A load sensing assembly for a spinal implant includes a set screw having a central opening that extends from a first end of the set screw toward a second end of the set screw. The second end of the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member. The load sensing assembly includes an antenna, an integrated circuit in communication with the antenna, where the integrated circuit is positioned within the central opening of the set screw, and a strain gauge in connection with the integrated circuit. The strain gauge is located within the central opening of the set screw in proximity to the second end of the set screw.

A pedicle screw device for fixating at least two adjacent vertebral bodies is presented. The device consists of a bone screw which is implanted into the pedicle of a vertebral body. A second bone screw is implanted into the pedicle of a second vertebral body. A polyaxial head is then inserted over each bone screw. The polyaxial heads can then be slid into a retaining position on the bone screw, allowing them to rotate about the spherical portion of the bone screw. The polyaxial heads are then attached to one another with a rod. Finally, a locking screw is inserted into the polyaxial heads to force the rod against the bone screw as well as the polyaxial head, locking them in place. The rod also serves to prevent the polyaxial head from disconnecting from the bone screw.

A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion, a receiver member or head, a retaining and articulating structure, and a pressure insert disposed between the shank upper portion and a rod. The receiver has a U-shaped cradle defining a channel for receiving a spinal fixation rod and a receiver cavity. The retaining and articulating structure attaches to the shank and rotates with the shank in the cavity during positioning. The pressure insert presses upon the shank upper portion and not the retaining and articulating structure.

A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion, a receiver member or head, a retaining and articulating structure, and a pressure insert disposed between the shank upper portion and a rod. The receiver has a U-shaped cradle defining a channel for receiving a spinal fixation rod and a receiver cavity. The retaining and articulating structure attaches to the shank and rotates with the shank in the cavity during positioning. The pressure insert presses upon the shank upper portion and not the retaining and articulating structure.

An expandable interspinous spacer implant that is configured to be inserted into an interspinous space that is defined between a spinous process of a superior vertebral body and a spinous process of an inferior vertebral body is provided. The implant may include a superior housing, an inferior housing, and a distracting member. The superior housing may have an outer surface that is configured to engage the spinous process of the superior vertebral body and the inferior housing may have an outer surface that is configured to engage the spinous process of the inferior vertebral body. The distracting member may be disposed between the superior and inferior housings, such that activation of the distracting member distracts the superior and inferior housings apart from each other.

Systems and methods for a guide assembly for introducing a bone anchor to an operative target site. The guide includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a distal anchor engaging end, a proximal end, and a central passage extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The inner sleeve may be situated in the central passage of the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is movable being between a first position and a second position. The first position permits insertion of the bone anchor in the central passage. The second position releasably fixes the bone anchor to the guide assembly.

The present invention relates to stable fixation of spine segments, allowing for fusion in, e.g., skeletally mature patients. More particularly, the invention relates to a bone fixation device that can be affixed to vertebrae of a spine to provide reduction (or enlargement) capabilities and allow for fixation in the treatment of various conditions, including, e.g., spondyloslisthesis, degenerative disc disease, fracture, dislocation, spinal tumor, failed previous fusion, and the like, in the spine. The invention also relates to a method for delivering and implanting the bone fixation device.

A method for treating a spine is provided. The method includes the steps of: disposing an interbody implant adjacent a first vertebral surface and a second vertebral surface of an intervertebral disc space, the interbody implant engaging the vertebral surfaces at a selected angular orientation; connecting the interbody implant with at least one of the vertebral surfaces via at least one fastener that is engaged with the interbody implant and fixed with the vertebral surface such that the at least one fastener is movable to a plurality of axial orientations relative to the interbody implant; and manipulating the vertebral surfaces such that the at least one fastener is fixed relative to the interbody implant. Spinal implants, surgical instruments and systems are disclosed.

A device for placement between two adjacent spinous processes of a spinal column to treat a spinal condition, and a method for performing a procedure on a spine of a patient, are provided. The device may include a first member, a second member mounted onto the first member, and a locking plug configured to restrict movement of the second member relative to the first member. The method may include positioning a portion of a first member between two adjacent spinous processes of the spine, advancing a second member along a length of the first member, and restricting the second member from moving relative to the first member.

An apparatus for inserting implants in a bone comprising a frame having a cartridge receiving chamber and a barrel. A cartridge defining a plurality of chambers is positioned in the cartridge receiving chamber so the chambers are selectively alignable with a longitudinal passage of the barrel. At least one instrument is positioned in one of the chambers, and a plurality of implants is positioned in the other chambers. A drive assembly is engageable with the instrument and the implants. The drive assembly is slidably and rotatably disposed in the frame and is moveable between a retracted position, an engaging position wherein the distal end of the drive assembly is positioned to engage the selected one of the instrument and the implants, and an extended position wherein the drive assembly extends through the chamber to transport the selected one of the instrument or the implant from the chamber to the distal end of the barrel.