Patent ID: 7947066
Filing Date: 2011-05-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A connection system, comprising: a first spinal fixation rod; a second spinal fixation rod; a first pedicle screw having a first screw head, the first screw head defining a first saddle, wherein the first spinal fixation rod is supported in the first saddle; a second pedicle screw having a second screw head, the second screw head defining a second saddle, wherein the second spinal fixation rod is supported in the second saddle; a first grasping member holding the first spinal fixation rod; a second grasping member holding the second spinal fixation rod, wherein the second grasping member is operatively connected to the first grasping member; a first rotatable rod disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first grasping member; a second rotatable rod disposed in mechanical cooperation with the second grasping member; a first engaging member operatively connected to the first rotatable rod, the first engaging member being adapted to engage the first screw head, wherein the first engaging member is configured to translate upon rotation of the first rotatable rod; and a second engaging member operatively connected to the second rotatable rod, the second engaging member being adapted to engage the second screw head, wherein the second engaging member is configured to translate upon rotation of the second rotatable rod, wherein the first engaging member includes a locking plate configured to advance toward the first screw head upon rotation of the first rotatable rod and the first engaging member includes a dual rack operatively connected to the locking plate, the dual rack being configured to move the locking plate upon rotation of the first rotatable rod.