Locking polyaxial ball and socket fastener
US8465530B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/7038
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A polyaxial ball and socket joint that can be locked into a fixed position. 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.