Patent Description:
The present application relates generally to medical devices. More specifically, the present application is related to devices for treatment of a spine.

Various spinal disorders may be surgically corrected to stabilize a patient's spinal column. Spinal disorders may include curvatures or other defects that are correctable with a spinal fusion procedure. One method of spinal fusion involves one or more elongated members, typically spinal rods, longitudinally placed on the posterior spine. When a pair of elongated members is used in the spinal fusion procedure, the elongated members may be placed on either side of spinous processes of the vertebral column, for example.

Each elongated member may be attached to one or more of the vertebrae of the spine by way of fastener devices. The fastener devices each may include an anchor body defining a rod-receiving channel configured to receive a portion of the elongated member therein, and a locking cap configured to clamp and secure the position of the elongated member within the rod-receiving channel. The fastener devices each may further include a fastener configured to secure the anchor body to a vertebra.

To facilitate insertion of the elongated members into the rod-receiving channels and to provide additional flexibility in the positioning of the elongated members and the fastener devices, fastener devices have been developed wherein the anchor body is pivotable with respect to the fastener. These fastener devices may be referred to as polyaxial fastener devices.

It is desirable to develop a fastener device that is simple for a surgeon to use, that provides for polyaxial rotation and is able to securely mount the elongated member to a patient's spine. <CIT> describes a pedicle screw construct which includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, and a collet. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The collet is positioned atop the head of the pedicle screw. The collet and pedicle screw are inserted into the coupling. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the collet and coupling assembly. The collet and the coupling each have a saddle that is adapted and configured for receiving a rod member. <CIT> describes a bone anchor assembly including a bone anchor having a distal shaft configured to engage bone and a hollow hemi-spherical proximal head defined by a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, a receiving member for receiving a spinal fixation element and for engaging the head of the bone anchor, and a compression member positionable in the receiving member. The compression member has an upper portion configured to seat the spinal fixation element and a lower portion configured to engage the concave inner surface of the anchor head. <CIT> describes a multi-axial pedicle screw system comprising a load transferring rod, a screw head which holds the rod, a screw body which fits multi-axially on the screw head, a clip which keeps the rod in the screw head, a clip screw which locks the clip and the rod from the top and a multi-axial transverse connector that connects two parallel rods to each other.

In accordance with an example of the disclosure, the present application discloses a fastener device comprising an anchor body and a fastener. The anchor body including an anchor body housing, the anchor body defining a through hole that extends through the anchor body housing, the anchor body further including an upper end, a lower end, and an inner surface that <NUM> defines a least a portion of the through hole, and at least a portion of the inner surface defining a portion of a first sphere. The fastener including a head, a threaded shaft that extends out with respect to the head in a distal direction, and a neck that extends between the head and the threaded shaft. The head including an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface defining a portion of a second sphere, and the head further including a concave surface of the fastener that extends along both the head and the neck. The fastener device defines a configuration in which both: <NUM>) the portion of the outer surface rides along the portion of the inner surface, and <NUM>) the anchor body abuts the neck at a location that is spaced in the distal direction from an entirety of the concave surface such that movement of the fastener relative to the anchor body in at least one direction is blocked.

In accordance with an example of the disclosure, the present application discloses a fastener device comprising an anchor body and a fastener. The anchor body including an anchor body housing, the anchor body defining a through hole that extends through the anchor body housing, the anchor body further including an upper end, a lower end, and an inner surface, and the inner surface defining at least a portion of the through hole. The fastener including a head, a threaded shaft that extends out with respect to the head in a distal direction, and a neck that extends between the head and the threaded shaft. The head including a convex outer surface, a portion of the convex surface both defining a portion of a sphere and being configured to articulate along the inner surface when the fastener head is positioned in the through hole, and the fastener including a concave surface that extends along both the head and the neck. Wherein the fastener is configured such that all lines that: <NUM>) lie entirely within a plane parallel to the distal direction, and <NUM>) are tangent to the portion of the convex outer surface are noncollinear with all lines that: <NUM>) lie entirely within the plane, and <NUM>) are tangent to the concave surface.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "lower" and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "proximally" and "distally" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the surgeon using the medical device. The words, "anterior", "posterior", "superior", "inferior" and related words and/or phrases designate preferred positions and orientations in the human body to which reference is made and are not meant to be limiting. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Aspects of the disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout, unless specified otherwise. Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The term "plurality", as used herein, means more than one. The terms "a portion" and "at least a portion" of a structure include the entirety of the structure. Certain features of the disclosure which are described herein in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any subcombination.

