The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 08, 1996
Filed:
Jun. 07, 1995
David L Brumfield, South Haven, MS (US);
M Neil Anderson, Memphis, TN (US);
Eduardo R Luque, Mexico City, MX;
Danek Medical Inc., Memphis, TN (US);
Abstract
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.