Patent ID: 8828059
Filing Date: 2014-09-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An implant system, comprising: at least a first anchor engageable to a first vertebra and a second anchor engageable to a second vertebra, said first and second anchors each including an inner surface defining an implant cavity; and an elongate connecting element disposed in said implant cavities such that an outer surface of said connecting element engages the inner surfaces of said first and second anchors, said connecting element including a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and an opposite second end, wherein said body has a circular cross section defining a uniform width, said connecting element comprising a first end portion at said first end and a second end portion at said second end, said connecting element including a length between said first and second ends disposed in said implant cavities with said first and second end portions positioned on opposite sides of said first and second anchors, said first and second end portions each projecting outwardly from said body and having a maximum width that is greater than the width of said body and maximum widths of said implant cavities to confine said first and second anchors between said first and second end portions such that the connecting element is prevented from moving relative to the anchors along the longitudinal axis in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction, wherein said connecting element is rotatable around said longitudinal axis from a first orientation where said first and second anchors are confined between said first and second end portions to a second orientation wherein said end portions are oriented to pass through said first and second anchors.