Patent ID: 8961565
Filing Date: 2015-02-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A transverse rod connector comprising: an elongate member having first and second ends, each of the first and second ends including a ball joint member; and a first connection member and a second connection member, each of the first and second connection members including a socket portion defining an aperture in a side surface of a respective one of the first connection member and the second connection member, each aperture dimensioned to slidably receive one of the ball joint members of the elongate member, each ball joint member being slid into the aperture of the socket portion of the respective one of the first and second connection members from a first position at the side surface of the respective one of the first and second connection members to a second position within the socket portion of the respective one of the first and second connection members to connect the first end of the elongate member to the first connection member and the second end of the elongate member to the second connection member, the first and second connection members being multidirectionally positionable with respect to the elongate member, each of the first and second connection members including a base portion and a closing portion, the base and closing portions having inner surfaces that define a connection passage adapted to receive a bone anchor, the closing portion being connected to the base portion at a hinge to selectively and releasably secure the first and second connection members to a pair of bone anchors, each bone anchor including a head and shank, the head being configured to support a spinal rod and the shank being configured to engage bone, the closing portion being pivotable relative to the base portion about the hinge to enable the inner surfaces of the closing and base portions to engage an outer surface of the head of one of the pair of the bone anchors for securement of a respective one of the pair of bone anchors within the connection passage.