Spinal implant systems and methods

Abstract

To provide a spinal implant system and method for treating a spine.SOLUTION: A delivery system 30 includes a first instrument 32 having an outer sleeve 34 defining a passageway. The first instrument includes an inner sleeve 44 having a first end disposed in the passageway and a second end including a first mating element. The inner sleeve defines a channel. A second instrument includes a hollow shaft disposed in the channel, and a handle 116 coupled to the shaft. The handle includes a body, and a second mating element extending from the body. The second mating element is configured to engage the first mating element to secure the second instrument to the first instrument.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, and more particularly to spinal implant systems and methods for treating the spine. [Background technology]

[0002] Spinal pathologies and disorders, such as scoliosis, kyphosis and other curvature abnormalities, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, tumors, and fractures, can result from factors including trauma, disease, and degenerative conditions caused by injury or aging. Spinal disorders typically result in symptoms including deformity, pain, nerve damage, and partial or complete loss of mobility.

[0003] Non-surgical treatments such as medication, rehabilitation, and exercise can be effective but may not alleviate the symptoms associated with these disorders. Surgical treatments for these spinal disorders include correction, fusion, fusion, discectomy, laminectomy, and implantable prostheses. As part of these surgical treatments, spinal structures such as vertebral rods are often used to provide stability to the treated area. The rods redirect stress away from the damaged or defective area while healing occurs to restore proper alignment and generally support the vertebral members. During surgical treatment, one or more rods and bone fasteners can be delivered to the surgical site. The rods may be attached to the outside of two or more vertebral members via bone fasteners. Surgeons can help support and stabilize the damaged vertebrae by using a driver to insert bone fasteners into the damaged vertebral bodies and attach the fasteners to one or more rods. It is sometimes difficult for surgeons to achieve the necessary support and stabilization of the damaged vertebral bodies because the threads of the bone fasteners do not properly engage the vertebrae. Thus, a surgeon can insert a bone filler device into a driver and use an injection gun coupled to the bone filler device to deliver adhesive or cement material into and / or around at least one of the bone fasteners to further bond the bone and at least one of the fasteners. However, the injection gun often generates backpressure that separates the bone filler device from the driver. As a result, a separate instrument is required to prevent the bone filler device from disconnecting from the driver when the injection gun generates backpressure. Another common method of cement injection uses one hand to hold the bone filler device in place, acting as a resistance against the backpressure. A plunger is used with the other hand to dispense the cement. The present disclosure describes improvements over these prior art techniques. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a delivery system is provided. The delivery system includes a first instrument and a second instrument. The first instrument includes an outer sleeve defining a passageway. The first instrument includes an inner sleeve having a first end disposed within the passageway and a second end including a first mating element. The inner sleeve defines a channel. The second instrument includes a hollow shaft disposed within the channel and a handle coupled to the shaft. The handle includes a body and a second mating element extending from the body. The second mating element is configured to engage with the first mating element to secure the second instrument to the first instrument. In some embodiments, a method is disclosed.

[0005] In one embodiment, a delivery system is provided. The delivery system includes an implant, a first instrument, and a second instrument. The implant includes a threaded screw and a head coupled to the screw. The screw includes a bore extending through opposing ends of the screw. The head has a threaded inner surface. The first instrument includes an outer sleeve defining a passageway. The first The instrument includes an inner sleeve having a first end rotatably disposed within the passageway and a second end including a first mating element. The first end includes a threaded outer surface that engages with the threaded inner surface to couple the inner sleeve to the head. The first end includes a tip disposed in the bore to couple the inner sleeve to the screw. The inner sleeve defines a channel. The second instrument includes a hollow shaft disposed within the channel and a handle coupled to the shaft. The handle includes a body and a second mating element extending from the body. The second mating element engages with the first mating element to secure the second instrument to the first instrument, thereby preventing the second instrument from translating proximally relative to the first instrument.

[0006] In one embodiment, a delivery system is provided. The delivery system includes a bone fastener, a driver, a bone filler device, and an injector. The bone fastener includes a threaded screw and a head coupled to the screw. The screw is rotatable relative to the head in multiple planes. The screw includes an inner surface defining a bore extending through opposing ends of the screw. The screw includes an opening extending through the inner surface and the opposing outer surface of the screw. The head has a threaded inner surface. The driver includes an outer sleeve defining a passage. The driver includes an inner sleeve having a first end rotatably disposed within the passage and a second end including a flange. The first end includes a threaded outer surface that engages the threaded inner surface to couple the inner sleeve to the head. The first end includes a tip disposed in the bore for coupling the inner sleeve to the screw. The inner sleeve defines a channel. The bone filler device includes a hollow shaft disposed within the channel and a handle coupled to the shaft. The handle includes a body including a barrel coaxial with the shaft. The barrel has a threaded outer surface and an inner surface defining an opening that is coaxial with and communicates with the lumen of the shaft. The handle includes a first wing extending from a first side of the body in a cantilever configuration and a second wing extending from an opposing second side of the body in a cantilever configuration. The first wing includes an extension extending from the first side and a tab extending from the extension. The second wing includes an extension extending from the second side and a tab extending from the extension of the second wing. Each extension extends parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft, and each tab extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The tabs engage flanges to secure the bone filler device to the driver, thereby preventing proximal movement of the bone filler device relative to the driver. An injector is coupled to the handle and contains bone cement therein. The injector is configured to deliver bone cement through the channel and into the hole. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] The present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the following specific description accompanied by the drawings.

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of components of one embodiment of a surgical system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0009] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of components of the surgical system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the component shown in FIG. 2.

[0011] [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of some of the components of FIG. 2.

[0012] [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the component shown in FIG. 2.

[0013] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of components of the surgical system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the component shown in FIG. 6.

[0015] [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of some of the components of FIG. 6.

[0016] [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of some of the components of the surgical system shown in FIG. 1, with the components in an unassembled configuration.

[0017] [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of some of the components of the surgical system shown in FIG. 1, with the components in an unassembled configuration.

[0018] [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical system shown in FIG. 1, with the components in an unassembled configuration.

