A jointed rod assembly for use in a spinal fixation construct involves a caudal rod portion connectable to an adjustment mechanism, and a cranial rod portion connectable to the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate the caudal and cranial rod portions relative to one another about a joint axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the caudal and cranial rod portions. The caudal and cranial rod portions may be dimensioned to be compatible with other pieces of hardware commonly used for spinal fixation, such as bone anchors (e.g., pedicle screws), occipital plates, reducers, and others. The caudal and cranial rod portions are composed of a strong, rigid, non-absorbable, biocompatible material. The jointed rod assembly may be advantageously used in spinal fixation systems and methods of spinal fixation.

An adjustable articulating spinal rod system including a first elongated element secured to a first bone, a second elongated element secured to the spine, and an articulating joint connecting the first and second elongated elements. The articulating joint including a first movable joint, a second movable joint, and at least one locking mechanism. The first movable joint is coupled to the first elongated element and the second movable joint which is also coupled the second elongate element. The first and second movable joints are configured to allow polyaxial movement and rotation of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The at least one locking mechanism immobilizes the first and second movable joints in the locked position to secure the first elongate element in a position relative to the second elongate element and allow movement and rotation in an unlocked position.

Modular devices, assemblies, and methods for coupling one or more fixation elements, such as bone fasteners and/or elongate rods. The device includes at least one coupling element having a body portion for receiving a bone fastener and an extension portion extending transversely from the body portion. A locking assembly is received in the coupling element and includes a locking member, a clamp portion, and a ring portion, wherein the locking member is configured to contact an upper portion of the clamp portion and the ring portion is configured to at least partially surround a lower portion of the clamp portion. When unlocked, the bone fastener is moveable within the clamp portion to allow for polyaxial movement of bone fastener relative to the coupling element, and when locked, the bone fastener is fixed relative to the coupling element.

Correction of a scoliotic curve in a spine includes the steps of implanting an expanding rod isolated completely under the skin and attached to selected portions of the scoliotic curve of the spine at opposing ends of the rod; and producing a controlled force by means of expansion of the rod over at an extended time period under external control until a desire spinal curve is obtained. An incremental force is generated to stretch the scoliotic curve of the spine between the selected portions where attachment of the rod is defined. The controlled force is provided steadily for at least one month or alternatively 1-3 months. Multiple rods may be employed with each associated with a different scoliotic curve of the spine or a different portion of the scoliotic curve.

A horizontal-transvertebral curvilinear nail-screw (HTCN) including a body portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is opposed to the second end; and a head at the first end of the body portion, wherein the body portion has a predetermined curvilinear shape and includes a pointed tip at the second end of the body portion, and a method of surgically implanting universal horizontal-transvertebral curvilinear nail-screws (HTCN) into a plurality of adjacent vertebrae.

A spinal rod connector includes first and second arm assemblies and a fastener. The first arm assembly includes a first base portion and a first head portion defining a first slot configured to receive a first spinal rod. The first base portion includes a hook and an extension member including a housing. The second arm assembly is adjustable with respect to the first arm assembly. The second arm assembly includes a second base portion including a hook, a second head portion defining a second slot configured to receive a second spinal rod, and an elongate member extending from the second base portion. The elongate member is configured to be received in the housing of the first arm assembly. The elongate member is rotatable about an axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the housing. The fastener is configured to be received in the housing to secure the elongate member.

Correction of a scoliotic curve in a spine comprises the steps of implanting an expanding rod isolated completely under the skin and attached to selected portions of the scoliotic curve of the spine at opposing ends of the rod; and producing a controlled force by means of expansion of the rod over at an extended time period under external control until a desire spinal curve is obtained. An incremental force is generated to stretch the scoliotic curve of the spine between the selected portions where attachment of the rod is defined. The controlled force is provided steadily for at least one month or alternatively 1-3 months. Multiple rods may be employed each associated with a different scoliotic curve of the spine or a different portion of the scoliotic curve.

A fusion rod includes mounting structures located at different places thereon, and a first flexible element attached to one of the mounting structures and a second flexible element attached to another of the mounting structures.

Lamina plate assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A lamina plate assembly may be configured to provide lamina support following laminectomy, for example, in cervical and lumbar cases. The lamina plate assembly may include a generally elongate body having a first free end, a second free end, and a posterior portion disposed between the first free end and the second free end. Different embodiments of securing portions are used to secure the lamina plate assembly to a vertebra.

A spinal implant includes first and second pedicle screws, each of which comprises a threaded shank coupled to a head. First and second cantilevered arms are coupled to the first and second pedicle screws, respectively. The first cantilevered arm includes a contact member arranged to contact and move over a contact portion of the second cantilevered arm.