Blackstone Medical, Inc.

Alan Lombardo

David Edgar Evans

Michael A Hammer

Theodore Karwoski

Joseph C Ferraro

Mark Evald Semler

Thomas M Swanick

Brian C Sunter

In one embodiment of the present invention a system for connecting a fastener element (e.g., a pedicle screw) relative to a rod for the purposes of vertebral fixation is provided. The system may permit multi-axial movement between the fastener element and the rod. Further, the system may permit the angular relationship between the fastener element and the rod to be held in a desired orientation. For the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term 'rod' is intended to refer to any elongated structure. Such an elongated structure may be solid or hollow and may have any desired cross-section (e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular). Further, for the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term 'interference fit' is intended to refer to physical contact between two or more components.

Multi-axial connection system

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can-be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.

Bone plate assembly provided with screw locking mechanisms

The present invention is directed to the field of prosthetic devices. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an artificial disc that can be used as a replacement for an intervertebral disc (e.g., a human intervertebral lumbar disc, a human intervertebral cervical disc and/or a human intervertebral thoracic disc).

Artificial intervertebral disc

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.

A surgical screw system for use with implantation rods includes a screw member, a receiver member, a pressure cap and a locking device. The screw member has a shaft and a head with a spherical undersurface and a conical tapered recess. The receiver member has an upper and lower portion, a u-shaped rod receiving channel and an axial bore. The u-shaped channel has two lateral legs at the upper portion and forms an opening leading to the axial bore. The axial bore near the lower portion includes an inwardly conical tapered surface which has a diameter larger than the shaft of the screw member but smaller than the head of the screw member. The conical surface forms a support upon which the spherical undersurface of the head of the screw member rests when the screw member is guided through the bore of the lower portion of the receiver member. The pressure cap is positioned within the axial bore and situated upon the head of the screw member. The locking device is designed for securing the rod within the u-shaped channel of the receiver member by applying a tightening torque upon the rod when positioned within the opening and the bore near the upper portion of the receiver member.

Surgical screw system and method of use

Surgical cross-connecting apparatuses in which the components of the apparatuses are adjustable as a result of being provided with a number of degrees of freedom. The components are movable axially and rotatably. The components are rotatable in several different ways taken from the perspective of the axially extending cross connecting member of the apparatuses. The apparatuses include a lever and set screw for locking a spinal rod in position.

Surgical cross-connecting apparatus having locking lever

A surgical cross-connecting apparatus includes a first element, a second element, an adjustable tightening device and at least two rotatable hooking elements. The first element has opposing ends; one end has at least one aperture and the other end has a recessed surface including a central bore. The second element has opposing ends; one end having at least one aperture and the other end has a recessed surface including an elongated aperture. The recessed surface of the second element is positioned to overlap the recessed surface of the first element. The adjustable tightening device is positioned through the elongated aperture of the second element and within the central bore of the first element to secure the second element onto the first element. The tightening device is designed to rotatably fit and slidably move within the elongated aperture of the second element. The rotatable hooking elements comprises a hook and an adjustable securing device, and the hooking elements are inserted within the aperture of the first and second element.

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Kinnelon, NJ, United States of America

Alan Lombardo