Patent ID: 8814919
Filing Date: 2014-08-26
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A taper lock bone screw comprising: a coupling having an inner surface, the inner surface defining a first opening that extends through the coupling, the inner surface having a first annular beveled lip that extends upwards and inwards proximally and inwardly from a bottom edge of the coupling; a collet having an inner surface and receivable in the first opening of the coupling, the inner surface of the collet defining a second opening having a second annular beveled lip that extends proximally and inwardly from a bottom edge of the collet, the collet defining a U-shaped saddle in a proximal end of the collet, the U-shaped saddle dimensioned to receive a rod, the collet being in contact with the coupling in a taper lock arrangement to secure the rod to at least one of the coupling and the collet such that the coupling is movable relative to the collet in a proximal direction toward the proximal end of the collet when the rod is received in the U-shaped saddle of the collet, wherein proximal movement of the coupling relative to the collet locks the rod within the U-shaped saddle of the collet; and a pedicle screw including a shank, a head having a top and a bottom surface, and a neck between the bottom surface of the head and the shank, the head receivable in the second opening of the collet, such that the pedicle screw is movable throughout a plurality of positions and is substantially free from interference between the neck and the collet and between the neck and the coupling, the head contacting the inner surface of the collet when the head is received in the second opening of the collet.