Reference herein to a first structure articulating along or riding along a second structure refers to the first structure directly contacting the second structure, and precludes an intermediate structure or surface between the first structure and the second structure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> a medical device <NUM> is configured to secure an elongated member to a portion of a patient's anatomy. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the medical device <NUM> can include a fastener device <NUM> configured to secure a spinal rod <NUM> to a patient's vertebra, for example a pedicle or lateral mass of the patient's vertebra. The fastener device <NUM> may be referred to as a pedicle screw when the fastener device <NUM> is configured to secure the spinal rod <NUM> to the pedicle of the patient's vertebra. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the fastener device <NUM> includes an anchor body <NUM> configured to receive the spinal rod <NUM>, and a fastener <NUM> configured to be inserted into the anchor body <NUM> and secured to the patient's vertebra.

The fastener device <NUM> may further include a saddle <NUM> and a cap <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment the saddle <NUM> is configured to abut both the fastener <NUM> and the spinal rod <NUM>, and the cap <NUM> is configured to secure the spinal rod <NUM> relative to the fastener device <NUM>, as described in further detail below.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the anchor body <NUM> includes an upper end <NUM>, a lower end <NUM> spaced from the upper end <NUM> in a longitudinal direction L, and an anchor body housing <NUM> that extends from the upper end <NUM> to the lower end <NUM>. The anchor body <NUM> defines a through hole <NUM> that extends through the anchor body housing <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> includes a head <NUM>, a threaded shaft <NUM> that extends out with respect to the head <NUM> in a distal direction D, and a neck <NUM> that extends between the head <NUM> and the threaded shaft <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> is configured to be positioned into the anchor body <NUM> by moving the fastener <NUM> in the longitudinal direction L, until the threaded shaft <NUM> passes through the lower end <NUM> and the head <NUM> is positioned within the through hole <NUM>.

The fastener device <NUM> is configured such that when the head <NUM> is positioned in the through hole <NUM> the fastener <NUM> is movable, polyaxially, with respect to the anchor body <NUM>. When the head <NUM> is positioned in the through hole <NUM>, the saddle <NUM> can be moved in the longitudinal direction L, until the saddle <NUM> contacts the head <NUM>. When the saddle <NUM> is contacting the head <NUM>, the spinal rod <NUM> can then be moved in the longitudinal direction L until the spinal rod <NUM> contacts the saddle <NUM>. When the spinal rod <NUM> is contacting the saddle <NUM>, the cap <NUM> can be moved in the longitudinal direction L until the cap <NUM> contacts the spinal rod <NUM>.

The cap <NUM> can include a single piece, or as shown in the illustrated embodiment, a multiple piece, for example two-pieces. The cap <NUM> includes threads <NUM>, for example external threads, that are configured to threadingly engage with threads <NUM>, for example internal threads, of the anchor body <NUM>. The cap <NUM> is rotated in a first direction of rotation about an axis, for example an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction L, such that the threads <NUM> engage with the threads <NUM> and the cap <NUM> moves in the longitudinal direction L with respect to the anchor body <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the cap <NUM> is configured to be rotated until the cap <NUM> is no longer rotatable in the first direction of rotation when a set torque is applied to the cap <NUM>, thereby securing the spinal rod <NUM> to the fastener device <NUM> such that relative movement of the spinal rod <NUM> and the fastener device <NUM> is limited, for example prevented, and thereby securing the fastener <NUM> to the anchor body <NUM> such that relative movement of the fastener <NUM> and the anchor body <NUM> is limited, for example prevented. According to one embodiment, the set torque is between about <NUM> Newton-meters (N-m) and about <NUM> N-m.

Referring to <FIG>, the head <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> includes an outer surface <NUM>. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a portion <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> may be convex, may define a portion of a first sphere S1, or both. The first sphere S1 defines a first diameter D1. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the first diameter D1 may be greater than about <NUM>. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first diameter D1 may be greater than about <NUM>. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first diameter D1 may be in a range between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first diameter D1 may be about <NUM>.

