Patent ID: 8992536
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An alignment apparatus for use in correction of a deformity, comprising: an elongate alignment element extending along a first longitudinal axis and including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein said elongate alignment element includes a slot extending along said longitudinal axis and defining a pair of opposing side walls running from an upper portion of said elongate alignment element on said distal portion to an end of said elongate alignment element on said proximal portion; a bone anchor receptacle defined in said end of said elongate alignment element operable to receive at least a portion of a bone anchor; a locking pin assembly slidably positioned over a first portion of said upper portion of said elongate alignment element, said locking pin assembly comprising a plurality of locking pins extending longitudinally from and connected to an adjustment member, said adjustment member including a passage configured to slidably engage the first portion of said upper portion wherein said locking pin assembly is configured to place said bone anchor receptacle in either a locked or unlocked state, wherein in said locked state said bone anchor is fixedly secured in said bone anchor receptacle and in said unlocked state said bone anchor receptacle is capable of being disconnected from said bone anchor; and a locking cap slidably positioned over a second portion of said upper portion of said elongate alignment element, wherein at least one side wall of said pair of opposing side walls includes a cutout running from a position on said elongate alignment element through the end of said elongate alignment element thereby defining first and second lower portions outwardly flexible relative to one another such that the cutout expands as the first and second lower portions flex away from one another, and wherein at least a portion of said cutout defines a male member of said first lower portion and a female member of said second lower portion, the male member being receivable within said female member.