Transverse connector for spinal implant support rods

Abstract

Abstract A spinal rod connector consists of a transverse bar (30) with slots (31) for bolts, and clamps (20) which engage with the implanted rods (10, 11). The clamps are made from a flexible material such as titanium or stainless steel; each one has a recess (21a) to fit over a rod and a concave upper surface (22) against which the bar presses. Each clamp is fitted by means of a bolt inserted through a hold from inside the recess and passing through a slot in the bar to receive a fixing nut. When the nut is tightened it causes the concave surface (22) of the clamp to flatten so that its jaws (20a, 20b) grip the rod. In a variant of the design the bolt can be made in one piece with the clamp.

Inventors

• 👤 Pierre Mercier

Bibliographic Details