Articulating connectors, systems, and methods thereof
AssigneeGlobus Medical, Inc.
InventorsAllen Kim, Ross Morris, Daniel Spangler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Connector assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An articulating connector has a first end that clamps to a first rod in an existing construct and a second end having a second end that clamps to a second rod in a new construct or such that the new construct can be extended from the existing construct. In the case of different sized constructs used in different areas of the spine, an articulating connector has a first end that clamps to a first rod in a new construct having rods of a first size and a second end having a second end that clamps to a second rod in a new construct having rods of a second size. The clamping portions are capable of translating and rotating with respect to each other.
Claims19
A connector system comprising:
- a connector having a first clamp and a second clamp;
- the first clamp having:
- a first body;
- a first passageway having a first longitudinal axis extending through the first body and being sized to allow a first rod to be inserted therein;
- a bottom portion having an opening in communication with the first passage, the first body having two opposing legs, the first passageway defined between the two opposing legs;
- a saddle having two blind holes configured to receive an instrument, wherein the saddle is configured to be rotated by the instrument when installed in the first body;
- and
- a securing mechanism positioned in the first passageway and adapted to secure a second body relative to the first body;
- and
- the second clamp having:
- the second body;
- a second passageway having a second longitudinal axis extending through the second body and being sized to allow a second rod to be inserted therein;
- a post having:
- an extension extending laterally from the second body and having a first height;
- a projection extending laterally from the extension and having a second height smaller than the first height, the post being configured and dimensioned to be received in the opening, the post configured to rotate and translate relative to the first body.
A connector system comprising:
- a connector having a first clamp and a second clamp;
- the first clamp having:
- a first body;
- a first passageway having a first longitudinal axis extending through the first body and being sized to allow a first rod to be inserted therein;
- a saddle having two blind holes configured to receive an instrument, wherein the saddle is configured to be rotated by the instrument when installed in the first body;
- a bottom portion having an opening in communication with the first passageway, the first body having two opposing legs, the first passageway defined between the two opposing legs;
- and
- the second clamp having:
- a second body;
- a second passageway having a second longitudinal axis extending through the second body and being sized to allow a second rod to be inserted therein;
- a post having a projection extending laterally from the second body and having a cutout on its upper surface;
- the saddle positioned in the first passageway and adapted to couple to the cutout to secure the second body relative to the first body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.