The outer surface <NUM> may include one or more additional portions that do not define a portion of the first sphere S1. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface <NUM> may include a distal portion <NUM> that is positioned in the distal direction D with respect to the portion <NUM>, a proximal portion <NUM> that is positioned in a proximal direction P, which is opposite the distal direction D, with respect to the portion <NUM>, or both the distal portion <NUM> and the proximal portion <NUM>. According to another aspect of the disclosure, an entirety of the outer surface <NUM> may include the portion <NUM>, such that the outer surface <NUM> is devoid of the distal portion <NUM> and the proximal portion <NUM>.

The head <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> may define a location <NUM> such that the fastener <NUM> is devoid of any locations positioned in the proximal direction P from the location <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the head <NUM> includes an upper surface <NUM> that defines a drive mechanism <NUM>, the drive mechanism <NUM> configured to receive a driving force that rotates the fastener <NUM> to secure the fastener <NUM> to a vertebra. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the upper surface <NUM> can be substantially flat, such that any point on the upper surface <NUM> can define the location <NUM>. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the upper surface <NUM> can be not flat, for example curved such that an apex of the upper surface <NUM> defines the location <NUM>.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the fastener <NUM> may include a surface <NUM> that extends along both the head <NUM> and the neck <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the surface <NUM> may be concave such that the surface <NUM> defines a radius of curvature R. According to one embodiment, the radius of curvature R may be constant along an entirety of the surface <NUM>. For example, the surface <NUM> may define a radius of curvature R of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. According to another example, the surface <NUM> may define a radius of curvature R of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the radius of curvature R may vary along the surface <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the surface <NUM> may include two perpendicular surfaces such that the surface <NUM> does not define a radius of curvature R.

The portion of the fastener <NUM> between the head <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>, for example the neck <NUM>, is a potential area where the fastener <NUM> may fail under load. According to one aspect of the disclosure, radius of curvature R of the concave surface <NUM>, may distribute stresses within the fastener <NUM>, thereby increasing the effective strength of the fastener <NUM>. For example, a first fastener <NUM> that defines a first radius of curvature R that is larger than a second radius of curvature defined by a second fastener <NUM> may result in a better distribution of stresses under load in the first fastener <NUM> when compared to the second fastener <NUM>, and thus the first fastener <NUM> may have an increased effective strength compared to the second fastener <NUM>.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the neck <NUM> defines a second diameter D2 that may be measured both in a direction perpendicular to the distal direction D and at a location <NUM> that is in the distal direction D with respect to the surface <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second diameter D2 may be measured both in the distal direction D and at the location <NUM> which is in the distal direction D with respect to an entirety of the surface <NUM> which defines the radius of curvature R. The second diameter D2 may be constant such that the second diameter D2 at first and second locations spaced apart with respect to the distal direction D, is the same. Alternatively, the second diameter D2 may vary, for example decrease in the distal direction D2.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second diameter D2 may be in a range between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second diameter D2 may be about <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> defines a ratio of the first diameter D1 to the second diameter D2. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the ratio of the first diameter D1 to the second diameter D2 is in a range between about <NUM> to <NUM> and about <NUM> to <NUM>.

The fastener <NUM> may be elongate along an axis, for example a central fastener axis <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the central fastener axis <NUM> is parallel to the distal direction D. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the portion <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> may include a first point <NUM> that is located in the distal direction with respect to all other points of the portion <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM>, the surface <NUM> includes a second point <NUM> that is located in the proximal direction P with respect to all other points of the surface <NUM>, the first point <NUM> is spaced from the central fastener axis <NUM> a first distance L1 measured in a direction perpendicular to the distal direction D, the second point <NUM> is spaced from the central fastener axis <NUM> a second distance L2 measured in a direction perpendicular to the distal direction D, and the first distance L1 is greater than the second distance L2.

The head <NUM> may include an intermediate surface <NUM> that extends between the surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>. According to one aspect of the disclosure, at least a portion of the intermediate surface <NUM> may be substantially flat and perpendicular to the distal direction D.

