Abstract: A modular apparatus for extending a rod in an existing spinal construct comprises a modular rod connector for attachment to the existing rod and a modular rod extender that may be selectively attached to the rod connector. Each rod connector includes a spherical head that is formed to have the same size and configuration such that any selected modular rod extender may be attached to a selected rod connector. Each rod connector comprises an attachment portion having an opening for receipt of a portion of the rod of an existing spinal construct. Each modular rod extender comprises an extender body including a common modular attachment feature at one end for receipt of the spherical head of the selected rod connector, and an extension rod extending from an opposite end to extend the existing spinal rod.

Abstract: A differential compression bone screw and a method are provided for compressing adjacent bone portions together to encourage bone fusion. The compression bone screw is comprised of a head portion and a shank. A center hole extends from the head portion to a distal end of the shank. A superior end of the head portion includes a shaped opening that receives a tool for driving the compression bone screw into a hole drilled in a patient's bone. An inferior end of the head portion includes barbs that engage with surrounding bone tissue. A smooth portion of the shank is disposed between proximal threads and distal threads that rotatably engage within the hole in the patient's bone. A thread pitch of the distal threads is greater than a thread pitch of the proximal threads, such that the compression bone screw comprises a differential pitch configured to compress the adjacent bone portions.

Abstract: The invention features improved bone screws, a delivery manifold for delivering a flowable medium to a bone screw, and washers for use with the bone screw to provide compressive fixation. The invention also features methods of treatment using the bone screws, washers, and/or delivery manifold, and kits that include the same.

Abstract: A differential compression bone screw and a method are provided for compressing adjacent bone portions together to encourage bone fusion. The compression bone screw is comprised of a head portion and a shank. A center hole extends from the head portion to a distal end of the shank. A superior end of the head portion includes a shaped opening that receives a tool for driving the compression bone screw into a hole drilled in a patient's bone. An inferior end of the head portion includes barbs that engage with surrounding bone tissue. A smooth portion of the shank is disposed between proximal threads and distal threads that rotatably engage within the hole in the patient's bone. A thread pitch of the distal threads is greater than a thread pitch of the proximal threads, such that the compression bone screw comprises a differential pitch configured to compress the adjacent bone portions.

Abstract: An interspinous fusion device for holding adjacent spinous processes of a spine of a patient in a fixed configuration, including: a first plate configured to engage one side of the adjacent spinous processes; a second plate configured to engage another side of the adjacent spinous processes opposite the one side of the adjacent spinous processes; and a spacer disposed between and coupling the first plate to the second plate, wherein the spacer allows one or more of the first plate and the second plate to pivot relative to the other plate in a first unlocked configuration and prevents one or more of the first plate and the second plate from pivoting relative to the other plate in a second locked configuration. Each of the first plate and the second plate includes a pair of opposed wing members protruding from a central bore.

Abstract: A dynamic bone plate and method of bone compression is disclosed. The dynamic bone plate comprises a first bone plate component and a second bone plate component. The first bone plate component comprises at least one hole configured for receiving bone screws for attachment to a first bone segment; and a male component. The second bone plate component comprises at least one hole configured for receiving bone screws for attachment to a second bone segment; and a female component configured for mating with the male component of the first bone plate component.

Abstract: A system comprising a screw element having a generally cylindrical body having a bore or lumen therethrough and a plurality of fenestrations or windows through which biological material may be provided. The system comprises a tool for inserting the biological material into the screw element so that the biological material may extrude through the plurality of fenestrations or windows and through an aperture in the tip of the screw element thereby enabling providing a fusion mass across two adjacent facet bones or a facet joint wherein the screw itself provides both a fixation component and a screw component.

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

Abstract: Presented herein is a bone screw system that comprises a fixation element, a receiving element, coupling element, and a compression element. The fixation element can be a screw. The receiving element defines an internal bore sized to receive the shank portion of the fixation element and a seat adapted to support the head portion of the fixation element. The seat of the receiving element is shaped to substantially conform to an exterior portion of the head portion of the fixation element. A breakaway groove is positioned externally on each leg or leg extension. The breakaway groove extends inwardly at least partially through the wall of each leg or leg extension. This creates an aperture or slit in the wall leaving the wall with at least on, preferably a pair of leg attachments on each leg or leg extension adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: A polyaxial fastener is secured within an implant with a retaining ring. The ring is assembled onto a circumferential groove formed in the fastener head. The groove and ring are positionable, when the fastener is installed into an implant, at a wide portion of the mating polyaxial aperture in the implant. The ring is compressible into the groove to form a narrowed diameter, which is passable into a narrow diameter of the aperture, near an entrance to the aperture. The ring is released to expand and increase an overall diameter of the head and ring assembly, thereby rending the assembly too wide to pass by the narrow entrance to the aperture, thereby securing the assembly within the implant.

