Patent ID: 7722645
Filing Date: 2010-05-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A spinal fixation device comprising: a fastener having a head portion and a male shaft portion, wherein the outer surface of the shaft portion is threaded; a connecting member having a female-tapered first through-passage formed therein, said connecting member further having internal sidewalls defining said first through-passage, said first through-passage tapering outwardly in a proximal-to-distal direction, said connecting member further comprising a second through-passage formed therein, the first through-passage and the second through-passage being configured and dimensioned to define a first axis and a second axis, respectively, wherein said first and second axes are not co-linear, and together cooperatively form an angle greater than zero degrees; and a fastening member configured and dimensioned to penetrate a pedicle, said fastening member having a male-tapered external portion that tapers outwardly in a proximal-to-distal direction, said male-tapered external portion having a female-threaded recess formed therein and being configured and dimensioned to mate with the sidewalls defining the first through-passage in frictional engagement therewith; wherein the female-threaded recess is disposed in alignment with the second through-passage of the connecting member when the male-tapered external portion of the fastening member is disposed in engagement with the first through-passage of the connecting member, to thereby enable the fastener to pass through said second through-passage and into said female-threaded recess.