Patent · US Expired

Spinal fixation locking mechanism

US7338491B2 · kind B2 · utility

232Cited by
103References
26Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 22, 2005
Grant dateMar 4, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 25, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B17/7032
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking mechanism and method of fixation, such as the fixation of a fixation device like a bone screw and of a stabilization device like a rod to the spine. The locking mechanism includes a seat and a locking element. The seat includes a bottom portion configured to receive the fixation device such that a socket of the bottom portion engages part of the fixation device and prevents the fixation device from passing entirely therethrough. The seat further includes a side portion configured to receive the stabilization device and a locking element. The locking element, when fully engaged with the side portion of the seat, causes locking of the relative positions of the fixation device and the stabilization device.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.