The fastener <NUM> may be configured such that all lines that both lie entirely within a plane P1 that is parallel to the distal direction D and that are tangent to the portion <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> are noncollinear with all lines that both lie entirely within the plane P1 and that are tangent to the surface <NUM>. For example, a line <NUM> which both lies entirely within the plane P1 and is tangent to the portion <NUM> is not collinear with a line <NUM> which both lies entirely within the plane P1 and is tangent to the surface <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the anchor body <NUM> may define a rod-receiving channel <NUM> that is configured to receive a spinal rod, for example the spinal rod <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The rod-receiving channel <NUM> extends through the anchor body housing <NUM> and may be oriented such that the rod-receiving channel <NUM> is offset from, for example perpendicular to, the through hole <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rod-receiving channel <NUM> may be a U-shaped channel.

The anchor body <NUM> may further include an inner surface <NUM> that defines at least a portion of the through hole <NUM>. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM> may be concave, may define a portion of a second sphere S2, or both. The second sphere S2 defines a third diameter D3. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the third diameter D3 is equal to the first diameter D1. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the third diameter D3 is either greater than or less than the first diameter D1.

The inner surface <NUM> defines a minimum inner diameter D4 that is measured both in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and at a location <NUM> that is closer to the lower end <NUM> as measured along the longitudinal direction L than the location <NUM> is to the upper end <NUM> as measured along the longitudinal direction L. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the location <NUM> may be spaced a distance from the lower end <NUM> measured along the longitudinal direction L, such that the inner surface <NUM> tapers radially outward with respect to a central anchor body axis <NUM> as the inner surface <NUM> extends from the location <NUM> to the lower end <NUM>. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the location <NUM> may be located at the lower end <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the location <NUM> may be positioned on the portion <NUM> such that no point on the portion <NUM> is positioned in the longitudinal direction L with respect to the location <NUM>.

The anchor body <NUM> defines an inner diameter D5 that is greater than the minimum inner diameter D4. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the inner diameter D5 may be defined by the inner surface <NUM> at a location that is spaced from the portion <NUM> in a direction opposite the longitudinal direction L. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the inner diameter D5 may be defined by the upper end <NUM>. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the inner diameter D5 may be a maximum inner diameter of the anchor body <NUM>.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the upper end <NUM> defines an upper opening <NUM> where the through hole <NUM> exits the anchor body housing <NUM> in the direction opposite the longitudinal direction L, the lower end <NUM> defines a lower opening <NUM> where the through hole <NUM> exits the anchor body housing <NUM> in the longitudinal direction L, or both. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the anchor body <NUM> may define a plane P2 (shown as a line which extends into and out of the page). The plane P2 may include an entirety of the lower opening <NUM>, may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, or both.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fastener device <NUM> defines an assembled configuration in which the portion <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> rides along (contacts at more than one point) the portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM> such that the fastener <NUM> is movable with respect to the anchor body <NUM>. The contact between the portion <NUM> and the portion <NUM> may define a circle, a portion of a circle, a portion of a sphere, or any combination thereof. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the fastener <NUM> is movable polyaxially with respect to the anchor body <NUM> such that the fastener device <NUM> defines a cone of angulation that includes all of the angles at which the central fastener axis <NUM> and the central anchor body axis <NUM> can be offset from one another when the fastener device <NUM> is in the assembled configuration. The cone of angulation may be defined by a maximum angle α (alpha), for example the cone of angulation may be twice the maximum angle α (alpha).

The maximum angle α (alpha) is measured between the central fastener axis <NUM> and the central anchor body axis <NUM> when the anchor body <NUM> abuts the neck <NUM> at a location that is spaced in the distal direction D from an entirety of the surface <NUM> such that movement of the fastener <NUM> relative to the anchor body <NUM> in at least one direction is blocked. According to one aspect of the disclosure the maximum angle α (alpha) is greater than about <NUM> degrees. According to another aspect of the disclosure the maximum angle α (alpha) is greater than about <NUM> degrees. According to another aspect of the disclosure the maximum angle α (alpha) is between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees. For example, the fastener device <NUM> may be configured as a cervical fastener device with a maximum angle α (alpha) of about <NUM> degrees. As another example the fastener device <NUM> may be configured as a lumbar fastener device with a maximum angle α (alpha) of about <NUM> degrees.

