Apparatus for maintaining vertebrae in a desired spatial relationship
US5217461A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/7041
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for maintaining vertebrae in a desired spatial relationship in a spinal column includes an elongated one-piece rod which extends along the spinal column. An upper portion of the rod has a diameter which is less than the diameter of a lower portion of the rod. A first plurality of connector assemblies engage the lower portion of the rod and connect the lower portion of the rod to vertebrae. A second plurality of connector assemblies engage the upper portion of the rod and connect the upper portion of the rod to vertebrae which are disposed in the spinal column above the vertebrae to which the lower portion of the rod is connected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.