2670 results about "Set screw" patented technology

A fixation device for use in association with ALIF procedures includes a couple of spaced plates having integral spikes on facing surfaces thereof for pressing into spinal processes of adjacent vertebrae. One of the plates has a spherical socket which captures a spherical head end of a post whose other end is received through an aperture in the other plate. The socket mounting is arranged to enable the post to pivot therein for at least two degrees of freedom to a limited extent, enabling angulation between the two plates so as to accommodate the different thicknesses and orientations of the spinal processes on adjacent vertebrae. The reception of the post in the second plate enables adjustment of spacing between the plates to accommodate effective installation of the assembly on the spinal processes by a compression instrument, and permanent reliable maintenance of that spacing following removal of the compression instrument. The cross-sectional configuration of the post and a receiver aperture in the plate inhibits rotation of the plate relative to the post about the post axis, and a set screw in the apertured plate engages a flat on the post fixing the inter-plate space as adjusted.

A polyaxial screw is used to secure orthopedic appliances to bone, particularly the spine. The polyaxial screw has a shaft including a helical screw thread for securing the screw to bone. One end of the shaft has a reverse tapered head tapering toward and away from the shaft from an enlarged median. A spherical shaped swivel, having an opening smaller than the median, is snapped over the head to rotatably engage the shaft. A connector with a dome shaped cavity on one end and bifurcated tabs on the other is connected with the swivel and tightened in place with a set screw and guide ring. An appliance is held between the bifurcated tabs. The tabs are frangible to reduce the profile above the appliance.

A polyaxial screw is used to secure orthopedic appliances to bone, particularly the spine. The polyaxial screw has a shaft including a helical screw thread for securing the screw to bone. One end of the shaft has a reverse tapered head tapering toward and away from the shaft from an enlarged median. A spherical shaped swivel, having an opening smaller than the median, is snapped over the head to rotatably engage the shaft. A connector with a dome shaped cavity on one end and bifurcated tabs on the other is connected with the swivel and tightened in place with a set screw and guide ring. An appliance is held between the bifurcated tabs. The tabs are frangible to reduce the profile above the appliance.

A closure member, such as a set screw, and complementary receiving member are included in a medical implant device. The receiving member has a plurality of noncontiguous, threaded walls substantially defining a bore for receiving the threaded closure member. When the closure member is inserted into the receiving member, their respective threads interlock to join the noncontiguous walls of the receiving member. The closure member has an outer thread configured to interlock with the inner walls of the receiving member in a manner that aids in preventing the noncontiguous walls of the receiving member from moving away from the closure member. In certain embodiments, the closure member's outer thread includes a trailing edge having a point that is rearward of the trailing edge's root, and the outer thread includes a leading edge having a point that is forward of the leading edge's root.

Spinal plates with additional features to improve the stability of the interface between the plate and the underlying bone. A bone plate may include one or more sharp ridges along the periphery of its underside. When attached to bone, the ridge digs into the bone and increases stability. A bone plate may alternatively or additionally include one or more holes for optional spikes, which may be inserted once the plate is attached to the bone. By separating the spikes and including them as an optional component, the plate may enhance stability while reducing or eliminating the chance of the spike injuring the patient. Furthermore, bone screws may incorporate alternating notches and ridges into the head of the screw. The notches and ridges may interface with a set screw, thereby preventing rotation and loosening of the screw.

A bone screw having a head and a shank. The shank having a ball thereon and the head having a socket for receiving the ball. The ball being externally threaded and the chamber communicating with the exterior of the head through a threaded bore. The ball being threadably received through the bore and being swivelable in the chamber after passing through the bore. The bone screw including at least one set screw that operably engages the ball to lock the head in position relative to the shank.

A locking mechanism (100) and method of fixation, such as the fixation of a fixation device (104) like a bone screw and of a rod (106) to the spine. The locking mechanism (100) includes a body (102), an insert (108, 308), a rod seat (110, 310) and a set screw. The body (102) includes a bottom portion (114) configured to receive the fixation device (104) and the insert (108, 308) but prevents the insert (108, 308) and fixation device (104) from passing therethrough once the insert (108, 308) and fixation device (104) are engaged. The body (102) further includes a side portion (120) configured to receive the rod (106). Between the rod (106) and the insert (108, 308) is a rod seat (110, 310).

A pedicle screw is provided that includes an upwardly extending collet. The collet may include downwardly extending slots that define deflectable segments therebetween. When a spherical element or other structure, e.g., a non-dynamic stabilizing element, is positioned around the collet, introduction of a set screw causes outward deflection of the upstanding segments into engagement with the spherical element. A snap ring may be interposed between the collet and the spherical element to facilitate positioning therebetween. In an alternative embodiment, a non-slotted collet is employed. In such embodiment, the collet and the spherical element may be threadingly engaged and may include a snap ring therebetween. The pedicle screw subassemblies may be incorporated into a spinal stabilization system which may include a dynamic stabilizing member to provide clinically efficacious results.

