Abstract: A bone anchor (100) for attaching a rod (108) to a bone has an anchor member (106) for attachment to the bone and an anchor head (104) having a U-shaped opening for receiving the rod. The bone anchor also includes a locking cap (102) that has a main body (900) and a set screw (1000). Advantageously, in one embodiment the locking cap preferably is designed such that a single tool can be used to lock the locking cap in place on the anchor body preferably with a 90° turn and preferably then drive the set screw to clamp the rod. The locking cap also preferably non-threadingly engages the anchor body. The anchor body preferably has an inclined surface on its top surface which elastically deflects extending tabs on the main body to secure the locking cap to the anchor body. A method of implantation and assembly of the bone anchor are also described.

Abstract: A bone screw comprises an interior channel and at least one opening extending from the interior channel to an exterior of the screw shaft. A head is connected to the screw shaft. A fluid delivery probe comprises an interior channel. The fluid delivery probe is locked to the head so that the fluid delivery probe does not separate from the head under extremely high pressures when a fluid is pumped through the fluid delivery probe and into the screw shaft. Also, a leak-free seal is formed between the fluid delivery probe and the screw shaft so that the leak-free seal does not leak under extremely high pressures when a fluid is pumped through the fluid delivery probe and into the screw shaft.

Abstract: A resorbable screw fastener and a method of firing with an applicator capable of applying a surgical fastener to tissue in order to form tissue connection to secure objects to tissue, the fastener including a body portion having a helical thread, a head portion disposed at the proximal end of the body portion. The resorbable screw fastener is 100% resorbed in vivo during a period of time ranging from about 14 days to about one year after implantation.

Abstract: A pedicle screw construct includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, and a collet. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The collet is positioned atop the head of the pedicle screw. The collet and pedicle screw are inserted into the coupling. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the collet and coupling assembly. The collet and the coupling each have a saddle that is adapted and configured for receiving a rod member.

Abstract: A bone fastener for use in orthopedic surgery for fixing an implant to bone has a threaded or unthreaded shaft configured to engage bone and a head having a thread on an outer surface to engage the implant. The thread on the head of the fastener has a profile in cross section that includes arcuate peaks with a flat on the outer surface of the peak.

Abstract: A surgical implant driver includes a member defining an engagement portion including a wall having a circumference and a plurality of lobes disposed thereabout. The lobes are curved toward an interior of the circumference and are connected by a plurality of arcuate portions that are curved toward the interior of the circumference.

Abstract: An orthopedic fastener is designed to attach an implant to bone in such a manner that, until the fastener is tightened, the implant may be rotationally adjusted against the bone. The implant may have a semispherical bone apposition surface that permits polyaxial rotation of the implant against the bone. The orthopedic fastener has an interpositional member and a compression member. The interpositional member may be a split ring with a conical exterior surface that mates with a conical surface of the implant. The compressing member has a threaded bore that engages a proximal end of a fixation member implanted in the bone such that, in response to rotation of the compression member, the interpositional member is sandwiched securely between the implant and the compression member. The conical surface of the implant compresses the interpositional member about a semispherical surface of the compression member, thereby restricting rotation of the implant.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a percutaneous bone conduction implant. The implant includes a fixture configured to be anchored in the recipient's skull, and a skin-penetrating abutment configured to interface with the fixture and to permit the abutment to be removably attached to the fixture to form a fixture-abutment assembly. In an embodiment, at least one anti-microbial surface forms one or more surfaces of the formed fixture-abutment assembly located in an interior of the formed fixture-abutment assembly when the fixture is removably attached to the abutment with an abutment screw. The interior is substantially isolated from a surrounding environment of the fixture-abutment assembly.

Abstract: A driver including a handle, lever, swivel cap, shaft, and a tip mechanically connected to the lever configured to engage a screw. Engaging the lever causes the tip to either compress or expand so as to lock the screw to the driver. According to one exemplary embodiment, the cap can be translated releasing the lever, thereby releasing the screw from the tip. According to one embodiment, the cap is a swivel cap allowing for jeweler style use. Advantages of the present system and method, according to various embodiments, include a tip compressing a feature that is within an outer diameter of the screw allowing a driver, or a portion thereof, to have a maximum diameter equal to or smaller than the maximum diameter of a screw.

