Patent ID: 8066743
Filing Date: 2011-11-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A vertebral support apparatus, said apparatus comprising: first and second spinal rods; a solid non-hollow shaft, wherein said shaft is solid across the entire cross-section of said shaft and includes no internal cavity; a first hook including a first internal surface having a curved portion, said first rod contacting said first internal surface; and a second hook including a first end unitary and integral with the shaft at a position axially displaced from the first hook, said second hook terminating at a second end spaced laterally from the shaft and comprising a second internal surface having a curved portion including a raised ridge extending along said curved portion in a direction from the first end to the second end, wherein said second rod contacts said ridge, wherein said shaft includes a first threaded hole associated with said first hook, and a set screw extends through said first threaded hole contacting said first rod and forcing said first rod against said first internal surface; and wherein said shaft includes a second threaded hole associated with said second hook, and a set screw extends through said second threaded hole contacting said second rod and forcing said second rod against said ridge and wherein said second rod is compressed against a crest of said raised ride.