As shown in <FIG>, when the fastener device <NUM> is in the configuration the central fastener axis <NUM> and the central anchor body axis <NUM> may be parallel, for example collinear. As shown in <FIG>, when the fastener device <NUM> is in the configuration the central fastener axis <NUM> and the central anchor body axis <NUM> may be angularly offset, for example by the maximum angle α (alpha) or by any angle less than maximum angle α (alpha).

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, because the first diameter D1 is larger than the minimum inner diameter D4 the head <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> is not able to be inserted into the through hole <NUM> along the direction opposite the longitudinal direction L such that the portion <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> rides along the portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM>. Instead, because the inner diameter D5 is greater than the first diameter D1, the fastener <NUM> is configured to be inserted into the through hole <NUM> along the longitudinal direction L such that the portion <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> rides along the portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM>. Thus the fastener device <NUM> can be described as a top-loading fastener device as opposed to a bottom-loading (or pop-on) fastener device. The fastener device <NUM> being configured as a top-loading fastener device allows the size of the first diameter D1 and the size of the second diameter D2 to remain larger than in a comparable bottom-loading screw, which can result in a fastener device <NUM>, and specifically a fastener <NUM>, with increased strength.

Referring to <FIG>, according to one aspect of the disclosure the fastener device <NUM> defines a configuration in which the location <NUM> is positioned a third distance L3 from the upper end <NUM> measured along the longitudinal direction L, the lower end <NUM> is positioned a fourth distance L4 from the upper end <NUM> measured along the longitudinal direction L, and the third distance L3 is greater than the fourth distance L4. According to one aspect of the disclosure the fastener device <NUM> defines a configuration in which the location <NUM> is spaced in the longitudinal direction L with respect to the plane P2.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the fastener device <NUM> defines a configuration (referred to herein as a maximum angled configuration) in which both the portion <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> rides along the portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM>, and the anchor body <NUM> abuts the neck <NUM> at the location <NUM> that is spaced in the distal direction D from an entirety of the surface <NUM> such that movement of the fastener <NUM> relative to the anchor body <NUM> in at least one direction is blocked.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fastener device <NUM> is illustrated with the saddle <NUM> abutting the fastener <NUM>, and the spinal rod <NUM> and the cap <NUM> are not shown. The description of <FIG> and <FIG> applies to the fastener device <NUM> with and without any combination of the saddle <NUM>, the cap <NUM>, and the spinal rod <NUM>.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the fastener device <NUM> is in the maximum angled configuration a gap <NUM> is defined between the surface <NUM> and the anchor body <NUM>. The gap <NUM> is enclosed in both the longitudinal direction L and the direction opposite the longitudinal direction L. According to one aspect of the disclosure, when the fastener device is in the maximum angled configuration, a region of contact that includes all of the points of contact between the anchor body <NUM> and the fastener <NUM> as measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L defines a portion of a circle that is less than a full circle.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, according to one aspect of the disclosure the strength of the fastener <NUM> may be increased by maximizing the second diameter D2. However, increasing the size of the second diameter D2 while not changing other dimensions of the fastener <NUM>, for example the first diameter D1, may result in a fastener device <NUM> with a lower maximum angle α (alpha). Accordingly, maximizing the second diameter D2 while maintaining the ratio of the first diameter D1 to the second diameter D2 may result in a fastener <NUM> with increased strength and a fastener device <NUM> with a greater maximum angle α (alpha). According to one aspect of the disclosure the strength of the fastener <NUM> may be increased by increasing the size of the radius of curvature R. The increased size of the radius of curvature R may result in less material being present in the area between the head <NUM> and the threaded shaft <NUM>, however the large radius of curvature may reduce stress concentrations within the area between the head <NUM> and the threaded shaft <NUM>, thereby resulting in increased strength of the fastener <NUM>.