Abstract: A surgical bone screw 1) and driver (31), and a method for using them for repairing an osteotomy or fracture. The screw has a shaft having a head (5) at its proximal end, screw threads (3) at its distal end and a compression member (7) between the head and the screw threads. In an embodiment, the threads are self-tapping and self-drilling, the head is polygonal, and the sides of the polygon are convex. The driver turns the screw until the threads cross a fracture site and the compression member contacts the proximal bone fragment. The threads and compression member draw the fragments together and leaves the head entirely clear of the bone surface. The screw is removed through a small incision. Tilting the driver to allow the socket to engage an inwardly extending lower portion of the head permits the driver to lift the screw out of the bone.

Abstract: An enclosure device connecting a pedicle fixation device with an elongated spinal fixation member. The enclosure device can include an enclosure member and an elongated guide member affixed to the enclosure member and defining a fracture region for breaking off the guide member from the enclosure member. The enclosure member can have a spherical outer surface rotatably received within a receiver portion of the pedicle fixation device. The enclosure member can include an internal bore capable of slidably receiving the fixation member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bony fixation system and method for use as a prosthetic implant. The system and method includes a plate dimensioned to be situated between adjacent bony structures, such as adjacent vertebrae. Screws are provided in one embodiment and are dimensioned or configured to be inserted into a bony structure and to lock against each other to retain the screws and consequently secure the plate in place against the bony structure.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a bone screw for use in the human body including a shaft having a threaded region along at least a portion of its length and a screw head including a locking mechanism to secure the screw, for example to a bone plate. In certain embodiments, the thread has an outer diameter dimensioned to pass through the screw hole in the implant. The screw head is configured to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the screw hole of the implant so as to prevent the screw from coming out of the implant and avoided soft tissue damage and other complications associated with unintended screw removal.

Abstract: A system and method for pressing fragments of a fracture against each other includes a compression device comprising a hollow shaft. The system has an inner engagement portion for engaging an outer feature of a screw head arranged at a distal end of the shaft. The system has a supporting element with a contact surface adapted to abut on one of the fragments, and a joint is provided between the supporting element and the hollow shaft. The joint is formed so as to allow a rotation of the shaft about a longitudinal axis thereof relative to the supporting element. Additionally, the joint is formed to allow a pivot movement of the supporting element relative to the shaft.

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

Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods are presented for fixing adjacent bone portions to promote fusion of the bone portions.

Abstract: A pedicle screw construct includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, a collet, and a set screw. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The collet is positioned atop the head of the pedicle screw. The collet and pedicle screw are inserted into the coupling. The set screw is positioned in the collet such that the set screw contacts a portion of the rod and is releasably secured to the pedicle screw via a gripping tool. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the collet and coupling assembly.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, an insert, and a housing. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The coupling is positioned on top the pedicle screw and releasably engages portions of the head. The coupling and pedicle screw are positioned within a distal portion of the housing. The pedicle screw is slid through an opening in the insert and the insert is thread into the distal portion of the housing to retain the coupling and the pedicle screw within the housing. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the housing. Compressing the coupling within the housing locks the pedicle screw in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A fixation element for use in orthopedic surgery, particularly spinal surgery is disclosed. The fixation element is capable of being screwed, hooked, or otherwise attached to a bone, and is configured to accommodate two or more rods or other elongated members. The head of the fixation elements thus has multiple places for positioning a rod, either vertically or horizontally spaced from each other.

Abstract: Cannulated anchors are provided that may be optimally forced in, press fit, screwed in or otherwise installed into tissue with minimal damage to the flexible members or sutures attached thereto. Systems for installing at least one flexible member into tissue include the cannulated anchor, the at least one flexible member capable of being received by the cannulated anchor; and an installer with a driver head insertable into the cannulation of the anchor proximate the trailing end and with an essentially longitudinal cannulation centrally disposed along the axis and sized to accept a guidewire therethrough. Movement of the installer about the longitudinal axis causes corresponding movement of the cannulated anchor such that the outer surface of the cannulated anchor is capable of effecting anchoring into the tissue.

Abstract: An assembly including an implantable part designed to be fastened to at least one bone or bone portions to be joined and at least one screw for fastening the implantable part to the at least one bone or bone portions. The implantable part includes at least one tapped hole and the screw includes a head designed to be engaged in the tapped hole. The tapped hole is cylindrical and includes at least one radial notch emerging in a surface of the implantable part through which the screw is designed to be engaged in the tapped hole. The radial notch produces an interruption in the tapping included by the tapped hole. The head of the screw is conical, with an apical angle of between 15 and 25°.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, an insert, and a housing. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The coupling is positioned on top the pedicle screw and releasably engages portions of the head. The coupling and pedicle screw are positioned within a distal portion of the housing. The pedicle screw is slid through an opening in the insert and the insert is thread into the distal portion of the housing to retain the coupling and the pedicle screw within the housing. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the housing. Compressing the coupling within the housing locks the pedicle screw in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A pedicle screw fixation system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tulip is provided for holding a head of a pedicle screw substantially along a longitudinal axis. The tulip includes opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots aligned along a transverse axis. A rod is received by the opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots. A coupling collar includes a plurality of resilient fingers circumferentially disposed therearound such that a snap fit engagement with the head of the pedicle screw formed. The coupling collar includes a first deformable face operable for contact with the rod. A set screw is for adapted for driving engagement through the tulip along the longitudinal axis such that a second deformable face is positioned for contact with the rod. The first and second deformable faces conform to the shape of the rod in response to forceful engagement therewith.