Abstract: An assembly for rigid bone fixation includes a plate and a screw. The screw can be rotated freely within the plate in a non-locking configuration to secure the plate against the bone. A locking mechanism is engaged to prevent the screw from moving relative the plate. In one embodiment, the plate includes a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion. The screw head rotates within the non-threaded portion to tighten the screw and pull the plate against the bone. The locking mechanism can include a moveable nut that rotates within the threaded portion of the plate to lock the screw and plate in a locking mode. The locking mechanism can include a second screw to actuate and expansion portion of screw inserted into the bone. The assembly can be used for rigid fixation of bones that experience cyclic loads, such as the sternum and mandible. Methods of rigid bone fixation are also described.

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

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

Abstract: Present invention depicts a poly-porous (micropore) hollow screws as diffusion chamber filled with core matrix for targeted delivery of growth factors and bone marrow stem cells. The screws comprise at least two parts: the distal part of the screw consists of the tip of the screw made of poly porous material and hollow inside proximally. It has threaded navel attached to the threaded nipple of the distal part of the proximal screw which has the screw head and is made of the solid material of the same kind. The screw head had hexagonal recess targeted for screw driver insertion. Assembly of screw created a chamber in the middle of the screw. The chamber is filled with core matrix consisting of gelatin nano-particles pre-impregnated with BMPs (BMP2/BMP7 for bone or BMP12 for tendon, ligament) and fibrin sealants or Chitosan dispersed with bone marrow stem cells and/or other growth factors. Bioactive protein core material is prepared during the surgery and filled the chamber of the screw by the surgeon.

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

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to an anchoring element comprising a screw shaped central part, a flange which functions as a stop when the anchoring element is installed into the skull bone, and a tubular peripheral part which is connected to the central part via said flange, wherein the peripheral part together with the central part is arranged to cut into the bone tissue when the anchoring element is installed into the bone tissue.

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 screw for use in spinal surgery provided with a screw shaft and a screw head and at least one extension tab extending proximally from the screw head, the extension tab being defined relative to the screw head by a stress concentration feature. At a proximal end of the extension tab, the extension tab may be narrower in a circumferential direction than the extension tab at a distal portion thereof. A particular shape of stress concentration may be provided.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. The anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a receiver mounted to the bone anchor, a saddle within the receiver, a spacer within the receiver, and an engaging member. The receiver extends along a central longitudinal axis proximally away from the bone anchor. A rod or other elongated connecting element is received in a passage of the receiver in contact with the saddle, and the engaging member engages the connecting element against the saddle, which engages the saddle against the spacer, which in turn engages the proximal head of the bone anchor in the receiver. The orientation of the saddle in the receiver is adjustable to correspond to the orientation of the connecting element relative to the central longitudinal axis of the receiver.

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: An assembly and method thereof comprising a screw head comprising an expandable bulbous end; a fixator component configured for receiving the bulbous end of the screw head; a load sharing mechanism positioned in between the bulbous end of the screw head and the bone fixator component, wherein the load sharing mechanism provides tensile resistance to the screw head; a pin mounted in the screw head; and a blocker adapted to engage the screw head. The screw head comprises a slot configured for receiving a longitudinal member. The load sharing mechanism may comprise any of a wave washer, a collapsible hollow washer, a coiled spring, and a flexible washer. Furthermore, the load sharing mechanism may comprise a washer having an outer surface with a plurality of cutout portions configured therein.

Abstract: A bone anchoring element is provided which has a shaft for anchoring in a bone. The shaft includes a tubular body having two open ends. At least one barb element is connected to the shaft. The barb element is cut into the tubular body. The barb element includes a free end and a base connecting the barb element to the shaft. The barb element has a first portion adjacent to the base and a second portion adjacent to the free end. The second portion is inclined relative to the first portion in a direction off said shaft.

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

Abstract: A 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 convertible threaded compression device connects a bone fragment to an anchor bone for a healing duration. The compression device has a distal bone penetration section which is advanced into the bone and a proximal bone exterior section. The proximal bone exterior section is longer than the bone penetration section. The bone penetration section includes a distal bone anchor section which threadingly engages the anchor bone, and a proximal fragment section which fits within the overbore created by the bone anchor section. A compression engagement on a distal end of the bone exterior section provides a compression shoulder. The shoulder makes substantial contact with an exterior surface of the bone fragment, biasing the bone fragment toward the anchor bone with a controlled compression force. The compression engagement enables the device to be easily removed from the healed fracture without damaging surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone plate system having a bone plate for placement adjacent one or more vertebral bodies. The bone plate has a first aperture extending along a longitudinal axis and an upper and lower surface. The bone plate system further includes a sliding element having a top portion and a base portion and an aperture extending along a central axis. The sliding element is adapted for being placed adjacent to the bone plate aperture. The system preferably includes a bone fastener having a longitudinal axis which is adapted for connecting the bone plate to a vertebral body. The bone fastener includes a stem and a bone engaging portion. The diameter of the stem may be less than a cross section of the sliding element aperture so that the stem may be oriented within the sliding element aperture at a plurality of angles. The system may further include a stopping element engageable with the sliding element base portion.