Patent ID: 6945972
Filing Date: 2005-09-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A connector for connecting a bone fastener to at rod, comprising: a coupling portion having a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second bores, each bore having a longitudinal axis, the axes separated by a predetermined distance; a holding member associated with the first bore arid configured to engage the bone fastener to connect the bone fastener to the coupling portion; the holding member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a wall extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, at least one vertical slot disposed in the wall and intersecting one of the top and bottom surfaces, and a bore extending therethrough sized and configured to accept the bone fastener, the holding member further having a locked position and an unlocked position; a rod coupler associated with the second bore and comprising a bore engaging portion, a rod receiving portion having an axis, a locking member having a rod coupler engaging portion and a substantially circumferential tab segment, wherein the bore engaging portion has a bottom end with an increased portion having a dimension greater than that of the second bore so that when the rod coupler is inserted into the second bore, the increased portion prevents the rod coupler from passing through the coupling portion and the tab segment contacts the top surface of the coupling portion when the rod coupler is inserted into the second bore so that the rod coupler is axially fixed with respect to the coupling portion; and a tensioner sized and configured to be received within the bore formed in the holding member, the tensioner configured to engage the holding member to secure the holding member in the locked position whereby the holding member is immobilized with respect to the coupling portion and the bone fastener is immobilized within the holding member; wherein the rod and rod coupler are selectively rotatable about the first bore longitudinal axis.