[0019] [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of some of the components of the surgical system shown in FIG. 1, with the components in an assembled configuration.

[0020] [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of some of the components of the surgical system shown in FIG. 1, with the components in an assembled configuration.

[0021] [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of the surgical system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of the surgical system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of the surgical system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a side view of components of one embodiment of a surgical system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0025] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side view of one embodiment of the components of the surgical system shown in FIG. 17, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the component shown in FIG. 18.

[0027] [Figure 20] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of some of the components of FIG. 18.

[0028] [Figure 21] FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the component shown in FIG. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed surgical systems and associated methods of use are discussed with respect to medical devices for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, and more particularly, delivery systems and methods for treating the spine. In some embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods include medical devices, including surgical instruments and implants, for use in conjunction with surgical treatment in, for example, the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and / or sacral regions of the spine.

[0030] Cement delivery guns create back pressure when used in conjunction with predictable bone filler devices. Current fenestrated screw systems rely on redundant instruments to counteract the back pressure created by the cement delivery system gun. In various embodiments, the delivery system of the present disclosure The system simplifies procedures by eliminating unnecessary steps while still providing the required functionality. In some embodiments, the delivery system eliminates the need for a separate instrument to secure the bone filler device to its guide / driver and includes a handle with a specific shape developed to maintain a proper connection between the handle and guide / driver during cement application. In some embodiments, the handle includes wings shaped to allow for easy attachment to undercuts in the guide / driver. The handle also provides ergonomic features that allow for simple release of the bone filler device from the guide / driver. In some embodiments, the distal end of the handle has a conical shape that helps promote adaxial alignment of the bone filler device by aligning the handle with the guide / driver to ensure proper assembly of the handle and guide / driver. In some embodiments, the handle and / or guide / driver generate a clicking sound during assembly of the handle and guide / driver to indicate that the handle has been properly assembled with the guide / driver.

[0031] In some embodiments, the delivery system of the present disclosure may be used to treat spinal disorders such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, scoliosis, kyphosis and other curvature abnormalities, tumors, and fractures. In some embodiments, the delivery system of the present disclosure may be used for other skeletal or bone-related applications, including diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In some embodiments, the disclosed delivery system may alternatively be used for surgical procedures with the patient in prone or supine position, and / or using various surgical approaches to the spine, including anterior, posterior, postero-midline, lateral, postero-lateral, and / or anterior-lateral approaches, and other body regions. The delivery system of the present disclosure may also alternatively be used in procedures to treat the lumbar, cervical, thoracic, sacral, and pelvic regions of the spine. The delivery systems of the present disclosure may also be used in animals, bone models and other non-living substrates, for example, in training, testing and demonstrations.

[0032] The delivery system of the present disclosure may be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that the present application is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and / or illustrated herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only, and is not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, as used in the specification, including the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" also include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as ranging from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and / or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes the range from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by use of the preface "about," it will be understood that the particular value also forms another embodiment. Furthermore, all spatial references, e.g., horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, etc., are for illustrative purposes only and will be understood to be variable within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the references "upper" and "lower" are relative and are used only in the context of one another, and not necessarily "superior" and "lower."

[0033] As used herein, including the appended claims, "administering treatment" or "treating" a disease or condition refers to administering one or more drugs to a patient (usually a human or other mammal), using an implantable device, and / or using instruments to treat the disease, such as a microsurgical instrument used to remove a bulging or herniated disc and / or bone spur, for the purpose of alleviating the signs or symptoms of the disease or condition. and using instruments such as microdiscectomy instruments. "The term 'treatment' refers to administering a treatment. Relief may occur before signs or symptoms of a disease or condition appear, or even after they appear. Thus, administering a treatment or treating includes preventing or preventing a disease or undesirable condition (e.g., preventing the onset of a disease in a patient who may be susceptible to the disease but has not yet been diagnosed with the disease). Furthermore, administering a treatment or treating does not require complete relief or remission of signs or symptoms, and specifically includes procedures that have minimal effect on the patient. Treatment may include inhibiting a disease, e.g., halting its progression, or alleviating a disease, e.g., regressing a disease. For example, treatment may include reducing acute or chronic inflammation, alleviating and easing pain, inducing the regeneration of new ligaments, bone, and other tissues, assisting with surgery, and / or any restorative procedures. As used in the specification, including the appended claims, the term "tissue" includes soft tissue, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and / or bone, unless otherwise specified.

[0034] The following discussion includes a description of a delivery system and methods of using the delivery system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Alternative embodiments are also disclosed. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Turning to Figures 1-21, components of a delivery system, such as delivery system 30, are shown.

[0035] The components of delivery system 30 may be fabricated from biologically acceptable materials suitable for medical applications, including metals, synthetic polymers, ceramics, and bone materials, and / or composites thereof. For example, the components of delivery system 30 may be fabricated, individually or collectively, from stainless steel alloys, aluminum, commercially pure titanium, titanium alloys, Grade 5 titanium, superelastic titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, superelastic metal alloys (e.g., Nitinol, GUM METAL®), and other super elasto-plastic metals. metal), ceramics and their composites such as calcium phosphate (e.g., SKELITE™), thermoplastics such as polyaryletherketones (PAEK), including polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), and polyetherketone (PEK), carbon-PEEK composites, PEEK-BaSO4, polymeric rubber, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), fibers, silicone, polyurethane, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, polymeric rubber, polyolefin rubber, hydrogels, semi-rigid and rigid materials, elastomers, rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset elastomers, elastomeric composites, rigid polymers including polyphenylene, polyamide, polyimide, polyetherimide, polyethylene, epoxies, autograft, allograft, xenograft, or genetically engineered cortical and / or corticocancellous bone. They may be fabricated from bone materials, including fibrous bone, as well as tissue growth or differentiation factors, partially resorbable materials such as composites of metals and calcium-based ceramics, composites of PEEK and calcium-based ceramics, composites of PEEK and resorbable polymers, fully resorbable materials such as calcium-based ceramics, such as tricalcium phosphate (TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA)-TCP, calcium sulfate, or other resorbable polymers, such as polyethidium, polyglycolide, polytyrosine carbonate, polycaprolactone, and combinations thereof.

