An adjustable articulating spinal rod system including a first elongated element secured to a first bone, a second elongated element secured to the spine, and an articulating joint connecting the first and second elongated elements. The articulating joint including a first movable joint, a second movable joint, and at least one locking mechanism. The first movable joint is coupled to the first elongated element and the second movable joint which is also coupled the second elongate element. The first and second movable joints are configured to allow polyaxial movement and rotation of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The at least one locking mechanism immobilizes the first and second movable joints in the locked position to secure the first elongate element in a position relative to the second elongate element and allow movement and rotation in an unlocked position.

A system for implanting a bone fixation system including an implant head inserter associated with each hook member and positionable relative to one of the elongate members to engage the hook member with the elongate member; a preliminary locking instrument associated with each implant head inserter and configured to engage the respective elongate member and lock the position of the hook member and implant head inserter relative to the elongate member; a compressor assembly configured to engage the implant head inserters and compress them toward one another; a path creation tool configured to be extended through holes in the hook members to define a connector member path between the hook members; and a rod introduction instrument configured to support the connector member and direct it through the connector member path. Methods of implanting a bone fixation system are also provided.

A spinal fusion clamp implant that connects two vertebra, preferably the C1 and C2 vertebra. The clamp implant includes a clamp assembly that connects to the C1 vertebra. The clamp assembly includes at least one superior jaw and at least one inferior jaw. The superior jaw and the inferior jaw are opposedly arranged and clamp onto posterior arch of the C1 vertebra. The clamp implant also includes an implant assembly that connects to the implant used in C2, and a connection system that connects the clamp assembly with said C2 implant assembly.

An assembly for correcting spinal deformities may include at least lateral rods extending across adjacent vertebrae to be retained at either end by pedicle screws. A cross-coupler may be coupled to each lateral rod, and a longitudinal rod may run along the spine and be coupled to the lateral rods by the cross-couplers. The assembly may be used to correct spinal deformities by manipulating the pedicle screws or cross-couplers to rotate about the lateral rods or the longitudinal rod.

A uniplanar clamp hinge for spinal surgery comprising a dual-axis hinge comprising a first hinge-rod-bearing leaf, a second hinge-rod-bearing leaf rotationally coupled to the first hinge-rod-bearing leaf, a first hinge-rod coupled to the first hinge-rod-bearing leaf, a second hinge-rod coupled to the second-hinge-rod-bearing leaf, and first and second locking screws to lock the first and second hinge-rods at a desired angle; a first uniplanar clamp movably coupled to the first hinge-rod and a second uniplanar clamp movably coupled to the second hinge-rod; a stabilizing rod movably coupled to the first uniplanar clamp and the second uniplanar clamp; a first provisional spine rod movably coupled to the first unipolar clamp and a second provisional spine rod movably coupled to the second uniplanar clamp; and a first reduction rod holder couplable to the first provisional spine rod and a second reduction rod holder couplable to the second provisional spine rod.

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.

A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a shank having a head portion and an anchor portion for fixation to the bone of a patient, and a receiver comprising a base defining a lower portion of central bore and a pair of upright arms defining a channel for receiving an elongate rod. The assembly also includes a retaining structure with a central opening configured to capture and pivotally retain and support the head portion of the shank in the retaining structure, and which is slidably movable relative to the receiver so as to provide for increased articulated movement between the shank and the receiver prior to locking the assembly with the elongate rod and a closure. The assembly further includes an insert configured to engage the elongate rod and the head portion of the shank when in use, and to have an overlapping configuration with the retaining structure when the assembly is in the locked configuration.

Connector assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An articulating connector has a first end that clamps to a first rod in an existing construct and a second end having a second end that clamps to a second rod in a new construct or such that the new construct can be extended from the existing construct. In the case of different sized constructs used in different areas of the spine, an articulating connector has a first end that clamps to a first rod in a new construct having rods of a first size and a second end having a second end that clamps to a second rod in a new construct having rods of a second size. The clamping portions are capable of translating and rotating with respect to each other.

The present invention provides a single surgical method, procedure and/or system that creates open visual and physical access to an identified spinal treatment site that comprises both targeted vertebral and spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels comprise at least one dorsal root ganglion. A spinal treatment procedure is performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.

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.