Patent ID: 6679883
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A spinal fixation apparatus for stabilizing a plurality of bone segments comprising:an elongate member having a first opening formed therethrough, said first opening being defined by a concave sidewall; a means for attaching the elongate member to at least one human vertebra of the spine, the means for attaching having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a tapered-exterior surface; and a receiving member configured for placement in said first opening and for receiving said means for attaching, said receiving member having a first aperture therethrough, said first aperture being defined by a tapered sidewall; wherein said tapered-exterior surface of the first portion of said means for attaching and the tapered sidewall of said receiving member matingly engage forming a locking friction fit between said means for attaching and said receiving member, and wherein said receiving member is configured and dimensioned relative to the first opening of the elongate member to remain movable within said first opening after implantation in a semiconstrained manner.