Spinal column retaining method and apparatus
US6080156A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/7038
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus is provided to retain elements of the spine and/or pelvis in a desired spatial relationship. A plurality of fasteners are connected with a plurality of the elements. A longitudinal member is connected with the fasteners by a plurality of connector members. The longitudinal member and fasteners are movable relative to each other to adjust the distance between the longitudinal member and fasteners to thereby obtain the desired spatial relationship between the longitudinal member and elements to which the fasteners are connected. Once the longitudinal member and fasteners have been positioned in the desired spatial relationship, clamps are engaged to hold the longitudinal member, fasteners and connector members against relative movement. To provide for the adjustability of the longitudinal member relative to the fasteners, oblong openings are formed in the connector members. In one specific method of adjusting the position of the longitudinal member relative to the fasteners, the longitudinal member is rotated about an axis which extends through a portion of the longitudinal member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.