Spinal connectors and related methods
US9724131B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/705
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In some embodiments, a connector can be configured to couple a first fixation element (e.g., a first rod) to a second fixation element (e.g., a second rod). One or both of the first and second fixation elements can be included with the connector, or one or both can be separately provided. In some instances, at least one of the fixation elements is previously implanted in a patient. The connector can provide one or more degrees of freedom between the first and second fixation elements. The connector can also include a locking element configured to (1) lock one or more of the fixation elements to the connector, and (2) lock one or more of the degrees of freedom between the fixation elements. The connector can be configured to snap onto or otherwise engage a fixation element in a manner that provides tactile and/or audible feedback to the surgeon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.