Implantable devices for dynamic interconnection between bones, and especially between vertebrae. The devices provide for various types of manipulation of a flexible connection such as a tether, such as by providing an aperture through which the flexible connection is passed and guided, or a post to which a loop of the flexible connection can be attached, or a groove in which a loop of the flexible connection can be placed.

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.

A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a receiver having an upper channel for receiving an elongate rod and an axial bore extending downward from the upper channel to a bottom opening, and a shank having an anchor portion and an integral upper portion that is positionable in the axial bore of the receiver with the shank extending downward through the bottom opening. In some embodiments an insert provides for a friction fit of the upper portion of the shank in the receiver, resulting in non-floppy placement of the shank with respect to the receiver. A pre-assembled receiver with the insert may be popped-on or snapped-on to the upper portion of the shank prior to or after implantation of the anchor portion into a vertebra. The receiver includes arm break-off extensions attached to a pair of upright arms, with the upright arms also having outer horizontally extending tool engagement grooves.

A spinal construct comprises a member extending between a first end and a second end and includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a plurality of interlaced strands that define a first angle. The second layer includes a plurality of interlaced strands that define a second angle. The first angle is smaller than the second angle. Systems, implants, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

Bone anchors and related systems and elements, such as means for engaging a ligament to a bone anchor for correction of spinal deformities. In some embodiments, the bone anchor may be configured for engaging vertebral bone and may comprise an exterior thread form and an interior thread form, which may be positioned within an interior chamber of the bone anchor that may open at the distal end of the bone anchor where an outer thread form may also terminate. The inner chamber may taper in an opposite direction relative to an outer surface of the bone anchor upon which the outer thread form is positioned.

Tethers, devices and bone anchor implants are provided for the correction and treatment of spine deformities including scoliosis.

An apparatus includes a first flexible connector and a second flexible connector. The apparatus also includes a first bone anchor including a first tethering head configured to receive a first portion of the first flexible connector. The apparatus also includes a second bone anchor including a second tethering head configured to receive a second portion of the first flexible connector. The apparatus also includes a third bone anchor defining a first aperture configured to receive therethrough the first bone anchor. The third bone anchor also defines a first peripheral channel configured to receive a first portion of the second flexible connector. The apparatus also includes a fourth bone anchor defining a second aperture configured to receive therethrough the second bone anchor. The fourth bone anchor also defines a second peripheral channel configured to receive a second portion of the second flexible connector.

A medical device that includes special heat treated components and a method for heat treating the metal alloy for the medical device.

A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The system is designed such that the second resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and the first resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions extend away from each other.

A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The upper portion expands a retaining member in the receiver cavity to capture the shank upper portion in the receiver. In some embodiment either the retaining member or an insert provide for a friction fit of the shank upper portion in the receiver resulting in non-floppy placement of the shank with respect to the receiver. Some retainers and inserts have a lock-and-release feature. Final locking of the polyaxial mechanism is provided by frictional engagement between the shank upper portion and the retaining member. A pre-assembled receiver, retaining member and optional insert may be popped-on or snapped-on to the shank upper portion prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra.