Compression locking variable length cross-link device for use with dual rod apparatus

A variable length cross-link for use with orthopedic rod apparatuses having a plurality of rods, comprising:

• a first rod coupling element having first and second ends, said first end having means for coupling to a first rod, said second end comprising a narrow flat extending portion;
• a second rod coupling element having first and second ends, said first end having means for coupling to a second rod, said second end comprising a wide flat extending portion;
• first means for maintaining said narrow flat extending portion of said first rod coupling element in slidable relation to the wide flat extending portion of said second rod coupling element;
• second means for selectively compressing said narrow flat extending portion against said wide flat extending portion of said second rod coupling element to crush lock the two portions together;
• said first means comprising a thickened section integrally formed with said wide fiat extending portion of said second element, said thickened section having a narrow fiat passageway formed therein for slidably receiving said narrow flat extending portion of said first element, a top surface of said passageway having a hole;
• and wherein said second means comprises a set screw, insertable through said hole in said top surface for applying a compression locking force onto said narrow flat extending portion so that a bottom surface of same is crush locked to a bottom surface of said passageway.

A cross-linked dual rod orthopaedic implant apparatus comprising:

• a pair of rods disposed in a substantially parallel orientation;
• means for fixing said rods to a posterior surface of a spinal column;
• at least one variable length cross-link device for coupling said pair of rods, comprising;
• a first rod coupling element having first and second ends, said first end having means for coupling to a first rod, said second end comprising a narrow flat extending portion;
• a second rod coupling element having first and second ends, said first end having means for coupling to curved conformation with an inner surface for cupping a lateral a second rod, said second end comprising a wide flat extending portion;
• a top locking nut;
• and
• a post, said post having a wide base, an intermediate section having a passageway which is transverse to an elongate axis of the post, and a threaded upper section, such that said narrow flat extending portion of said first element may be slidably inserted into said passageway, the threaded upper section of said post may be inserted through the hole in said wide flat extending portion of said second element.
• whereby the tightening of said to locking nut on said threaded upper section of said post causes a top surface of said narrow flat extending portion to be compression locked to a bottom surface of said wide flat extending portion.