A spinal fixation system that includes at least two pedicle screws and a connector plate attached to each pedicle screw with a locking nut at a first end. A rod connector member attached to a second end of each connector plate with a rod connecting member locking lock. A spinal rod connected to at least two of the rod connector members. The pedicle screw including a cup shaped member that conforms to a lower mating surface on the connector plate and the locking nut having a mating surface with the upper surface of the connector plates to provide a polyaxial connection between the pedicle screw and the connector plate. The rod connector, connecting plate, and, rod connector locking nuts having mating surfaces that allow polyaxial motion between the rod connector member and the connector plate. The spinal fixation system provides a low profile system that is more easily implanted and adjustable so as to reduce the stress to the spinal column and trauma to the surgical incision.

A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface and may include a crosslink extending across a vertebral sagittal plane. The inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which may couple the inferior articular surface with a first end of the inferior strut, and couple the inferior articular surface with the crosslink. A second end of the inferior strut may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable, lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The superior implant may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The positions of the inferior articular surface and the first end of the inferior strut are independently translatable along a medial-lateral axis of the vertebra prior to lockout by the lockable mechanism. The crosslink may be placed into the lockable mechanism from a posterior approach.

An articulating assembly includes a first elongated element for attachment to a first anatomical region, and a second elongated element for attachment to a second anatomical region. In at least one embodiment, a coupling connects the first and second elongated elements. The coupling includes a moveable joint configured to allow polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The assembly further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operable in an unlocked condition to permit polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element, and a locked condition to immobilize the movable joint and fix the position of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element.

A vertebral column correction system for correcting a spinal deformity without fusing the joint segments is disclosed. The vertebral column correction system may have first and second vertebral anchors secured to first and second vertebrae. The vertebral column correction system may further comprise one or more intermediate vertebral anchors secured to vertebrae between the first and second vertebrae. A connection member may be disposed within a head portion of the vertebral anchors. At least a portion of the connection member may be a flexible member, such as a flexible cord, configured for tensioning between at least two vertebral anchors for providing a desired amount of tension to apply a correctional force to the spinal column. A spring member, or other tensioning member, may maintain the tension of the connection member.

A connection assembly configured to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, a variable angle connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.

A coupling device for coupling a rod to a bone anchor includes a receiving part having a central axis, a coaxial passage, and an engagement recess extending laterally into the passage, and a pressure member having an expandable portion to clamp the head, a radially outwardly facing surface, and an engagement surface extending from the radially outwardly facing surface. The engagement surface of the pressure member is recessed from an outer surface of the receiving part. The pressure member is movable axially from a first position towards a second position where the receiving part directly engages the pressure member to increase a compression force on the expandable portion for clamping an inserted head. The engagement surface of the pressure member is engageable through the engagement recess of the receiving part by the instrument to move the pressure member axially from the second position back towards the first position.

An anchor assembly for use in spinal fixation to interconnect a longitudinal spinal rod with a patient's vertebra. The anchor assembly preferably includes a bone anchor, a body with a rod-receiving channel, an insert member (preferably a bushing), and a locking cap. The anchor assembly enables in-situ assembly where the bone anchor may be secured to the patient's vertebra prior to being received within the body of the bone anchor assembly. Accordingly, the anchor assembly enables a surgeon to implant the bone anchor without the body to maximize visibility and access around the anchoring site. Once the bone anchor has been secured to the patient's vertebra, the body may be snapped onto the bone anchor and a spinal rod may be inserted into the rod-receiving channel.

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/or derotating the spine and securing a second rod on a second side of the spine to provide secondary stabilization to the spine.

A system to stabilize and guide the growth of the spinal column includes an elongated support member having a width and a length and a guiding connector having a bone connecting portion and a guiding portion. The bone connecting portion secures the guiding connector to a vertebrae and the guiding portion has a bearing element with a passageway adapted to receive the elongated support member. The bearing element permits relative sliding movement of the elongated support element in the passageway of the bearing element. The system may further include a bone fixation element has an elongated support member receiving channel, a locking mechanism and a bone anchoring portion. The bone anchoring portion secures the bone fixation element to bone. The locking mechanism secures the elongated support member in the channel. The guiding connector is moveable along the elongated support member to permit and control the growth of the spinal column along a predetermined path.

A coupling device for coupling a rod to a bone anchor includes a receiving part having a central axis, a coaxial passage, and an engagement recess extending laterally into the passage, and a pressure member having an expandable portion to clamp the head, a radially outwardly facing surface, and an engagement surface extending from the radially outwardly facing surface. The engagement surface of the pressure member is recessed from an outer surface of the receiving part. The pressure member is movable axially from a first position towards a second position where the receiving part directly engages the pressure member to increase a compression force on the expandable portion for clamping an inserted head. The engagement surface of the pressure member is engageable through the engagement recess of the receiving part by the instrument to move the pressure member axially from the second position back towards the first position.