor in a selected pivotal configuration with respect to the polyaxial vertebral anchor and which is further configured to engage rigidly a stabilizing rod at selected configurable height and rotational configuration with respect to the polyaxial vertebral anchor. The pivotal configuration and the height and rotational configuration are independently adjustable through the common trajectory split lock.

Abstract: An intermediate element for a detachable, lockable, ball joint-like connection in a device for the dynamic fixation of bones has a longitudinal axis, an outer wall concentric with the longitudinal axis, and an inner wall forming a coaxial cavity. Either the outer wall or the inner wall comprises one of two contact zones that form the ball joint-like connection. The intermediate element is at least partly made of a super-elastic or visco-elastic material.

Abstract: Alignment clamps, extension caps, and systems, with associated methods, for pedicle screw extension alignment in an orthopedic patient are described. An alignment clamp for alignment of pedicle screw extensions includes a clamp having a hollow interior. The clamp can receive a pedicle screw extension through the hollow interior. The clamp includes opposing open ends in communication with the hollow interior. A straightening rod receptacle is on a side of the clamp. The straightening rod receptacle is oriented to receive a straightening rod therethrough. The straightening rod receptacle can be substantially perpendicular to a direction of the clamp through which the pedicle screw extension is receivable.

Abstract: A catheter for use in neurosurgery, and a method of positioning neurosurgical apparatus. The catheter has a fine tube arranged for insertion into the brain parenchyma of a patient with an external diameter of not more than 1.0 mm. The catheter and method may be used in stereotactically targeting treatment of abnormalities of brain function, and for the infusion of therapeutic agents directly into the brain parenchyma. This is advantageous when a therapeutic agent would have widespread unwanted effects which could be avoided by confining the delivery to the malfunctioning or damaged brain tissue.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a fixation portion configured to interface with boney tissue, a connection portion having a longitudinal axis and being configured to interface with an elongated support structure, and a flexible portion disposed between the fixation portion and the connection portion. The flexible portion is configured to permit flexure of the connection portion relative to the fixation portion. The flexible portion has a first set of opposed facing surfaces that mechanically limit the range of flexure in a first direction. It has a second set of opposed facing surfaces that mechanically limit the range of flexure in a second direction. The opposed facing surfaces are substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A spinal implant (100) includes an anchoring part (110) adapted to be anchored to a vertebra and having first connecting elements (112), and a mounting part (120) including both an internal axial housing (151) to receive transversely a connecting rod (30), this axial housing being terminated beside the anchoring part (110) by a bottom (156), and also second connecting elements that cooperate with the first connecting elements to form a ball-joint connection between the anchoring part and the mounting part. The spinal implant includes retaining elements that are situated near the bottom of the axial housing of the mounting part that are adapted to fasten a locking member in a stationary so-called locking position in which the ball-joint connection formed by the first and second connecting elements is locked to fasten the anchoring part and the mounting part in rotation relative to each other about at least two orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a housing, a bone screw member, and an anvil. The bone screw member includes a head and a threaded shaft extending from the head. The head is selectively securable within the housing. The anvil is positionable within the housing adjacent to the head of the bone screw member when the anvil and the head of the bone screw member are positioned within the housing. The anvil may define one or more grooves in an outer surface of the anvil. The groove defines a flap that is flexibly attached to the anvil to enable the anvil to flex an amount sufficient to maintain the head of the bone screw in constant contact with the anvil when the bone screw member is moved relative to the anvil.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The shank upper portion expands a retaining member in the receiver cavity to capture the shank upper portion in the receiver. The retaining member and attached shank are pivotable with respect to the receiver until locked in place with respect to the receiver. A pre-assembled receiver, retaining member and compression insert may be popped-on or snapped-on to the shank upper portion prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra.

Abstract: A screw assembly (10) for insertion into a bone region (12A) (12B) includes a screw body (14) and a washer (16). The screw body (14) includes a distal end (218), a proximal end (224), and a distal threaded area (220), and a proximal threaded area (226). The distal threaded area (220) is positioned near the distal end (218) and the proximal threaded area (226) is positioned near the proximal end (224). The washer (16) includes a washer threaded area (238) that engages the proximal threaded area (226) to selectively secure the washer (16) to the screw body (14). With this design, the washer (16) can be selectively attached to the screw body (14) and different sized washers (16) can be alternatively and selectively secured to the screw body (14). As a result thereof, the person inserting the screw assembly (10) can pick the washer (16) size best suited to retain the bone region (12A) (12B) in which the screw assembly (10) is being inserted.

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 minimally invasive system and method for coupling a spinal rod to a plurality of bone anchors implanted into a plurality of vertebral bodies. A plurality of bottom-loading polyaxial anchor seat assemblies having different vertical heights are chosen to pop over the heads of the implanted bone anchors and a spinal rod is more easily introduced and secured to the bone anchors. The variety of different heights that characterize the plurality of polyaxial anchor seat assemblies allows a surgeon to intraoperatively choose the appropriate offset for a particular spinal level during spinal corrections.

