Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a tulip-shaped seat, a bone fixation device, a ring-shaped washer, a rod and a cap. The tulip-shaped seat comprises a through opening dimensioned to receive the bone fixation device and a horizontal channel dimensioned to receive the rod. The washer is placed into the seat on top of the bone fixation device head and comprises first and second side tabs and a first pair of upward extending projections separated by a first gap and a second pair of upward extending projections separated by a second gap. The side tabs interface with a groove formed in the bottom portion of the seat. The rod is placed within the channel and positioned within a groove formed on the top surface of the washer. The cap includes first and second projections extending downward from its bottom surface and each of the first and second downward projections comprises first and second sidewise extending ridges.

Abstract: A bone screw includes an elongate shaft extending longitudinally between a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the shaft bounding a first passageway at least partially extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the shaft being comprised of a radiolucent material. A core is disposed within the first passageway of the shaft, the core being comprised of a radiopaque material. A rounded head or a substantially U-shaped collar is either integrally formed with or is rigidly attached to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A vertebral stabilization assembly for stabilizing a vertebral segment. The assembly includes a vertebral anchor, a first stabilization member, a second stabilization member, and a threaded fastener. A post of the first stabilization member is configured to be positioned in a first socket of the head portion of the vertebral anchor and a post of the second stabilization member is configured to be positioned in a second socket of the head portion of the vertebral anchor. The threaded fastener is configured to threadedly engage a threaded opening of the head portion such that when the threaded fastener is threaded into the threaded opening, the threaded fastener engages both the post of the first stabilization member and the post of the second stabilization member.

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 spinal fixation assembly for connecting an elongate member along a region of a spinal column with a plurality of fasteners is disclosed. The spinal fixation assembly comprises a threaded fastener having a first threaded end region and a second end region configured to receive an elongate member, such as a rod. A locking member is included for securing the elongate member within the second end region. The second end region and the locking member include elastomeric members that contact the elongate member to allow for a degree of dynamic movement.

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 bone fixation system includes a bone plate and a bone screw having a threaded head. The inner surface of the bone plate is adapted for facing a bone surface on which the plate is mounted. The outer surface of the bone plate faces away from the bone surface. A through opening extends from the inner surface to the outer surface of the plate wherein the through opening comprises a guiding portion and a blocking portion. The guiding portion of the opening is provided with a guiding thread for guiding a thread of a shaft of the bone screw. The blocking portion is provided with a blocking thread for blocking a thread of the head of the bone screw. The blocking thread has a larger diameter than the guiding thread and the guiding portion is located closer to the inner bone plate surface than the blocking portion.

Abstract: A modular anchoring device including 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.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a shank to be anchored in a bone or vertebra, a head, and a receiving part receiving the head for connecting the shank to a rod. The shank and the head are separate parts. The head has a bore with a cylindrical inner surface, a ring-shaped groove provided on the inner surface, and at least one slit extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the head. The shank has a first portion for anchoring in the bone or vertebra and a second portion with a cylindrical outer surface adjoining a free end. A projection is provided on the cylindrical outer surface which engages with the ring-shaped groove of the head, when the cylindrical second portion of the shank is inserted in the bore of the head.

Abstract: An external fixator implant screw with an intercalated head, of which one embodiment for lag screw mode has a spherical head, and a partial thread. The spherical head in countersunk bone exerts concentric wide contact on insertion at various angles to surface. Optional canalization of central rod allows guide wire technique and optional mobility of head allows variable shaft length between head and thread. Another embodiment for use in basic implant mode, in a single bone fragment, at right angles to bone surface, has a conical head with limited basal contact on bone, the head being integrated to a solid rod and is fully threaded from head to leading tip. In both embodiments, the load transmission is renewable from outside in case of loosening, without reopening any wound. The implant is made of biocompatible material.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing spinal stabilization rods. In one embodiment, a method can include attaching a collar to a boney structure. The collar can include a body and an extension, each including arms further defining threaded slots. A separation member can couple the body and the extension to each other. The method can include reducing the rod using the collar and separating the extension from the body by applying a torque to the extension. The separation of the extension from the body can be accomplished with one substantially continuous motion and can leave tissues adjacent to the collar substantially undisturbed. The arms of the extension can be prevented from splaying, thereby mitigating a moment during the reduction of the spinal stabilization rod through the extension. Thus, the separation member can transmit tensile forces and certain amounts of torques between the body and the extension.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a rod and anchor devices that include a bone engaging fastener having a head defining a spherical socket. A ball insert is placed within the socket and rotated so that the ball insert is juxtaposed with the socket. The anchor device further includes a yoke defining a yoke channel for receiving the rod and a stem engaged to the ball insert captured within the socket. A sleeve disposed between the yoke channel and the fastener head supports the rod. A set screw is operable to clamp the rod against the sleeve and draw the insert into engagement within the socket. A friction element in the form of a wave spring is disposed between the yoke and the fastener head is configured to releasably retain the yoke in at least one discrete position relative to the fastener.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing spinal stabilization rods. One embodiment provides an instrument including a body (defining a threaded slot for receiving the spinal stabilization rod), an alignment feature, and a flange (for mounting the instrument on a bone anchor), each of which can correspond to portions of the bone anchor. The alignment feature can align the threads of the instrument and bone anchor to form substantially continuous threads. The alignment features can be a pin and a hole oriented radially with respect to the instrument. An actuator can actuate the instrument alignment features toward, or away from, the instrument body. An actuator slot can correspond to the instrument slot. The threads of the instrument slot can include a thread diameter transition portion. In some embodiments, the instrument threads can include an anti-splay feature which mitigates reaction moments arising from the reduction of the spinal stabilization rod.

