The present application discloses methods for treating spinal deformities. One embodiment includes inserting an elongated corrective member into the patient. During insertion, the corrective member is operatively attached to a first vertebral member that applies a first corrective force to correct a first vertebral member alignment. The corrective member is further inserted into the patient and subsequently operatively attached to a second vertebral member that applies a second corrective force to correct a second vertebral member alignment. The corrective member is further inserted and subsequently operatively attached to a third vertebral member that applies a third corrective force to correct a third vertebral member alignment. The embodiment may further include operatively attaching the corrective member to additional vertebral members to correct further misalignment. In one embodiment, a second member is attached to the vertebral members after they have been aligned to maintain the alignment.

A method for operating a robotic device with a kinematic chain of mobile components is provided. The kinematic chain includes a function-specific end-effector at one end. Sensor values are acquired by sensors of the robotic device arranged on the kinematic chain or in the environment of the kinematic chain. A force acting on the end-effector or another component of the kinematic chain, or a variable dependent thereupon, is determined in a prespecified manner based on the acquired sensor values. The force or variable determined is compared with a prespecified first safety limit value by a control mechanism of the robotic device. A characteristic of the kinematic chain or the function-specific end-effector is adapted if the force or variable determined is in a prespecified relationship to the first safety limit value in order to increase the operational safety of a robotic device and of people in the environment of the robotic device.

Provided is a novel rod reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rod contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided.

A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws.

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.

Spinal stabilization implant assemblies, as well as systems, instruments and methods are provided for implanting and stabilizing adjacent vertebra in connection with a surgical procedure, particularly a spinal surgery. The implant assemblies and instruments enable controlled spinal rod insertion and reduction, and controlled rotation or de-rotation of adjacent spinal bones for optimized compression to achieve enhanced sagittal balance in a treated spine.

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.

A rod inserter, system and method are provided which allows for insertion of a rod through a freehand method. The inserter can include an extension structure extending from a handle, the extension structure having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis. The inserter can also include a plurality of linkage structures located in a passageway in the extension structure. The linkage structures can cause a rod connection structure to connect to the rod when the distal linkage structure is moved in a first direction, and to cause the rod connection structure to disconnect from the rod when the distal linkage structure is moved in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction.

The present invention provides a minimally-invasive surgery pedicle screw and rod assembly, inserter tool, and insertion method for use in spinal stabilization procedures and the like. The screw and rod assembly utilizes a screw head body that has a pair of tab extenders that extend longitudinally from the head body to a point well outside of the skin and musculature of the patient. A rod is coupled to and translated along these tab extenders, ultimately into proximity with the head body. The rod is inserted into, aligned with, and translated along the length of the tab extenders, and then selectively pivoted about an enlarged partial spherical bearing into a configuration that is substantially perpendicular to the tab extenders and the head body. The present invention also provides an inserter tool that is used to dispose the rod concentrically within the tab extenders, translate the rod along the length of the tab extenders, and then pivot the rod with respect to the tab extenders and the head body.

A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws.