Pedicle screw fixation system and method for use of same

A pedicle screw fixation system comprising:

• a tulip for holding a head of a pedicle screw substantially along a longitudinal axis, the tulip including opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots aligned along a transverse axis, the opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots operable for receiving a rod;
• a coupling collar including a plurality of resilient fingers circumferentially disposed therearound, the coupling collar adapted for snap fit engagement with the head of the pedicle screw, the coupling collar having a surface of engagement including a first deformable face operable for contact with the rod and opposite to the plurality of resilient fingers, the surface of engagement of the coupling collar being beneath a rod receiving space, the surface of engagement being configured to accept a downward force on the first deformable face to deform the first deformable face;
• and
• a set screw adapted for driving engagement through the tulip along the longitudinal axis, a lower end of the set screw presenting a second deformable face operable for contact with the rod,
• wherein the first and second deformable faces conform to the shape of the rod in response to forceful engagement therewith.

A pedicle screw fixation system comprising:

• a tulip holding a head of a pedicle screw substantially along a longitudinal axis of the tulip, the tulip including opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots aligned along a transverse axis for receiving a rod, the opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots operable for receiving a rod;
• a coupling collar having a plurality of resilient fingers circumferentially disposed therearound in snap fit engagement with the head of the pedicle screw, the coupling collar having a surface of engagement including a first deformable face opposite to the plurality of resilient fingers the surface of engagement of the coupling collar being beneath a rod receiving space, the surface of engagement being configured to accept a downward force on the first deformable face to deform the first deformable face;
• and
• means for advancing a set screw through the tulip along the longitudinal axis, a lower end of the set screw presenting a second deformable means for contacting the rod,
• wherein the first and second deformable means for contacting shape to the rod in response to forceful engagement therewith, thereby locking the tulip in position relative to the pedicle screw.

A method for using a pedicle screw fixation system with a bone, the method comprising:

• providing a tulip holding a head of a pedicle screw substantially along a longitudinal axis of the tulip, the tulip including opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots aligned along a transverse axis, the opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots operable for receiving a rod;
• providing a coupling collar having a plurality of resilient fingers circumferentially disposed therearound in snap fit engagement with the head of the pedicle screw, the coupling collar having a first deformable face operable for contact with a rod and having a surface of engagement including the first deformable face opposite to the plurality of resilient fingers the surface of engagement of the coupling collar being beneath a rod receiving space, the surface of engagement being configured to accept a downward force on the first deformable face to deform the first deformable face;
• securing the pedicle screw to the bone;
• receiving the rod through the first and second U-shaped receiving slots;
• advancing a set screw through the tulip along the longitudinal axis, a lower end of the set screw presenting a second deformable face operable for contact with the rod;
• and
• conforming the first and second deformable faces to the shape of the rod in response to forceful engagement therewith, thereby locking the tulip in position relative to the pedicle screw.