Non-locking multi-axial joints in a vertebral implant and methods of use

A connector to connect a vertebral member to a longitudinal member, the connector comprising:

• an anchor comprising a shaft and an enlarged head;
• a body attached to the anchor and comprising a channel and a cavity aligned along a common axis, the channel sized to receive the longitudinal member;
• a fastener configured to maintain the longitudinal member in the channel, a force applied by the fastener to maintain the longitudinal member within the channel being isolated from the anchor;
• and
• a wear member positioned within the cavity and constructed from a material different from the body, the wear member forming a receiving area sized to pivotally accommodate the head of the anchor;
• the cavity comprising a narrow opening to retain the head within the receiving area and the receiving area positioned for the anchor to pivot when the fastener maintains the longitudinal member in the channel.

A connector to connect a vertebral member to a longitudinal member, the connector comprising:

• an anchor comprising a shaft and an enlarged head;
• a body attached to the anchor and being constructed from a single member having a receiver, a cavity, and an intermediate section, the receiver comprising a channel sized to receive the longitudinal member;
• and
• a fastener configured to mate with the receiver to maintain the longitudinal member in the channel;
• the cavity and channel being aligned on a common axis and positioned on opposite sides of the intermediate section, the cavity comprising a narrow opening that extends into an enlarged receiving area, the receiving area being isolated from the channel and sized to accommodate the head of the anchor, and the narrow opening being sized to retain the head within the receiving area;
• the receiving area being isolated from the channel and sized to allow the anchor to freely pivot when the fastener mates with the receiver.