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US 7,621,942 B2Granted
Variable geometry occipital fixation plate
AssigneeZimmer Spine, Inc.
InventorJason Piehl
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fixation device for connecting a stabilization device to a bone comprises a first member comprising a first portion for attachment to a bone; a second member comprising a second portion for attachment to a bone and connected to the first member by a pivotal connection such that the first and second portions are spaced apart by an adjustable distance, at least one of the first and second members further comprising a portion for mounting a connector adapted to secure a stabilization device.
Claims7
An occipital fixation method, comprising:
- positioning a second lateral member of a variable geometry occipital fixation device in a location against an occiput, wherein said second lateral member comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a pivot bore located at said proximal end, and an attachment bore located at said distal end;
- positioning a first lateral member of said variable geometry occipital fixation device against said occiput and overlying said second lateral member, wherein said first lateral member comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a pivot bore located at said proximal end, and an attachment bore located at said distal end;
- positioning a midline member of said variable geometry occipital fixation device against said occiput and overlying said first lateral member, wherein said midline member comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a pivot bore located at said proximal end, and a fixation bore located at said distal end;
- aligning said pivot bore of said midline member, said pivot bore of said first lateral member, and said pivot bore of said second lateral member along a common axis extending therethrough;
- rotating said first lateral member, said second lateral member, or both around said common axis;
- and
- securing said variable geometry occipital fixation device to said occiput.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.