Danek Medical

Sdgi Holdings, Inc.

Denek Medical, Inc.

M Neil Anderson

David L Brumfield

Michael C Sherman

Denis S Drummond

Eduardo R Luque

James Van Hoeck

Troy D Drewry

James E Van Hoeck

One embodiment of a spinal fixation system including a pair of longitudinal members positionable adjacent the spine, means for engaging longitudinal members to the spine , a pair of wedge members each having a bearing surface configured to bear on a longitudinal member , and a connector configured to span a distance between the longitudinal members . The connector includes a pair of engaging members each having a fixation surface and a connecting surface , and a bridge member attached to the connecting surfaces . The engaging members each define a thru-hole for receiving one of the wedge members . The thru-holes are aligned so that wherein one of the wedge members is advanced through the thru-hole , the bearing surface will bear on a corresponding longitudinal member to force the longitudinal member into contact with the fixation surface and engage the longitudinal member to the connector

Device for linking adjacent rods in spinal instrumentation

One embodiment of a spinal fixation system 10 including a pair of longitudinal members 11, 12 positionable adjacent the spine, means for engaging longitudinal members to the spine 13, 14, a pair of wedge members 16 each having a bearing surface 38 configured to bear on a longitudinal member 11, 12, and a connector 20 configured to span a distance between the longitudinal members 11, 12. The connector 20 includes a pair of engaging members 25, 26 each having a fixation surface 33 and a connecting surface 30, and a bridge member 21 attached to the connecting surfaces 30. The engaging members 25, 26 each define a thru-hole 35 for receiving one of the wedge members 16. The thru-holes 35 are aligned so that when one of the wedge members 16 is advanced through the thru-hole 35, the bearing surface 38 will bear on a corresponding longitudinal member 11, 12 to force the longitudinal member 11, 12 into contact with the fixation surface 33 and engage the longitudinal member 11, 12 to the connector 20.

The embodiment of a spinal fixation system 10 including a pair of longitudinal members 11, 12 positionable adjacent the spine, engaging member for engaging longitudinal members to the spine 13, 14, a pair of wedge members 16 each having a bearing surface 38 configured to bear on a longitudinal member 11, 12, and a connector 20 configured to span a distance between the longitudinal members 11, 12. The connector 20 includes a pair of engaging members 25, 26 each having a fixation surface 33 and a connecting surface 30, and a bridge member 21 attached to the connecting surfaces 30. The engaging members 25, 26 each define a thru-hole 35 for receiving one of the wedge members 16. The thru-holes 35 are aligned so that when one of the wedge members 16 is advanced through the thru-hole 35, the bearing surface 38 will bear on a corresponding longitudinal member 11, 12 to force the longitudinal member 11, 12 into contact with the fixation surface 33 and engage the longitudinal member 11, 12 to the connector 20.

One embodiment of a spinal fixation system including a pair of longitudinal members 11, 12 positionable adjacent the spine, means for engaging longitudinal members to the spine 13, 14, a pair of wedge members 241 each having a bearing surface 242 configured to bear on a longitudinal member 11, 12, and a connector 200 configured to span a distance between the longitudinal members 11, 12. The connector 200 includes a pair of engaging members 205, 212 each having a fixation portion 207, 214 and a connecting portion 209, 216, and a bridge members 202 attachable to the connecting portions 209, 216. The engaging members 205, 212 each define a thru-hole 225 for receiving one of the wedge members 241. The thru-holes 225 are aligned so that when one of the wedge members 241 is advanced through the thru-hole 225, the bearing surface 242 will bear on a corresponding longitudinal member 11, 12 to force the longitudinal member 11, 12 into contact with the fixation surface 220, 221 and engage the longitudinal member 11, 12 to the connector 200. In a specific embodiment, the bridge member 200 defines a slot 203 and a fastener bore 227 having an axis D' intersecting the slot 203. In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 216 is insertable into the slot 203 to intersect the axis D' of the bone 227, whereby a fastener 230 received in the bore 227 will clamp the second connecting portion 216 to the bridge member 202.

A spinal implant system for correcting spinal deformities and abnormalities includes an elongated spinal rod configured to be implanted adjacent the spinal column and spanning across several vertebral levels. A number of fixation elements, such as spinal hooks, are provided for engaging vertebrae at a number of vertebral levels. At least some of the fixation elements includes an elongated stem projecting from a vertebra engaging portion. The stems of each of the fixation elements are connected to the spinal rod by way of a rod connector having a one-piece body defining a rod channel adapted to receive the spinal rod therethrough, a stem bore adapted to receive a stem therethrough, and a threaded bore. The stem bore and rod channel intersect to permit contact between the rod and the stem of a fixation element. The threaded bore intersects either the rod channel or the stem bore so that a set screw threaded into the threaded bore bears against the spinal rod or fixation element stem. As the set screw is tightened in the bore, the spinal rod and stem are clamped together to form a rigid construct. The rod channel includes a channel opening to permit top-loading of the rod connector. The fixation element stem may include external threads to receive a threaded fastener for temporarily threading onto the stem when the implant construct is at an initial posterior level above the spine. As the fastener is threaded onto the stem of each fixation element, the instrumentation is drawn down to a lower final level adjacent the vertebrae.

Growing community of inventors

Memphis, TN, United States of America

M Neil Anderson