Receiver assembly having a vertical tool-engaging slot for independent lock via tooling

Abstract

A receiver assembly includes a receiver with a base defining a central bore for receiving the head of a bone anchor and upright arms defining a channel for receiving a rod, with the central bore having through apertures extending outwardly to outer side surfaces of the receiver and the upright arms having top surfaces, opposite front and back surfaces, vertical tool-engaging slots extending downward from the top surfaces to the through apertures for slidably receiving an insert compression tool, and horizontal tool-engaging grooves on either side of the vertical slots that extend laterally to a front or back surface of the upright arm. The assembly also includes an insert positionable within the central bore with an upward-facing outer engagement surface located within a through aperture and aligned with a vertical tool-engaging slot, and which is configured for compressive engagement by the insert compressing tool to independently lock a position of the receiver with respect to the bone anchor.