A spinal distraction system, according to one aspect, includes an adjustable spinal distraction rod comprising first and second members, the adjustable spinal distraction rod configured for non-invasive elongation of the first and second members. The system includes an anchor rod configured for mounting to a bone of a subject, the anchor rod having one or more spring-biased tabs disposed at one end thereof, and a connector having first end and a second end, the first end having a receiving cup configured for detachable mounting on the anchor rod, wherein the one or more spring-biased tabs are configured to engage with an inner surface of the receiving cup, the connector having a second end operatively coupled to an end of a first member and wherein the second member is configured for mounting to a second bone of a subject.

A pedicle screw for spinal fixation having a bone fastener portion a permanent rod coupling, a breakaway portion connected to the permanent rod coupling and a temporary rod coupling. A permanent rod can be positioned in the permanent rod coupling and a temporary rod can be positioned in the temporary rod coupling and when the temporary rod is not needed the temporary rod coupling can be removed by separation at a breakaway portion.

A minimally invasive system for retraction, compression and distraction includes a tap having a shaft with threads and a head, a blade having a proximal end and a distal end and a base removably mountable to the proximal end. The tap is configured to form screw threads in a bone. The distal end is mountable to the head. The blade is pivotable relative to the head in a mounted configuration. The blade is configured to facilitate soft tissue retraction in the mounted configuration. The base is configured to manipulate the blade to retract and compress segments of the bone. The base is configured to provide distraction and/or compression using the provisional taps either directly or through the use of blades, insertion devices or tubes. The blades may be used to retract tissue and provide a visual field either independent or in conjunction with the provisional taps, insertion devices or tubes.

The present invention discloses a minimally invasive spinal column realignment system and method of use. The spinal column realignment system includes at least two fasteners, a member, an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and an instrument. The at least two fasteners are configured for insertion into two adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient. The member is configured to engage the at least two fasteners. The outer sleeve includes a first opening and a second opening and the inner sleeve is configured for insertion through the first opening of the outer sleeve to engage a first fastener of the at least two fasteners and the member. The instrument is configured for insertion through the second opening in the outer sleeve and engagement with the member. A method of using a spinal column realignment system is also disclosed.

An instrument for locking and unlocking a head of a bone anchor relative to a receiving part of a polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a tube assembly with an inner tube and an outer tube at least partially around the inner tube, and an actuator assembly including an actuating mechanism movable from a first orientation to a second orientation to displace the inner tube and the outer tube relative to one another between a first axial position configured to unlock the bone anchoring device such that the head is pivotable relative to the receiving part, and a second axial position configured to lock the head. The actuator assembly is adjustable between a first configuration where the tube assembly assumes the first axial position when the actuating mechanism is moved, and a second configuration where the tube assembly assumes the second axial position when the actuating mechanism is moved.

Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for aligning vertebrae of a curved spine that may include a coupler having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises first threads, wherein the distal end comprises a mating surface for disposition around a rod attached to a spinal column, and wherein the coupler applies a compressive clamping force to the rod. The apparatus further may include a nut having second threads corresponding to the first threads, wherein the nut is attachable to the coupler proximal end. The apparatus further may include a driver disposable at least partially around the coupler, wherein the driver applies a clamping force to the coupler, and wherein the nut applies a linear force to the driver when tightened.

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.

A spinal distraction system, according to one aspect, includes an adjustable spinal distraction rod comprising first and second members, the adjustable spinal distraction rod configured for non-invasive elongation of the first and second members. The system includes an anchor rod configured for mounting to a bone of a subject, the anchor rod having one or more spring-biased tabs disposed at one end thereof, and a connector having first end and a second end, the first end having a receiving cup configured for detachable mounting on the anchor rod, wherein the one or more spring-biased tabs are configured to engage with an inner surface of the receiving cup, the connector having a second end operatively coupled to an end of a first member and wherein the second member is configured for mounting to a second bone of a subject.

Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, derotation apparatus and systems that can be used to reduce the rotation of vertebral bodies. Derotation apparatus that may comprise a tube assembly comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed over the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve may have a distal end for attachment to an implant. The tube assembly may further comprise a handle assembly. The tube assembly may further comprise a ball joint assembly disposed between the tube assembly and the handle assembly. The ball joint assembly may comprise a ball joint configured for attachment to a coupling rod. The ball joint assembly further may comprise a reducing extension below the ball joint, the reducing extension being sized to fit in a central bore of the inner sleeve. Orthopedic fixation devices comprising a ball joint are also disclosed.

Multi-mode torque drivers employing anti-backdrive units for managing pedicle screw attachments with vertebrae, and related systems and methods are disclosed. A spinal column includes vertebrae in an articulating structure protecting a spinal cord. Medical intervention may involve limiting the relative motion between vertebrae by fusing vertebrae together with mechanical assemblies, including pedicle screws attached to the vertebrae. A torque driver may be used to form the pedicle screw attachments with vertebrae. By including an anti-backdrive unit and a motor assembly enclosed within a handle body as part of a multi-mode torque driver, the user may apply sequential combinations of manual and motorized torques to the screws with high levels of tactile feedback as desired. In this manner, pedicle screw attachments may be efficiently achieved with fewer injuries to the patient and surgeon while minimizing screw attachment failures.