A spinal fusion clamp implant that connects two vertebra, preferably the C1 and C2 vertebra. The clamp implant includes a clamp assembly that connects to the C1 vertebra. The clamp assembly includes at least one superior jaw and at least one inferior jaw. The superior jaw and the inferior jaw are opposedly arranged and clamp onto posterior arch of the C1 vertebra. The clamp implant also includes an implant assembly that connects to the implant used in C2, and a connection system that connects the clamp assembly with said C2 implant assembly.

A system of devices and methods for use by which one or more target motion segments of the cervical spine are stabilized without any violation of the cortical bone of the target vertebrae. The devices are brought against strategic aspects of these vertebrae, thus permitting the disclosed inventions to achieve secure control of each vertebra. Connecting elements then stabilize the constructs. Preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention are disclosed, along with methods of implantation, and adjunct devices used in the implantation of the disclosed invention.

A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a shank having a head portion and an anchor portion for fixation to the bone of a patient, and a receiver comprising a base defining a lower portion of central bore and a pair of upright arms defining a channel for receiving an elongate rod. The assembly also includes a retaining structure with a central opening configured to capture and pivotally retain and support the head portion of the shank in the retaining structure, and which is slidably movable relative to the receiver so as to provide for increased articulated movement between the shank and the receiver prior to locking the assembly with the elongate rod and a closure. The assembly further includes an insert configured to engage the elongate rod and the head portion of the shank when in use, and to have an overlapping configuration with the retaining structure when the assembly is in the locked configuration.

A receiver assembly for securing an elongate rod to a bone anchor includes a receiver having pair of upright arms that define an open channel configured to receive the elongate rod, a discontinuous helically wound receiver guide and advancement structure formed into the interior surfaces of the upright arms, and horizontally-elongated tool engaging grooves formed into upper portions of the outer surface of the upright arms. The receiver assembly further includes a closure configured for positioning within the open channel to secure the elongate rod to the receiver in a locked configuration, with the closure having an outer surface with a mating continuous helically wound closure guide and advancement structure configured to resist a tendency toward splaying between the upright arms upon a screwing in of the closure within the open channel by rotatable engagement with the receiver guide and advancement structure.

An implantable, elongated fixation rod that, when coupled to a spinal column in a living patient, stabilizes a portion of the spinal column. The elongated fixation rod includes a plurality of different rod regions formed from surgical stainless steel that are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the elongated fixation rod. The different rod regions include different dimensions tailored to provide the different rod regions with different rigidities specific to support regions of the spinal column where the elongated fixation rod is to be installed. A smooth transition region at least 5 mm in length is integrally formed as part of a common monolithic structure with the different rod regions, and is devoid of a full, sharp step that forms a 90° angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated fixation rod and separates the different rod regions along the longitudinal axis of the fixation rod.

The present invention discloses fusion systems and methods of assembly and use. The fusion systems include a first fastener, a second fastener, and an elongate member with a first end and a second end. The first end being secured to the first fastener and the second end being secure to the second fastener. The method of assembling a fusion system and methods of using the fusion systems are also disclosed.

An implantable stabilization apparatus stabilizes a portion of a skeletal structure of a living patient. The implantable stabilization apparatus includes an elongated fixation rod that includes a plurality of different rod regions having different cross-sectional dimensions are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the fixation rod. A transition region integrally formed as part of a common monolithic structure with the different rod regions is tapered, and separates the different rod regions from each other along the longitudinal axis of the fixation rod. A fastener system couples the elongated fixation rod to the skeletal structure. The fastener system includes an anchor that is to be secured to the skeletal structure, a saddle coupled to the anchor, and a locking member that maintains cooperation between the saddle and the portion of at least one of the different rod regions interfere with separation of the fixation rod from the fastener system.

Methods and devices for the tailored restraint of two separate bones, in which the bones are generally permitted to rotate relative to one another, or move toward each other, but are restrained from separating beyond a predetermined, fixed distance. In some embodiments, the restraint is provided by compressing a tether into a notched groove.

The present disclosure includes implant systems, devices, implants, guides, instruments and methods of use. The insertion guide including a base member having a first opening with a first trajectory and a second opening with a second trajectory, a connecting member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the base member and a locking block coupled to the second end of the connecting member. The locking block has a first guide hole and a second guide hole. The implant including a body including a first hole at a first end of the body, a second hole at a second end of the body, and a locking opening positioned between the first hole and the second hole. Methods of using the implant systems are also disclosed.

Methods and devices for the tailored restraint of two separate bones, in which the bones are generally permitted to rotate relative to one another, or move toward each other, but are restrained from separating beyond a predetermined, fixed distance. In some embodiments, the restraint is provided by compressing a tether into a notched groove.