[0036] The various components of the delivery system 30 can have material composites including the materials described above to achieve various desired properties, such as strength, stiffness, elasticity, conformability, biomechanical performance, durability, and radiolucency or imaging performance. The components of the delivery system 30, individually or collectively, may be fabricated from heterogeneous materials, such as a combination of two or more of the materials described above. The components of the delivery system 30 may be monolithically formed, integrally connected, or formed with fastening elements and / or fastening devices, as described herein. may include:

[0037] Delivery system 30 may be used, for example, in conjunction with fully open surgical procedures, minimally invasive procedures including percutaneous techniques, and small incision surgeries to deliver and introduce instruments and / or spinal implants, such as bone fasteners, at a patient's surgical site, including, for example, the spine. In some embodiments, the spinal implants may include one or more components of one or more spinal structures, such as, for example, an interbody device, an interbody cage, a bone fastener, a spinal rod, a tether, a connector, a plate, and / or a bone graft, and may be used in conjunction with a variety of surgical procedures, including surgical treatment of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and / or sacral regions.

[0038] The delivery system 30 includes a first instrument, such as a driver 32. The driver 32 includes an outer sleeve 34 extending along a longitudinal axis L1 between an end 36 and an opposing end 38. The sleeve 34 has an inner surface 40 defining a passageway 42, as best shown in FIG. 3 . The passageway 42 is coaxial with the axis L1 and extends the entire length of the sleeve 34 such that the passageway 42 extends through opposing end faces of the ends 36, 38. In some embodiments, the passageway 42 has a circular diameter. In some embodiments, the passageway 42 has a uniform diameter along its entire length. In some embodiments, the passageway 42 may be disposed coaxially, e.g., transversely, perpendicularly, and / or at other angled orientations, e.g., acute or obtuse angles, and / or may be offset or staggered relative to the axis L1. In some embodiments, the passageway 42 may have various cross-sectional configurations, such as, for example, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular, and / or tapered.

[0039] The driver 32 includes a sleeve, such as an inner sleeve 44, rotatably disposed within the passageway 42 such that the sleeve 44 is coaxial with the axis L1. The sleeve 44 extends between an end 46 and an opposing end 48 disposed within the passageway 42. The end 46 includes a first mating element, such as a flange 50, spaced from the flange 52 by an undercut, such as a recess 54. The flange 50 includes opposing surfaces 56 and 58, each extending perpendicular to the axis L1, and surfaces 60 and 62, respectively, disposed between the surfaces 56 and 58, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The surface 56 defines an end face of the end 46. The surface 60 extends transversely to the axis L1, and the surface 62 extends parallel to the axis L1.

[0040] The sleeve 44 includes a body 64 having an inner surface 66 defining a channel 68, as best shown in FIG. 3 . The channel 68 is coaxial with the axis L1 and extends the entire length of the sleeve 44 such that the channel 68 extends through the surface 56 and the opposing end face of the end 48. In some embodiments, the channel 68 has a circular diameter. In some embodiments, the channel 68 has a uniform diameter along the entire length of the channel 68. In some embodiments, the channel 68 may be disposed coaxially, e.g., transverse, perpendicular, and / or at other angled orientations, e.g., acute or obtuse, relative to the axis L1, and / or may be offset or staggered. In some embodiments, the channel 68 may have various cross-sectional configurations, e.g., elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular, and / or tapered.

[0041] End 48 includes a tip 70 that is connected to body 64, as best shown in FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, tip 70 is removably connected to body 64, such that tip 70 is disposable. In such embodiments, tip 70 may be temporarily secured to body 64, such that rotation of body 64 also rotates tip 70. In some embodiments, tip 70 is connected to body 64 in various ways, such as by frictional engagement, threaded engagement, reciprocating grooves, threads, adhesives, prongs, barbs, and / or raised elements. In some embodiments, tip 70 is integrally and / or monolithically formed with body 64, and the body 64 and / or tip are integrally and / or monolithically formed. The tip 70 cannot be removed from the body 64 without fracturing the tip 70. The tip 70 extends between an end 72 and an opposite end 74. The tip 70 is coaxial with the axis L1 and includes an inner surface 76 defining a bore 78 extending the entire length of the tip 70, the bore 78 extending through the opposite end faces of the ends 72, 74. In some embodiments, the bore 78 has a circular diameter. In some embodiments, the bore 78 has a uniform diameter along the entire length of the bore 78. In some embodiments, the bore 78 may be disposed coaxially, e.g., transverse, perpendicular, and / or at other angled orientations, e.g., acute or obtuse, relative to the axis L1, and / or may be offset or staggered. In some embodiments, the bore 78 may have various cross-sectional configurations, e.g., elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular, and / or tapered. End 72 is disposed within channel 68 such that bore 78 is in communication with and coaxial with channel 68. End 74 defines a drive portion configured to engage an implant, such as, for example, a bone fastener 80, as described herein. In some embodiments, drive portion can include a square, triangular, polygonal, star, or hexalobe cross-sectional configuration configured to engage a correspondingly shaped portion of fastener 80. In some embodiments, tip 70 includes a threaded outer surface configured to engage the threads of fastener 80 to couple sleeve 44 to fastener 80, as described herein.

[0042] The fastener 80 is head, For example, an implant receiving portion 84 and a threaded shaft 85 coupled to the receiving portion 84. 6 andThe implant receiver 84 extends parallel to the axis L1 when the fastener 80 is coupled to the sleeve 44. The implant receiver 84 includes a pair of spaced arms 88, 90 that define an implant cavity 92 therebetween configured to accept a spinal structure, such as a spinal rod. The arms 88, 90 each extend parallel to the axis L1 when the fastener 80 is coupled to the sleeve 44. In some embodiments, the arms 88 and / or 90 may be positioned coaxially, e.g., transversely, perpendicularly, and / or at other angled orientations, e.g., acute or obtuse, relative to the axis L1, and / or may be offset or staggered. The arms 88, 90 each include an arcuate outer surface extending between a pair of side surfaces. At least one of the outer surfaces and side surfaces of the arms 88, 90 has at least one recess or cavity configured to receive an insertion tool, a compression instrument, and / or an instrument for inserting and tensioning the bone fastener 80.