A bone anchor (100) for attaching a rod (108) to a bone has an anchor member (106) for attachment to the bone and an anchor head (104) having a U-shaped opening for receiving the rod. The bone anchor also includes a locking cap (102) that has a main body (900) and a set screw (1000). Advantageously, in one embodiment the locking cap preferably is designed such that a single tool can be used to lock the locking cap in place on the anchor body preferably with a 90° turn and preferably then drive the set screw to clamp the rod. The locking cap also preferably non-threadingly engages the anchor body. The anchor body preferably has an inclined surface on its top surface which elastically deflects extending tabs on the main body to secure the locking cap to the anchor body. A method of implantation and assembly of the bone anchor are also described.

A pedicle screw assembly is provided that includes a pedicle screw and a preloaded set screw. The set screw is preloaded in a threaded, central aperture formed in the head region of the pedicle screw. An interference is advantageously formed on the set screw to prevent dislodgement of the set screw, e.g., during shipment and / or clinical placement of the pedicle screw. An upwardly extending collet is generally formed in the head region of the pedicle screw, the collet being sized to receive a spherical element therearound. Advancement of the set screw relative to the pedicle screw secures the spherical element relative to the pedicle screw. The spherical element typically includes a socket member that cooperates with a dynamic stabilizing member. The pedicle screw assembly and dynamic stabilizing member are advantageously used as part of a spinal stabilization system to provide clinically efficacious results.

A spinal rod coupler assembly providing four degrees of freedom for connecting a spinal rod to a vertebrae of a patient which includes a tubular coupler member, an eyebolt, an insert and a set screw. The coupler member has a longitudinal bore, a central axis, and an end portion that is open ended and internally threaded and a second end portion that is closed. A plurality of openings in the tubular coupler member that includes a first pair of openings intersecting the central axis of the bore at generally right angles and a second pair of openings intersecting the central axis of the bore at generally right angles. The first and second pairs of openings being perpendicular to each other. The first pair of openings are sized and shaped to receive a spinal rod. The eyebolt has a shank portion and an eye portion, with the shank portion being insertable through the second pair of openings of the coupler body. The eye portion has an opening sized and shaped to mate with a selected bone bolt or bone screw. The insert fits within the bore and has opposed, arc-shaped end portions with recesses for engaging the spinal rod and eyebolt member. The set screw threadably engages the internally threaded end portion of the bore and tightens the assembly of the rod, insert, and eyebolt within the coupler member.

A bone screw assembly comprises a bone screw having a shaft and a head, a stabilizer retainer, a set screw, and a housing having a proximal opening, biased to one side, and a distal opening that open on an interior cavity. The stabilizer retainer has a cylindrical channel that receives a stabilizer. The retainer has flexible portions that allow passage of the stabilizer into the channel. An arcuate wall of the channel maintains contact with the stabilizer within the channel. The housing is adapted to receive the bone screw, the stabilizer retainer and the set screw in the interior cavity. The housing has a channel that permits passage of the stabilizer though the housing. The set screw is engaged in the distal opening. The set screw and stabilizer retainer engage and prevent movement of the flexible portions, preventing movement of the stabilizer from the stabilizer retainer.

A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a rod connecting the bone anchors and a connecting plate extending from a proximal surface of at least one of the bone anchors. A method of fixing vertebrae relative to each other comprising the steps of: implanting bone anchors in two adjacent vertebrae, each bone anchor having a rod receiving portion; placing a rod in the rod receiving portions, thereby connecting the bone anchors; threadably engaging set screws in the rod receiving portions of at least a portion of the bone anchors, thereby fixing the rod to the bone anchors; mating one end of a connecting plate to a proximal bearing surface of at least a portion of the bone anchors; and engaging a cap with at least a portion of the set screws, thereby fixing the connecting plate to the bone anchors.

A modular skeletal hook has an upper module for connecting with larger support apparatus to maintain bones of the skeleton in fixed relationship. The upper module is connected to an attachment module by a modified ball and socket arrangement. The attachment module has a C-shaped hook for engaging the bone. The angular orientation of the upper module and the attachment module may be fixed by a set screw threaded through the upper module and the attachment module.

A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads. Once the rod is positioned in the screw heads, locking caps and / or set screws may be positioned over the rod and engage the screw heads so that the position of the rod may be fixed with respect to the screws. In some embodiments, a movement mechanism may be used to move the screws relative to each other to compress and / or distract the vertebrae.

