Patent ID: 8961568
Filing Date: 2015-02-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A bone fastener assembly for connecting a bone to a spinal rod, comprising: a rod holder, having a rod holder axis, a rod receiving passageway extending through the rod holder transverse to the rod holder axis for receiving said spinal rod; a fastener seat mounted to the rod holder for rotation about the rod holder axis, the fastener seat comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end with a passageway traversing from the first end to the second end, and a notch in communication with the passageway; and a bone fastener having an elongated shank including a bone engaging portion at a first end, a head at a second end, and a fastener axis extending therebetween, the head being elongated in substantially a single direction transverse to the fastener axis such that the bone fastener is generally “T”-shaped, the head engaging the fastener seat in pivoting relationship such that the bone fastener is able to pivot in at least one vertical plane containing a seat axis to vary an angle between the bone fastener and the fastener seat such that the bone fastener pivots; wherein the fastener seat comprises an outer edge and the notch extends radially outwardly from the passageway at least part way to the outer edge, the fastener being able to pivot in only one direction from a first position in which the fastener axis and the seat axis are parallel to a second position in which the fastener axis and seat axis are transverse, the notch receiving a portion of the fastener when the fastener is in the second position.