Patent Publication Number: US-2019167312-A1

Title: Transverse connectors for spinal systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/071,437, entitled “Transverse Connectors for Spinal Systems,” filed on Mar. 16, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to transverse connectors for use in stabilizing the spine. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many types of spinal irregularities can cause pain, limit range of motion, or injure the nervous system within the spinal column. These irregularities can result from, without limitation, trauma, tumor, disc degeneration, and disease. Often, these irregularities are treated by immobilizing a portion of the spine. This treatment typically involves affixing a plurality of screws and/or hooks to one or more vertebrae and connecting the screws or hooks to an elongate rod that generally extends in the direction of the axis of the spine. 
     Treatment for these spinal irregularities often involves using a system of pedicle screws and rods to attain stability between spinal segments. Instability in the spine can create stress and strain on neurological elements, such as the spinal cord and nerve roots. In order to correct this, implants of certain stiffness can be implanted to restore the correct alignment and portion of the vertebral bodies. In many cases, an anchoring member such as a pedicle screw along with a vertical solid member can help restore spinal elements to a pain free situation, or at least may help reduce pain or prevent further injury to the spine. 
     There is a need for a transverse connector (a.k.a. transconnector) that connects two rod systems that are positioned on opposing sides of the spine. There is also a need for a transverse connector that provides stability to the spinal implant construct as well as being smaller in profile so as not to interfere with adjacent screw or the spinal cord. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application describes various systems, devices and methods related to transverse connectors. In some embodiments, a surgical system comprises a first rod member, a second rod member, and a transverse connector operably attached to the first rod member and the second rod member. The transverse connector comprises a first sub-assembly for gripping onto the first rod member and a second sub-assembly for gripping onto the second rod member, wherein the first rod member is bottom loaded onto the first sub-assembly and the second rod member is bottom loaded onto the second sub-assembly. 
     In some embodiments, a surgical system comprises a first rod member, a second rod member, and a transverse connector operably attached to the first rod member and the second rod member. The transverse connector comprises a first sub-assembly for gripping onto the first rod member, a second sub-assembly for gripping onto the second rod member and a cross rod, wherein at least one of the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly is slidable along the cross rod. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These drawings illustrate certain aspects of the present invention and should not be used to limit or define the invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a stabilization system using a transverse connector in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a transverse connector in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a side view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a side cross-sectional view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a top view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  shows a front cross-sectional view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a side cross-sectional view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 , whereby the sub-assemblies including the inner clamps are separated a first distance. 
         FIG. 8  shows a side cross-sectional view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 , whereby the sub-assemblies including the inner clamps are separated a second distance different from the first distance in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIGS. 9A-9E  show different views of individual components of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of a stabilization system using an alternative transverse connector in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of an alternative transverse connector in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  shows a side view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  shows a top view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a side cross-sectional view of a clamp body of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 15  shows a front cross-sectional view of a clamp body of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 16  shows top cross-sectional view of a clamp body of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 17  shows a side cross-sectional view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11  without rod members received therein. 
         FIG. 18  shows a side cross-sectional view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11  with rod members received therein. 
         FIG. 19  shows an alternative cross-connector in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present application is directed to systems, devices and methods related to transverse connectors used to connect two rod members. In some embodiments, the two rod members can be part of a spinal stabilization system whereby each of the rod members in on one side of the spine. 
     In spinal stabilization systems utilizing rod members connected by a transverse connector, it is often difficult to determine an appropriate transverse connector to use, as the distance of separation can vary between the rod members along the length of the spine. Furthermore, in some situations, the rod members can be non-parallel to one another, further making it difficult to find an appropriate transverse connector that can accommodate each of the rod members. Advantageously, the transverse connector systems described herein are capable of accommodating rod members having varying distances between them, as well as rod members that may be at a non-parallel angle relative to one another. 
       FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a stabilization system using a transverse connector in accordance with some embodiments. The stabilization system comprises a first rod member  10  received in first and second screws (e.g., pedicle screws)  25 , and a second rod member  10  received in third and fourth screws (e.g., pedicle screws)  25 . The first rod member  10  is positioned on one side of a spine, while the second rod member  10  is positioned on the other side of the spine. An improved transverse connector  100  extends between the first rod member  10  and the second rod member  10 . In some embodiments, the transverse connector  100  can be delivered on top of the first rod member  10  and the second rod member  10 . The transverse connector  100  is advantageously capable of accommodating rod members having varying lengths of separation, as well as rod members that are non-parallel to one another. 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a transverse connector in accordance with some embodiments. On one end, the transverse connector  100  comprises a first sub-assembly comprising a first inner clamp  110   a  for receiving a first rod member, a first outer clamp  130   a , and a first nut  150   a . On the other end, the transverse connector  100  comprises a second sub-assembly comprising a second inner clamp  110   b  for receiving a second rod member, a second outer clamp  130   b , and a second nut  150   b . The first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly are connected to one another via a cross rod  170  that extends therebetween. 
     The first sub-assembly comprises a first inner clamp  110   a , a first outer clamp  130   a  and a first nut  150   a . The first inner clamp  110   a  is comprised of a lower portion  111   a  and an upper portion  118   a . The lower portion  111   a  comprises a pair of tongs or fingers  112 ,  114  that are capable of gripping a first rod member  10  therebetween. In some embodiments, the inner clamp  110   a  is capable of being top-loaded onto a first rod member. The first rod member can also be viewed as being bottom-loaded into the inner clamp  110   a . The upper portion  118   a  of the inner clamp  110   a  comprises a threaded cylindrical portion that is capable of engaging inner threads of the first nut  150   a . Rotation of the first nut  150   a  causes the fingers  112 ,  114  of the inner clamp  110   a  to close on the first rod member, as will be discussed in further detail below. In some embodiments, an upper section of the threaded upper portion  118   a  is distorted or peened over, thereby preventing a nut  150   a  from loosening from the threaded upper portion  118   a.    
     The first outer clamp  130   a  comprises a first clamping portion  132  and a second clamping portion  134 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first clamping portion  132  comprises an inner wall designed to contact an outer surface of the finger  112  of the first inner clamp  110   a , while the second clamping portion  134  comprises an inner wall designed to contact an outer surface of the finger  114  of the first inner clamp  110   a . Rotation of the first nut  150   a  causes the first inner clamp  110   a  to be drawn upward. As the first inner clamp  110   a  is drawn upward, the inner walls of the first outer clamp  130   a  engage the outer walls of the first inner clamp  110   a , thereby compressing the first inner clamp  110   a  onto a first rod member that is received therein. 
     The first nut  150   a  comprises an inner threaded section that is configured to engage the outer threads of the upper portion  118   a  of the first inner clamp  110   a . In some embodiments, rotation of the first nut  150   a  in a first direction draws the first inner clamp  110   a  upward toward the inner walls of the first outer clamp  130   a , thereby causing the fingers  112 ,  114  of the first inner clamp  110   a  to be compressed onto a first rod member  10 . Rotation of the first nut  150   a  in a second opposite direction translates the first inner clamp  110   a  downward and away from the inner walls of the first outer clamp  130   a , thereby causing the fingers  112 ,  114  of the first inner clamp  110   a  to release from the first rod member  10  if desired. In some embodiments, an upper surface of the first nut  150   a  is substantially smooth, while a lower surface of the first nut  150   a  comprises a more textured surface. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the first nut  150   a  comprises a star grind. Advantageously, when the first nut  150   a  is fully tightened, the star grind provides resistance against an upper surface of the cross rod  170 , thereby reducing the likelihood of the first nut  150   a  unintentionally rotating backwards and loosening on its own. 
     The second sub-assembly comprises a second inner clamp  110   b , a second outer clamp  130   b  and a second nut  150   a . The second inner clamp  110   b  is comprised of a lower portion  111   b  and an upper portion  118   b . The lower portion  111   b  comprises a pair of tongs or fingers  112 ,  114  that are capable of gripping a second rod member  10  therebetween. In some embodiments, the inner clamp  110   b  is capable of being top-loaded onto a second rod member. The second rod member can also be viewed as being bottom-loaded into the inner clamp  110   b . The upper portion  118   b  of the inner clamp  110   b  comprises a threaded cylindrical portion that is capable of engaging inner threads of the second nut  150   b . Rotation of the second nut  150   b  causes the fingers  112 ,  114  of the inner clamp  110   b  to close on the second rod member, as will be discussed in further detail below. In some embodiments, an upper section of the threaded upper portion  118   b  is distorted or peened over, thereby preventing a nut  150   b  from loosening from the threaded upper portion  118   b.    
