A receiver of a bone anchor includes a base and a pair of upright arms extending upward from the base to define an open channel for receiving an elongate rod, with the upright arms having opposed interior surfaces with a discontinuous guide and advancement structure formed therein and side outer faces opposite the opposed interior surfaces extending downward across the base to a bottom of the receiver. A horizontally-elongated upper tool engaging groove is formed into the side outer face of each upright arm that extends to at least a front face or back face of the upright arm and that includes a downwardly-facing upper surface, an upwardly-facing lower surface, and an outwardly-facing inner surface. A vertical tool-engaging groove is also formed into the side outer face of each upright arm that extends downward from a top surface of the upright arm through to a level below the lower surface of the upper tool engaging groove.

Various methods and apparatus for dynamic stabilization of bones, and especially of vertebra. Disclosed herein are bushings that permit axial movement of a rod, tether, or similar interconnection device relative to an anchoring head that is coupled to a bone. Some bushings further allow lateral relative movement or rotational relative movement, such additional relative movement being limited by the size and shape of the bushing, the size and shape of the interconnection device, the size and shape of the bushing container, the manner of attaching the anchoring head to the bone, or other considerations.

A spinal correction implant comprises a body extending between a first end and a second end. The body has a curvature. A first longitudinal element is connected with the first end. A ratchet is disposed with the body. A second longitudinal element is connected to the ratchet and is incrementally movable relative to the body. Systems and methods are disclosed.

A spinal implant assembly comprising an intervertebral device configured to be installed in a spinal disc space, the intervertebral device having a head component and a body component, the spinal implant assembly further comprising a coupling body for coupling the head component of the intervertebral device and an elongate member, the coupling body and head component each having a longitudinal axis, wherein the head component can be received by the coupling body with its longitudinal axis at a selected angle within a predetermined range of angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling body.

This application describes a spinal fixation system. The spinal fixation system includes at least a rod member having shaped ends, at least two pedicle screws capable of receiving the shaped ends of the rod member, and a system for introducing the rod member and pedicle screws in a minimally invasive fashion.

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.

A pedicle screw distraction device that includes first and second pedicle screws each including a screw body portion and a ball head. The device also includes first and second screw head portions each including an internal threaded bore where the first screw is inserted in the first screw head portion and the second screw is inserted in the second screw head portion. The device also includes a connector link coupled to the first and second screw head portions where the connector link includes an outer perimeter portion having a slot therein. A spring member is positioned within the connector link between and in contact with the first and second screw head portions. A locking member including a plate and a separating portion is positioned between the screw head portions and an inside wall of the connector link where the separating portion is positioned between the screw head portions.

Apparatus and methods include an elongate connecting element including a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and an opposite second end. The connecting element includes a first end portion at its first end and a second end portion at its second end. The connecting element includes a length between the first and second ends sized to extend between and be engaged to first and second anchors engageable to bony portions of the spinal column. The first and second end portions are positioned on opposite sides of the first and second anchors and project outwardly from the body of the connecting element to capture the first and second anchors between the first and second end portions.

A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A down-loadable compression insert has a lower friction fit collet and an outer receiver press fit surface. A down-loadable retaining ring has at least one inner edge and outer tiered surfaces. The ring cooperates with the shank to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled. A uni-planar assembly is included.

A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A down-loadable compression insert with tool receiving arm extensions, a down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring and an up-loadable shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop-or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled.