Patent ID: 6716213
Filing Date: 2004-04-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A spinal-rod connecting apparatus for connecting and supporting bone screws implanted in vertebrae and rods installed in parallel to the vertebrae, the apparatus comprisingmultiple connectors, each connector comprising an elongated body having two opposing ends with a through-hole located at one of the two opposing ends through which an elongated rod can be inserted, a short rod extending from either of the two opposing ends of the elongated body and the short rod having a same diameter as said elongated rod, with the short rod being directed in a direction substantially orthogonal to an axial direction of the through-hole and having a length required for the short rod to be inserted and retained in the through-hole, and an internal thread portion of the elongated body, an external thread member to be screwed in the internal thread portion, with the external thread member locking the elongated rod or short rod inserted into the through-hole, wherein a first connector of the multiple connectors can be set on the elongated rod by inserting the elongated rod into the through-hole therein, the short rod of a second connector of the multiple connectors can be arranged in a rod-attaching portion of a bone screw, and the short rod of the first connector can be inserted into the through-hole in the second connector so as to allow connecting of the bone screw and the short rod without bending the elongated rod.