Patent ID: 6736817
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A transconnector for coupling first and second elongate spinal fixation elements, the transconnector comprising:a male member comprising a body with lateral and medial ends, a linking element associated with the lateral end and being configured and dimensioned to receive at least one of the fixation elements, and a projection associated with the medial end, the projection including a body with a single elongated recess; a female member comprising a body with lateral and medial ends and having at least one hole, a linking element associated with the lateral end and being configured and dimensioned to receive at least one of the fixation elements, and a cavity with at least one opening on the medial end to receive at least a portion of the male member projection; and a locking member for securing position and orientation of the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different separation distances and orientations between the first and second fixation elements, the locking member having at least a portion received in the at least one hole and having a first end for receiving a tool to turn the locking member and a second end operably associated with the projection for pressing the projection against the cavity; wherein the locking member has at least a first position operably associated with the recess permitting the male member to slide and rotate with respect to the female member without uncoupling, and at least a second position operably associated with the recess preventing at least one of translational or rotational movement of the male member with respect to the female member.