A bone fixation system with variable z-axis translation is provided. The system includes an outer tulip coupled to a bone fastener via a screw retainer. An inner tulip is coupled to the outer tulip such that the inner tulip is longitudinally movably relative to the outer tulip. The inner tulip includes a lock that provides a seat for a connecting rod. The inner tulip together with a seated rod is permitted to translate along the z-axis inside the outer tulip when in an unlocked position. Also in the unlocked position, the bone fastener is free to angulate relative to the outer tulip. The z-axis position of the inner tulip and rod relative to the outer tulip is fixed in a locked position. Also, in the locked position, the bone fastener is locked with respect to the outer tulip. The system may be adjusted between the locked and unlocked positions by way of a set screw.

The invention relates to a surgical instrument comprising a bone screw having a screw head, and a shaft for rotating the bone screw in a bone, the shaft and/or head forming a single element with the bone screw and having a predetermined breaking point. A driving element is inserted into the bone screw by the shaft, said driving element screwing the screw further in or out once the shaft has broken off from the screw.

An implant is disclosed including an elongated threaded portion and a blade portion extending from the elongated threaded portion. The blade portion has a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional geometry and a taper defined by a plurality of blades.

An insertion device for deploying an implant includes an elongated main body having a distal locking portion for coupling to the implant and a proximal handle portion. The main body defines a central passage and the distal locking portion has outer ridges and slots to allow the outer ridges to flex radially inward when mounting to the implant. A plunger slides in the central passage for movement between an unlocked position for mounting the implant on the distal locking portion, a locked position for locking the implant on the distal locking portion, and an insertion instrument deployed position for deploying the actuation plunger to move the blades from the stowed position to the deployed position. A spike cap drive rotatably mounts on the main body having a socket end for engaging a drive nut on the implant to, in turn, move the spike cap.

Stand alone fusion cage assemblies that can be secured to the adjacent vertebral bodies via an in-line approach that is substantially perpendicular to the anterior wall of the stand alone cage (or substantially parallel to the cage insertion direction).

Fixation device cartridges. At least one example embodiment is a cartridge including: a first tube; a second tube parallel to first tube; a first spacer coupled to the first tube and the second tube such that slots of the first and second tubes face each other; a second spacer coupled to the first tube and the second tube, the first and second spacers defining a suture volume between the slots of the first and second tubes, and the slot of the first tube and the slot of the second tube open into the suture volume; a first bone anchor disposed within the first tube, a first suture line associated with the first bone anchor and extending through the slot; and a second bone anchor disposed within the second tube and coupled to the first suture line.

Illustrative embodiments of orthopedic implants and methods for surgically repairing hammertoe are disclosed. According to at least one illustrative embodiment, an orthopedic implant includes a proximal segment comprising a number of spring arms forming an anchored barb at a first end of the implant, a distal segment extending between the proximal segment and a second end of the implant, and a central segment disposed between the proximal and distal segment.

A surgical fastener applying device for releasable connection to an end effector is provided. The surgical fastener applying device includes an elongated body portion having an outer tube and an inner shaft assembly. The inner shaft assembly defines a non-circular bore in a distal end thereof. The inner shaft assembly is longitudinally movable through the outer tube. The outer tube and the inner shaft assembly define corresponding openings extending radially therethrough. The surgical fastener applying device includes a detent movable within the openings of the elongated body portion. The detent floats between the end effector and the elongated body portion to enable selective connection between the end effector and the elongated body portion.

A tool for a bone implant includes a rod and an adaptor. The rod includes a coupling portion having a through-hole. The rod further includes a measuring arm connected to the coupling portion and a force applying arm connected to the coupling portion. The measuring arm includes a first extension section having a first indicator portion, and the force applying arm includes a second extension section having a second indicator portion. The force applying arm is elastically deformable away from the measuring arm to displace the second extension section relative to the first extension section. The adaptor is coupled in the through-hole and includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring is rotatable relative to the inner ring in a single direction.

Illustrative embodiments of orthopedic implants and methods for surgically repairing hammertoe are disclosed. According to at least one illustrative embodiment, an orthopedic implant includes a proximal segment comprising a number of spring arms forming an anchored barb at a first end of the implant, a distal segment extending between the proximal segment and a second end of the implant, and a central segment disposed between the proximal and distal segment.