Patent ID: 7695498
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An implantable sub-assembly for interconnecting at least two vertebrae in a spine, comprising: a pedicle screw having an enlarged portion including a hollow core and an aperture therethrough; a tension link including a distal end having a threaded shaft and a proximal end having a head rotatably mounted within the hollow core of the pedicle screw and retained by the enlarged portion of the pedicle screw, the threaded shaft extending through the aperture of the pedicle screw; first and second clamp portions, each clamp portion including: wherein at least one of the securing ends is configured to receivingly accept the enlarged portion of the pedicle screw; wherein the interlocking zones are placed into compression against the rod component by tightening a tension link nut over the shaft of the tension link; wherein the first and second clamp portions include crossing portions proximate to the interlocking zones, and wherein the rod component is held in place by compressive forces acting on the interlocking zones when the tension link nut is tightened over the shaft of the tension link; and further wherein, the pedicle screw intercepts a longitudinal axis of the rod component.