Transverse connector for rod-based spinal implants
AssigneeOrthopaedic International, Inc.
InventorsJude L. Sasing, Edwin C. Madera, Boy Midas H. Firme, Agustin G. Morales, Jose Martin S. Paiso, Adrian Catbagan, Ramon B. Gustilo
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A spinal implant system is provided for correcting spinal abnormalities. The system involves connectors configured to fit over spinal implant rods, a transverse rod, and a locking member for fixing each connector to the spinal implant rod and transverse rod. The connector is configured such that when the locking member is in a first position, the transverse rod is temporarily fixed to the connector, and when the locking member is in a second position, both the transverse rod and spinal implant rod are fixed to the connector.
Claims19
A method of stabilizing the spine comprising:
- implanting first and second spinal rods longitudinally on each side of the spinal column;
- providing a stabilization device including first and second connectors and a transverse rod, each connector comprising first and second bores, a channel, and a locking member, wherein each locking member is moveable between a withdrawn and an advanced position;
- placing the first and second connectors on the transverse rod and withdrawing each locking member until the first and second connectors are fixed to the transverse rod to form a connector assembly;
- placing the connector assembly over the first and second implanted spinal rods so that the first spinal rod is positioned in the channel of the first connector and the second spinal rod is positioned in the channel of the second connector;
- advancing the locking member of the first connector until the transverse rod is released from the first connector;
- continuing to advance the locking member of the first connector until the first spinal rod and the transverse rod are fixed to the first connector;
- advancing the locking member of the second connector until the transverse rod is released from the second connector;
- and
- continuing to advance the locking member of the second connector until the second spinal rod and transverse rod are fixed to the second connector.
A method for stabilizing implanted longitudinal spinal rods comprising:
- providing a stabilization assembly including first and second connectors and a transverse rod, wherein each connector has a transverse rod-receiving bore, a locking member positioned in a locking member-receiving bore, and a channel, wherein each locking member is moveable between a withdrawn and an advanced position;
- placing the first connector on the transverse rod and withdrawing the locking member of the first connector to fix the transverse rod to the first connector to form a connector assembly;
- placing the connector assembly over the implanted spinal rods so a spinal rod is received in the channel of the first connector;
- and
- advancing the locking member of the first connector to first release the transverse rod and then continuing to advance the locking member of the first connector to fix the spinal rod and transverse rod to the first connector.
A method for implanting a stabilization assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing first and second connectors and a transverse rod, wherein each connector has a first transverse rod-receiving bore, a locking member positioned in a second locking member-receiving bore, and a channel, wherein each locking member is moveable between a withdrawn and an advanced position;
- forming a spinal stabilization assembly by:
- placing the first connector on the transverse rod and withdrawing the locking member of the first connector to fix the transverse rod to the first connector;
- placing the second connector on the transverse rod and withdrawing the locking member of the second connector to fix the transverse rod to the second connector;
- adjusting the distance between the first and second connectors by advancing at least one of the locking member of the first connector and the locking member of the second connector;
- and advancing the locking member of the first connector to first release the transverse rod and then continuing to advance the locking member of the first connector to fix the spinal rod and transverse rod to the first connector, and implanting the spinal stabilization assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.