Patent ID: 7699873
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A spinous process anchoring system, comprising: a primary transverse linking member including a length extending along an axis between opposite first and second ends sized to extend through a spinous process of a first vertebra in a transverse orientation to a sagittal plane of the spinal column; a secondary transverse linking member positionable to be spaced from and extending generally parallel to said first primary transverse linking member and including a length between opposite first and second ends sized to extend through the spinous process; and a pair of coupling assemblies, each including a coupling member and a receiver with a passage, at least one of said coupling assemblies being mounted to said first ends of each of said primary and secondary transverse linking members and the other of said coupling assemblies being mounted to at least said second end of said primary transverse linking member, wherein said engagement with said secondary transverse linking member resists rotation of the anchoring system about the axis of the primary transverse linking member; and a pair of elongate connecting members each received in said passage of said receiver of a respective one of said pair of coupling assemblies in a transverse orientation to said primary transverse linking member, said connecting members including a length extending from said passage sized to extend to at least one of a second vertebra and an occiput, wherein said first and second ends of said second transverse linking member are located between said receivers of said pair of coupling assemblies, wherein said coupling member of said coupling assembly includes a hub portion positioned about said respective end of said primary transverse linking member and an arm extending from said hub portion, said arm defining a bore for receiving said respective end of said secondary transverse linking member, wherein said coupling assembly includes an anchor having a head pivotally captured in a lower portion of said receiver and a threaded shaft extending from said head through a lower opening of said receiver, said threaded shaft threadingly engaging a bore in said coupling member and contacting said primary transverse linking member to secure said coupling member in position therealong and to pivotally couple said receiver to said coupling member.