Spinal Cross-Connector and Method for Use of Same

A spinal cross-connector for connection between adjacent first and second rods, the spinal cross-connector comprising:

• a first coupling member including a bar extending from a first body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a first c-shaped arm;
• a bearing surface extending the length of the bar from a location proximate to the aperture to an end thereof;
• a second coupling member including a rack extending from a second body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a second c-shaped arm;
• the rack being superposed in a selectively adjustable overlapping mechanical engagement with the bearing surface;
• the first c-shaped arm including an arcuate extension extending substantially parallel to the bar to define a gripping pocket;
• and
• a set screw selectively advanceable through the first body portion.

A spinal cross-connector for connection between adjacent first and second rods, the spinal cross-connector comprising:

• a first coupling member including a bar extending from a first body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a first c-shaped arm;
• a bearing surface extending the length of the bar from a location proximate to the aperture to an end thereof;
• a second coupling member including a rack extending from a second body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a second c-shaped arm;
• means for selective adjustable overlapping mechanical engagement between the rack and the bar;
• the first c-shaped arm including an arcuate extension extending substantially parallel to the bar to define a gripping pocket;
• and
• a set screw selectively advanceable through the first body portion.

A method for establishing a cross-connection between adjacent first and second rods, the method comprising:

• providing a spinal cross-connector including a first coupling member including a bar extending from a first body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a first c-shaped arm, the spinal cross-connector including a bearing surface extending the length of the bar from a location proximate to the aperture to an end thereof, the spinal cross-connector including a second coupling member having a rack extending from a second body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a second c-shaped arm;
• establishing the length of the spinal cross-connector by fixing the selectively adjustable overlapping mechanical engagement between the rack and the bar;
• positioning the first rod withing a gripping pocket defined by an arcuate extension of the first c-shaped arm;
• and
• selectively advancing a set screw through the first body portion.