Spinal cross connector
AssigneeNuVasive, Inc.
InventorEugene Shoshtaev
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A spinal cross-connector comprises an elongated member, a first connector and a second connector. The first connector and the second connector are configured to receive spinal rods and adaptable to directly attach with pedicle screws. The first connector includes a first collet head, a first clamp and a first locking means. The second connector includes a second collet head, a second clamp and a second locking mans. The first locking means is configured to tighten over a first collet head and engage with the first connector. Similarly, the second locking means is configured to tighten over a second collet head and engage with the second connector. The engagement of the first locking means with the first connector and the second locking means with the second connector locks the spinal cross-connector.
Claims18
A system for providing stability and rigidity to a plurality of bilateral spinal rods utilizing a spinal implant comprising:
- a first spinal rod and a second spinal rod;
- a first bone anchor and a second bone anchor configured to engage the first spinal rod and the second spinal rod, respectively;
- a spinal cross-connector configured to connect the first spinal rod and the second spinal rod, wherein the spinal cross-connector comprises:
- an elongate member having a first end and a second end;
- a first connector including a first clamp configured to slideably receive the first end of the elongate member, a first collet head configured to receive the first bone anchor, and a first locking member configured to be tightened over the first collet head;
- and
- a second connector including a second clamp configured to slideably receive the second end of the elongate member, a second collet head configured to receive the second bone anchor, and a second locking member configured to be tightened over the second collet head;
- and
- a driver having a distal end configured to engage the first and second connectors of the spinal cross-connector,
- wherein the distal end of the driver is configured to engage each of the first and second collet heads to drive the first and second locking members, respectively.
A method for providing stability and rigidity to a plurality of bilateral spinal rods utilizing a spinal implant, the method comprising:
- coupling a first collet head of a first connector to a first tulip of a first bone screw and a second collet head of a second connector to a second tulip of a second bone screw;
- inserting a first clamp on the first collet head and a second clamp on the second collet head, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp are engaged with an elongate member;
- and
- using a driver, tightening a first locking member with the first collet head, thereby locking the first connector to the first tulip and the first clamp to a first end of the elongate member,
- wherein tightening the first locking member comprises inserting a distal end of the driver into the first connector and rotating a handle of the driver positioned opposite the distal end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.