A vertebral stabilisation device, consisting of at least two linking elements arranged to link two separate vertebrae together, and attachment elements for attaching the ends of each linking element to the two separate vertebrae, characterised in that the length of the linking elements and the arrangement of the attachment elements are such that each linking element can extend diagonally between the two vertebrae to which it is attached, intersecting the mean sagittal plane of the vertebral column, the two linking elements intersecting substantially at said plane, and in that at least the attachment elements situated on a same side of the mean sagittal plane of the vertebral column and on separate vertebrae are not attached to each other.

An adjustable spinal stabilization system for maintaining preselected spacing and movement between adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column and for providing overall stability thereto. The system includes at least one interlaminar member positioned in the spaces intermediate a first vertebra and the vertebrae positioned immediately above or immediately below and adjacent to the first vertebra. The interlaminar member is operatively connected to an adjustable support structure and cooperates therewith to maintain the preselected spacing between adjacent vertebrae and to provide overall stability to the spinal column.

In some embodiments, a spinal implant (10, 110, 210, 310, 400) is provided and includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The top and bottom surfaces have a surface roughness between 3-4 m. A cavity extends through the top and bottom surfaces defining a surface area that is at least 25% of a surface area of the top surface or the bottom surface. First orifices (24, 124, 224, 324, 426a) are defined through the top surface and second orifices (34, 134, 234, 334, 426b) are defined through the bottom surface. The second orifices are connected to the first orifices by a plurality of channels.

A method of securing a rod to a receiver via a closure top. The receiver is configured to be used with a bone anchor and includes a pair of upright arms that define an open channel configured to receive the rod, a discontinuous helically wound receiver guide and advancement structure formed into the interior surfaces of the upright arms, and horizontally-elongated tool-engaging structures formed on the outer surface of the upright arms. The method further includes positioning the rod within the open channel of the receiver and securing the rod to the receiver by threadably advancing the closure top to secure the rod and within the receiver body of the receiver. The method further includes rotatably attaching a lower end of a tool to the receiver.

A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Various uses of fluoroalkenes, including tetrafluoropropenes, particularly (HFO-1336) in a variety of applications, including as blowing agents for integral skin foams are disclosed.

An implant for the stabilization of bones or vertebrae is provided, the implant being a solid body including a longitudinal axis that defines a longitudinal direction and including a flexible section that has a surface and has a length in the longitudinal direction, the flexible section including at least one cavity located near the surface and having a width in the longitudinal direction that is smaller than the length of the flexible section, the at least one cavity being connected to the surface through at least one slit, and a width of the slit in the longitudinal direction being smaller than the width of the cavity.

A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

An implantable, modular spine stabilization system that allows for multi-level treatment of the spine by providing either rigid fixation or dynamic stabilization at different levels to be treated is provided. This modular spine stabilization system may be configured to span multiple spine levels, and have a curvature that closely matches the curvature of the spine over those multiple levels to be treated. Further, the modular spine stabilization system allows adjustment of the curvature of the overall system such that the system may be adapted for a patient for a customized fit. Instruments are also provided for the assembly and/or implantation of the modular spine stabilization system. The associated instruments may include instruments for adjusting the curvature of the system to the patient, and for implanting the curved system into the patient. The instruments may be configured for implantation of the system in a minimally invasive surgery.

Spinal fixation systems including a member, a first attachment portion, a second attachment portion, and an intermediate portion. The first attachment portion is attached at a superior end of the member and includes a first opening. The second attachment portion is attached at an inferior end of the member and includes a second opening. The intermediate portion connects the first and second attachment portions. The spinal fixation systems may also include a relief in at least one of the first opening and the second opening. The systems may also include a third attachment portion with a third opening and an intermediate portion with a first and a second elastic mechanism. The first elastic mechanism connects the first and third attachment portions and the second elastic mechanism connects the third and second attachment portions. Surgical methods for inserting the spinal fixation systems in a patient are also disclosed.