Additionally, in the fastener device <NUM> as shown in the illustrated embodiment the portion <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> articulates along or rides along the portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM> such that the portion <NUM> directly contacts the portion <NUM>. According to the illustrated embodiment, the fastener device may be devoid of a collet or other intermediate structure between the portion <NUM> and the portion <NUM>. The inclusion of a collet or other intermediate structure positioned within the through hole <NUM> of a given size would result in the use of a fastener with a first diameter D1 being smaller than the first diameter D1 of the fastener <NUM> which is configured for use with the fastener device <NUM> that is devoid of a collet or other intermediate structure. Thus, the fastener device <NUM> being devoid of a collet or other intermediate structure between the portion <NUM> and the portion <NUM> may result in increased strength in the fastener <NUM> configured for use with the fastener device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a method (not claimed) of making the fastener device <NUM> may include the step of inserting the fastener <NUM> into the anchor body <NUM> such that the threaded shaft <NUM> passes through the lower opening <NUM> of the anchor body <NUM>. The method of making the fastener device <NUM> may further include the steps of: inserting the saddle <NUM> into the anchor body <NUM>; inserting the spinal rod <NUM> into the anchor body <NUM>; inserting the cap <NUM> into the anchor body <NUM>; or any combination thereof.

The method of making the fastener device <NUM> may further include the step of tightening the cap <NUM>. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the fastener device <NUM> is configured such that after the step of inserting the fastener <NUM> into the anchor body <NUM>, and before the tightening step the fastener <NUM> is freely movable within the through hole <NUM> with respect to the anchor body <NUM>, and vice versa. The fastener <NUM> being freely movable includes the fastener <NUM> being translatable with respect to the anchor body <NUM> along the longitudinal direction L, the fastener <NUM> being polyaxially rotatable with respect to the anchor body <NUM>, or both.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> being freely movable within the through hole <NUM> with respect to the anchor body <NUM> may result in undesired movement of the anchor body <NUM> relative to the fastener <NUM> during insertion of the fastener <NUM> into hole <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, during insertion, the fastener <NUM> and the anchor body <NUM> may be offset with respect to the longitudinal direction L, for example the central fastener axis <NUM> and the central anchor body axis <NUM> may be angularly offset by an angle, β (beta). The angular offset of the central fastener axis <NUM> and the central anchor body axis <NUM> may result in a force, such as the force of gravity on the anchor body <NUM>, being sufficient to move the anchor body <NUM> relative to the fastener <NUM>, for example until the neck <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> contacts the anchor body <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fastener device <NUM> may include a biasing member <NUM> configured to restrict, for example by providing a force, relative movement of the anchor body <NUM> and the fastener <NUM> after the fastener <NUM> is inserted into the anchor body <NUM>, and before the cap <NUM> is inserted into the through hole <NUM> such that the cap <NUM> abuts the spinal rod <NUM>.

Biasing member <NUM> may be disposed in a recess <NUM> in anchor body <NUM> such that movement of the biasing member <NUM> relative to the anchor body <NUM> is limited in a direction, for example a direction parallel to the central anchor body axis <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may further be configured to provide a force on the outer surface <NUM> of the fastener <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member <NUM> may be a split ring. According to another embodiment, the biasing member <NUM> may be a non-circular shape, such as but not limited to a polygonal shape. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the recess <NUM> may be defined by the anchor body <NUM>.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the biasing member <NUM> may be configured to expand radially with respect to the central anchor body axis <NUM>. For example, before the fastener <NUM> is inserted into the through hole <NUM>, the biasing member <NUM> defines an inner diameter D6 having a first dimension. The biasing member <NUM> may be configured to expand as the fastener <NUM> is inserted into the through hole <NUM>, and the outer surface <NUM> of the fastener contacts the biasing member <NUM>. Once the fastener <NUM> is fully seated within the through hole <NUM>, such that no further movement of the fastener <NUM> in the longitudinal direction L relative to the anchor body <NUM>, is possible due to the outer surface <NUM> abutting the inner surface <NUM>, the inner diameter D6 has a second dimension that is larger than the first dimension. The biasing member <NUM> is configured such that increasing the size of the inner diameter D6 imparts a force on the outer surface <NUM> of the fastener <NUM>. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the fastener device <NUM> is configured such that the biasing member <NUM> imparts the force on the outer surface <NUM> in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central anchor body axis <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the biasing member <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface <NUM> defines a through hole <NUM> that extends through the biasing member <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> may define at least a portion, for example greater than half of, a circle. The circle of which at least a portion is defined by the inner surface <NUM> may include a center <NUM>. The inner diameter D6 is measured along a straight line from a first point on the inner surface <NUM>, through the center <NUM>, to a second point on the inner surface <NUM> spaced apart from the first point.