A pedicle screw is provided that includes an upwardly extending collet. The collet may include downwardly extending slots that define deflectable segments therebetween. When a spherical element or other structure, e.g., a non-dynamic stabilizing element, is positioned around the collet, introduction of a set screw causes outward deflection of the upstanding segments into engagement with the spherical element. A snap ring may be interposed between the collet and the spherical element to facilitate positioning therebetween. In an alternative embodiment, a non-slotted collet is employed. In such embodiment, the collet and the spherical element may be threadingly engaged and may include a snap ring therebetween. The pedicle screw subassemblies may be incorporated into a spinal stabilization system which may include a dynamic stabilizing member to provide clinically efficacious results.

A pedicle screw construct includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, a collet, and a set screw. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The collet is positioned atop the head of the pedicle screw. The collet and pedicle screw are inserted into the coupling. The set screw is positioned in the collet such that the set screw contacts a portion of the rod and is releasably secured to the pedicle screw via a gripping tool. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the collet and coupling assembly.

Locking mechanisms and methods of fixation, such as the fixation of a fixation device like a bone screw and of a rod to the spine. The locking mechanism includes a body, a rod seat and a set screw. The rod seat is configured to separate into two pieces when the rod exerts force on the top portion of the washer and the set screw limits movement of the washer toward the bottom of the locking mechanism.

A disc replacement spinal interbody fusion device is provided having a central sleeve with oppositely left and right-hand threaded axial bores with different diameters. Circumferential threaded apertures are located on the sleeve and open into the sleeve bores. The device has two opposing plates which are oval-shaped and centrally, axially bored. Each plate has a perpendicular shaft with an axial bore which communicates with the shaft bore. The first shaft has external left-hand threads and the second shaft has external right-hand threads, each to mate with different bores of the sleeve. The outside diameter of the first shaft is smaller than the inside diameter of the second shaft, allowing the two shafts to axially engage. The spinal interbody fusion device operates like a turnbuckle, vertically expanding when the sleeve is rotated in one direction and retracting when the sleeve is rotated in the opposite direction. The assembled device defines an open channel axially. Once the fusion device is set at its proper height, set screws are threaded into circumferential apertures of the sleeve to compress against the shaft threads of each plate to maintain a fixed height. In situ, axial loading of the spinal column upon the fusion device creates a bending moment manifested by a flexing action of the plates to generate opposing axial directional forces which replicate the physiological function of shock absorption, load bearing and load transmission.

A anti-splay and rod securing member for use with vertebral implants of the hook, monoaxial and polyaxial types, in which a pair of arcuate upstanding internally threaded posts define a transverse opening for securing a rod to immobilize bone segments comprises an integrally formed cap and set screw with the cap having opposed curved side walls extending around the posts and flat end walls, the set screw being positioned within the posts and free to rotate within the cap so that rotation of the set screw will advance the cap and set screw in unison along the implant posts to clamp the rod and implant together. The implant may be provided with opposed catch basins for releasably securing the distal end of a rod persuasion instrument.

The present disclosure provides one or more structures, techniques, components and / or methods for avoiding or positively resolving failure modes for an implanted medical device coupled to one or more sensors. A common fault scenario involves unintended stimulation during therapy delivery. A pacing stimulus can couple to exposed conductive portion(s) of a medical electrical lead (e.g., a tip portion) that includes a sensor to cause the stimulation. Stimulation also occurs due to insulation breaches of a lead. Stimulation can also result from a breach in insulation surrounding a conductive set screw that couples the lead to active circuitry. Stimulation also results when high energy therapy energy shunts to sensor circuitry (e.g., sensor bus) via insulation breach of the sensor lead and / or the circuitry. Such unintended stimulation is avoided by disconnecting the pressure sensing lead and sensor: during therapy delivery, when impedance measurement or current measurement to the sensor indicate unintended stimulation.

A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a rod connecting the bone anchors and a connecting plate extending from a proximal surface of at least one of the bone anchors. A method of fixing vertebrae relative to each other comprising the steps of: implanting bone anchors in two adjacent vertebrae, each bone anchor having a rod receiving portion; placing a rod in the rod receiving portions, thereby connecting the bone anchors; threadably engaging set screws in the rod receiving portions of at least a portion of the bone anchors, thereby fixing the rod to the bone anchors; mating one end of a connecting plate to a proximal bearing surface of at least a portion of the bone anchors; and engaging a cap with at least a portion of the set screws, thereby fixing the connecting plate to the bone anchors.

A nested fastener and set screw combination for securing a spinal fixation rod to a bone screw includes a fastener base receivable into an open channel of a bone screw. The fastener base has a central threaded bore to receive a threaded set screw. The set screw is provided with projecting structure, such as a ring, point or dome-shaped structure, for positive engagement with the surface of a rod. Uploaded and downloaded set screw embodiments are disclosed. In an uploaded set screw embodiment, the fastener base is provided with a radially inwardly extending abutment shoulder to engage and abut the set screw, prohibiting advancement of the set screw out of a top of the fastener and allowing for simultaneous removal of the set screw and the fastener. In an embodiment, the fastener includes a break-off head that separates from the fastener when a pre-selected installation torque is exceeded.

