Low Profile Fastening Assembly
AssigneeGlobus Medical, Inc.
InventorsMark Weiman, Sean Suh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a fastener assembly that can be used for the fixation or anchoring of orthopedic devices or instruments to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a low profile variable angle or fixed angle fastener assembly that is able to securely connect the orthopedic device to bone tissue. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a fastener assembly having a locking mechanism that will quickly and easily lock the fastener assembly with respect to the orthopedic device.
Claims14
A fastener assembly for fastening an orthopedic device to bone tissue, comprising:
- a fastener comprising a head portion, a portion of which is generally spherical, a shank portion for engaging the bone tissue, and a neck portion for connecting the head portion and the shank portion;
- a polyaxial locking head, the polyaxial locking head having a cavity for receiving the head portion and at least one protrusion;
- and
- an orthopedic device having an opening for receiving the polyaxial locking head and fastener, the opening having at least one extension, and a groove extending from the extension.
A fastener assembly for fastening an orthopedic device to bone tissue, comprising:
- a fastener comprising a head portion, a shank portion for engaging the bone tissue, and a neck portion for connecting the head portion and the shank portion, the head portion, neck portion and shank portion extend collinearly along a longitudinal axis;
- a polyaxial locking head, the polyaxial locking head having a cavity for receiving the head portion;
- and
- an orthopedic device having an upper surface and an opening extending through the upper surface,
- wherein the opening receives the polyaxial locking head and fastener in a low-profile manner such that when the fastener is installed in a position where the longitudinal axis is at an acute angle with respect to the upper surface of the device, the head portion of the fastener does not extend beyond the upper surface of the device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.