[0043] Arm 88 includes a frangible tab 94 frangibly connected to arm 88 ( FIG. 3 ), such that manipulation of tab 94 relative to arm 88 can fracture and separate tab 94 from arm 88 at a predetermined force and / or torque limit, as described herein. In some embodiments, as force and / or torque is applied to tab 94 and resistance increases, e.g., as the predetermined torque and force limit is approached. Arm 90 includes a frangible tab 96 frangibly connected to arm 90, such that manipulation of tab 96 relative to arm 90 can fracture and separate tab 96 from arm 90 at a predetermined force and / or torque limit, as described herein. In some embodiments, as force and / or torque is applied to tab 96 and resistance increases, e.g., as the predetermined torque and force limit is approached.

[0044] In some embodiments, tabs 94, 96 can be fractured and separated at a predetermined force or torque limit, which can range from approximately 2 Newton meters (Nm) to 8 Nm. In some embodiments, tabs 94, 96 and arms 88, 90 can have the same or alternative cross-sectional configurations, can be made from a homogenous material or can be heterogeneously made from different materials, and / or can alternatively be formed from a material having a greater degree, characteristics, or attributes of plastic deformability, brittleness, and / or fracture qualities to facilitate fracture and separation of tabs 94, 96 from arms 88, 90.

[0045] The cavity 92 is substantially U-shaped. In some embodiments, all or only a portion of the cavity 92 may have an alternative cross-sectional configuration, such as, for example, closed, V-shaped, W-shaped, oval, oval-triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, offset, and / or tapered. The implant receiver 84 includes a thread form configured to engage with a coupling member, such as, for example, a set screw, to retain a spinal rod within the cavity 92. The thread form of the implant receiver 84 may also engage the threaded outer surface 82 of the tip 70 to couple the sleeve 44 to the implant receiver 84, as described herein. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the implant receiver 84 may be disposed with the coupling member and / or tip 70 in alternative securement configurations, such as, for example, a friction fit, a pressure fit, a locking protrusion / recess, a locking keyway, and / or an adhesive. In some embodiments, all or only a portion of the inner surface of the implant receiver 84 may have alternative surface configurations, such as, for example, roughened, arcuate, wavy, mesh, porous, semi-porous, dimpled, and / or textured, to enhance engagement with the spinal rod, set screw, and / or tip 70. In some embodiments, the implant receiver 92 may include alternative configurations, such as, for example, closed, open, and / or lateral access. In some embodiments, the bone fastener 80 includes a crown 98 configured to facilitate positioning of the spinal rod.

[0046] The implant receiver 84 defines a cavity 100 configured to receive the head of a threaded shaft 86, as described herein. The threaded shaft 86 includes a socket, such as, for example, a tool-engaging portion 102, configured to engage with the drive portion of the end 74. The threaded shaft 86 includes an outer surface having an external thread form. In some embodiments, the external thread form may include a single thread or multiple separate threads. The threaded shaft 86 includes an inner surface 104 that defines a bore 106 extending the entire length of the threaded shaft 86. When the drive portion of the end 74 engages with the tool-engaging portion 102, the bore 78 is in communication with and coaxial with the bore 106. In some embodiments, the threaded shaft 86 includes one or more openings, each extending through the surface 104 and the opposing outer surface 108 of the threaded shaft 86, so that, for example, a material, such as bone cement, disposed within the hole 106 can exit the hole 106 through one of the openings extending through the surfaces 104, 108 and / or through an opening 110 at the distal end of the threaded shaft 86 that is coaxial with the axis L1 when the fastener 80 is coupled to the sleeve 44.

[0047] In some embodiments, the implant receiver 84 is manually engageable with the threaded shaft 86 in a non-instrument assembly, as described herein. In some embodiments, manual engagement and / or non-instrument assembly of the implant receiver 84 and threaded shaft 86 includes coupling without the use of separate and / or independent instruments engaged with the components to effect assembly. In some embodiments, manual engagement and / or non-instrument assembly includes a practitioner, surgeon, and / or medical staff grasping the implant receiver 84 and threaded shaft 86 and forcing the components together. In some embodiments, manual engagement and / or non-instrument assembly includes a practitioner, surgeon, and / or medical staff grasping the implant receiver 84 and threaded shaft 86 and forcing a snap-fit ​​of the components together, as described herein. In some embodiments, manual engagement and / or non-instrument assembly includes a practitioner, surgeon, and / or medical staff grasping the implant receiver 84 and threaded shaft 86 and forcing a pop-fit ​​of the components together and / or pop-fitting the implant receiver 84 onto the threaded shaft 86, as described herein. In some embodiments, a force in the range of 2-50 N is required to manually engage the implant receiver 84 and threaded shaft 86 and force the components together. In some embodiments, a force in the range of 5-10 N is required to manually engage the implant receiver 84 and threaded shaft 86 and force the components together.

[0048] In some embodiments, the implant receiver 84 is connectable with the threaded shaft 86 such that the threaded shaft 86 is pivotable and / or rotatable in multiple planes relative to the implant receiver 84. In some embodiments, the implant receiver 84 is connectable with the threaded shaft 86 to include a variety of configurations, such as, for example, a posted screw, a pedicle screw, a bolt, a transverse plate bone screw, an interbody screw, a uniaxial screw (UAS), a fixed angle screw (FAS), a polyaxial screw (MAS), a lateral loading screw, a sagittal adjusting screw (SAS), a transverse sagittal adjusting screw (TSAS), an awl tip (ATS), a dual rod polyaxial screw (DRMAS), a midline lumbar fusion screw, and / or a sacral screw.

