Patent ID: 6053917
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A spinal fixation assembly, comprising:an elongated member configured for placement adjacent and along a length of the spine;a bone engaging fastener, said fastener having a lower portion configured for engaging a vertebra and an enlarged head;a collet defining a recess sized to receive at least a portion of said head of said fastener therein, said collet including a lower portion deflectable to substantially surround and engage said portion of said head of said fastener when said head is disposed within said recess, said collet further including an upper portion defining a substantially planar top surface;a receiver member defining a bore therethrough from a top end to a bottom end, said bore including a lower recess for receiving said collet with said head of said fastener disposed within said recess, said lower recess having a lower opening at said bottom end of said receiver member through which said lower portion of said fastener extends, said receiver member also including a channel communicating with said lower recess said channel being configured to receive said elongated member therein adjacent said recess; anda compression member engaged within said bore, said compression member operable to press said elongated member against said top surface of said collet, to thereby press said collet into said lower recess in said receiver member, whereby as said collet is pressed into said lower recess said deflectable portion of said collet is deflected by said lower recess against said head of said fastener to fix said head within said recess of said collet.