Orthopedic implant assembly

A multi-axial bone-engaging anchor assembly for engagement to an elongated member, comprising:

• a receiver member having first and second side extensions defining a channel, wherein said receiver member defines a lower opening portion having a respective minimum width, wherein said channel is configured to receive the elongated member and is in communication with said lower opening portion, said side extensions each having a top surface;
• a bone-engaging anchor having a lower threaded portion configured to engage bone and a head having a width, said width of said head being smaller than said minimum width of said lower opening portion, said head being movably disposed in said lower opening portion;
• and
• a closure mechanism operably connected with said receiver member and configured to selectively to lock the elongated member in said channel;
• wherein said closure mechanism includes a first closure device operably engaged with said first side extension proximal said top surface of said first side extension and a second closure device operably engaged with said second side extension proximal said top surface of said second side extension, wherein said first closure device is configured to cooperate with said second closure device in a direction generally perpendicular to said channel to lock the elongated member in said channel.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a fixation element having a threaded bone engaging portion and a head portion;
• a receiver member defining a channel extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to receive an elongated member, wherein said receiver member engages said fixation element, said receiver member including first and second branches defining said channel, each of said branches having a top surface;
• a clipping mechanism operably connected with said receiver member configured to selectively lock the elongated member in said channel;
• wherein said clipping mechanism includes a first clipping assembly including a clip member having a hollow portion, said first clipping assembly being operably engaged with said first branch proximal said top surface of said first branch, wherein said clipping mechanism further includes a second clipping assembly including a clip member having an extension portion, said second clipping assembly being operably engaged with said second branch proximal said top surface of said second branch, wherein said extension portion and said hollow portion are configured to clip together, with said extension portion configured to be at least partially received in said hollow portion.

A method, comprising:

• providing an orthopedic device having a fixation element and a receiver member, wherein said receiver member is in engagement with said fixation element, wherein said receiver member includes first and second branches defining a U-shaped channel configured to receive an elongated member, wherein said receiver member includes a locking mechanism;
• placing an elongated member in said channel;
• and
• locking said elongated member in said channel, wherein said locking mechanism is in engagement with said receiver member and includes first and second clipping members engaged with said first and second branches, respectively, said clipping members being configured to slide together to selectively lock said elongated member in said channel.