Patent ID: 7641654
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A retaining clip for use with an intervertebral disc replacement device having a screw flange defining at least one bone screw hole for receipt therethrough of a bone screw and defining at least one mounting hole and a bone screw inserted through said at least one bone screw hole, the retaining clip comprising: a body member having a first side and at least one attachment member protruding from said first side thereof in communicating relation with said at least one mounting hole of said intervertebral disc replacement device, said at least one attachment member having a tapered structure such that a protruding extent of the at least one attachment member gradually increasingly protrudes from said first side of said body member, from a lower portion of the protruding extent that is flush with said first side of said body member to an upper portion of the protruding extent that is protruded from said first side of said body member, the gradual increased defining a sloped surface on a convergent path with said first side of said body member; a hook flange extending from said body member in a first direction for clipping retention of said first side of said body member against said flange of said intervertebral disc replacement device, at least one surface of said hook flange opposing and extending parallel to said first side of said body member; and at least one lateral flange extending from said body member in a second direction coplanar with said body member, the first and second directions being perpendicular to each other, said at least one lateral flange partially received over a portion of said bone screw to prevent said bone screw from backing out of said at least one bone screw hole, wherein said at least one attachment member is received within said at least one mounting hole when said hook flange is clippingly retained and said tapered structure allows easier receipt of said at least one attachment member into said at least one mounting hole.