A device for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine and a proximal portion extending from the distal portion. The proximal portion may be detachable from the distal portion and may be hollow or solid. A system for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine, a proximal portion extending from the distal portion, and a slidable guide device for sliding over the facet guide device to guide at least one instrument to the spine.

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.

The present application relates to a pedicle tract stabilization system comprising a bone anchor and a fixation mechanism. The bone anchor is used for stabilizing vertebra during surgical instrumentation of the spine; and the fixation mechanism is used for fixing a bone anchor during the surgical instrumentation. The bone anchor comprises a gripping mechanism for securing the bone anchor to the vertebra cortex and a central body for coupling the gripping mechanism. The fixation mechanism comprises a frame movably attached to the bone anchor. In addition to the bone anchor and the fixation mechanism, the pedicle tract stabilization system may further comprise an external clamping mechanism and a linking mechanism.

An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a worm drive screw, a spur gear and superior and inferior screws which turn simultaneously in a bi-directional manner. A rotating mechanism drives the first and second screw members in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. A device employing two screws (two-in-one) can be combined with a capping horizontal mini-plate. A device employing three screws can be combined in enclosures (three-in-one). The stapling apparatus includes grip handles, transmission linkages, a drive rod a fulcrum and a cylinder. The staple has superior and inferior segments with serrated interfaces, a teethed unidirectional locking mechanism and four facet piercing elements. The staples can be also be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, or vertebral bodies.

A spinal implant comprises a proximal member including a body having a first diameter and a head having a second diameter. The body includes an outer surface disposed for non-fixation with a superior facet of a vertebra, and the second diameter being greater than the first diameter. The spinal implant comprises a distal member having a third diameter and being configured for fixation with an inferior facet of an adjacent vertebra. Systems, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

In some embodiments, a method includes disposing a flexible band through an aperture of a support member, the support member having a fixation portion configured to secure the support member to a first bone portion. The method includes advancing a portion of the flexible band through an attachment portion of the flexible band until the flexible band is secured to a second bone portion. The method includes advancing a portion of the fixation portion of the support member into the first bone portion until the support member is secured to the first bone portion.

A vertebral facet distractor includes an elongated generally cylindrical contour including a first end surface, a second end surface, an outer sidewall, an inner sidewall, and a central lumen having an opening in one of the first end surface and the second end surface. The outer sidewall may be provided with a surface irregularity, such as a screw thread. The vertebral facet distractor may further include a holder including an elongated body and a tip that extends through the opening and is engaged with the contour. The tip may be provided with a screw thread that is engaged with the contour or may engage the contour in an interference fit.

Methods and devices for stabilizing spinal anatomical structures. Some example methods may include introducing a curved segment of an elongate fastener placement rod adjacent to a bone, providing a fastener at the leading end of the curved segment, and/or securing the fastener in place with respect to the bone.

Apparatus and methods for spinal the treatment of abnormal spinal stability and stenosis of the spinal canal. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide treatment via decompression and/or fixation of the spinal canal. One or more implants are used to fixate the posterior column of a spinal segment compromised of the superior and inferior immediately adjacent vertebral bones. In one variant, these disclosed devices are used to fixate the posterior column of a spinal segment while another orthopedic implant is placed into the anterior column of the same spinal segment, thereby providing circumferential decompression.

Presently disclosed is a spinal implant. In an embodiment, a spinal implant includes a porous body configured to promote bone growth. The porous body may have an attachment portion that is configured to secure the spinal implant to a fixation system attached to one or more vertebra. The porous body may also include a fusion plate extending from the attachment portion and configured to contact transverse processes, lamina, or facet of adjacent vertebrae. Accordingly, when the attachment portion is secured to the fixation system, the fusion plate may be maintained in compression against the transverse processes, lamina, or facet.