Method and apparatus for spinal fixation
US6595992B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/7049
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A spinal fixation implant system for correction and fixation of the human spine to facilitate an anatomically correct fusion. The spinal fixation system may include a connector, a spinal rod, a spinal fixation component, a sleeve, and a fastener. The spinal fixation component preferably includes a fixation device such as a hook or screw for securing the spinal rod to vertebrae of the thoracic or lumbar spine. The spinal fixation component preferably includes a threaded end on its top that is adapted to receive the fastener. The fixation component may include a body having a tapered cavity for engaging the receiving end of the connector. Tightening of the fastener preferably downwardly translates the sleeve over the fixation component body to force the connector through the tapered cavity, which compresses the receiving end about the spinal rod to fixably connect the spinal rod and the spinal fixation component. In an alternate embodiment, assembly pliers may be used to move the connector into the tapered cavity. The fixation component may also include a rotatable fixation member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.