Abstract: A two-component system for joining two bones or bone fragments, in which a first component is threaded, self-tapping and bears an annular mating end to engage two mating pins on the end of a second component which is also threaded and self-tapping. The two components have opposite handed threads thereon, so that upon final installation into adjacent bone the final rotation brings the abutted bone surfaces into a compressive engagement as each components burrows deeper into its respective bone surface.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for use in forming holes in bone and for driving a cannulated fastener into the formed hole. The tool may having a cutting tip for drilling a hole into bone, and may have a shaft and sleeve for accepting the cannulated fastener and for driving it into the drilled hole. The tool may be adjustable to allow fasteners of different lengths to be accepted, while ensuring that a portion of the cutting tip protrudes beyond the end of the fastener. A multiple-screw tool is also disclosed that allows more than one cannulated fastener at a time to be stacked on the tool, thus speeding the installation process.

Abstract: A bone fixation device configured for use within a uniformly, conically tapered, elongate cavity prepared in a bone. The device includes (a) an elongate body having a uniformly, conically tapered, elongate stretch which converges toward one end of the body, with the stretch taper substantially matching that of the prepared bone cavity, (b) exposed bone anchor structure formed on, and along at least a portion of, the tapered stretch, (c) a bone-ingrowth-promoting zone also formed on, and along at least a portion of, the stretch, disposed in operative association with the anchor structure, and (d) an external-device attaching feature formed as an enlargement included in the body, and joined to the stretch adjacent the body end which is remote from the body's mentioned one end.

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

Abstract: An implantable screw system for maintaining horizontal and/or vertical space during bone grafting procedures is provided, the screw comprising: a contoured head having a region adapted to support soft tissue and permit bone growth; a threaded shaft and a tip adapted to penetrate bone tissue; and where one screw contains a threaded chamber for engaging a second screw for additional space maintenance; wherein the screw(s) comprises cortical bone material. Methods of implanting one or more screws during bone grating procedures are disclosed.

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

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

Abstract: An osseous anchorage implant comprising an attachment structure adapted to receive and be attached to at least one bar, that is suitably an element of an osteosynthesis. The implant is made up of an osseous anchor and an attachment head bearing the attachment means. The attachment head is suitably traversed by a channel that is adapted to receive the bar. The attachment head comprises a clamp that is adapted to clamp the bar against an inside support wall of the channel. The implant is further characterized by the attachment means and the support wall enabling the rotation of the bar about a first axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar. The clamp comprises a moving clamping face, that is adapted to contact the bar, and that is borne by a support head that is articulatable at the end of the clamp via a ball and socket connection. The channel is suitably an open channel having an aperture opening onto one of the lateral faces of the attachment head, wherein the aperture bears the clamp.

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

Abstract: Apparatus and method of using a screw assembly. The screw assembly includes a pedicle screw having a head portion and a shaft portion adapted to be secured to a vertebrae, and a body having pivotally coupled side portions configured to pivot from a first configuration for receiving the head portion of the screw into the body to a second configuration for engaging the head portion of the screw in a locking arrangement with the body.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imagable fiducial locator head, an integral bone screw, and an integral divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example includes a fluid/gel-absorbing coating or cover into which a magnetic resonance (MR) imagable fluid is introduced, thereby permitting both CT and MR imaging. Protective caps and collars may be used to protect the fiducial marker from mechanical impact and/or to guide the fiducial marker during affixation. A bull's-eye or other template is used to select a center of a substantially spherical fiducial marker head on an image, such as for use during patient registration.

Abstract: A motion interface structure for use with a pedicle screw is provided, the motion interface structure defining a central passage having an internal face. A helical thread is formed on at least a portion of the internal face of the central passage. The motion interface element is designed to cooperate with an upstanding region of a pedicle screw. The upstanding region includes a threaded region that is adapted to threadingly engage the helical thread associated with the motion interface element. The motion interface element may take the form of a spherical element or a universal joint mechanism. The pedicle screw and motion interface element may be incorporated into a spinal stabilization system that includes one or more additional pedicle screw/motion interface element subassemblies. The spinal stabilization system may also include a dynamic stabilizing element that provides clinically efficacious results.

