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.

The present invention generally relates to methods and device for treatment of spinal deformity, wherein at least one tether is utilized to maintain the distance between the spine and the an ilium to (1) prevent increase in abnormal spinal curvature, (2) slow progression of abnormal curvature, and/or (3) impose at least one corrective displacement and/or rotation.

A device for bracing the vertebrae of the human spinal column, having at least one pedicle screw with a head that is formed so as to be at least partially spherical and that is received into an at least partially spherical mounting area of a pedicle head, wherein the pedicle head has a centric recess which includes comprises the mounting area and a slit for receiving a rod that is arranged transversely with respect to the centric recess, as well as an internal thread which is formed inside the centric recess opposite the mounting area and inside of which a safety screw for clamping the rod is arranged, wherein the safety screw is provided with an anti-rotation device at that side that is facing towards the rod.

Various methods, devices, and systems are disclosed that facilitate easier and more compact implantation of osteosynthesis devices. In some embodiments, implants are screwed into two vertebrae and a plate is used to hold and displace the spine. In some plate embodiments, at least one longitudinally elongated opening is disposed at one end of the plate and partially opening onto an edge of the plate. In some plate embodiments, at least one longitudinally elongated opening is disposed at one end of the plate having a portion sufficiently large to be inserted without disassembly in the fixation means of an implant already screwed into the spine when the fixation means are already assembled.

A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a rod into the bone screws includes end guide tools having flexible back wall flaps that receive opposite ends of the rod and intermediate guide tools that hold the rod in intermediate locations between the end guide tools. Both the end and intermediate guide tools include an attachment structure for operably connecting the guide tool to a bone screw. The attachment structure includes an undercut and/or recess so as to resist splaying and separation of the guide tool from an attached bone screw.

An orthopedic implant system is disclosed for use in correcting or reducing the progression of scoliosis. The orthopedic implant system can be inserted laterally or posteriorly and comprises an elongated flexible member secured to a user's spinal column via a plurality of vertebral body screws. Typically, the height of the elongated flexible member is significantly greater than the width, creating a flattened cross-sectional aspect. The vertebral body screws comprise a screw base and a screw head with a slot sized to accept an insert. Typically, the elongated flexible member is positioned within the slot via the insert, and is allowed to slide within the screw head as needed, as the user moves. However, at the apex of the user's scoliosis curve, the elongated flexible member is fixed within a vertebral body screw head.

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 bone anchoring element comprising a shaft (2) for anchoring in a bone, with a plurality of barb elements (7) arranged in at least one helical line around the shaft axis (M) is described, wherein said barb elements are elastically movable relative to the shaft. The bone anchoring element (1) is easy to press into a core hole bore in a bone. The barb elements (7) act in a similar manner as do the threads on a conventional bone screw and thus provide for depth positioning. Moreover, the barb elements at the same time secure the bone anchoring element and prevent it from sliding-out.

A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a rod into the bone screws includes end guide tools having flexible back wall flaps that receive opposite ends of the rod and intermediate guide tools that hold the rod in intermediate locations between the end guide tools. Both the end and intermediate guide tools include an attachment structure for operably connecting the guide tool to a bone screw. The attachment structure includes an undercut and/or recess so as to resist splaying and separation of the guide tool from an attached bone screw.

Methods of correcting a spinal deformity, including securing a first rod on a first side of a spine, securing an anchor on a second side of a spine, securing a lateral coupling between the rod and the anchor, translating and derotating the spine to correct the spinal deformity by adjusting an effective length of the lateral coupling, and securing a second rod on a second side of the spine to provide secondary stabilization to the spine.