Patent ID: 7503924
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A spine stabilization system comprising: an elongate rod; a bone fastener having a securing element and a rounded head; a coupling element comprising: a lower clamp element disposed on a first end of said head proximal to said securing element and axially moveable with respect to an upper clamp, said lower clamp comprising a seating surface corresponding approximately to receive a portion of the rounded surface of said head, and an exterior surface, wherein at least a portion of said exterior surface is threaded; an upper clamp element disposed on a second end of said head distal to said securing element, wherein said lower clamp and upper clamp have a projection and a notch that can interconnect to restrict rotation of one clamp with respect to the other; a locking element disposed substantially around said lower and upper clamp elements, said locking element further comprising an interior surface that is at least partially threaded, and wherein said threaded portion of said locking element may be selectively engaged with said threaded portion of said lower clamp; a rod locking element in communication with said upper clamp and said locking element, wherein said rod locking element comprises a seating surface for receiving said elongate rod; and a locking cap that may be selectively engaged with said rod locking element to secure said elongate rod to said coupling element.