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.

A coupling device includes a first coupling body configured to be coupled to a first bone anchor, a second coupling body configured to be coupled a second bone anchor, and a connection device comprising a first connection member connectable to the first coupling body, a second connection member connectable to the second coupling body, and a length adjustment member positionable between and insertable at least partially into each of the first and second connection members. The first and second connection members are movable relative to the length adjustment member. The length adjustment member can be actuated in a first direction to increase a distance between the first connection member and the second connection member, and in a second direction different from the first direction to decrease the distance between the first connection member and the second connection member.

A dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly includes an anchor member having an integral or otherwise fixed elongate core of circular or non-circular cross-section. The core is pre-tensioned and extends through at least one elastic spacer and at least one outer sleeve. The anchor member and the outer sleeve each attach to at least one bone anchor. In operation, the core is held in tension by the spacer.

An implantable growing rod assembly adapted to be secured along a length of a spine for treating deformities of the spine. The assembly includes a housing, a fixed rod extending along a longitudinal axis away from the housing, and an expansion rod extendible from the housing along the longitudinal axis. A driver assembly is fixed to the housing and adapted to translate the expansion rod along the longitudinal axis.

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 dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having at least one transition portion and cooperating outer sleeve, both the transition portion and sleeve being disposed between the two bone anchors. In a first embodiment, the transition portion includes a rigid length or rod having apertures therein for tying or otherwise attaching the rigid length to a second rigid length or to a flexible cord. Slender ties or cords extend through a plurality of apertures in the rigid lengths or are threaded, tied or plaited to the larger flexible cord or cable. In a second embodiment, a transition portion includes slender ties of a cord that are imbedded in a molded plastic of a more rigid member. The outer sleeve may include compression grooves. The sleeve surrounds the transition portion and extends between the pair of bone anchors, the sleeve being compressible in a longitudinal direction between the bone anchors.

Systems, devices, and associated methods for correcting spinal column deformities that help minimize a number of attachment anchors utilized for correction, facilitate use of straight or contoured rods, and/or help promote a more natural, physiologic motion of the spinal column.

The present invention discloses single level fusion systems and methods of use. The single level fusion systems include a first fastener, a second fastener, and a connector to secure the first fastener to the second fastener. The method of assembling a single level fusion system including obtaining a first fastener, a second fastener, and a connector, securing the first fastener to the connector, and securing the second fastener to the connector. Methods of using the single level fusion systems are also disclosed.

A spinal fixation construct for aligning vertebral bodies includes a bone screw, a spinal rod, a flexible member, and a fixation member. The spinal rod is disposed within a saddle portion of a housing of the bone screw, and includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end. The spinal rod is formed from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity. The flexible member is coupled to the spinal rod, and includes an elongated body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The flexible member is formed from a second material having a second modulus of elasticity that is different from the first modulus of elasticity. The fixation member includes a threaded body portion and a head portion defining a hole therethrough. A portion of the flexible member extends through the hole of the head portion.

Hydraulically expandable spinal rods and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The spinal rod may include a piston rod, a static rod, and a hydraulic pressure chamber for accepting hydraulic fluid and causing the piston rod to move in an expansion direction relative to the static rod. Upon connection of the piston and static rods to a patient's spinal column, the hydraulic spinal rod may be expanded to aid in correction of an underlying spinal deformity.