US 7,066,939 B2 · Connection assembly for spinal implant systems

Abstract

Disclosed is a novel connection assembly for a spinal implant system having: a novel interface element having an internal stop that limits rotation of the spinal implant rod and associated members with regard to the spinal implant bolt and associated members allowing the implant system to initially assume a position that approximates its final adjusted position and allows the assembly's size to be reduced without sacrificing its mechanical strength; a compressible member located between the interface elements that ensures free rotation of the spinal implant rod and its associated members in relation to the spinal implant bolt and its associated members until a proper position has been obtained and allows an initially secured system to be repositioned without additionally separating the interface element's locking structures; and components provisionally secured to prevent disengagement during transportation and handling that can be engaged during installation utilizing minimal force with common hand tools.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A connection assembly for connecting a spinal implant rod to a spinal implant bolt, the assembly comprising:

a rod connecting member having an opening for receiving a portion of the rod;
a first interface element on the rod connecting member;
a bolt connecting member having an opening for receiving a portion of the bolt;
a second interface element on the bolt connecting member, the first interface element being fixed against rotation relative to the rod connecting member and the second interface element being fixed against rotation relative to the bolt connecting member, the rod connecting and the bolt connecting members rotatably attached about a connection axis, one member opposing the other;
interlocking structures on opposing surfaces of the interface elements, such that when the elements are engaged with one another, the interlocking structures prevent rotational movement of the interface elements relative to one another;
and
a compressible member positioned between the interface elements, the compressible member in its uncompressed state preventing the interlocking structures from engaging.

4 more elements

A connection assembly for connecting a spinal implant rod to a spinal implant bolt, the assembly comprising:

a rod connecting member having an opening for receiving a portion of the rod, and a first interface element on the rod connecting member;
a bolt connecting member attached to the rod connecting member, the bolt connecting member having an opening for receiving a portion of the bolt, and a second interface element on the bolt connecting member;
a compressible member positioned between the first and second interface elements, the compressible member capable of having compressed and uncompressed states;
the first interface element being fixed against rotation relative to the rod connecting member and the second interface element having a disengaged condition, provided the compressible member is in an uncompressed state, wherein the rod connecting member and bolt connecting member are rotatable within a limited range relative to one another, the limited range defined by an internal stop element positioned within an inner periphery of one of the interface elements;
and
the first interface element and the second interface element having an engaged condition, provided the compressible member is in a compressed state, wherein the rod connecting member and bolt connecting member are fixed against rotation relative to one another.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Connection assembly for spinal implant systems

Life of this patent

Connection assembly for spinal implant systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23