Multi-axial connection system

A fastener assembly, comprising:

• a rod;
• at least one fastener having a head at a first end and a bone connection element at a second end, wherein the head of the fastener comprises at least one deformation element portion and the bone connection element of the fastener is adapted for connection to a spine of a patient, wherein the deformation element portion comprises an initial undeformed surface shape, and wherein the head of the fastener and the deformation element portion are integrally formed;
• at least one body, wherein the body has a first end and a second end, wherein a rod receiving channel for receiving the rod is disposed adjacent the first end of the body, wherein a fastener head receiving chamber is disposed adjacent the second end of the body, wherein the fastener head receiving chamber is tapered towards the second end of the body, and wherein the rod receiving channel and the fastener head receiving chamber are operatively connected;
• and
• a compression element which cooperates with the body to push the rod, when the rod is disposed within the rod receiving channel, into contact with at least part of the deformation element portion of the head of the fastener to deform the deformation element portion while pressing the head of the fastener towards the tapered end of the fastener head receiving chamber to fix an angular relationship of the fastener relative to the rod, wherein the deformed deformation element portion comprises a deformed surface shape complementary to a shape of the rod.

A spinal fixation system, comprising:

• at least one rod;
• at least one screw having a head at a first end, wherein the head of the screw comprises at least one deformation element portion, wherein the deformation element portion comprises an initial undeformed surface shape;
• at least one body, wherein the body has a first end and a second end, wherein a rod receiving channel is disposed adjacent the first end of the body, wherein a screw head receiving chamber is disposed adjacent the second end of the body, wherein the screw head receiving chamber is tapered towards the second end of the body, and wherein the rod receiving channel and the screw head receiving chamber are operatively connected;
• and
• a compression element which cooperates with the body to push the rod, when the rod is disposed within the rod receiving channel, into contact with at least part of the deformation element portion of the head of the screw to deform the deformation element portion while pressing the head of the screw towards the tapered end of the screw head receiving chamber to fix an angular relationship of the screw relative to the rod, wherein the deformed deformation element portion comprises a deformed surface shape complementary to a shape of the rod, wherein
• the screw is a cannulated bone screw, and
• the deformation element portion of the head of the cannulated bone screw is a substantially circular ring protruding from the head of the bone screw.

A fastener assembly, comprising:

• a rod;
• at least one fastener having a head at a first end and a bone connection element at a second end, wherein the head of the fastener comprises at least one deformation element portion and the bone connection element of the fastener is adapted for connection to a spine of a patient, wherein the deformation element portion comprises an initial undeformed surface shape, and wherein the head of the fastener and the deformation element portion are integrally formed;
• at least one body, wherein the body has a first end and a second end, wherein a rod receiving channel for receiving the rod is disposed adjacent the first end of the body, wherein a fastener head receiving chamber is disposed adjacent the second end of the body, wherein the fastener head receiving chamber is tapered towards the second end of the body, and wherein the rod receiving channel and the fastener head receiving chamber are operatively connected;
• and
• a compression element which cooperates with the body to push the rod, when the rod is disposed within the rod receiving channel, into contact with at least part of the deformation element portion of the head of the fastener to deform the deformation element portion while pressing the head of the fastener towards the tapered end of the fastener head receiving chamber to fix an angular relationship of the fastener relative to the rod, wherein the deformed deformation element portion comprises a deformed surface shape complementary to a shape of the rod, wherein
• the fastener is a cannulated bone screw, and
• the deformation element portion of the head of the cannulated bone screw is a substantially circular ring protruding from the head of the bone screw.