[0049] To connect the driver 32 with the fastener 80, the tip 70 is inserted into the implant cavity 92 and the sleeve 44 is rotated relative to the sleeve 34 such that the threads on the outer surface 82 of the tip 70 mate with the thread profile of the implant receiver 84, coupling the sleeve 44 with the receiver 84. The sleeve 44 is further rotated relative to the sleeve 34, thereby positioning the drive portion of the end 74 within the tool engaging portion 102 and coupling the sleeve 44 with the screw 86. In some embodiments, as described herein, simultaneously with the drive portion of the end 74 being positioned within the tool engaging portion 86, the threads on the outer surface 82 of the tip 70 mate with the thread profile of the implant receiver 84, positioning the receiver 84 relative to the screw 86 so that the receiver 84 and screw 86 extend parallel to the axis L1 and maintain such positioning as the fastener 80 is driven into bone or other tissue using the driver 32. That is, while the drive portion of the end 74 is positioned within the tool engagement portion 86, mating the threads on the outer surface 82 of the tip 70 with the thread profile of the implant receiver 84 prevents the receiver 84 from pivoting relative to the screw 86.

[0050] The delivery system 30 includes a second instrument, such as, for example, a bone filler device 112. The device 112 includes a shaft 114 and a handle 116 coupled to the shaft 114. In some embodiments, the handle 116 is permanently fixed to the shaft 114 such that the handle 116 cannot be removed from the shaft 114 without fracturing the handle 116 and / or the shaft 114. In some embodiments, the handle 116 is integrally and / or monolithically formed with the shaft 114. In some embodiments, the handle 116 is removably connected to the shaft 114 such that the handle 116 can be removed from the shaft 114 without fracturing the handle 116 and / or the shaft 114.

[0051] The shaft 114 is configured to be disposed within the channel 68 and extends along a longitudinal axis L2 between an end 118 and an opposing end 120. A handle 116 is connected to the end 118. In some embodiments, the shaft 114 tapers from the end 118 to the end 120 such that the end 118 has a minimum diameter that is larger than the minimum diameter of the end 120. In some embodiments, the shaft 114 has a uniform diameter along its entire length. The shaft 114 includes an inner surface 122 that defines a lumen 124, as best shown in FIG. 7 . The lumen 124 is coaxial with the axis L2 and extends the entire length of the shaft 114 such that the lumen 124 extends through the opposing end faces of the ends 118, 120. In some embodiments, the lumen 124 has a circular diameter. In some embodiments, the lumen 124 has a diameter that tapers along the length of the shaft 114. In some embodiments, the lumen 124 may be disposed coaxially, e.g., transverse, perpendicular, and / or at other angled orientations, e.g., acute or obtuse angles, and / or may be offset or staggered relative to the axis L2. In some embodiments, the lumen 124 may have various cross-sectional configurations, e.g., elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular, and / or tapered.

[0052] The handle 116 includes a body 12 including a tubular portion 128 that is coaxial with the shaft 114 and the axis L2. 6. The barrel 128 has a threaded outer surface 130 and an opposing inner surface 132 that defines an opening 134 that is in communication with and coaxial with the bore 124, as best shown in FIG. 7. The body 126 includes a conical portion 136 opposing the barrel 128. The conical portion 136 is configured to be disposed within the channel 68 to connect the handle 116 with the sleeve 44, as described herein. The conical portion 136 helps to promote coaxial alignment of the device 112 relative to the driver 32 to ensure proper assembly.

[0053] The handle 116 includes a second mating element including a first wing portion 138 extending from a first side 140 of the body 126 in a cantilevered configuration and a second wing portion 142 extending from an opposing second side 144 of the body 126 in a cantilevered configuration. The wing portion 138 includes an extension 146 extending from the first side 140, a gripping portion 148 extending from the extension 146, and a tab 150 extending from the extension 146. The wing portion 142 includes an extension 152 extending from the second side 144, a gripping portion 154 extending from the extension 152, and a tab 156 extending from the extension 152. The extensions 146 and 152 each extend parallel to the axis L2. The gripping portions 148 and 154 each extend transversely to the axis L2. Tabs 150 and 156 each extend perpendicular to axis L2. Tab 150 includes a surface 150a extending parallel to axis L2, and tab 156 includes a surface 156a extending parallel to axis L2. Surface 150a faces surface 156a. Tab 150 includes a surface 150b extending perpendicular to axis L2, and tab 156 includes a surface 156b extending perpendicular to axis L2. Tabs 150 and 156 are configured to engage flange 50 and secure device 112 to driver 32 to prevent axial translation of device 112 relative to driver 32 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 12 . Surface 150a is spaced a first distance from surface 156a when no force is applied to wing portions 138 and 142. Wing portions 138 and 142 are configured to deflect relative to body 126. For example, a force may be applied to gripping portion 148, causing gripping portion 148 to move relative to body 126 in the direction indicated by arrow B in Figure 8, and a force may be applied to gripping portion 154, causing gripping portion 154 to move relative to body 126 in the direction indicated by arrow C in Figure 8, causing tabs 150, 156 to move away from each other and surface 150a to be spaced an increased second distance away from surface 156a. In some embodiments, wing portions 138, 142 are resiliently biased inward such that when a force is removed from gripping portions 148, 154, tabs 150, 156 move toward each other, causing surface 150a to be spaced a first distance away from surface 156a.

[0054] To connect device 112 with sleeve 44, shaft 114 is inserted into channel 68 so that axis L2 is coaxial with axis L1. Device 112 is then translated axially relative to sleeve 44 in the direction indicated by arrow D in FIG. 9 until conical portion 136 is disposed within channel 68. As device 112 is translated axially relative to sleeve 44 in the direction indicated by arrow D in FIG. 9, surface 150 a of tab 150 slides along surface 60 of flange 50, and surface 156 a of tab 156 slides along surface 60, as shown in FIG. 11. As surfaces 150 a, 156 a slide along surface 60, wings 138, 142 deflect outward from body 126 such that the distance between surfaces 150 a, 156 a increases from a first distance to a second distance. When surfaces 150a, 156a are spaced a second distance apart such that surfaces 150a, 156a slide along surface 62 of flange 50, device 112 is further translated axially relative to sleeve 44 in the direction indicated by arrow D in FIG. 9. Device 112 is further translated axially relative to sleeve 44 in the direction indicated by arrow D in FIG. 9 so that tabs 150, 156 are aligned with recesses 54. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the inward bias of wing portions 138, 142 moves tabs 150, 156 away from each other such that surface 150a is spaced a first distance from surface 156a and surfaces 150b, 156b engage surface 58 of flange 50. 12 , preventing axial translation of device 112 relative to sleeve 44 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 12 . In some embodiments, tabs 150, 156 produce a clicking sound as tabs 150, 156 move toward each other and surfaces 150b, 156b engage surface 58 of flange 50, indicating that device 112 is properly assembled with sleeve 44.

