Zimmer Spine, Inc.

Sulzer Spine-tech Inc.

Graco Minnesota Inc.

Paul F Boschert

Hugh D Hestad

Eric L Gray

James Ryan Mujwid

Zachary M Hoffman

Ronaldo F Carreon

Deborah Lynn Hoch

Vu K Nguyen

Mark W Darst Rice

Kevin V Guenther

Todd A Anderson

Daniel G Brown

Angela L Hillyard

Jeffrey Clayton Dick

Michael J McNamara

David W Koehne

Charles A Wood

A spinal stabilization system includes at least two anchors having a bone attachment portion and a head portion and a flexible assembly coupled to the anchors. The flexible assembly includes a flexible cord, at least two connectors slidably mounted to the flexible cord, and at least one spacer slidably mounted to the cord between adjacent connectors. Each connector couples with a head portion of an anchor. The flexible assembly may be assembled and appropriately adjusted outside the body prior to it being coupled to the anchors. In addition, the connectors may include angled outer surfaces that provide enhanced engagement with the ends of the spacer. A method of stabilizing the spine includes securing anchors to the spine, assembling a flexible assembly outside the body, and coupling the flexible assembly to the anchors. The method may further include providing connectors with angled surfaces to provide enhanced engagement with the spacer.

Dynamic spinal stabilization system and method of using the same

An orthopedic fixation device for securing a rod to a bone is provided. The fixation device includes a receiver with two legs, a pocket defined between the legs, an anchor including a head, and a seat structure that mounts within the receiver. The seat structure includes a top seat for receiving the rod and a bottom seat for receiving the head of the anchor. The top seat includes two legs defining a pocket and first and second raised ridges that are spaced apart from one another. The legs each define a recessed portion extending between the two raised ridges.

Spinal implant fixation assembly

Surgical installation tool

Bone fixation systems for stabilizing bones such as vertebral bodies are disclosed. The fixation systems include fixation connectors that preferably are equipped with bone anchors (e.g., screws, hooks, pins or like structures) for securing the fixation connectors to bones desired to be stabilized. The fixation systems also include linking elements (e.g., rods, plates or other members) for linking the fixation connectors together to form a stabilizing construct capable of maintaining a desired spacial relationship between bones desired to be stabilized.

Fastening system for spinal stabilization system

Temporary spinal fixation apparatuses and methods are disclosed for temporarily fixing the relative position of spinal implant assemblies until a permanent fixation position is determined. The disclosed apparatuses and methods enhance the ease of placement of spinal implant assemblies and facilitates the accuracy of positioning of the spinal vertebrae. The invention can reduce the number of steps needed to perform spinal surgery and can decrease the likelihood of post-operative complications.

Temporary spinal fixation apparatuses and methods

Multifunction surgical devices and methods that can be used for implanting a spinal fixation system. Surgical devices of the invention can be used for positioning a bone engaging element with respect to a component of a spinal fixation system and for attaching the bone engaging element to the component of the spinal fixation system. Generally, surgical devices of the invention include a translating member and an attachment device. The translating member can be attached to a bone engaging element implanted in a vertebra, such as a pedicle screw or hook or the like. The translating member can be driven with a driving device to translate the bone engaging element with respect to a component of a spinal fixation system such as a connector or the like. The bone engaging element can be translated to an attachment position with respect to the connector or other component. An attachment device can then be used to attach the bone engaging element to the connector with a fastener such as a nut or the like.

Surgical devices and methods for vertebral shifting utilizing spinal fixation systems

Growing community of inventors

Minneapolis, MN, United States of America

Paul F Boschert