Patent ID: 8100947
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A pedicle screw and rod assembly for securing a rod, comprising: a screw having a threaded portion and a head portion; a tulip positioned on the head portion of the screw, the tulip being configured to couple the rod, the tulip including at least one side orifice providing access to an inner cavity of the tulip; a fastener assembly associated with the tulip, the fastener assembly being positioned adjacent the head portion of the screw in direct contact therewith to retain the tulip assembly on the screw; a rod retaining member coupled to the tulip, between the fastener assembly and the tulip the rod retaining member having a ripping region for holding the rod in a fixed position relative to the tulip, the gripping region defining at least in part a substantially circular shape, the gripping region being positioned such that a top most portion of the rod retaining member and the fastener assembly are defined by heights that are less than the height of the top most portion of the rod and the substantially circular shape defined by the gripping region when the rod is coupled in the gripping region such that a portion of the rod and the substantially circular shape defined by the gripping region extends outwardly from the top-most portion of the rod retaining member when the rod retaining member is in a fully engaged position; and an engaging tab on the fastener that couples the fastener to the rod retaining member to couple the rod retaining member to the tulip, the engaging tab being accessible through the side orifice of the tulip.