Abstract: Uniplanar surgical screw assemblies described include: a fastener including an elongate shaft; a saddle-shaped tulip having a tulip having a bore therethrough dimensioned to allow the distal end of the elongate shaft to pass therethrough, but to prevent passage of the head therethrough; and one or more features for limiting angular movement of the shaft, relative to the tulip, to one plane.

Abstract: Techniques for joint fusion are described, including a screw comprising a head having a partially flat surface and an opening for receiving a screwdriver tip, the head able to fit within a drill guide, a tip having another opening, a shaft extending from the head to the tip, the shaft having a plurality of holes and a thread on an external surface of the shaft, and a cannula within the shaft extending from the opening to the another opening.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a bone screw for use in the human body including a shaft having a threaded region along at least a portion of its length and a screw head including a locking mechanism to secure the screw, for example to a bone plate. In certain embodiments, the thread has an outer diameter dimensioned to pass through the screw hole in the implant. The screw head is configured to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the screw hole of the implant so as to prevent the screw from coming out of the implant and avoided soft tissue damage and other complications associated with unintended screw removal.

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 uniplanar bone anchor system for a fixation procedure is provided. The system can include a bone fastener including a head with a bearing surface and an engagement surface, and a shaft adapted to engage an anatomy. The system can include a saddle, which can include a first bore that receives the bone fastener and a coupling bore defined transverse to the longitudinal axis. The system can include a pressure cap received within the first bore having an engagement surface in contact with the engagement surface of the bone fastener. The system can further include a coupling system that can be received through the at least one coupling bore and can cooperate with the pressure cap to permit the bone fastener to move in only one plane.

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: 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: One embodiment provides a bone fastener including a collar, a fastener member, and a pin. The collar can have an upper portion with slot to receive an elongated member and a lower portion with a socket and an opening. The fastener member can have head and shank portions. The socket can receive the head portion and prevent movement of the head portion through the opening when the head portion is out of registration with the opening. The head portion and the socket can be configured to allow angulation of the fastener member within a defined range of motion within a selected plane. The head portion and the socket can define apertures which can be aligned with each other when the head portion is in the socket and which can receive the pin. One embodiment provides a generally spherical head portion with a flat.

Abstract: A device and method for stabilizing a broken bone while it heals is disclosed. The device is preferably a metal rod that has a threaded portion. The device is positioned into a bone, such as a metacarpal bone, by forming an opening in the bone suitable for receiving the device, and inserting it into the opening wherein the threaded portion retains the device in position.

Abstract: A bone fixation element includes a threaded head and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, an outer surface of the head being one of carburized and nitrided and including a first groove extending into an outer surface of the head along a path interrupting the threading and extending along an angle counter to an angle of the threading.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for a surgical screw with increased articulation. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a saddle; a split collet; a fastener with a head that fits inside the split collet; a cage for housing the saddle and split collet.

Abstract: In a bone screw (1) with an open receptacle for a connection element, in particular a connection rod, the risk of jamming is reduced by avoiding beveled flights at the lead-in of the thread pair, at least on the thread halves (2) of the receptacle or the attachment element (4, 6, 7, 9) which can be placed onto the head of the screw.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyaxial screw including a friction element (12) positioned between the head (3) of the threaded bone anchoring portion (2) and the head (9) of the mechanical thread anchoring portion (4) on the one hand, and a retaining element (13, 18) ensuring that the anchoring portions (2, 4) cannot separate from each other while guaranteeing that the anchoring portion with the mechanical thread (4) is free to move in vertical translation and angular pivoting with respect to the threaded bone anchoring portion (2) so as to be able to axially preposition the mechanical thread anchoring portion (4) with respect to the axial anchoring position of the threaded bone anchoring portion (2).

