Patent ID: 6102912
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A spinal fixation system, comprising:a rod including a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion, said second longitudinal portion defining an end of said rod, said first longitudinal portion has a first outer cross section and said second portion has a second outer cross section generally the same as said first outer cross section, said first longitudinal portion being integrally connected to said second longitudinal portion by a region of said rod having reduced strength relative to said first longitudinal portion and said second longitudinal portion to provide said first longitudinal portion, said second longitudinal portion and said region as a single unitary piece, said region defining a fracture initiator to controllably and selectively separate said second longitudinal portion from said first longitudinal portion by breaking; andtwo bone anchorage implants, said implants each including a fastener to selectively connect to said rod.