Patent ID: 8142481
Filing Date: 2012-03-27
Classification: A61B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A pedicle screw system comprising: a pedicle screw having a threaded portion and a head portion; and a tulip assembly comprising a body having a tapered bore, a first device and a second device situated in said body, said first device being elastically expandable to receive the head portion of the pedicle screw, said second device received in the body and having an engagement portion, the engagement portion engageable with the first device to fix the tulip assembly to the head portion of the pedicle screw by moving said first device generally longitudinally in said tapered bore to cause said first device to compress about and lock onto said head portion in response to axial movement of said second device; said at least one of said body or said second device comprising a first surface and a generally opposing second surface that defines a channel having a first channel portion and a second channel portion that is in communication with said first channel portion, said first channel portion defining a rod-receiving opening and extending in a first direction that is generally parallel to an axis of said tulip assembly and said second channel portion generally transverse to said first direction; said first channel portion being adapted to receive a rod and guide said rod to said second channel portion so that said second channel portion can receive and lock said rod in said tulip assembly in response to a rotating of said at least one of said body or said second device; said head portion of said pedicle screw, said first device and said second device are all inserted into said tapered bore of said body either upwardly or through a lower portion of said body.