A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the normal axis of rotation of the vertebrae is substantially duplicated by the dynamic fixation device. The flexible portion of the dynamic fixation device can include a geometric shape and/or a hinge portion.

Dynamic fixation device and method of use

A low-profile surgical rod implant device (10) is provided that allows the length of a rod spanning two bone screws to be adjusted at the time of implantation In a separate aspect of the invention, the rod implant device can be secured by tightening and securing an end (24) of the rod implant device at one of the bone screws (34) Embodiments are provided for use with polyaxial pedicle screws and substantially straight shank pedicle screws in spinal applications In a separate aspect of the invention, a bone screw connector (114) having an interference type fit is also provided A method for implanting the device is also provided

Adjustable rod and connector device and method of use

A low-profile surgical implant assembly is provided that includes a connector device that is an integral part of a rod, the connector device allowing the rod to be attached directly to a bone screw, such as a pedicle screw. Another aspect of the invention is a clamp device that allows the length of a rod spanning to attachment devices to be adjusted at the time of implantation, and further allows the clamp device to be secured by tightening a securing end of the clamp at the attachment device. The assemblies are useful for insertion into bone and connecting a foreign object to bone via a polyaxial coupling mechanism. A method for implanting the assembly is also provided.

Connection rod for screw or hook polyaxial system and method of use

According to the present invention, there is provided a transverse connector having a seat rod for seating a rod therein engagement mechanism including a rod engagement seat forming a portion of the rod seat, the engagement mechanism being movable into and out of engagement with the rod seated in the rod seat.

Rod to rod connector

The invention relates to a connecting element for connecting a screw in the spine with a stabilizing rod, the connecting element being easily and quickly securable. The connecting element includes a receiving section which receives the stabilizing rod and which is part of a tension member having a threaded shank. A sleeve is arranged around the receiving section and can slide parallel to the shank axis. In the wall of the sleeve, two openings are present for positioning the rod. The connecting element further includes a nut which can be screwed onto the shank in order to fix the head of the pedicle screw at the sleeve. This connecting element has the advantage that by a single securing process (i.e., the tightening of the nut) the rod can be fixed in the receptacle of the tension member and the connecting element can be secured at the screw head. Preferably, the receptacle for the rod and the recesses of the sleeve are formed so that an opening is formed which extends transversely through the sleeve and the tension member, with the rod being fixable in that opening by tightening the nut.

Connecting element for spinal stabilizing system

An external fixator system comprises a clamp adapted to couple a fixator pin to a connecting rod. The clamp includes a slot for transversely receiving the body of the connecting rod. The slot preferably includes a region of reduced width, providing interference between the clamp and the connecting rod as it is inserted. This causes the clamp to snap onto the rod. A bolt is inserted through a hole passing through both sides of the slot. The bolt includes a head at one end formed in the shape of a hook adapted to hook the shaft of a fixator pin, and a thread at the opposite end. The bolt is rotatably mountable in the hole such that the fixator pin can be retained at a range of angles relative to the connecting rod. The clamp is attachable to a fixator pin and a connecting bar between two previously-installed clamps without disassembly of the system.

Bryan E. Cotton

Papers

External fixator system