Patent ID: 7022122
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A spinal fixation system comprising: a longitudinal member positionable along a spinal column; a fastener having a head, the fastener being configured and dimensioned for engaging vertebrae; and a connector for coupling the fastener and longitudinal member comprising: a body having a through hole extending from a top surface to a bottom surface, and a first opening in a side surface for receiving the longitudinal member; a collet chuck with at least a portion slideably received in the through hole of the body, the collet chuck having internal threads and having a second opening for receiving the longitudinal member, the second opening being alignable with the first opening, and a plurality of resilient tongues defining a chamber for receiving the fastener head therein; and a locking element threadably associated with the internal threads of the collet chuck for releasably locking movement of the longitudinal member with respect to the collet chuck; wherein engagement of the body with the tongues of the collet chuck permits inward movement of the tongues to secure the fastener at a surgeon selected angle.