Abstract: A spinal fixation access system includes a vertebral anchor with selectively attached extension members to extend percutaneously from the spine. The surgical procedure associated with this invention involves making small, discrete incisions for the placement of select vertebral anchors. The extension members retract soft tissue, muscle and the like to thereby provide visibility and access to the head of the anchor. Through the extension members, instrumentation such as a spine rod, set screw and other required hardware may be delivered to the anchors. Once a spine rod or other components are secured to the pedicle screws, the extension members are disengaged from the anchors and removed from the patient.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods for treating a multi-level spinal deformity. The methods may include inserting a tether in a minimally-invasive manner through an entrance incision. The tether is moved along the spine and positioned to reduce and/or eliminate the deformity. Once the tether is positioned along the spine, the tether may be secured to the vertebral members. In one embodiment, the tether includes a rigid section and a flexible section. The tether may be positioned within the spine with the rigid section extending along a first length of the spine and the flexible section extending along a second length of the spine. The different sections provide different corrective forces to the spine to reduce and/or eliminate the spinal deformity. In one embodiment, the rigid section extends along an apex of the spinal deformity.

Abstract: The present application is directed to tethers and methods of use for reducing and/or eliminating spinal deformities. Tethers may be attached with anchors to extend between two or more vertebral members. The tethers may apply a force to the vertebral members to treat the spinal deformity. The tethers may include a strength limit to prevent an excessive amount of force from being applied that could damage the vertebral members. In one embodiment, the tether may release such as by breaking, expanding, or separating from the anchors if the force exceeds a strength limit.

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: The present invention relates to a bone plating system and method for fracture fixation of bone. The bone plating system includes a bone plate, at least one locking screw, and at least one non-locking screw. The bone plate has locking holes with threads and non-locking holes. The locking screws have a shaft with a thread for engaging bone and a head with a thread configured and dimensioned to mate with the thread of the locking holes. The non-locking screws have a thread for engaging bone and a non-threaded head. Both the locking and non-locking screws remain seated in their respective holes for substantially as long as the bone plate is implanted. The non-locking screws compress the bone plate against the bone and hold fracture reduction while the locking screws are secured to the plate at a fixed angular relationship. The mixed fixation achieved by this bone plating system and method is particularly useful for treatment of per-articular fractures.

Abstract: A system to be used with an implanting tool having a tip part. The system has a longitudinal axis and includes a polymeric screw having a head and an adapter between the screw and the implanting tool. The adapter includes a first part that fits the tip part of the implanting tool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A non-metallic bone anchor is described that comprises a base and a top such that suture material may be compressed between surfaces on the base and top to secure the suture to the anchor by ultrasonically welding the surfaces. Also described is an inserter/welder that can be used to insert the bone anchor into bone and move the anchor top relative to the anchor base to clamp suture material there between and to weld the suture material within the clamping area.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw includes a head member and a shank member. The shank has a capture end and an opposite threaded end for threaded insertion into a vertebra. The head has a U-shaped cradle for receiving a spinal fixation rod and a central bore for receiving the capture end of the shank. An expandable retainer ring with a radial split is snapped onto the capture end of the shank to retain it within the head. The retainer ring has a spherical outer surface which forms a ball joint with a spherical socket cavity within the head to enable the head to be angled relative to the shank. A threaded closure plug is tightened within the cradle to clamp the rod into engagement with a knurled dome on the capture end of the shank to secure the rod relative to the vertebra.

Abstract: A spinal fixation access system includes a pedicle screw with extended tabs that form a single solid pedicle screw assembly. The surgical procedure associated with this invention involves making small, discrete incisions for the placement of select pedicle screws. The extended tabs of the pedicle screws retract soft tissue, muscle and the like to thereby provide visibility and access to the head of the pedicle screw. Through the extended tabs, instrumentation such as a spine rod, set screw and other required hardware may be delivered to the pedicle screws. A collar may be coupled around the extended tabs to provide stability to the construct and a platform for additional components of this invention. Once a spine rod is secured to the pedicle screws, a frangible joint joining the tabs to the pedicle screw assembly is broken off using appropriate instrumentation and the extended tabs may be removed.