A multi-level intersegmental stabilization implant for a facet joint of a first vertebra includes a lower retainer module having a transfacetal fastener and an upper retainer module having a second fastener configured for fastening through the pedicle of an upper vertebra. The lower and upper retainer modules are connected by an elongated carrier element dimensioned such as to span across at least two vertebrae. The transfacetal fastener is configured as a screw having a head and a shaft ending with a tip, the shaft being provided with a thread at least in a region near its tip such that it engages exclusively the lower section of the facet joint, wherein a washer is provided co-operatively connected with the transfacetal fastener, the washer being configured for bearing on an outer surface of the upper section of the facet joint.

A stabilization device for bones or vertebrae includes a rod having a rod axis and a plurality of distinct external surfaces that extend parallel to the rod axis, such that for a cross-section of the rod, the distinct external surfaces are arranged at respective angles relative to one another around the rod axis, a bone anchoring device including a receiving part having a channel for receiving the rod and a contact surface for supporting the rod, and a fixation member with a contact surface for fixing the rod in the channel. When the rod is fixed in the channel with the fixation member, the contact surfaces of the receiving part and the fixation member together form surface portions that are shaped to correspond to at least three of the distinct external surfaces, such that the rod is clamped along the at least three distinct external surfaces.

Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.

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.

An orthopaedic stabilisation device is described. The orthopaedic stabilisation device comprises a stabilisation member and at least two legs coupled to the stabilisation member. Each leg is arranged for positioning in a respective bore hole in bone, and for receiving an element within the leg such that the element can facilitate fastening the leg within the bore hole in bone. The stabilisation member may be arranged such that a length of the stabilisation member is alterable by a predefined amount, the predefined amount being adjustable.

The present invention provides an orthopedic surgical tool for moving an implant to a surgical sight and installing the implant. The tool allows the surgeon the ability to navigate the implant through a surgical tube, then rotate the implant after reaching the sight and effect installation of the implant, and then effect its release from the tool. The implant can be rotated at any time during its installation within the constraints of other surgical devices.

Various methods and devices are provided for tensioning a tether. In one embodiment, a tether tensioning device is provided and includes an elongate shaft adapted to be positioned adjacent to a bone anchor implanted in bone, and a tensioning mechanism pivotally associated with the elongate shaft and adapted to couple to a tether seated across the bone anchor and to pivot relative to the elongate shaft to apply a tensioning force to the tether.

A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws includes a pair of independently mountable and manipulatable elongate guide tools that form a unitary tool guide when desired. Each guide tool includes attachment structure for independent operable connection of the guide tool to an arm of the bone screw. The bone screw/guide tool attachment includes an undercut and/or recess so as to resist separation of the guide tool member from an attached bone screw. Further tools include a removable stabilizer, a cooperating bone screw driver with an attached stabilizer, a closure starter/reduction tool, a closure driver and a counter torque tool.

A spinal rod with multiple sections having eccentric centers for use in a spinal fixation device is disclosed. The spinal rod may include a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion adjoined together by a transition portion. The first longitudinal portion may extend along a first longitudinal axis that extends lengthwise through a center of the first longitudinal portion and the second longitudinal portion may extend along a second longitudinal axis that extends lengthwise through a center of the second longitudinal portion. The transition portion may be configured to transition from the first cross-section to the second cross-section such that the first longitudinal axis is offset with respect to the second longitudinal axis. In at least some embodiments, a first outside surface of the first longitudinal portion may extend along a co-extensive plane with a second outside surface of the second longitudinal portion.

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.