     The second outer clamp  130   b  comprises a first clamping portion  132  and a second clamping portion  134 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first clamping portion  132  comprises an inner wall designed to contact an outer surface of the finger  112  of the second inner clamp  110   b , while the second clamping portion  134  comprises an inner wall designed to contact an outer surface of the finger  114  of the second inner clamp  110   b . Rotation of the second nut  150   b  causes the second inner clamp  110   b  to be drawn upward. As the second inner clamp  110   b  is drawn upward, the inner walls of the second outer clamp  130   b  engage the outer walls of the second inner clamp  110   b , thereby compressing the second inner clamp  110   b  onto a second rod member that is received therein. 
     The second nut  150   b  comprises an inner threaded section that is configured to engage the outer threads of the upper portion  118   b  of the second inner clamp  110   b . In some embodiments, rotation of the second nut  150   b  in a first direction draws the second inner clamp  110   a  upward toward the inner walls of the second outer clamp  130   b , thereby causing the fingers  112 ,  114  of the second inner clamp  110   b  to be compressed onto a first rod member  10 . Rotation of the first nut  150   b  in a second opposite direction translates the second inner clamp  110   b  downward and away from the inner walls of the second outer clamp  130   b , thereby causing the fingers  112 ,  114  of the second inner clamp  110   b  to release from the second rod member  10  if desired. In some embodiments, an upper surface of the second nut  150   b  is substantially smooth, while a lower surface of the second nut  150   b  comprises a more textured surface. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the second nut  150   b  comprises a star grind. Advantageously, when the second nut  150   b  is fully tightened, the star grind provides resistance against an upper surface of the cross rod  170 , thereby reducing the likelihood of the second nut  150   b  unintentionally rotating backwards and loosening on its own. 
     A cross rod  170  extends and is operably connected to the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly. The cross rod  170  comprises a left portion  172  comprising a first slot  178   a  through which the first sub-assembly can extend and a right portion  174  comprising a second slot  178   b  through which the second sub-assembly can extend. Each of the sub-assemblies is connected to the cross rod  170  in the same manner.  FIG. 6  illustrates how one of the sub-assemblies is connected to the cross rod  170 . The other sub-assembly is connected in the same manner. In particular, the first outer clamp  130   a  comprises one or more rails  135  that are received within one or more recesses  173  of the cross rod  170 . By providing such a rail feature, the first sub-assembly is advantageously capable of translating and sliding relative to the cross rod  170  within the first slot  178   a , while the second sub-assembly is advantageously capable of translating and sliding relative to the cross rod  170  within the second slot  178   b . This translational movement of both of the sub-assemblies within the slots  178   a ,  178   b  allows the transconnector to accommodate rod members of varying distances. Note that the length of the cross rod itself does not change length. In some embodiments, each of the sub-assemblies is capable of translating up to 3 mm, while in other embodiments, the sub-assemblies are capable of translating up to 5 mm or 7 mm or more. In addition, in some embodiments, the sub-assemblies are advantageously capable of slight angulation within the slots  178   a ,  178   b , thereby the cross rod  170  to attached to non-parallel rod members. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the cross rod  170  includes a raised, vertically arched portion  176  that extends between the left portion  172  and the right portion  174 . The arched portion  176  advantageously accommodates any portion of the vertebrae that may protrude outwardly, such as the spinous process or portions thereof. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the transconnector extends over spinous processes which have been removed. By providing an arched portion  176 , the cross rod  170  is capable of accommodating any remaining portions of a spinous process that remain on the vertebrae. Advantageously, the arched portion  176  does not have any type of nut or set screw extending through it. When a nut or set screw is provided medial to rod members  10  (as opposed to on top of them as in the present application), there is a risk that a doctor rotating the nut or set screw could jab into an exposed spinal cord via a hand or instrument. The transconnector  100  of the present application reduces this risk by providing nuts  150   a ,  150   b  that are directly above rod members  10 , and not medial to their respective rod members  10 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a side view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 . From this views, one can see the profiles of the inner clamps  110   a ,  110   b . First inner clamp  110   a  comprises a threaded upper portion  118   a  and a lower portion including a pair of fingers  112 ,  114  for gripping a first rod member therein. The pair of fingers  112 ,  114  are separated via a slit  116 . The slit advantageously allows the fingers  112 ,  114  to provisionally grip and clamp onto a first rod member even before the first nut  150   a  is tightened. Likewise, second inner clamp  110   b  comprises a threaded upper portion  118   b  and a lower portion including a pair of fingers  112 ,  114  for gripping a second rod member therein. The pair of fingers  112 ,  114  are separated via a slit  116 . The slit advantageously allows the fingers  112 ,  114  to slightly splay, thereby provisionally gripping and clamping onto a second rod member even before the second nut  150   b  is tightened. In some embodiments, a slit  116  can extend into the upper threaded portion  118   a ,  118   b  of the inner clamp  110   a ,  110   b  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ), thereby advantageously allowing the inner clamp  110   a ,  110   b  to have an enhanced splaying feature when gripping onto a rod member. 
       FIG. 4  shows a side cross-sectional view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 4 , the first sub-assembly including the inner clamp  110   a , outer clamp  130   a  and nut  150   a  is in an open configuration, while the second assembly including the inner clamp  110   b , outer clamp  130   b  and nut  150   b  is in a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the fingers  112 ,  114  of the inner clamp  110   a  are uncompressed by the inner walls of the outer clamp  130   a , such that the inner clamp  110   a  is capable of receiving a rod member therein. In the closed configuration, the nut  150   b  has been rotated, thereby causing the inner clamp  110   b  to be drawn upwardly into the outer clamp  130   b . As the inner clamp  110   b  is drawn upwardly, the fingers  112 ,  114  of the inner clamp  110   b  become compressed by the inner walls of the outer clamp  130   b , such that any rod member received in the inner clamp  110   b  would be tightly clamped. 
     From the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4 , one can also see the slots  178   a ,  178   b  through which the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly are capable of translating. Advantageously, the slots  178   a ,  178   b  allow the transverse connector to attach to rod members  10  of varying distance. 
       FIG. 5  shows a top view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 . From this view, one can see a top view of the slots  178   a ,  178   b  through which the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly are capable of translating. 
       FIG. 6  shows a front cross-sectional view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 . From this view, one can see how the rails  135  of the outer clamp  130   a  engage the slots or recesses  173  formed in the inner walls of the cross rod  170 . In some embodiments, one or more rails  135  of the outer clamp  130   a  are capable of sliding one or more corresponding rail portions  177  that extend radially from an inner wall of the cross rod  170 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a side cross-sectional view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 , whereby the sub-assemblies are separated a first distance.  FIG. 8  shows a side cross-sectional view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 , whereby the sub-assemblies are separated a second distance different from the first distance in  FIG. 7 . As shown in the figures, the slots  178   a ,  178   b  enable the sub-assemblies including the inner clamp, outer clamp and nut to translate, thereby accommodating rod members  10  that are of varying distance relative to one another. 
       FIGS. 9A-9E  show different views of individual components of the transverse connector of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 9A  shows a top view of a cross rod  170  including elongated slots  178   a ,  178   b .  FIG. 9B  shows a front view of an inner clamp  110 .  FIG. 9C  shows a front view of an outer clamp  130  including rails  135  for sliding relative to the cross rod  170 .  FIG. 9D  shows a front view of the nut  150 , while  FIG. 9E  shows a bottom view of the nut  150  including the star grind, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     A method of using the improved transconnector  100  is now described. A surgeon can implant a first rod member  10  into a pair of tulip heads of screws and a second rod member  10  into a pair of tulip heads of screws (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). The surgeon can then deliver the transconnector  100  over each of the first and second rod members  10 . The transconnector  100  comprises a pair of subassemblies (an inner clamp  110 , an outer clamp  130  and a nut  150 ) that are received in respective slots  178  formed in a cross rod  170  of the transconnector  100 . The subassemblies are capable of separating varying distances from one another, thereby allowing the transconnector  100  to accommodate rod members  10  of varying distance relative to one another. Furthermore, the subassemblies are capable of angulating relative to the cross rod  170 , thereby allowing the transconnector  100  to accommodate rod members  10  of different angulations relative to one another. Once the inner clamps  110  are provisionally clamped onto their respective rods, the nuts  150  can be rotated, thereby further tightening the inner clamps  110  on the rods. 
       FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of a stabilization system using an alternative transverse connector in accordance with some embodiments. The stabilization system comprises a first rod member  10  received in first and second screws (e.g., pedicle screws)  25 , and a second rod member  10  received in third and fourth screws (e.g., pedicle screws)  25 . The first rod member  10  is positioned on one side of a spine, while the second rod member  10  is positioned on the other side of the spine. An improved transverse connector  200  extends between the first rod member  10  and the second rod member  10 . In some embodiments, the first rod member  10  and the second rod member  10  can be side-loaded into mouths of the transverse connector  200 . The transverse connector  200  is advantageously capable of accommodating rod members having varying lengths of separation, as well as rod members that are non-parallel to one another. 
       FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of a transverse connector in accordance with some embodiments. On one end, the transverse connector  200  comprises a first sub-assembly comprising a first clamp body  210   a  for receiving a first rod member and a first set screw  220   a  extending through an opening  216   a  formed through an upper surface of the body. On the other end, the transverse connector  200  comprises a second sub-assembly comprising a second clamp body  210   b  for receiving a second rod member and a second set screw  220   b  extending through an opening  216   b  formed through an upper surface of the body. The first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly are connected to one another via a cross rod  270  that extends therebetween. 
     The first sub-assembly comprises a first clamp body  210   a  and a set screw  220   a  extending through an opening  216   a  formed in the body. The first clamp body  210   a  comprises a side slot or mouth  211   a  for receiving a first rod member  10  therein. Advantageously, the first rod member  10  is capable of side-loading into the first clamp body  210   a . The first clamp body  210   a  further comprises a side opening  212   a  that extends through opposed sidewalls of the first clamp body  210   a . The side opening  212   a  is capable of receiving the cross rod  270  therethrough. Advantageously, opposed inner walls  213  that form the side opening  212   a  (shown in  FIG. 16 ) can be non-parallel or at an angle relative to one another. The angulation of these inner walls advantageously allows the first clamp body  210   a  to angulate relative to the cross rod  270  and thereby accept a first rod member  10  that may be non-parallel to a second rod member  10 . The first clamp body  210   a  is advantageously capable of sliding relative to the cross rod  270 , thereby accommodating first and second rod members  10  of different distance relative to one another. The first clamp body  210   a  further comprises a top opening  216   a  that extends through an upper wall of the first clamp body  210   a . The top opening  216   a  is capable of receiving a set screw  220   a  therein. The set screw  220   a  can be downwardly threaded and tightened, thereby locking into place the relative position and orientation of the first clamp body  210   a  along the cross rod  270 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the first clamp body  210   a  can include one or more tool gripping surfaces  280   a . In some embodiments, the first clamp body  210   a  includes a pair of tool gripping surfaces  280   a  formed on each of the sidewalls of the first clamp body  210   a . In some embodiments, the tool gripping surfaces  280   a  can comprise a recessed portion, wherein within the recessed portion a further indentation is formed. By providing such gripping surfaces  280   a , this advantageously allows an instrument to securely hold onto the first clamp body  210   a  during implantation. 
     The second sub-assembly comprises a second clamp body  210   b  and a set screw  220   b  extending through an opening  216   a  formed in the body. The second clamp body  210   b  comprises a side slot or mouth  211   a  for receiving a second rod member  10  therein. Advantageously, the second rod member  10  is capable of side-loading into the second clamp body  210   b . The second clamp body  210   b  further comprises a side opening  212   b  that extends through opposed sidewalls of the second clamp body  210   b . The side opening  212   b  is capable of receiving the cross rod  270  therethrough. Advantageously, opposed inner walls  213  that form the side opening  212   b  can be non-parallel or at an angle relative to one another. The angulation of these inner walls advantageously allows the second clamp body  210   b  to angulate relative to the cross rod  270  and thereby accept a second rod member  10  that may be non-parallel to a first rod member  10 . The second clamp body  210   b  is advantageously capable of sliding relative to the cross rod  270 , thereby accommodating first and second rod members  10  of different distance relative to one another. The second clamp body  210   b  further comprises a top opening  216   b  that extends through an upper wall of the second clamp body  210   b . The top opening  216   b  is capable of receiving a set screw  220   b  therein. The set screw  220   b  can be downwardly threaded and tightened, thereby locking into place the relative position and orientation of the second clamp body  210   b  along the cross rod  270 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the second clamp body  210   b  can include one or more tool gripping surfaces  280   b . In some embodiments, the second clamp body  210   b  includes a pair of tool gripping surfaces  280   b  formed on each of the sidewalls of the second clamp body  210   b . In some embodiments, the tool gripping surfaces  280   b  can comprise a recessed portion, wherein within the recessed portion a further indentation is formed. By providing such gripping surfaces  280   b , this advantageously allows an instrument to securely hold onto the second clamp body  210   b  during implantation. 
