Locking polyaxial ball and socket fastener
US8075603B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/7032
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The fastening system consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle that operates as a socket for housing an upper retainer ring and a lower split retaining ring. The socket is receptive to the spherical connector which is inserted through the lower split retainer ring causing a momentary displacement thereof which allows for the positioning of the spherical connector between the upper and lower retainer rings. A resilient component positioned between the upper retainer ring and the connecting assembly permits relative predetermined placement and retention of the spherical connector relative to the connector assembly due to the force generated by the resilient component and frictional engagement between the surfaces of spherical connector, the upper and lower retainer rings and the connector assembly. The polyaxial ball and socket can be locked into a fixed position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.