Patent ID: 8236028
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A connector for connecting a first spinal rod and a second spinal rod, comprising: a housing component for connecting a first spinal rod and a second spinal rod, the first spinal rod supporting a first vertical region of a spine, the second spinal rod supporting a second vertical region of the spine other than the first vertical region of the spine, the housing component defining a first bore hole for receiving a portion of the first rod, the first bore hole extending along a first longitudinal axis and a second bore hole for receiving a portion of the second rod, the second bore hole extending along a second longitudinal axis that is parallel to the first longitudinal axis; and a locking element for securing one of the first rod within the first bore hole and the second rod within the second bore hole, wherein the first longitudinal axis is configured to be offset in a sagittal plane from the second longitudinal axis by a predetermined offset distance when the connector connecting the first and second spinal rods is implanted in a patient, wherein the first bore hole is formed by a pair of opening holes extending along the first longitudinal axis and having centers which are offset along a central axis so that the first bore hole has a substantially oval cross-sectional configuration, one of the opening holes being sized to provide an interference fit between the housing component and the first spinal rod when the first spinal rod is inserted in the one of the opening holes.