     The cross rod  270  extends between the first clamp body  210   a  and the second clamp body  210   b . The cross rod  270  comprises a cylindrical body having enlarged ends  272 ,  274 . The enlarged ends  272 ,  274 , which have a greater diameter than the intermediate cross rod  270  body, reduce the likelihood of the first clamp body  210   a  and the second clamp body  210   b  being dismantled from the transconnector  200 . 
       FIG. 12  shows a side view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11 . From this view, one can see the distinct shapes of the side mouths  211   a ,  211   b  of the first and second clamp bodies  210   a ,  210   b . Each of the mouths  211   a ,  211   b  comprises an angled upper surface that tapers downwardly to a convex region for receiving a rod member therein. A downward surface also tapers downwardly to the convex region, thereby advantageously creating a distinct recess for receiving a rod member securely therein. 
       FIG. 13  shows a top view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11 . From this view, one can see the set screws  220   a ,  220   b  that extend downwardly into the first and second clamp bodies  210   a ,  210   b . In some embodiments, the set screws  220   a ,  220   b  are threaded such that they can be downwardly threaded to tighten onto the cross rod  270 . In other embodiments, the set screws  220   a ,  220   b  are non-threaded. The non-threaded set screws  220   a ,  220   b  can include, for example, protrusions that can be received into slots, whereby rotation of the set screws  220   a ,  220   b  locks the clamp bodies  210   a ,  210   b  relative to the cross rod  270 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a side cross-sectional view of a clamp body of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11 . From this view, one can see the tool gripping surface  280   a , whereby the tool gripping surface is formed of a recess and a further indentation within the recess. 
       FIG. 15  shows a front cross-sectional view of a clamp body of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11 . From this view, one can see the opening  216   a  through which a set screw is received therein. 
       FIG. 16  shows top cross-sectional view of a clamp body of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11 . From this view, one can see the angled walls  213  that form the side opening  212   a . In some embodiments, the angled walls  213  are non-parallel to one another, thereby allowing the clamp body  210   a  to angulate relative to the cross rod  270  and accept a rod member  10  of various angles. 
       FIG. 17  shows a side cross-sectional view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 11  without rod members received therein, while  FIG. 18  shows a side cross-sectional view of the transverse connector of  FIG. 10  with rod members received therein. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the cross rod  270  is in contact with each of first and second rod members  10 . On the left side of the cross rod  270 , rotation of the set screw  220   a  causes downward compression on the cross rod  270 , which in turn compresses the first rod member  10 . On the right side of the cross rod  270 , rotation of the set screw  220   b  causes downward compression on the cross rod  270 , which in turn compresses the second rod member  10 . 
     A method of using the improved transconnector  200  is now described. A surgeon can implant a first rod member  10  into a pair of tulip heads of screws and a second rod member  10  into a pair of tulip heads of screws (as shown in  FIG. 10 ). The surgeon can then deliver the transconnector  200  to the implant site, wherein each of the first and second rod members  10  can be side-loaded into clamps of the transconnector. The transconnector  200  comprises a pair of subassemblies (a clamp body  210  including a side mouth and a set screw  220 ). A cross rod  270  can extend between the pair of subassemblies. The subassemblies are capable of separating varying distances from one another, thereby allowing the transconnector  200  to accommodate rod members  10  of varying distance relative to one another. Furthermore, the subassemblies are capable of angulating relative to the cross rod  270 , thereby allowing the transconnector  200  to accommodate rod members  10  of different angulations relative to one another. Once the clamp bodies  210  are provisionally clamped onto their respective rods, the set screws  220  can be rotated. Rotation of the set screws  220  applies downward pressure on the cross rod  270 , which applies downward pressure on the rod members  10 , thereby fixing the orientation of the transconnector  200  relative to the rod members  10 . 
       FIG. 19  shows an alternative transconnector in accordance with some embodiments. Like the transconnector  200 , the transconnector  300  comprises a first clamp body  310   a , a second clamp body  310   b  and a cross rod  370 . However, in the present embodiment, the cross rod  370  has an arched, vertically raised intermediate portion  376 . The advantage of providing such an arched portion  376  is that it accommodates any spinous process portions that may remain. 
     Each of the transconnectors described above can be used with various types of stabilization systems, including rods, screws (e.g., pedicle screws), and plates. In addition, the transconnectors can be used with various implants, including implants (e.g., fusion cages and spacers) and prosthetics. 
     While it is apparent that the invention disclosed herein is well calculated to fulfill the objects stated above, it will be appreciated that numerous modifications and embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art.