Patent ID: 7618424
Filing Date: 2009-11-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for connecting to orthopedic implants having upper branches defining a channel, comprising: a first arm and a second arm, said arms being movable with respect to each other substantially in a plane; a pair of tips, one of said tips connected to said first arm and the other of said tips connected to said second arm, each said tip including an opening therethrough, a tab along a bottom surface of said tip that bifurcates said opening in a lower portion of said tip, said opening in a lower portion of said tip configured to accommodate the branches of an orthopedic implant so that said tab is between the branches; and an anchor member within said opening in an upper portion of each said tip having a head portion and a lower portion, said lower portion adapted to connect to at least one of the branches of an orthopedic implant when the branches are in said tip, so that the implant is held in said tip, whereby moving said arms with respect to each other moves said tips and the implants held therein with respect to each other.