A bone hook apparatus is provided that includes a base, a rod receptacle disposed on a proximal side of the base, a first hook distally extending from the base and oriented in a first direction, and a second hook distally extending from the base and oriented in a second direction opposing the first direction, the first hook and second hook together configured to receive the bone. Kits and spinal constructs employing the bone hook apparatus are also described.

Systems, methods, and devices for securing a sublaminar band are provided. A sublaminar band clamp system may include a first locking mechanism, a second locking mechanism, and a body. The body may include a first portion comprising a first passage, wherein the first locking mechanism is disposed within the first passage. The body may further include a second portion comprising a second passage, wherein the second locking mechanism is disposed within the second passage. A third passage may extend across the body and may be in fluid communication with the second passage. An opening may be positioned between the first and second portions, and the opening may be in fluid communication with the first passage.

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.

Occipital plate systems are described. The occipital plate systems include an occipital plate having an upper portion and lower portion. The lower portion can include an opening for receiving one or more lateral members therethrough. The lateral members include top and/or side apertures for receiving lateral connectors that are attached to polyaxial screw receiving members. The occipital plate systems can also include low-profile clamping arms that are operably attached to an occipital plate via an extension member and articulating joint member. The clamping arms, along with tension cables attached intermittently along its length, can be used in addition to or instead of screws and hooks to secure an occipital plate system to vertebrae.

A flexible fastening band connector can comprises a recess to receive a distal end portion of a flexible fastening band and lumen to receive the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band. The lumen guides the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band toward a fastening mechanism. The flexible fastening band connector can comprise an opening to receive a spinal rod. In operation, the spinal rod is coupled to additional devices to secure the spinal rod to portions of one or more vertebra. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed connector is provided.

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 helps share the stress created on the spinal levels caused by the fixed levels below. In some embodiments, the soft zone is provided by terminating the construct with one of a flexible tether or a dampening rod.

Occipital plate systems are described. The occipital plate systems include an occipital plate having an upper portion and lower portion. The lower portion can include an opening for receiving one or more lateral members therethrough. The lateral members include top and/or side apertures for receiving lateral connectors that are attached to polyaxial screw receiving members. The occipital plate systems can also include low-profile clamping arms that are operably attached to an occipital plate via an extension member and articulating joint member. The clamping arms, along with tension cables attached intermittently along its length, can be used in addition to or instead of screws and hooks to secure an occipital plate system to vertebrae.

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 helps share the stress created on the spinal levels caused by the fixed levels below. In some embodiments, the soft zone is provided by terminating the construct with one of a flexible tether or a dampening rod.

Systems, methods, and devices for securing a sublaminar band are provided. A sublaminar band clamp system may include a first locking mechanism, a second locking mechanism, and a body. The body may include a first portion comprising a first passage, wherein the first locking mechanism is disposed within the first passage. The body may further include a second portion comprising a second passage, wherein the second locking mechanism is disposed within the second passage. A third passage may extend across the body and may be in fluid communication with the second passage. An opening may be positioned between the first and second portions, and the opening may be in fluid communication with the first passage.

A spinal construct is disclosed. The spinal construct may include a connector having a body including a first implant cavity and a second implant cavity. The first implant cavity being defined, at least partly, by at least two threaded arm portions. The first implant cavity may include a first receiving cavity configured to adjustably orient a first rod in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The second implant cavity may include a second receiving cavity configured to orient a second rod. In some embodiments, the threaded arm portions may be configured to receive a first set screw such that when the first set screw is fully tightened along the first axis the first rod is fixed relative to the body in a direction extending substantially parallel with the plane. In some embodiments, the body may further include a threaded opening communicating with the second receiving cavity.