A screw-clamp apparatus is disclosed that includes a first clamp component comprising at least one hook, a second clamp component comprising at least one hook, a bone-screw hole located on the first clamp component, a bone screw configured to be inserted through the bone-screw hole and to be inserted into bone and a spacer-receiver located on the first clamp component. The second clamp component can be pivotably attached relative to the first clamp component. A portion of the bone screw can be configured to engage the second clamp component upon insertion to cause the second clamp component to pivot toward the first clamp component. The spacer-receiver can be configured to secure a spacer.

The present invention is generally directed to orthopedic fixation devices that comprise a pre-assembled double headed tulip assembly, having two tulip elements to receive rods, wherein the assembly may be configured to receive a bone fastener in at least one of the tulip elements. At least one of the tulip elements may comprise a saddle and a ring to attach the double headed tulip to a bone fastener.

A system for spinal fixation with a non-rigid portion at least one of the caudal or cephalad terminus. Various devices and techniques are described for transition from a rigid fixation construct to a less rigid support structure applied to a “soft zone” that will help share the stress created on the spinal levels caused by the fixed levels below. In specific embodiments the soft zone is provided by terminating the construct with one of a flexible tether or a dampening rod.

A spinal stabilization system includes a plurality of anchors and at least one bridge. Each anchor includes a clamp configured to engage an anatomical element, the clamp movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position; a locking screw configured to selectively prevent the clamp from being moved into the fully open position; and a bridge interface. The at least one bridge is a rigid member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, each of the first end and the second end having an anchor interface. The bridge interface is configured to receive the anchor interface.

The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A bone anchor is provided. The anchor can include a bone fastener. The bone fastener can include a head and a second end adapted to engage an anatomy. The bone fastener can extend along a longitudinal axis. The anchor can also include a coupling arrangement coupled to the head of the bone fastener so that the bone fastener is rotatable about the longitudinal axis to define a first plane of motion. The anchor can further include a saddle, which can be coupled to the coupling arrangement. The saddle can be movable relative to at least one of the bone fastener and the coupling arrangement to define a second plane of motion.

A bone anchor is provided for connecting a rod to a bone structure, the bone anchor having a rod housing configured to accommodate the rod; a cavity distal to the rod housing dimensioned to accommodate the bone structure; and a deployable purchase element capable of assuming a deployed position in which the purchase element protrudes into the cavity, and capable of assuming a non-deployed position in which the purchase element does not substantially protrude into the cavity.

A spinal construct includes a body defining a transverse axis. The body includes a wall disposed between a first implant cavity and a second implant cavity. The body further defines a first opening communicating with the first implant cavity and a second opening communicating with the second implant cavity. The first opening defines a first axis and the second opening defines a second axis. At least one of the first axis and the second axis are disposed in a substantially non-perpendicular orientation relative to the transverse axis. Systems, surgical instruments, implants and methods are disclosed.

Systems and methods for reducing the risk of PJK, PJF, and other conditions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a longitudinal extension can be added to a primary fixation construct to extend the construct to one or more additional vertebral levels. The extension can be attached to a first attachment point, such as a bone anchor implanted in a vertebra that is superior to the primary construct. The extension can also be attached to a second attachment point, such as a component of the primary construct or an anatomical structure disposed inferior to the first attachment point. The extension can be more flexible than the primary construct and/or can limit motion to a lesser degree than the primary construct, thereby providing a more-gradual transition from the instrumented vertebrae to the natural patient anatomy adjacent thereto. The extension can be placed with little or no soft tissue disruption.

A system to stabilize and guide the growth of the spinal column includes an elongated support member having a width and a length and a guiding connector having a bone connecting portion and a guiding portion. The bone connecting portion secures the guiding connector to a vertebrae and the guiding portion has a bearing element with a passageway adapted to receive the elongated support member. The bearing element permits relative sliding movement of the elongated support element in the passageway of the bearing element. The system may further include a bone fixation element has an elongated support member receiving channel, a locking mechanism and a bone anchoring portion. The bone anchoring portion secures the bone fixation element to bone. The locking mechanism secures the elongated support member in the channel. The guiding connector is moveable along the elongated support member to permit and control the growth of the spinal column along a predetermined path.

A posterior cervical fixation system including an occipital plate member, a cross connector, a pair of elongated spinal rods and a plurality of polyaxial screws. The occipital plate member configured for fixing to an occipital bone comprises an aperture to receive a bone anchor member to secure the occipital plate member to the occipital bone and at least one rod clamping element dimensioned to receive at least one spinal rod. The cross connector secures the pair of elongated spinal rods to vertebral bodies. The cross connector includes a pair of collet connectors and a cross bar that is configured to secure the pair of elongated spinal rods in a desired distance. Each polyaxial screw has an anchor head associated with a fastening member. The pair of elongated spinal rods is configured to extend along the vertebral bodies between the occipital plate member and at least one of the polyaxial screws.