Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installation thereof

An orthopedic fixation device comprising:

• a tulip element, wherein the tulip element comprises a body and arms that extend from the body and a bore there through, wherein an interior surface of each arm comprises a threaded portion, a slot above the threaded portion, and a recessed surface above the slot, wherein one or more protuberances are formed on an interior surface of the tulip element;
• a bone fastener, wherein the bone fastener comprises a head and an extension that extends from the head, wherein the head is configured for loading into the tulip element through the bottom of the bore, and wherein the extension is configured for installation into bone;
• and
• a locking clamp assembly, wherein the locking clamp assembly comprises:
• a clamp element, wherein the clamp element comprises a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion, wherein the first and second clamp portions each have an outer surface, an inner surface, and an upper lip, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface is configured to engage the interior surface of the tulip element, and wherein at least a portion of the inner surface is configured to engage the head of the bone fastener;
• and
• a wedge element, wherein the wedge element comprises a wedge bore configured to receive an upper portion of the clamp element, an inner wedge surface disposed around at least a lower portion of the wedge bore, and an outer surface, wherein the inner wedge surface is configured to engage at least portion of the outer surface of the first and second clamp portions, and wherein the outer surface of the wedge element comprises a recessed surface configured to engage the protuberances on the interior surface of the tulip element.

A method of installing an orthopedic fixation device comprising:

• inserting a locking clamp assembly into a bore in a coupling element, wherein the locking clamp assembly comprises a wedge element and a clamp element secured to the wedge element;
• moving the locking clamp assembly through the bore in the coupling element until a recessed surface on the wedge element engages a protuberance on an interior surface of the coupling element to secure the locking clamp assembly in the coupling element;
• inserting a head of a bone fastener into the clamp element such that the clamp element engages the head;
• inserting a rod member into the bore of the coupling element;
• inserting a locking cap into the bore of the coupling element, the locking cap bearing against the rod member;
• and
• moving the wedge element downward past the protuberance on the interior surface of the coupling element such that the exterior surfaces of the clamp element engage the interior surface of the coupling element forcing the clamp element to clamp onto the head of the bone fastener to secure the bone fastener in the coupling element.