Abstract: A threaded bone anchor includes a plurality of recesses formed lengthwise along an exterior cylindrical surface for engagement with a driver instrument through which a user applies clockwise or counterclockwise torque for the insertion or removal of the bone anchor into and from bone. The bone anchor includes a cross-sectional geometry that minimizes the anchor's outer diameter, survives high insertion/removal torque without compromising the anchor's bending/shear strength, and allows a mating clamp to be attached to the entire non-threaded surface, including the recessed portion.

Abstract: An intervertebral stabilization system for at least three vertebrae comprising pedicle screws attachable to the vertebrae; at least one rod for the connection of at least two pedicle screws to form a rigid stiffening system; and at least one band which is capable of being pre-stressed in tension and which is surrounded in the implanted state of the stabilization system by at least one compressible pressure member arranged between two adjacent pedicle screws for the connection of the pedicle screws to form an elastic support system, wherein a common pedicle screw is associated both with the stiffening system and with the support system and the band is can be connected or is connected to the rod by means of a band attachment.

Abstract: A bone screw structure for a minimally invasive surgery contains: a body including a holder and an axial seat, the holder having a through hole and two first peripheral walls, each having first threads; the screwing nail being axially connected with the axial seat of the body and having an inner orifice. The each first peripheral wall of the holder including a second side face extending therefrom, between the each first peripheral wall and the second side face is defined a V-shaped slot, and the second side face has second threads. Thereby, the two first peripheral walls of the holder of the body include two second side faces extending therefrom, and between the two first peripheral wall and the two second side faces are defined two V-shaped slots to provide an easy operating space to the bone screw and to lower an area of an opening of a wound.

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

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: A multi-axial screw assembly comprises a receiver, a base member, a crown and a bone screw. The base member includes an aperture extending through the base member and an opening on a bottom portion of the base member. The base member is rotatable relative to the receiver and has an inner wall extending partially around the aperture. The crown is received in the receiver and configured to mate to the base member. The crown has a projection configured to extend into the opening of the base member. The projection is configured to have an abutting surface. The bone screw is located between the base member and the crown, the bone screw is configured to be provisionally fixed within the receiver by a force between the abutting surface of the projection and the inner wall of the base member.

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. A down-loadable compression insert with tool receiving arm extensions, a down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring and 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 bone plate system including a bone plate and a bone screw with an integrated locking mechanism is disclosed. The bone screw includes an elongate member having a threaded shank and a bone screw head that is radially deformable. The integrated locking mechanism sits within the bone screw head and can rotate between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. When the bone screw head is seated within an aperture in the bone plate, rotating the integrated locking mechanism into the locked condition helps to prevent bone screw backout.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a receiver, a shank, an articulation structure for retaining the shank in the receiver and a compression insert for engagement with a longitudinal connecting member such as a rod. The articulation structure includes substantially spherical convex and concave surfaces that slidably engage both shank and receiver surfaces to provide compound articulation between the receiver and the shank. The receiver includes inwardly directed spring tabs engaging the insert and prohibiting rotation of the insert within the receiver.

Abstract: A variable angle locking screw comprising a head portion having helical threads and an elongated threaded shaft portion extending from the head portion, wherein a gap between the helical threads is substantially greater than the thickness of the threads

Abstract: Pedicle screw assemblies and related bone screws. In some embodiments, the bone screw may comprise a head portion and an axial shaft. The axial shaft may comprise a threaded portion comprising a triple lead thread disposed about the axial shaft. The axial shaft may further comprise a tapering portion and a non-tapering portion. The tapering portion may comprise multiple tapering portions tapering at differing rates, and may be positioned adjacent to a tip of the axial shaft. Each of the three leads may extend coextensively along at least a majority of the length of the axial shaft, the threaded portion, the tapering portion, and/or the non-tapering portion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fastener includes a shank defined about a central axis and a head coupled to the shank. The head includes a continuous receptacle circumscribing the central axis. The continuous receptacle includes a radially inner surface that is angled radially inwardly toward the central axis in a head-to-shank direction.

Abstract: A plate system and method comprising a plate and a screw having an integral resilient lock. The screw comprises a head that has a portion that is adapted to be compressible as it is screwed into bone using a tool. After the screw head is received in the plate and the tool is removed therefrom, the screw head decompresses or expands into a locking or receiving area, thereby locking the screw in the plate. The plate is adapted to have at least one or a plurality of detents or lips for cooperating with at least a portion of the screw head to retain the screw in the plate and prevent it from withdrawing therefrom.

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. A threaded segment is located proximally of the pilot segment for fixedly securing the bone screw in the bone. A head is located proximally of the threaded segment for allowing a surgical rod to be fixedly secured to the bone screw.