Coupling system and method for extending spinal instrumentation
US6682532B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/7041
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A coupler for connecting a first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element to a second spinal fixation element includes a post and a head disposed on a distal end of the post. The head of the coupler has a width shorter than a width of a slot in the first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element, and a length longer than the width of the slot in the first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element. The coupler with a head so configured can be placed in a first orientation so that the head passes through the slot in the first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element, and then can be placed in a second orientation wherein the head is trapped beneath the first, slotted, implanted spinal fixation element while the post having a connecting element extends through the slot. Systems and methods for extending a first, implanted spinal fixation element to one or more additional vertebrae while leaving the first, implanted spinal fixation element in place are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.