Rod inserter and rod with reduced diameter end

Abstract

An inserter tool for coupling a spinal rod with an implant includes an outer shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongated opening extending between the proximal and distal ends, a handle secured to the proximal end of the outer shaft, and an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the inner shaft being telescopically received within the elongated opening of the outer shaft and being adapted to move between the proximal and distal ends of the outer shaft. The tool includes a compressible clamping tip secured to the distal end of the inner shaft, the clamping tip including a first section secured to the distal end of the inner shaft, a flexible arm that extends from the first section, and an opening disposed between the first section and the flexible arm. A knob is coupled with the proximal end of the inner shaft, the knob being rotatable in a first direction for extending the clamping tip from the distal end of the outer shaft and in a second direction for retracting the clamping tip into the distal end of the outer shaft so as to compress the flexible arm of the clamping tip toward the first section of the clamping tip.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.