Rod-to-rod coupler
US6413258B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/705
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A rod-to-rod coupler includes a body having first and second coupler portions. Each coupler portion defines a concavity configured to receive a portion of an elongated spinal rod. A screw and nut assembly which includes a screw and a flanged nut is positioned adjacent each concavity. Each flanged nut has a flange portion which extends at least partially over one concavity. After the rod-to-rod coupler has been positioned with the concavities located over adjacent spinal rods, the screw can be rotated to move the flanged nut into engagement with a spinal rod to secure the spinal rod within a concavity. In one embodiment, one coupler portion is formed with a blind bore and the other coupler portion is formed with an extension which is slidably received within the blind bore. The extension is slidable within the blind bore to selectively adjust the distance between the concavities of the first and second coupler portions. A set screw is provided to secure the extension at a fixed position within the blind bore.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.