Abstract: A bone screw having a screw member possessing a threaded section and a head and a receiving part at the head end for receiving a rod to be connected to the bone screw is provided. The receiving part has on open first bore and a substantially U-shaped cross-section having two free legs provided with a thread. Furthermore, the receiving part has a second bore on the end opposite to the first bore whose diameter is greater than that of the threaded section and smaller than that of the head. On the bottom of the first bore a seat for the head is provided. In order that the screw member can be pivoted to at least one side by an enlarged angle, the edge bounding the free end of the second bore viewed relative to the axis of the first bore is of asymmetric construction.

Abstract: The device includes a support structure (2) having an orifice (3) that delimits a seat (5) for receiving a nut (6) intended to cooperate with a locking screw (4). The seat (5) comprises an upper part (5a) and a lower part (5b), both shaped as truncated spheres and concentric to each other. Furthermore, the nut (6) has a spherical contour (11), and the screw head (15) has a lower part (15b), also with a spherical contour, and an upper part (15a) provided with a thread (17). The upper (15a) and lower (15b) parts of the screw head (15) cooperate respectively with the complementary thread (14) of the nut (6) and with the lower part (5b) of the receiving seat (5) such that, in the final phase of screwing the spherical contour (11) of the nut (6) bears against the upper spherical part (5a) of the seat (5), and of the lower part of the screw head (15b) against the lower spherical part (5b) of the seat (5).

Abstract: Bone anchors are provided that include a distal shaft for engaging bony structure of a vertebral body and a proximal post pivotably mounted at or near the proximal end of the shaft during implantation of the bone anchor. The bone anchors include a locking member that is engageable to the post and to the shaft to lock the post in a selected angular orientation relative to the shaft.

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: Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, derotation apparatus and systems that can be used to reduce the rotation of vertebral bodies. Derotation apparatus that may comprise a tube assembly comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed over the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve may have a distal end for attachment to an implant. The tube assembly may further comprise a handle assembly. The tube assembly may further comprise a ball joint assembly disposed between the tube assembly and the handle assembly. The ball joint assembly may comprise a ball joint configured for attachment to a coupling rod. The ball joint assembly further may comprise a reducing extension below the ball joint, the reducing extension being sized to fit in a central bore of the inner sleeve. Orthopedic fixation devices comprising a ball joint are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The receiver can have crimp tabs, but is devoid of spring tabs and collet-like flexible structures. A down-loadable compression insert (some with lock and release feature), a down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring having super structure for temporary friction fit with an up-loadable shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled.

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 anchoring at least a portion of material to a vertebral body is disclosed. The anchoring system comprises a base configured to affix to the vertebral body, configured to receive the at least a portion of material, and configured to receive a fastener so as to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material so as to anchor the at least a portion of material to the base. Another system further comprises an anchoring mechanism configured to engage with the base and configured to anchor the at least a portion of material, wherein the anchoring mechanism comprises at least one elastic element configured to engage with a fastener and configured to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material so as to anchor the at least a portion of material to the base.

Abstract: A system for bone fixation is provided including a biodegradable polymer screw and corresponding driver element. The screw is provided with a head having at least two regularly spaced notches. The driver element is provided with a distal end having at least two regularly spaced notches. The outer surface of the driver can correspond to the outer perimeter of the screw head and the notches and prongs are adapted to securably couple in a displacement fit to allow the drive to apply the screw into bone.

Abstract: A fixation plate system includes a plate with elongated slots, and first and second anchors for attaching the plate to vertebrae. The first and second anchors have different head configurations that are selected by the surgeon to control how settlement occurs at each fused segment. The head of the first fastener is insertable in any of the slots and resists translation. The head of the second fastener is insertable in any of the slots in free sliding engagement to allow translation of the head in that slot. In one method of use, the surgeon selects a segment where settling needs to be limited, and uses the first fastener to fix the plate near the segment and limit settling at that segment. The first and second fasteners have a built-in spring that assists in securing the fasteners in the plate.

Abstract: A surgical implant comprising a screw element having a screw head, a first thread having a first thread pitch, a second thread having a second thread pitch and an intermediate portion coupling the first and second thread pitches with the first and second thread pitches being different. The implant has a buttressing head associated with the first thread, and it is dimensioned to be larger than a diameter of the first threads to provide external buttressing as the first and second threads compress a first bone and a second bone together.

Abstract: A pedicle screw and rod assembly is provided which has a low profile in the final position. The pedicle screw includes a screw having a threaded portion and a head portion. A tulip body is positioned on the head portion of the screw. A tulip saddle is coupled to the tulip body and positioned to retain the tulip assembly on the pedicle screw. Wedge members are inserted in between the tulip body and the tulip saddle, causing the saddle to compress and thereby retain a rod within the tulip assembly. Colored wedge members alert a surgeon as to whether the system is in a locked or unlocked state. The top of the tulip assembly is approximately equal in height to, or lower than the rod itself. This provides a low profile pedicle screw and rod assembly since the rod itself will be the uppermost member of the completed assembly.

