Patent ID: 8246662
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for fixing a region of the skull to a portion of the spine, the system comprising: a plate configured to contact a region of the skull and be secured thereto, the plate having a bone contacting surface, a top surface opposite the bone contacting surface, a side surface between the bone contacting surface and the top surface, at least one elongated slot, and an opening in communication with the elongated slot, the at least one elongated slot having a transverse dimension and a perimeter edge, the plate having a first interlocking surface disposed proximate the perimeter edge; and a single piece adjustable housing having a body portion and a base portion, the body portion having a channel defined therein to receive a spinal rod, the base portion having a first cross dimension, the adjustable housing further including a flange extending outwardly from the base portion, the flange having a second cross dimension and a second interlocking surface; the adjustable housing configured to be inserted into the opening of the plate from the top surface opposite the bone contacting surface of the plate, wherein the bone contacting surface of the plate contacts the region of the skull when the plate is secured thereto, the first cross dimension of the base portion being less than the transverse dimension of the elongated slot and the second cross dimension of the flange being greater than the transverse dimension of the elongated slot; and the adjustable housing having a first position within the elongated slot with the second interlocking surface spaced from the first interlocking surface to permit at least one of translational and rotational movement of the adjustable housing relative to the plate and a second position with the second interlocking surface engaging the first interlocking surface to secure the at least one of translational and rotational movement of the adjustable housing.