[0055] To remove device 112 from sleeve 44, a force is applied to gripping portion 148, causing gripping portion 148 to move relative to body 126 in the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 8 , and a force is applied to gripping portion 154, causing gripping portion 154 to move relative to body 126 in the direction indicated by arrow C in FIG. 8 , such that surface 150 a is spaced a second distance away from surface 156 a. Device 112 is translated axially relative to sleeve 44 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 12 such that surfaces 150 a, 156 a slide along surface 62. Device 112 may be translated axially relative to sleeve 44 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 12 until shaft 114 is removed from channel 68.

[0056] In assembly, operation, and use, driver 32 is coupled with fastener 80 as described herein. Access to the surgical site is gained and a particular surgical procedure is performed. Components of delivery system 30 are used to augment the surgical procedure. For example, fastener 80 may be inserted into bone or other tissue using driver 32, e.g., via clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of sleeve 44 relative to sleeve 34. Device 112 is coupled with driver 32 either before or after fastener 80 is inserted into bone or other tissue.

[0057] In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , bone filler material, such as bone cement, is inserted into the lumen 124 through the opening 134. The bone filler material may be inserted into the lumen 124 before or after the device 112 is connected to the driver 32. The plunger 158 is aligned with the opening 134 as shown in FIG. 14 . The plunger 158 is then translated relative to the handle 116 in the direction indicated by arrow E in FIG. 15 , causing the plunger 158 to push the bone filler material through the lumen 124 and holes 78, 106, and the bone filler material exits the screw 86 through one or more openings in the screw 86. As the bone filler material hardens, it bonds the screw 86 to the bone or other tissue. Once the surgical procedure is complete, the plunger 158 may be detached from the device 112, and the driver 32 is removed from the surgical site. In some embodiments, the device 112 is disengaged from the driver 32 either before or after the driver 32 is removed from the surgical site. In some embodiments, a spinal structure, such as, for example, a spinal rod, is inserted into implant cavity 92 after driver 32 is removed from the surgical site, and a set screw is engaged with receiver 84 such that threads on the outer surface of the set screw engage threads on the inner surface of arms 88, 90. The set screw is rotated relative to receiver 84 until the set screw engages the rod and secures it relative to receiver 84.

[0058] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 16 , delivery system 30 includes cement delivery system 160 having cartridge 162 connected to handle 112 by luer lock 164 and cement delivery gun 166 connected to cartridge 162. Threads on luer lock 164 mate with threads on surface 130 to connect cartridge 162 to handle 112. Cartridge 162 is filled with bone filler material, such as bone cement, either before or after cartridge 162 is connected to handle 112. An actuator, such as a trigger handle on cement delivery gun 166, moves bone filler material through bore 124 and holes 78, 106, causing the bone filler material to exit screw 86 through one or more openings in screw 86. Engagement of surfaces 150 b, 156 b prevents device 112 from being translated axially relative to sleeve 44 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 12 by backpressure generated by cement delivery gun 166. Once the bone filler material hardens, , connecting the screw 86 to the bone or other tissue. Once the surgical procedure is complete, the cement delivery system 160 may be detached from the device 112, and the driver 32 is removed from the surgical site. In some embodiments, the device 112 is disengaged and / or disconnected from the driver 32 either before or after the driver 32 is removed from the surgical site. In some embodiments, a spinal structure, such as, for example, a spinal rod, is inserted into the implant cavity 92 after the driver 32 is removed from the surgical site, and the set screw is engaged with the receiver 84 such that the threads on the outer surface of the set screw engage the threads on the inner surface of the arms 88, 90. The set screw is rotated relative to the receiver 84 until the set screw engages the rod and secures it relative to the receiver 84.

[0059] Delivery system 30 can include one or more bone fasteners, such as those described herein, and / or fixation elements, which can be used at a single vertebral level or at multiple vertebral levels. In some embodiments, the bone fasteners may be engaged with vertebrae in various orientations, such as in-line, parallel, offset, staggered, and / or at alternate vertebral levels. In some embodiments, the bone fasteners and / or fixation elements can include one or more polyaxial screws, sagittal angulation screws, pedicle screws, uniaxial screws, uniplanar screws, fixation screws, tissue penetrating screws, conventional screws, expansion screws, wedges, anchors, buttons, clips, snaps, friction fits, compression fittings, expansion rivets, staples, nails, adhesives, posts, fixation plates, and / or posts. In some embodiments, the system 30 may include various instruments including the configurations of the present disclosure, such as, for example, inserters, extenders, reducers, spreaders, distractors, blades, retractors, clamps, forceps, elevators, and drills, which may be alternately sized and dimensioned and arranged as a kit according to the requirements of a particular application.

[0060] In some embodiments, the delivery system 30 includes a medicinal agent that may be disposed, filled, coated, or layered within, on, or around components and / or surfaces of the delivery system 30. In some embodiments, the medicinal agent may include a bone growth promoting material, such as a bone graft, to enhance fixation between the vertebrae and the fixation element. The components of the delivery system 30 may be made of a radiolucent material, such as a polymer. Radiolucent markers may be included for identification under x-ray, fluoroscopy, CT, or other imaging techniques. In some embodiments, the medicinal agent may include one or more therapeutic agents and / or drugs for release, including sustained release, to treat, for example, pain, inflammation, and degeneration.

