Patent ID: 8221466
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A transconnector for coupling first and second elongate spinal fixation elements, said transconnector comprising: a first member having a first coupling portion configured and dimensioned to receive one of said first and second elongate spinal fixation elements, and a first elongate transconnector member extending from said first coupling portion; a second member having a second coupling portion configured and dimensioned to receive the other of said first and second elongate spinal fixation elements, and an end portion extending from said second coupling portion; and a joint assembly joining said first elongate transconnector member with said end portion, said joint assembly having a first configuration that allows translation, axial rotation about an axis along which said translation of said first elongate transconnector member occurs and rotation about an axis perpendicular to said axis of said rotation about the translation axis, of said first member relative to said second member; said first coupling portion provided with a first compression member and said second coupling portion provided with a second compression member; wherein said end portion comprises an opening extending transversely therethrough, and said joint assembly comprises a rotational member having an open first end and a closed second end aligned along a longitudinal axis of said rotational member, said rotational member further comprising a second opening extending transversely through a second end portion of said rotational member, and wherein said rotational member is received in said opening through said end portion of said second member so that said second opening extends at least partially from said second member, and wherein said elongate transconnector member passes through said second opening; an actuator received in said rotational member, said actuator being configured and dimensioned to be actuated to place said joint assembly in a first configuration that permits said translation, axial rotation about an axis of translation and rotation about an axis perpendicular to said axis of translation, and wherein said actuator is actuatable to place said joint assembly in a second configuration that prevents said translation, axial rotation about an axis of translation and rotation about an axis perpendicular to said axis of translation; and a locking feature configured and dimensioned to prevent said actuator from being removed from said rotational member.