Connector for securing an offset spinal fixation element

US8888819B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. · US

Inventors

• William Frasier · New Bedford, US
• Nicholas Pavento · Attleboro, US
• Sara Dziedzic · Milton, US
• Tina Easterbrooks · Plainville, US
• Michael Mahoney · Middletown, US
• Shawn D. Stad · Lakeville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 31, 2007
• Grant date: Nov 18, 2014
• Expiry date: May 10, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/037
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The present invention provides an implant that can be inserted on top of a previously placed spinal fixation element. The implant includes a bone anchor and a connector body. The bone anchor includes a proximal head and a distal shaft extending along a longitudinal axis configured to engage bone. The connector body is configured to engage the proximal head of bone anchor and engage a spinal fixation element offset from longitudinal axis of the bone anchor shaft. Because, the implant is inserted over the spinal fixation element, direct visualization of the surgical site is available during insertion. In addition, the implant may provide tactile or audible feedback indicating that the spinal fixation element has been engaged by the implant.