[0061] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17-21 , the delivery system 30 includes a driver 168 similar to the driver 32. The driver 168 includes an outer sleeve 170 having a lower portion 172 and an upper portion 174 connected to the lower portion 172. The lower portion 172 extends along a longitudinal axis L3 between an end 176 and an opposing end 178. The end 176 includes a circumferential cutout 180 configured to locate an end 182 of the upper portion 174 and connect the upper portion 174 to the lower portion 172. In some embodiments, the upper portion 174 is connected to the lower portion 172 to temporarily secure the upper portion 174 relative to the lower portion 172 such that rotation of the upper portion 174 about axis L3 also rotates the lower portion 172 about axis L3. In some embodiments, the upper portion 174 can be connected to the lower portion 172 in various ways, such as by a monolithic, integral connection, frictional engagement, threaded engagement, reciprocating grooves, screws, adhesive, prongs, barbs, and / or raised elements. End 178 includes a tip 184 that defines a drive portion configured to engage an implant, such as, for example, bone fastener 80, as described herein. In some embodiments, the drive portion can include a square, triangular, polygonal, star, or hexalobe cross-sectional configuration configured to engage a correspondingly shaped tool engagement portion 102 of fastener 80.

[0062] The upper portion 174 includes an end portion 182 and an opposing end portion 186. The end portion 186 includes a first mating element, such as a flange 188 similar to the flange 50. The flange 188 is spaced from a flange 190 by an undercut, such as a recess 192. 20 and 21, surface 194 defines an end face of end 186. Surface 198 extends transversely to axis L3, and surface 200 extends parallel to axis L3.

[0063] Lower portion 172 includes an inner surface 202 that defines a passageway 204, and upper portion 174 includes an inner surface 206 that defines a channel 208 that is coaxial with and in communication with passageway 204. Passageway 204 and channel 208 are configured to position inner sleeve 210 such that sleeve 210 is rotatable relative to sleeve 170 about axis L3. Sleeve 210 includes an end 212 and an opposing end 214 having a threaded outer surface 228. A distal portion of end 212 is positioned within passageway 204, and a proximal portion 216 of end 212 is positioned within channel 208. Proximal portion 216 includes an inner surface 218 that defines a socket 220. In some embodiments, socket 220 may include a square, triangular, polygonal, star-shaped, or hexalobe cross-sectional configuration configured to engage a correspondingly shaped portion of thumbwheel 222 as described herein.

[0064] Top portion 174 includes a window 224 configured to allow visualization of a portion of device 112 and a window 226 configured to allow grasping of thumbwheel 222. Thumbwheel 222 includes a bit (not shown) disposed within socket 220. The bit has a shape that corresponds to the shape of socket 220 such that rotation of thumbwheel 222 relative to sleeve 170 about axis L3 also rotates sleeve 210 relative to sleeve 170 about axis L3.

[0065] To connect the driver 168 to the fastener 80, the thumbwheel 222 is rotated in a first rotational direction, such as clockwise or counterclockwise, relative to the sleeve 170 about axis L3. Rotation of the thumbwheel 222 relative to the sleeve 170 about axis L3 in the first rotational direction causes rotation of the sleeve 210 in the first rotational direction about axis L3 relative to the sleeve 170. As the sleeve 210 rotates about axis L3 in the first rotational direction relative to the sleeve 170, the threads on the surface 228 of the sleeve 210 mate with the threads on the inner surfaces of the arms 88, 90 of the fastener 80. Rotation of the sleeve 210 about axis L3 in the first rotational direction relative to the sleeve 170 axially translates the sleeve 210 relative to the sleeve 170 in the direction indicated by arrow F in FIG. 19 . 19 relative to sleeve 170, tip 184 is inserted into tool engaging portion 102 of screw 86. The simultaneous engagement of tip 184 and tool engaging portion 102, the threads on surface 228 of sleeve 210, and the threads on the inner surfaces of arms 88, 90 of fastener 80 prevents screw 86 from pivoting relative to receiver 84.

[0066] To remove the driver 168 from the fastener 80, the thumbwheel 222 is rotated relative to the sleeve 170 about axis L3 in an opposite second rotational direction, such as clockwise or counterclockwise. Rotation of the thumbwheel 222 relative to the sleeve 170 about axis L3 in the second rotational direction causes rotation of the sleeve 210 about axis L3 in the second rotational direction relative to the sleeve 170. As the sleeve 210 rotates about axis L3 in the second rotational direction relative to the sleeve 170, the sleeve 210 translates axially relative to the sleeve 170 in the direction indicated by arrow G in FIG. 19 . As the sleeve 210 translates axially relative to the sleeve 170 in the direction indicated by arrow G in FIG. 19 , the tip 184 moves out of the tool engagement portion 102 of the screw 86, and the threads on the surface 228 of the sleeve 210 disengage the threads on the inner surfaces of the arms 88, 90 of the fastener 80, at which point the driver 168 may be completely removed from the fastener 80.

[0067] In assembly, operation, and use, the driver 168 is coupled with the fastener 80, as described herein. Access to the surgical site is gained and a particular surgical procedure is performed. Components of the delivery system 30 are used to augment the surgical procedure. For example, the fastener 80 may be inserted into bone or other tissue using the driver 168, e.g., via clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the sleeve 170.

[0068] Device 112 is connected to driver 168 either before or after fastener 80 is inserted into bone or other tissue. To connect device 112 to driver 168, shaft 114 is inserted into channel 208 so that axis L3 is coaxial with axis L1. Device 112 is then translated axially relative to sleeve 170 in the direction indicated by arrow F in FIG. 19 until shaft 114 extends through thumbwheel 222 and conical portion 136 is positioned within channel 208. As device 112 is translated axially relative to sleeve 170 in the direction indicated by arrow F in FIG. 19 , surface 150 a of tab 150 slides along surface 198 of flange 188, and surface 156 a of tab 156 slides along surface 198. As surfaces 150 a, 156 a slide along surface 198, wing portions 138, 142 deflect outward from body 126 such that the distance between surfaces 150 a, 156 a increases from a first distance to a second distance. When surfaces 150 a, 156 a are spaced apart the second distance such that surfaces 150 a, 156 a slide along surface 200 of flange 188, device 112 is further translated axially relative to sleeve 170 in the direction indicated by arrow F in FIG. 19. Device 112 is further translated axially relative to sleeve 170 in the direction indicated by arrow F in FIG. 19 so that tabs 150, 156 are aligned with recesses 198. As shown in Figure 17, the inward bias of wing portions 138, 142 moves tabs 150, 156 toward each other such that surface 150a is spaced a first distance from surface 156a and surfaces 150b, 156b engage surface 196 of flange 188, preventing axial translation of device 112 relative to sleeve 170 in the direction indicated by arrow G in Figure 19. In some embodiments, tabs 150, 156 produce a clicking sound as tabs 150, 156 move toward each other and surfaces 150b, 156b engage surface 196 of flange 188, indicating that device 112 is properly assembled with sleeve 170.

