Connector assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A connector has a first end that clamps to a first rod in an existing construct and a second end, connected to the first end, that clamps to a second rod in a new construct such that the new construct can be extended from the existing construct at an adjacent level as the existing construct.

A facet joint replacement device includes an enclosing element including an enclosing body and an inferior attachment member. The enclosing body includes an inner cavity defined by an interior surface of the enclosing body, wherein a portion of the interior surface of the enclosing body forms a superior articulating surface. The facet joint replacement device also includes an inferior articulating element including an articulating body and a superior attachment member. The inferior articulating body is positioned within the inner cavity of the enclosing body of the enclosing element and is configured to move within the inner cavity of the enclosing body of the enclosing element. The inferior articulating body includes an inferior articulating surface. The movement of the articulating body of the inferior articulating element is constrained in at least one direction within the inner cavity of the enclosing body of the enclosing element.

This application describes a spinal fixation system. The spinal fixation system includes at least a rod member having shaped ends, at least two pedicle screws capable of receiving the shaped ends of the rod member, and a system for introducing the rod member and pedicle screws in a minimally invasive fashion.

A spinal distraction system, according to one aspect, includes an adjustable spinal distraction rod comprising first and second members, the adjustable spinal distraction rod configured for non-invasive elongation of the first and second members. The system includes an anchor rod configured for mounting to a bone of a subject, the anchor rod having one or more spring-biased tabs disposed at one end thereof, and a connector having first end and a second end, the first end having a receiving cup configured for detachable mounting on the anchor rod, wherein the one or more spring-biased tabs are configured to engage with an inner surface of the receiving cup, the connector having a second end operatively coupled to an end of a first member and wherein the second member is configured for mounting to a second bone of a subject.

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 multi-stage minimally invasive surgical procedure and associated instruments are disclosed. First, the surgical site is prepared. After preparation, the bone screws or anchors are attached to the bone. Subsequent to insertion of the screws, a rod or connecting member is positioned within the yoke portion of the bone screw. Caps are then placed in a pre-lock position within the yokes. The bone screws may be compressed together or distracted along the rod or connecting member, thereby setting the final spacing of the bones or bone segments. Finally the caps are moved to a final lock position to fix the screws to the rod or connecting member to maintain the bones in position relative to each other.

Apparatus and methods include an elongate connecting element including a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and an opposite second end. The connecting element includes a first end portion at its first end and a second end portion at its second end. The connecting element includes a length between the first and second ends sized to extend between and be engaged to first and second anchors engageable to bony portions of the spinal column. The first and second end portions are positioned on opposite sides of the first and second anchors and project outwardly from the body of the connecting element to capture the first and second anchors between the first and second end portions.

An apparatus configured to attach a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fastener including an anchor and a polyaxial head rotatably attached to the anchor, the anchor configured to be fastened to the first vertebral body, and an anchor assembly configured to be received in an aperture of the second vertebral body. The anchor assembly is configured to be received in a head aperture of the polyaxial head. The polyaxial head has three rotational degrees of freedom relative to the anchor based on the rotatable attachment of the polyaxial head to the anchor.

Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.