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

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

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

Abstract: A vertebral pedicle screw includes a screw body driven into a vertebral pedicle, a housing assembled to an upperend of the screw body and having grooves for seating a rod and a threaded portion for locking a fastening bolt, the fastening bolt pressing the rod positioned thereunder as it is threaded downward, and a fastening ring inserted into the housing. The vertebral pedicle screw further includes an insert placed on an outer surface of a screw head of the screw body in the housing, installed to be partially come into contact with the fastening ring on an upper portion thereof, and accommodating the screw head ofthe screw body on a curved inner surface thereof such that the insert and the screw head are brought into sliding contact with each other, whereby an entire rod-side assembly can be slidingly moved in all directions with respect to the screw body.

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: An assembly that includes a fixator component, a clamping mechanism, a screw head, a load sharing mechanism, and a blocker. The fixator component further includes a bulbous end, a neck portion, and a threaded end. The clamping mechanism is positioned around the neck portion of the fixator component. The load sharing mechanism is positioned in between the screw head and the bone fixator component. The screw head further includes a pair of diametrically opposed arms, a socket and a slot. The socket is positioned between the pair of arms and the slot is positioned above the socket. The socket is dimensioned and configured to house the bulbous end of the fixator component. The load sharing mechanism provides tensile resistance to the screw head and the blocker is adapted to engage the screw head.

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 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: An orthopedic damper system and method to control the degree of flexion and/or extension motion of the mobile vertebral segment while providing additional stability to the spine. The damper system includes an anchor having a spring hitch, a spring coupled to the spring hitch, and a cap coupled to the spring. The anchor is adapted to connect to a spinous process. The spring includes an inner hollow area adapted to accommodate the spring hitch. The cap includes an opening connected to an inner cavity that is adapted to accommodate the spring and the spring hitch.

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: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of a rod relative to the wire. A surgical system can comprise a first sleeve advanced via a first incision to a vertebra, a second sleeve advanced via a second incision to another vertebra, a wire having a non-circular cross-sectional profile advanced via a third incision to the vertebrae and passed through the collars of bone fastener assemblies to extend from a fourth incision. A rod or a segment of a rod having a corresponding non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled with the vertebrae to stabilize the spine. After the rod is securely seated in the collars, the wire may be withdrawn from the body.

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: An anchor for attaching an elongate member to bone. The anchor includes a longitudinal shaft having a tip at one end adapted to enter bone. A thread extends along the shaft for advancing the shaft into the bone and holding the shaft in place in the bone. A head is mounted on the shaft at a position spaced from the tip. The anchor also includes connector mounts spaced along the head. Each mount is adapted to connect the elongate member to the head.

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: A locking fastener for use with a bone plate. The fastener has threads on its shank to engage bone and threads on its head to engage the internal threads of the bone plate. The threads in the head may have a constant major diameter and a tapered minor diameter that creates a radial interference fit. The threads in the head may also have a variable pitch that creates an axial interference fit. The head may have a low profile to reduce soft tissue irritation.

Abstract: An adjustable length corpectomy device is provided with a means for providing bidirectional length adjustment and a means for selectively fixing the length of the implant.

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 bone screw is disclosed for attaching a spinal fixing element. The bone screw includes a threaded screw shank that can be fixed in place in a bone and a screw head having a fastening area for fastening a fastening device for the spinal fixing element. The fastening area includes a threaded section for fixing the fastening device in place. The screw head includes a recess differing from a threaded section. The recess has a longitudinal axis and allows for non-sliding accommodation of an extension of the fastening device laterally to the longitudinal axis of the recess. The extension of the fastening device engages the recess, the fastening device is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the recess, and the threaded section extends in the longitudinal direction of the recess. The threaded section may be a hole and, together with the recess, a stepped hole.

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 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 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 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: Disclosed are devices and systems for spinal fixation and dynamic stabilization. Elongated members may be positioned lateral to spinous processes and coupled to two or more vertebrae. Interspinous members may be positioned between adjacent spinous processes and coupled to the elongated members. One embodiment of an interspinous member comprises a body and two lateral portions. The lateral portions may couple to the elongated members to position the interspinous members. An interspinous member and the positioning of the interspinous member may allow selected movement between the adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a dynamic longitudinal connector having a solid core with an elastic over-molded portion. The over-molded portion may be firmly adhered or clamped to at least a portion of the solid core. Alternatively, the over-molded portion may completely envelope the solid core and in some embodiments slide on the core. At least one bone anchor includes at least one insert for gripping the over-molded portion without crushing such portion into fixed relation with the core.