Transconnector for coupling spinal rods
US6736817B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/7052
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection on the medial end. The projection includes a recess defined by lateral and medial walls. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member secures the position and orientation of the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different separation distances and orientations between the first and second fixation elements. The locking member cooperates with the medial wall of the recess of the projection to prevent uncoupling of the male and female members. The male member may be made as a two component assembly in which the two components can rotate relative to one another for accommodating rod convergence or divergence.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.