Abstract: A pedicle screw and rod assembly is provided which has a low profile in the final assembled position. The pedicle screw includes a screw having a threaded portion and a head portion. A tulip is positioned on the head portion of the screw. A fastener assembly is coupled to the tulip and positioned to retain the tulip on the head portion. A rod retainer member is positioned inside the tulip and grips the rod, to hold it in position relative to the tulip assembly and pedicle screw. The top of rod retaining member is approximately equal in height to, or lower than the rod itself. This provides a low profile pedicle screw and rod assembly since the rod itself will normally be the uppermost member of the completed assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning a connecting member adjacent the spinal column include at least one anchor assembly having an anchor engageable to bony structure and a receiver for receiving the connecting member. An extension member is engaged to the receiver and defines a pathway that extends proximally from the receiver. The connecting member is movable along the extension member to the receiver of the bone anchor. The extension member is removable from the receiver of the bone anchor after the connecting member is positioned in the receiver to provide a low profile anchor and connecting member assembly when finally implanted in the patient.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A bone anchor is provided. The anchor can include a bone fastener. The bone fastener can include a head and a second end adapted to engage an anatomy. The bone fastener can extend along a longitudinal axis. The anchor can also include a coupling arrangement coupled to the head of the bone fastener so that the bone fastener is rotatable about the longitudinal axis to define a first plane of motion. The anchor can further include a saddle, which can be coupled to the coupling arrangement. The saddle can be movable relative to at least one of the bone fastener and the coupling arrangement to define a second plane of motion.

Abstract: The present application is directed to various spinal stabilization systems. The systems can include one or more guiding elements attached to screw members to assist in guiding rod implants and tools to desired locations within a patient. The guiding elements can include a plurality of wires, blades, or tabs. The guiding elements can be capable of criss-crossing or intersecting at or near an incision, such that only a single incision may be needed to perform a surgery. The guiding elements can also include telescoping features that allow the height of the guiding elements to be adjusted in use, thereby allowing multiple telescoping guiding elements to be used with the same incision.

Abstract: An improved system and method for positioning screws and rods to immobilize bones is provided. Specifically, the system and method is optimal for performing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and other interbody fusions in the spine. The system involves pedicle screws detachably connected to wires that guide rods down to the screws. The wires are strong, narrow, flexible, adjustable in tension, and easily disconnected from the screws after rod placement via a process such as cutting, radiating, burning, dissolving, etc. The use of wires to place the rods avoids the conventional bulky tower apparatuses of the prior art while at the same time enhancing the accuracy of placement. One of the preferred methods involves relying upon the natural lordotic curvature of the spine and the narrow diameter of the wires to insert many elements through a single minimally invasive incision.

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 member. 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. The dynamic bone anchor has splines on the outside of the housing to facilitate installation and the secure attachment of spine stabilization components.

Abstract: Embodiments of an orthopedic implant device and system, and methods for implanting them, are disclosed. The implant may include a receiver member having a channel for accommodating an elongated rod or other longitudinal member, a bone anchoring member such as a screw or hook, and a base member rotatable with respect to the receiver member for retaining the bone anchoring member in the receiver member. The base member is configured to allow at least two different degrees of maximum angulation of the bone anchoring member with respect to the receiver member. The number and relative direction of such angulations are independent of the orientation of the channel or other part of the receiving member.

Abstract: An implant includes an elongate body having at least two radially expandable portions in the vicinity of the distal end thereof. An expander is disposed at least partially within the axial bore of the body, the expander including a longitudinal shaft and a tip at the distal end of the shaft. The expander is longitudinally movable between a distal position wherein the tip is positioned distal to the distal end of the body and a proximal position wherein the expandable portions of the body are moved to a radially outward expanded configuration by a camming action of the tip.

Abstract: Spinal implants and methods for spinal stabilization and/or fusion are provided. Exemplary implants described herein can be configured for delivery to a facet joint to stabilize and/or fuse the facet joint, and can optionally be anchored within the pedicle for added fixation. The implant can optionally include a fusion-promoting bioactive material thereby providing a single device capable of spinal stabilization and/or fusion. Furthermore, a method of placing such an implant within a facet joint is provided.

Abstract: A locking assembly for securing a rod in a receiving part of a bone anchoring device includes a first locking element having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis of rotation and an outer surface provided with an external thread, a coaxial bore passing entirely through said first locking element and an internal thread provided at said bore, a second locking element having a longitudinal axis of rotation and an outer surface with an external thread cooperating with the internal thread of said first locking element. The first locking element has a recess between the first end and the second end, that defines a circumferentially closed wall portion. The interior of the wall portion has a longitudinally extending structure for engagement with a tool. Furthermore, a tool is provided which has sections which can be independently engaged with the first and second locking element, respectively.