The biasing member <NUM> may further define an outer diameter D7 measured along a straight line from a first point on the outer surface <NUM>, through the center <NUM>, to a second point on the outer surface <NUM> spaced apart from the first point on the outer surface <NUM>. The outer diameter D7 is greater than the inner diameter D6.

Referring to <FIG>, the inner surface <NUM> of the anchor body <NUM> defines the recess <NUM>. The recess <NUM> extends radially into the inner surface <NUM> of the anchor body <NUM> and terminates at a base surface <NUM>. The recess <NUM> further extends into the inner surface <NUM> of the anchor body <NUM> such that the recess <NUM> defines a recess height RH. The recess height RH is measured along a straight line that is parallel to the central anchor body axis <NUM> from a recess upper surface <NUM> to a recess lower surface <NUM>. The anchor body <NUM> defines an inner diameter D8 measured along a straight line that is perpendicular to the central anchor body axis <NUM> from a first point on the base surface <NUM>, through the central anchor body axis <NUM>, to a second point on the base surface <NUM> that is spaced from the first point.

The anchor body <NUM> further defines an inner diameter D9 measured along a straight line that is perpendicular to the central anchor body axis <NUM> from a first point on the inner surface <NUM> that is offset from the recess in the direction opposite the longitudinal direction L, through the central anchor body axis <NUM>, to a second point on the inner surface <NUM> that is spaced from the first point. The anchor body <NUM> further defines an inner diameter D10 measured along a straight line that is perpendicular to the central anchor body axis <NUM> from a first point on a portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM> that is offset from the recess in the longitudinal direction L, through the central anchor body axis <NUM>, to a second point on the portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM> that is spaced from the first point. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the inner diameter D8 is larger than both the inner diameter D9 and the inner diameter D10. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the portion <NUM> may be curved and define a portion of a sphere having a diameter.

Referring to <FIG>, the biasing member <NUM> includes an unbiased state when the fastener <NUM> is not abutting the inner surface <NUM> and the anchor body <NUM> is not abutting the outer surface <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> further includes a biased state when the fastener <NUM> is abutting the inner surface <NUM>, the anchor body <NUM> is abutting the outer surface <NUM>, or both. The fastener device <NUM> may be configured such that the biasing member <NUM> is configured to be positioned within the recess <NUM>. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the biasing member <NUM> is configured to be in the unbiased state when positioned within the recess <NUM>, and the recess <NUM> is configured to retain the biasing member <NUM> within the recess <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the fastener device <NUM> may be configured such that, in the unbiased state, the inner diameter D6 is smaller than both the inner diameter D9 and the inner diameter D10, the outer diameter D7 is larger than both the inner diameter D9 and the inner diameter D10, and the inner diameter D8 is larger than the outer diameter D7. The biasing member <NUM>, in the unbiased state, is disposed within the recess <NUM> such that movement of the biasing member <NUM> out of the recess along the longitudinal direction L is blocked by the upper surface <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM>. The recess <NUM> further provides room for the biasing member <NUM> to expand radially out toward the base surface <NUM>.

The biasing member <NUM> may further include a top surface <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM> opposite the top surface <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom surface <NUM> faces in the longitudinal direction L and the top surface <NUM> faces in the direction opposite the longitudinal direction L. The biasing member <NUM> may further include one or more tapered surfaces <NUM>. The one or more tapered surfaces <NUM> may include a first tapered surface <NUM>' that extends between the upper surface <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM>, a second tapered surface <NUM>" that extends between the lower surface <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM>, or both. The one or more tapered surfaces <NUM> may be linear, curved, or partially linear and partially curved. The one or more tapered surfaces <NUM> are configured to enable easier entry of the fastener <NUM> into the through hole <NUM>, for example by lowering the amount of force required compared to a biasing member <NUM> devoid of the one or more tapered surfaces <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> is configured to be inserted into the through hole <NUM> such that the threaded shaft <NUM> extends through the lower opening <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> abuts the inner surface <NUM>, thereby transitioning the biasing member <NUM> into a biased state. The fastener device <NUM> may define a fully seated configuration in which the outer surface <NUM> abuts the portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM>. When the fastener device <NUM> is in the fully seated configuration the biasing member <NUM> exerts a force on the fastener <NUM>, and that force resists relative to movement of the fastener <NUM> and the anchor body <NUM>.

