Implant connectors and related methods

#Implant connectors and related methods are disclosed herein.

#Fixation systems can be used in orthopedic surgery to maintain a desired spatial relationship between multiple bones or bone fragments. For example, various conditions of the spine, such as fractures, deformities, and degenerative disorders, can be treated by attaching a spinal fixation system to one or more vertebrae. Such systems typically include a spinal fixation element, such as a rigid or flexible rod or plate, that is coupled to the vertebrae by attaching the element to various anchoring devices, such as screws, hooks, or wires. Once installed, the fixation system holds the vertebrae in a desired position until healing or spinal fusion can occur, or for some other period of time.

#There are many instances in which it may be desirable to connect multiple implants to each other. For example, some revision surgeries involve extending a previously-installed construct to additional vertebral levels by coupling a newly-installed spinal rod to a previously-installed rod. By way of further example, aspects of the patient's anatomy, the surgical technique used, or the desired correction may require that multiple spinal rods be connected to one another. As yet another example, coupling multiple rods to one another can improve the overall strength and stability of an implanted construct.

#FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a connector;

#FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1A shown with first and second spinal rods;

#FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1A coupled to first and second spinal rods;

#Implant connectors and related methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a connector can include a low-profile portion to facilitate use of the connector in surgical applications where space is limited. In some embodiments, a connector can include a biased rod-pusher to allow the connector to “snap” onto a rod and/or to “drag” against the rod, e.g., for provisional positioning of the connector prior to locking.

#Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments.

#FIGS. 1A-1J illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a connector 100. As shown, the connector 100 can include a body 102 that defines first and second rod-receiving recesses 104, 106, a rod pusher 108, a nut 110, a bias element or spring clip 112, a first locking element or set screw 114, and a second locking element or set screw 116. The nut 110 can be configured to translate laterally within the body 102, and can be biased by the spring clip 112 in a direction that urges the rod pusher 108 into a first rod R1 disposed in the first rod-receiving recess 104. The first set screw 114 can be tightened to lock the connector 100 to the first rod R1. The second set screw 116 can be tightened to lock a second rod R2 in the second rod-receiving recess 106 of the connector 100. The illustrated connector 100 can thus allow for independent locking of first and second rods R1, R2 to the connector. The connector 100 can include one or more low-profile portions to facilitate use in tight spaces. For example, the first rod-receiving recess 104 can be formed in a portion of the connector body 102 having a reduced-profile, e.g., to fit between bone anchors implanted in adjacent levels of the cervical spine.