[0069] In one embodiment, bone filler material, such as bone cement, is inserted into the lumen 124 through the opening 134. The bone filler material may be inserted into the lumen 124 after the device 112 is connected with the driver 168. The plunger 158 is aligned with the opening 134. The plunger 158 is then translated relative to the handle 116 in the direction indicated by arrow F in FIG. 19 , causing the plunger 158 to push the bone filler material through the lumen 124, the opening 230 extending through the tip 184, and the bore 106, thereby causing the bone filler material to exit the screw 86 through one or more openings in the screw 86. As the bone filler material hardens, it bonds the screw 86 to bone or other tissue. Once the surgical procedure is complete, the plunger 158 may be detached from the device 112, and the driver 168 is removed from the surgical site. In some embodiments, the device 112 is disengaged from the driver 168 either before or after the driver 168 is removed from the surgical site. To remove device 112 from sleeve 170, a force is applied to gripping portion 148, moving gripping portion 148 relative to body 126 in the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 8, and a force is applied to gripping portion 154, moving gripping portion 154 relative to body 126 in the direction indicated by arrow C in FIG. 8, such that surface 150a is spaced a second distance away from surface 156a. Device 112 is translated axially relative to sleeve 170 in the direction indicated by arrow F in FIG. 19 such that surfaces 150a, 156a slide along surface 200. Device 112 may be translated axially relative to sleeve 170 in the direction indicated by arrow F in FIG. 19 until shaft 114 is removed from channel 208. In some embodiments, a spinal structure, such as, for example, a spinal rod, may be inserted after driver 168 is removed from the surgical site. The rod is inserted into implant cavity 92 and the set screw is engaged with receiver 84 so that the threads on the outer surface of the set screw engage the threads on the inner surface of arms 88, 90. The set screw is rotated relative to receiver 84 until the set screw engages the rod such that the rod is fixed relative to receiver 84.

[0070] In one embodiment, the threads of the luer lock 164 mate with the threads of the surface 130 to connect the cartridge 162 to the handle 112. The cartridge 162 is filled with a bone filler material, such as bone cement, either before or after the cartridge 162 is connected to the handle 112. The trigger handle of the cement delivery gun 166 moves the bone filler material through the bore 124, the opening 230, and the bore 106, causing the bone filler material to exit the screw 86 through one or more openings in the screw 86. As the bone filler material hardens, it bonds the screw 86 to the bone or other tissue. Once the surgical procedure is complete, the cement delivery system 160 may be detached from the device 112, and the driver 168 is removed from the surgical site. In some embodiments, the device 112 is disengaged from the driver 168 either before or after the driver 168 is removed from the surgical site. In some embodiments, a spinal structure, such as, for example, a spinal rod, is inserted into implant cavity 92 after driver 168 is removed from the surgical site, and the set screw is engaged with receiver 84 such that threads on the outer surface of the set screw engage threads on the inner surface of arms 88, 90. The set screw is rotated relative to receiver 84 until the set screw engages the rod such that the rod is fixed relative to receiver 84.

[0071] It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, the above description should be construed as merely illustrative of various embodiments and not limiting. Other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto will occur to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A delivery system comprising:

1. An implant comprising a threaded screw and a head coupled to the screw, an implant, the screw having a bore extending through opposite ends of the screw and the head having a threaded inner surface; a first instrument comprising an outer sleeve defining a passageway, the inner sleeve having a first end rotatably disposed within the passageway and a second end including a first mating element, the inner sleeve defining a channel, the first end defining an opening communicating with the channel, the first instrument having a tip removably connectable to the inner sleeve, the tip having a threaded outer surface that engages the threaded inner surface to couple the tip to the head, the tip having a flange positioned within the channel, the flange having a diameter greater than a diameter of the opening, and the tip having a drive portion positioned within the bore; a second instrument comprising: a hollow shaft disposed within the channel and defining a longitudinal axis; and a handle coupled to the shaft, the handle comprising a body and a second mating element extending from the body; and Equipped with the second mating element engages the first mating element to secure the second instrument to the first instrument, thereby preventing the second instrument from translating proximally relative to the first instrument. Delivery system.

2. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the hole is in communication with and coaxial with the channel.

3. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the first mating element is a flange extending outwardly from an outer surface of the inner sleeve.

4. 4. The delivery system of claim 3, wherein the second mating element comprises a first wing portion extending from a first side of the body of the handle in a cantilever configuration and a second wing portion extending from an opposing second side of the body of the handle in a cantilever configuration.

5. the first wing portion includes an extension extending from the first side and a tab extending from the extension; the second wing portion includes an extension extending from the second side and a tab extending from the extension of the second wing portion; each of the extensions extends parallel to the longitudinal axis and each of the tabs extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, whereby end faces of the tabs each extend parallel to the longitudinal axis; The delivery system of claim 4 , wherein the tab engages the flange of the inner sleeve to secure the second instrument to the first instrument.

6. The delivery system of claim 5 , wherein the end faces of the tabs face each other.

7. 10. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein the handle body includes a tubular portion coaxial with the shaft, the tubular portion including a threaded outer surface and an inner surface defining an opening in communication with and coaxial with the lumen of the shaft.

8. 8. The delivery system of claim 7, further comprising an injector coupled to the barrel, the injector having bone cement therein, the injector configured to deliver the bone cement through the opening and the lumen into the hole.

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