Patent ID: 8313515
Filing Date: 2012-11-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A connection assembly for a spinal stabilization system, comprising: (a) an elongated member having a central longitudinal axis and defining an enlarged head at one end thereof, the elongated member extending from said enlarged head defining an elongated portion having an outer perimeter smaller than the outer perimeter of said enlarged head; (b) a connection member defining at least one socket that is configured and dimensioned to receive and capture said enlarged head of said elongated member, the at least one socket including a first opening and a second opening in communication with the first opening; the first opening extending through the outer top surface of said at least one socket to the second opening, the first opening configured and dimensioned to: (i) receive said elongated portion of said elongated member, and (ii) not be able to receive said enlarged head; the second opening configured and dimensioned to receive said enlarged head substantially simultaneously with said first opening receiving said elongated portion; wherein said enlarged head is captured by said at least one socket by rotating the elongated portion out of said first opening, said at least one socket preventing said enlarged head from exiting said at least one socket when said elongated portion is out of said first opening; and wherein the elongated member is free to rotate about the central longitudinal axis when captured by the at least one socket.