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. 29, 2002
Filed:
Nov. 09, 2000
Richard B. Ashman, New Orleans, LA (US);
SDGI Holdings, Inc., Wilmington, DE (US);
Abstract
A spinal implant assembly comprises a connection assembly, an elongated spinal implant, and a bone fastener, such as a bone screw, engaged within a vertebra. The connection assembly includes a body defining a first opening for receiving the elongated spinal implant, a second opening for receiving a bone fastener and a plug. The first opening is perpendicular to and overlapping the second opening to allow direct contact between the spinal implant and the bone fastener. The second opening includes a plug slot having a wall at an end opposite the first opening that defines an engagement surface. The plug includes a mating surface that forms an interlocking engagement with the engagement surface of the wall. An opposite second surface of the plug defines a groove for receiving the elongated stem of the bone fastener adjustable to a desired angular orientation and height. The body can include a first and a second side walls converging toward the center of the second opening with a gap to receive the stem of the bone fastener. The connection assembly further comprises means for urging the elongated spinal implant to press against the bone fastener and the plug which, subsequently, is pressed against the engagement surface of the wall.