Patent ID: 6066140
Filing Date: 2000-05-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A spinal fixation system, comprising:a pair of longitudinal members to connect to a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body;a first connector having a first lower surface to contact the first vertebral body and a first plurality of downward projections extending therefrom, said first projections being fixedly attached and integral with said first connector, said first connector being arranged to slidably receive each of said longitudinal members therethrough and defining a first thru-hole, said first thru-hole being positioned between said longitudinal members when said longitudinal members are received in said first connector;a second connector having a second lower surface to contact the second vertebral body and a second plurality of downward projections extending therefrom, said second projections being fixedly attached and integral with said second connector, said second connector being arranged to slidably receive each of said longitudinal members therethrough and defining a second thru-hole, said second thru-hole being positioned between said longitudinal members when said longitudinal members are received in said second connector;a first threaded fastener to extend through said first thru-hole to selectively fix said first connector to the first vertebral body;a second threaded fastener to extend through said second thru-hole to fix said second connector to the second vertebral body; andwherein said longitudinal members each have a smooth surface to slidably extend through said first and second connectors and at least one of said first and second connectors selectively clamps to said longitudinal members when said longitudinal members extend therethrough.