Variable angle connector
US5947967A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/7041
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A connector for connecting a bone screw to a spinal rod includes a body defining first and second channels for receiving the screw and rod, respectively. The body includes a tapered outer surface adjacent the channel receiving the bone screw. An internally tapered washer fits over the tapered outer surface of the body and is rotatable about the surface. The washer includes a slot to receive the bone screw. The screw channel in the body includes diverging walls so the bone screw can adopt variable angular orientations relative to the rod. The tapered washer can lock the screw in position by frictional engagement with the tapered outer surface of the body. A set screw operates as a pressure member to compress the rod, screw and body and washer together. In one embodiment, the rod and screw are in direct contact. In another embodiment, a third channel extends between the first and second channels to receive a transfer pin therein to provide indirect engagement of the rod and screw.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.