Tandem rod connectors and related methods
US10869695B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 2019 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/8685
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Connectors are disclosed herein that can be used to attach a rod to a bone anchor assembly that is already occupied by a separate rod. Various ways of attaching the connector to the bone anchor assembly are disclosed, including arrangements in which the connector is locked to the bone anchor, arrangements in which the connector is constrained in one or more degrees of freedom relative to the bone anchor, arrangements in which the connector is adjustable in one or more degrees of freedom relative to the bone anchor, and arrangements that include a spherical articulation joint. In some embodiments, attachment of the connector to a bone anchor can be aided with the use of a positioner. The geometry of the connector can be selected to minimize the offset between a first rod received in the bone anchor assembly and a second rod received in the connector, for example using an angled or curved rod recess and/or a fastener, or set screw, that is offset from the center of the rod or angled relative to the bone anchor. The connector can be configured to align the first and second rods in a common coronal plane, or can be configured to position one rod more anterior or posterior than the othe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.