Transverse rod connector clip

A spinal fixation system comprising:

• a) a first body portion having a rod clamp for engaging a first elongated spinal rod and a transverse connector;
• b) a second body portion having a rod clamp for engaging a second elongated spinal rod and a transverse connector;
• and
• c) a fastener for securing the transverse connector of the first body portion and the transverse connector of the second body portion to one another, the fastener having an inner portion with an outer surface and an outer portion with an inner surface, the inner surface of the outer portion being adapted and configured to slidably engage the outer surface of the inner portion to radially compress the inner portion.

An apparatus for connecting spinal rods comprising:

• a) a first body member having first and second portions, the first portion defining a rod clamp for engaging a first spinal rod, the second portion defining a first elongated shaft section;
• b) a second body member having first and second portions, the first portion defining a rod clamp for engaging a second spinal rod, the second portion defining a second elongated shaft section configured to engage with the first elongated shaft section;
• and
• c) a locking sleeve adapted and configured to surround the first and second elongated shaft sections and secure the first and second elongated shaft sections together in an engaged condition by radial compression, the locking sleeve including an inner sleeve portion and an outer sleeve portion, the inner sleeve portion having an outer surface and the outer sleeve portion having an inner surface, the inner surface of the outer sleeve portion being adapted and configured to slidably engage the outer surface of the inner sleeve portion to radially compress the inner sleeve portion.