Relative movement of the fastener <NUM> and the anchor body <NUM> along the longitudinal direction L is resisted by the biasing member <NUM>, which is exerting an inward radial force on the fastener <NUM>, abutting either the upper surface <NUM> or the lower surface <NUM>. Relative rotation, for example polyaxial rotation, of the fastener <NUM> and the anchor body <NUM> is resisted by a drag force or friction force resulting from the inward radial force exerted by the biasing member <NUM> on the fastener <NUM>.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the fastener <NUM> defines a widest location <NUM> that is larger, as measured along a straight line perpendicular to the central fastener axis <NUM> from a first point on the outer surface <NUM>, through the central fastener axis <NUM>, to a second point on the outer surface <NUM>, than any other location on the head <NUM>. The fastener device <NUM> may be configured such that in the fully seated configuration, when the central fastener axis <NUM> is parallel to the central anchor body axis <NUM>, the biasing member <NUM> abuts the outer surface <NUM> at a location aligned with the widest location <NUM> with respect to the distal direction D.

According to another embodiment, the fastener device <NUM> may be configured such that in the fully seated configuration, when the central fastener axis <NUM> is parallel to the central anchor body axis <NUM>, the biasing member <NUM> abuts the outer surface <NUM> at a location either spaced from the widest location <NUM> in the distal direction D, or spaced from the widest location <NUM> in the proximal direction P.

The method (not claimed) of making the fastener device <NUM> may include the step of inserting the fastener <NUM> into the biasing member <NUM> until the outer surface <NUM> abuts the portion <NUM> of the inner surface <NUM>. The above step of inserting the fastener <NUM> into the biasing member <NUM> may include the step of radially expanding the biasing member <NUM> such that the inner diameter D6 increases. The above step of inserting the fastener <NUM> into the biasing member <NUM> may further include, after the step of radially expanding the biasing member <NUM>, the step of radially contracting the biasing member <NUM> such that the inner diameter D6 decreases.

Referring to <FIG>, the biasing member <NUM> is configured to resist undesired relative movement of the fastener <NUM> and the anchor body <NUM>, but allow desired relative movement of the fastener <NUM> and the anchor body <NUM>. In use, when the fastener <NUM> is in the fully seated configuration, the anchor body <NUM> may be moved relative to the fastener <NUM>, for example by a surgeon manipulating at least one of the fastener <NUM> and the anchor body <NUM>. Additionally, when the fastener <NUM> is in the fully seated configuration, the biasing member <NUM> prevents relative movement of the anchor body <NUM> relative to the fastener <NUM>, for example due to gravity acting on the anchor body <NUM> when the central fastener axis <NUM> is angular offset from the central anchor body axis <NUM> by the angle β (beta). According to one aspect of the disclosure, the angle β (beta) may be between <NUM> and the maximum angle α (alpha).

The description of the biasing member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> also applies to the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>. Additionally, the description of the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> is applicable to the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method (not claimed) of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range including the stated ends of the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

Claim 1:
A fastener device (<NUM>) configured to secure a spinal rod relative to a bone, the fastener device comprising:
an anchor body (<NUM>) including an anchor body housing (<NUM>), the anchor body defining a through hole that extends through the anchor body housing, the anchor body further defining a rod-receiving channel that is configured to receive the spinal rod and that is offset with respect to the through hole, the anchor body further including an upper end (<NUM>), a lower end (<NUM>), and an inner surface (<NUM>), the inner surface defining a least a portion of the through hole; and
a fastener (<NUM>) including a head (<NUM>), a threaded shaft (<NUM>) that extends out with respect to the head in a distal direction (D), and a neck (<NUM>) that extends between the head and the threaded shaft, the head including an outer surface (<NUM>) configured to articulate along the inner surface when the fastener head is inserted in the through hole, at least a portion (<NUM>) of the outer surface being convex and defining a portion of a sphere, the sphere defining a first diameter (D<NUM>), and the fastener including a concave surface (<NUM>) that extends along both the head and the neck, the neck defining a second diameter (D<NUM>) measured: <NUM>) in a direction perpendicular to the distal direction, and <NUM>) at a location (<NUM>) spaced in the distal direction of an entirety of the concave surface,
wherein the fastener defines a ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter in a range between about <NUM> to <NUM> and about <NUM> to <NUM>.