Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for maintaining spinal elements in a desired spatial relationship

US5261910A · kind A · utility

273Cited by
6References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 19, 1992
Grant dateNov 16, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 19, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B17/7059
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An improved apparatus for maintaining spinal elements in a desired spatial relationship includes a plate and a fastener having a first threaded end portion for engaging a spinal element, a second threaded end portion and a seat portion. The seat portion of the fastener is received in a recess of a plate. The plate has an elongated slot for receiving the fastener that extends along one side of the longitudinal axis of the plate. A circular opening for receiving another fastener is located on the other side of the longitudinal axis and adjacent the slot. The slot extends through the plate in a first direction and the circular opening extends through the plate in a second direction at an angle to the first direction. The slot is defined by opposed slot surfaces extending longitudinally of the plate and arcuate recesses in the opposed slot surfaces and spaced therealong. The recesses in the opposed slot surfaces define a plurality of locations for receiving the fastener. The plurality of locations have centers that are offset from the center of the circular opening. A nut threadably engages the first fastener and engages the arcuate recesses in the opposed slot surfaces to clamp the pl…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.