Cross-connector and related methods
US9198696B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2011 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/7049
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A cross-connector, sized and dimensioned to stabilize the distance between a pair of rods in the spine. The cross-connector includes a first coupling assembly, a second coupling assembly, and a connecting device, extending therebetween. Each coupling assembly further includes a coupler, which attaches to a tulip head, and a camming assembly. The connecting device further includes a first arm element, a second arm element, and a screw. The arm elements move within the ball joints of the couplers and pivot around the screw, allowing a surgeon to adjust the length of the cross-connector and place the cross-connector above and around features within the body. The camming assemblies lock the tulip heads and the arm elements in place on the couplers. The screw locks the center rotation of the cross-connector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.