# US 2017/0281245 A1 · Revision connectors, systems, and methods thereof > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2017/0281245 A1 - Document ID: US20170281245A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 15/083,467 - Filed: 2016-03-29 - Published: 2017-10-05 - Earliest claimed: 2016-03-29 - Assignees: Globus Medical, Inc. - Applicants: Globus Medical, Inc. - Inventors: Patrick Murray; John LaColla; Aditya Muzumdar; Aditya Ingalhalikar; Andrew lott; David Leff; Brad Juchno; Jeff Nichols; Khiem Pham - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20170281245A1 ## CPC - A61B 17/7052: {of variable angle or length} - A61B 17/7004: {with a cross-section which varies along its length (A61B17/7019 takes precedence)} - A61B 17/7007: {Parts of the longitudinal elements, e.g. their ends, being specially adapted to fit around the screw or hook heads} - A61B 17/7032: {Screws or hooks with U-shaped head or back through which longitudinal rods pass} - A61B 17/7049: {Connectors, not bearing on the vertebrae, for linking longitudinal elements together (A61B17/7055, A61B17/7053, A61B17/7019 take precedence)} - A61B 17/705: {for linking adjacent ends of longitudinal elements} - A61B 17/7011: {Longitudinal element being non-straight, e.g. curved, angled or branched (adjustable length longitudinal elements A61B17/7014; A61B17/7019 takes precedence, e.g. coil springs)} - A61B 17/7037: {wherein pivoting is blocked when the rod is clamped} - A61B 2017/567: {Joint mechanisms or joint supports in addition to the natural joints and outside the joint gaps} - A61B 2017/681: {Alignment, compression, or distraction mechanisms} - A61B 2090/037: {with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract Connector assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An articulating connector has a first end that clamps to a first rod in an existing construct and a second end, rotatably connected to the first end, that clamps to a second rod in a new construct such that the clamping of the second end to the second rod prevents rotation of the second end with respect to the first end. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An articulating revision connector assembly comprising: a rod; and a connector attached to the rod, the connector comprising: an open clamp portion having a securing mechanism rotatably connected thereto; a closed clamp portion rotatably connected to the open clamp portion, the closed clamp portion having a passage extending therethrough, the passage sized to allow passage of the rod therethrough; and a locking mechanism configured to releasably prevent rotation of the closed clamp portion relative to the open clamp portion when the rod is inserted into the passage. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The articulating revision connector according to claim 1, wherein the closed clamp portion comprises a securing member adapted to bias the rod against the locking mechanism. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The articulating revision connector according to claim 2, wherein the open clamp portion comprises a blind passage extending along a first axis and wherein the securing mechanism is mounted in a through passage extending obliquely relative to the first axis. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The articulating revision connector according to claim 3, wherein the open clamp portion comprises a clamp opening extending along the first axis. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The articulating revision connector according to claim 3, wherein the open clamp portion comprises a clamp opening extending obliquely relative to the first axis. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The articulating revision connector according to claim 3, wherein the open clamp portion comprises a clamp opening extending generally orthogonally relative to the first axis. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The articulating revision connector according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a passage extending along a longitudinal axis, the passage having a first set of teeth, the passage being formed in the closed clamp portion; and an insert longitudinally disposed in the passage, the insert having a second set of teeth releasably engageable with the first set of teeth, such that, when the insert is longitudinally translated toward the open clamp portion, the second set of teeth engages the first set of teeth, restricting rotation of the open clamp portion relative to the closed clamp portion. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The articulating revision connector according to claim 7, wherein the passage has an outwardly flared opening, and wherein the insert comprises an outwardly flared end adapted to engage the outwardly flared opening when the insert is longitudinally translated toward the open clamp portion. ### Claim 9 An articulating revision connector assembly comprising: a rod; and a connector releasably connected to the rod, the connector comprising: a first connecting portion extending along a longitudinal axis, the first connecting portion having a first end having an open connection adapted to releasably retain the rod, and a second end having a blind passage extending along the longitudinal axis; and a second connecting portion rotatably connected to the second end of the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion having an axial passage extending generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The articulating revision connector according to claim 9, wherein the first connecting portion comprises an insert in the blind passage such that the insertion of a rod to the axial passage biases the insert along the longitudinal axis, releasably locking the first connecting portion to the second connecting portion. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The articulating revision connector according to claim 10, wherein the second connecting portion comprises a securing member advanceable into the axial passage to engage the rod and to bias the rod against the insert. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The articulating revision connector according to claim 10, wherein the blind passage comprises a first set of teeth, and wherein the insert comprises a second set adapted to engage the first set of teeth when the rod is biased against the insert, thereby restricting rotation of the second connecting portion relative to the first connecting portion. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The articulating revision connector according to claim 9, wherein the open connection extends along the longitudinal axis. ### Claim 14 (depends on 9) The articulating revision connector according to claim 9, wherein the open connection extends generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. ### Claim 15 A method of adding a new construct to an existing construct comprising the steps of: (a) providing a connector having a first connecting portion with an open connection and a second connecting portion rotatably connected to the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion having an axial passage extending therethrough; (b) inserting the open connection over a first rod in the existing construct; (c) securing the first connecting portion to the first rod; (d) inserting a second rod through the axial passage; (e) rotating the second connecting portion relative to the first connecting portion to a desired location; and (f) securing the second rod to the second connecting portion, thereby restricting rotation of the second connecting portion with respect to the first connecting portion. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The method according to claim 15, wherein step (f) comprises advancing a securing member into the axial passage and wherein the method further comprises: (g) engaging the second rod with the securing member. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The method according to claim 16, wherein the second connecting portion comprises a blind passage in communication with the axial passage, and an insert slidingly disposed the blind passage, wherein step (g) comprises translating the insert axially in the blind passage. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The method according to claim 17, wherein the blind passage comprises a first set of teeth, and wherein the insert comprises a second set of teeth, such that step (g) engaging the second set of teeth with a first set of teeth. ### Claim 19 (depends on 15) The method according to claim 15, wherein step (f) comprises biasing the second rod toward the first connecting portion. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The method according to claim 19, wherein step (f) further comprises biasing the insert for the first connecting portion.