Patent ID: 7766947
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for restricting backout of a fastener from an elongate member after the fastener has been secured to a bone, the apparatus comprising: a receiving member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer surface connecting the top surface to the bottom surface, the outer surface defining a curve that extends from the top surface to the bottom surface, the top surface and the bottom surface defining a thickness of the receiving member, wherein the receiving member is configured to be positioned within an elongate member such that the bottom surface of the receiving member is closer to a bottom surface of the elongate member that is configured to face a bone than is the top surface of the receiving member; and a through passage formed between the top surface and the bottom surface of the receiving member, wherein the through passage is defined by a sidewall; wherein the receiving member comprises a midline between the top surface and the bottom surface that is spaced above the bottom surface by a distance of one half the thickness of the receiving member, wherein the curve defined by the outer surface of the receiving member comprises a radius of curvature, and wherein an origin of the radius of curvature is positioned below the midline such that the origin of said radius of curvature is not centered with respect to said receiving member and such that the receiving member is prevented from extending below the bottom surface of the elongate member independent of an angle between the bottom surface of the receiving member and the bottom surface of the elongate member.