Spinal fixation systems may be installed utilizing instruments and techniques alone or in combination with selectively attached extension members mounted on vertebral anchors to extend percutaneously from the spine. The surgical procedures associated with this invention involve making small, discrete incisions for the placement of select vertebral anchors. The extension members retract soft tissue, muscle and the like to thereby provide visibility and access to the head of the anchor. Instrumentation is utilized to deliver and install components such as a spine rod, set screw and other required hardware to the anchors. Once a spine rod or other components are secured to the pedicle screws, the instrumentation and extension members are removed from the patient.

A closure member, such as a set screw, and complementary receiving member are included in a medical implant device. The receiving member has a plurality of noncontiguous, threaded walls substantially defining a bore for receiving the threaded closure member. When the closure member is inserted into the receiving member, their respective threads interlock to join the noncontiguous walls of the receiving member. The closure member has an outer thread configured to interlock with the inner walls of the receiving member in a manner that aids in preventing the noncontiguous walls of the receiving member from moving away from the closure member. In certain embodiments, the closure member's outer thread includes a trailing edge having a point that is rearward of the trailing edge's root, and the outer thread includes a leading edge having a point that is forward of the leading edge's root.

A pedicle screw assembly (10) that includes a cannulated pedicle screw (20) having a scalloped shank (24), a swivel top head 30 having inclined female threads (44) in a left and right arm (34, 36) to prevent splaying, a set screw (50) having mating male threads 52, a rod conforming washer (60) that is rotatably coupled to the set screw (50), the conforming washer including reduced ends to induce a coupled rod (80) to bend. A rod reduction system including an inner and an outer cannula (90, 100), the inner cannula (90) including a left and right arm (92, 94) that engage the swivel top head's (30) left and right arm (34, 36) and the outer cannula (100) dimensioned to securely slide over the inner cannula (90) to reduce the rod (80) into the swivel top head's (30) rod receiving area (38).

There is provided a modular polyaxial pedicle screw assembly that includes various components which may be configured in various manners so as to provide different functionalities to the pedicle screw assembly. This advantageously decreases surgery time, reduces repetitive and tedious surgical steps, and allows for streamlining inventory of expensive medical equipment. In one embodiment, a pedicle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a rod holding element, a polyaxial insert, a rod, and a set screw. The pedicle screw includes a threaded shaft and a cap. The rod holding element includes a screw hole, an insert bearing area, a chamber, chamber walls, a saddle area, and a threading area. The insert is disposed within the chamber, and the insert defines a bearing surface, an upper surface, side walls and a receiving area. The insert is positioned within the chamber such that the insert bearing surface contacts the rod holding element insert bearing area; additionally the side walls of the insert can bear against the chamber walls. The pedicle screw is positioned so that the screw shaft passes through the screw hole of the rod holding element and the screw cap rests within the receiving area of the insert. The rod is disposed so as to rest on the upper surface of the insert; and the set screw, joined to the threading area of the rod holding element, secures the rod to the upper surface of the insert.

A device for securing a spinal rod to the spine. The device includes an elongated spinal rod configured to be implanted adjacent to the spinal column of a patient spanning across several vertebral bodies. The device also includes at least one fixation element for engaging vertebral bodies at a number of vertebral levels, each of the fixation elements having a vertebral engaging portion and a stem portion extending from the vertebral engaging portion. A ball ring having an aperture extending through the center of the ball ring. The ball ring further including a through slot so as to be compressible and expandable about a central axis extending through the center of the ball ring. The aperture is adapted to receive the spinal rod. The device further includes a set screw and a rod connector.

A power distribution system, suitable for use in a building, comprising a junction box, a hub, a junction device, and a cover plate. Wiring from the building is connected to the hub using alternative means such as stab-in connections, set screws, or loop screws, and color coding facilitates proper wiring. Also, the junction device is a modular piece that can be attached to the junction box via interference there between. Furthermore, a cover plate can be attached to the junction device via interference there between, or the cover plate can be integrally attached to the junction device. One embodiment of the hub accommodates circuitry that functions with the junction device while simultaneously accommodates circuitry wholly independent of the junction device. As such, the power distribution system enables wiring to be completed more quickly and accurately, in a wider variety of applications, thereby advantageously reducing associated costs.

A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads. Once the rod is positioned in the screw heads, locking caps and / or set screws may be positioned over the rod and engage the screw heads so that the position of the rod may be fixed with respect to the screws. In some embodiments, a movement mechanism may be used to move the screws relative to each other to compress and / or distract the vertebrae.