Devices and systems can be used to treating spinal conditions. For example, this document describes artificial facet joint systems that can be implanted to treat spinal conditions while facilitating normal stability and motions of the spine. Such systems and methods can be used to treat spinal conditions such as, but not limited to, spondylosis, vertebral fractures, and the like.

Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, dynamic spine stabilizers and systems that can be used to stabilize one or more motion segments in a patient's spine. Spine stabilization systems may comprise a first bone fastener configured to attach the spine stabilization system to a first vertebra. Spine stabilization systems further may comprise a second bone fastener configured to attach the spine stabilization system to a second vertebra. Spine stabilization systems further may comprise a dynamic spine stabilizer configured to connect the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener with at least some relative movement between the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener.

An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slots that extend spirally around the flexible spinal element either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component can be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the element is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art.

A spinal stabilization system generally comprises first and second anchor members configured to be secured to first and second vertebrae within a patient's body, a flexible element secured to the first anchor member, and a rigid element secured to the second anchor member. An end portion of the rigid element is coupled to an end portion of the flexible so that the system is able to provide both rigid and dynamic stabilization. The coupling is maintained even if the flexible element relaxes after a period of time within the patient's body.

A vertebral support device (1) is disclosed, which in various embodiments comprises at least two osseous anchoring implants (2), each designed to be anchored to a vertebra, and at least one linking element (3) fixed to the osseous anchoring implants (2) by fasteners (20) that maintain a fixed angle between the longitudinal axis (L) of the linking element (3) passing through rigid elements (34) of the linking element (3) and the insertion axis (DV) of the implants (2). The linking element (3) includes at least one elastic dampening element (31) that that allows the implant-bearing vertebrae some freedom of movement. The dampening element (31) accommodates the stresses imposed on the linking element (3) during movement of the vertebrae and tends to return the support device (1) to its normal configuration.

A method of inserting a spinal stabilization system into a patient generally comprises inserting a first positioning tool through a first location on a patient's skin and along a path generally toward a first vertebral anchor, coupling an end of the first positioning tool to the first vertebral anchor, positioning at least a portion of a delivery device over a connecting element, and inserting the delivery device and the connecting element through the patient's skin at the first location and along at least a portion of the first positioning tool. The first positioning tool is configured to facilitate directing the delivery device and connecting element generally toward a second vertebral anchor within the patient's body.

An improved scaffold assembly for supporting any plurality of vertebrae, each of which including an inter-vertebral disc and articular processes. A plurality of combination socket anchors and insertable bone screws with enlarged heads are affixed to varied surface locations of at least one vertebral bone. In combination with the socket anchors, a rod extends between selected anchors for providing support between successive vertebrae. The socket anchors include crimping tabs to assist in engaging the rods thereto. The rods are further constructed of a bendable material which, upon being reconfigured, provide customized and scalable support for variations in vertebral orientation. The interiors of the socket anchors exhibit concave surfaces to permit angularly adjustability of the screws during affixation thereof. The socket anchors further include locking screws for engaging the insertable bone screws and can also include bone engaging prongs extending from underside locations, as well as providing multiple length adjustable engagement of the bone screw.

A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a receiver having a channel for receiving a rod and a central bore with a closure mating structure at an upper end, a resilient biasing structure protruding inwardly below the closure mating structure, and a seating surface proximate a bottom opening. The assembly also includes a shank that is top loadable through the central bore until an outer surface of the shank head engages the seating surface with the shank extending downward through the bottom opening. The assembly further includes a pressure insert having an upward-facing saddle for receiving the rod, a lower surface for engaging the shank head, and an alignment recess formed into an outer side surface. The pressure insert is first top loadable into the central bore and then rotatable until the saddle rotates into alignment with the open channel and the resilient biasing structure is received within the alignment recess to inhibit further rotation of the pressure insert with respect to the receiver.

A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a capture portion and an anchor portion, and a receiver having a channel for receiving a rod, an internal cavity with upper expansion and lower locking regions, and a central bore with an interference engagement surface. The assembly also includes a pressure insert having an upper surface for engaging the rod and an exterior surface for engaging the interference engagement surface to restrict movement of the pressure insert within the central bore. The assembly further includes a retainer having an expandable lower portion for receiving the capture portion of the bone anchor within upper expansion region of the internal cavity, with upward movement of the retainer during an uploading of the capture portion being restricted by the upper portion of the retainer contacting a lower surface of the pressure insert. The pressure insert is then downwardly movable within the central bore to force the exterior surface at least partially past the interference engagement surface to inhibit the pressure insert from moving back up within the central bore.

A system for installing a vertebral stabilization system. The system includes an installation tool including a handle portion and a shaft extending distally from the handle portion. The shaft includes a conduit and a staple mechanism. The system also includes a flexible implant member extending along the conduit configured to be advanced out from a distal end of the shaft, and a staple housed in the staple mechanism. The staple is configured to secure the flexible implant member to a vertebra. The handle portion is configured to selectively advance the flexible implant member from the shaft and to selectively actuate the staple mechanism.