Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090248080 | ALIGNMENT MARKING FOR SPINAL RODS - Embodiments of methods for marking a spinal rod to aid medical personnel in placement of the spinal rod in a medical patient are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a spinal rod is anodized a first color. Next, a portion of the anodized color is removed from the spinal rod to form a marking. In other embodiments, the anodized spinal rod is anodized a second time to better differentiate the marking from the remainder of the spinal rod. | 10-01-2009 |
20100114167 | TRANSITION ROD - A device for supporting vertebral components of a spinal column includes a first spinal rod, a second spinal rod, and a connection element disposed between the first and second rods. The connection element has a front surface with a rod-receiving opening having a first region sized greater than a cross-section of the second rod, and has a second region sized smaller than the cross-section of the second rod, wherein the first and second rods align in series in an end-to-end manner. A locking member is associated with the connection element that urges the second rod toward the second region in a manner that the second rod frictionally engages with the connection element to restrict removal of the second rod from the connection element. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114182 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR DELIVERING FORCES TO BONY STRUCURES - Spinal surgical systems, instruments and methods include a surgical instrument with a first member mountable to a first vertebra and a second member mountable to a second vertebra. The first and second members are coupled to one another with a coupling mechanism that allows translation of the first and second members relative to another along a predetermined path. The coupling mechanism also provides a pivot axis about which the first and second members are manipulated relative to one another to deliver forces to the first and second vertebrae. | 05-06-2010 |
20100137918 | ROD AND ANCHOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING - A method of conducting a surgical procedure including implanting an anchor into a bone, wherein the anchor comprises a receiving portion and a screw, the screw including a screw head contained within the receiving portion and pivotally engageable with a surface of the receiving portion, and wherein the receiving portion and the screw comprising a different material. The method further includes selecting a rod from a group of rod types and coupling the rod with the receiving portion to stabilize a position of a portion of the spine. | 06-03-2010 |
20110106161 | Position Retaining Crosslink - A crosslink for a spinal stabilization system is disclosed that provides significant increased torsional stability for the spinal stabilization system. The crosslink includes a first crosslink arm and a second crosslink arm having an eye. An eyebolt is included that has a horizontal passageway for receiving at least a portion of the first crosslink arm and an upper portion for receiving the eye of the second crosslink arm. The eyebolt includes a means for inhibiting rotational and translational movement of the portion of the first crosslink arm. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106162 | Composite Connecting Elements for Spinal Stabilization Systems - Elongated connecting elements include bodies having composite cross-sections defined by a center core that is surrounded by an outer portion. The center core includes a first material and the outer portion includes a second material that is distinct from the first material. In one particular form, a connecting element includes a maximum dimension across an outer cross-sectional shape of the outer portion that is less than a minimum dimension across an oblong or round outer cross-sectional shape of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) connecting element, and the connecting element exhibits mechanical properties that are at least equivalent to the mechanical properties of the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) connecting element. In another form, the center core has a non-circular cross-sectional shape and the first material is defined by a reinforcing material randomly dispersed throughout a polymer, and the outer portion includes a circular, outer cross-sectional shape. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106164 | APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING A SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEM WITH SUPPLEMENTAL FIXATION - An apparatus for implementing a spinal fixation system with supplemental fixation includes a spinal fixation rod assembly and at least one supplemental fixation device. The spinal fixation rod assembly is adapted to provide primary fixation at a plurality of first fixation points by being secured to a plurality of first vertebral components except not into one of the first vertebral components of the plurality that is in a weakened structural condition and located between other of the first vertebral components of the plurality. The supplemental fixation device is adapted to provide supplemental fixation for the assembly at a second fixation point by being secured to a second vertebral component located adjacent to and offset from the one first vertebral component in the weakened structural condition and also to interconnect with the assembly to provide anchorage and thus additional fixation supplemental to the primary fixation. | 05-05-2011 |
20120203286 | Bone Fastener and Methods of Use - A bone fastener includes a shaft extending from a first end to a second end and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft includes an inner surface that defines an axially extending cavity. The bone fastener further includes a body disposed within the cavity and in fixed engagement with the inner surface. The body includes a rigid element positioned within only a subregion of the cavity to form a stiffened zone exclusively in an adjacent portion of the shaft. Methods of use are disclosed. | 08-09-2012 |