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US 5,403,314 AGranted
Apparatus for retaining spinal elements in a desired spatial relationship
AssigneeAcroMed Corporation
InventorBardford L. Currier
Life of this patent
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AssigneeAcroMed Corporation
InventorBardford L. Currier
Estimating the term…
An apparatus for use in retaining spinal elements in a desired spatial relationship includes a fastener for engaging a spinal element. A longitudinal member is positionable along the spinal column. A connector member interconnects the fastener and the longitudinal member. The connector member has a mounting section with surface means defining a first opening through which the fastener extends. The longitudinal member extends through a second opening in the connector member. The axis of the opening through which the longitudinal member extends is perpendicular to top and bottom surfaces of the connector member. The mounting section has a side surface extending at an acute angle to the top and bottom surfaces. The connector member includes a surface that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the opening through which the longitudinal member extends. The side surface of the mounting section extends at an acute angle to the surface of the connector member which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the opening through which the longitudinal member extends.
An apparatus for use in retaining spinal elements in a desired spatial relationship, said apparatus comprising:
An apparatus for use in retaining spinal elements in a desired spatial relationship, said apparatus comprising a one-piece connector member for interconnecting a fastener for attaching said connector member to a vertebra of the spinal column and a longitudinal member, means for clamping said connector member to the fastener, and means for clamping said connector member to the longitudinal member, said connector member having first surface means defining a first opening extending through a first surface of said connector member in a first direction and through which the longitudinal member is extendable, said connector member having second surface means defining a second opening extending through said connector member in a second direction through which the fastener is extendable, said first direction extending perpendicular to said first surface of said connector member, said first surface of said connector member lying in a first plane, said second direction extending at an acute angle to the first plane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.