Patent ID: 6595992
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An implant system for fixation of the human spine, comprising:a connector comprising a receiving end terminating in a first arm and a second arm that together form a substantially U-shaped borehole, the first arm comprising a first tip and the second arm comprising a second tip, and wherein an opening is formed between the first tip and the second tip; a spinal rod axially positionable through the opening into the borehole during use; and a fixation component comprising a body, the body comprising a tapered cavity having an inner surface, the tapered cavity being adapted to receive the connector such that the inner surface engages the first arm and the second arm, and a fixation device for attaching the spinal rod to a vertebra during use; and wherein the receiving end is moveable within the tapered cavity to cause deflection of the first and second arms such that the first and second arms exert a compressive force against the spinal rod to maintain the spinal rod within the borehole during use.