Slotted head pedicle screw assembly

A pedicle screw assembly for use in conjunction with an orthopedic rod, said assembly comprising:

• a. a fastener including a tip end for insertion into bone and an expandable head at the opposite end thereof having an outer surface including a convex portion, a recess formed in said head defining an inner surface having an inner dimension;
• and
• b. a coupling element including a rod receiving opening, a bore for receiving said fastener, and a seat for receiving said head of said fastener, said seat including a concave portion for receiving the convex portion of said head and allowing said fastener to pivot relative to said coupling element before being locked therein.

A pedicle screw assembly comprising:

• a. a fastener including a tip end for insertion into bone and an expandable head at the opposite end thereof, said head including an outer surface having an outer dimension and a recess having an inner surface, the inner surface defining an inner dimension of said head;
• and
• b. a coupling element including a rod receiving opening, a bore having upper and lower ends for receiving said fastener, and a seat for receiving said head of said fastener, the bore having a minimum diameter section with an inner dimension that is less than the outer dimension of said head and defining an expansion cavity between the upper and lower ends thereof having an inner dimension greater than the outer dimension of said head, wherein said screw can be pivotally connected with said coupling element by passing the tip end of said fastener through the upper end of said bore toward the lower end thereof while compressing said head as said head passes through the minimum diameter section of said bore.