Patent ID: 7967849

Claim:
A system for stabilizing a bony segment, comprising: a connecting element; a coupling assembly engageable to said connecting element, wherein said coupling assembly comprises: an anchor member engageable to the bony segment; a receiver member extending proximally from said anchor member along a receiver axis, said receiver member defining a passage for receiving said connecting element along an implantation axis that is transverse to said receiver axis; a seat member positioned between said connecting element and said anchor member, said seat member including a proximal saddle portion including a support surface for supporting said connecting element, wherein in said receiver member said seat member is restricted for movement in a plane that includes said implantation axis and said receiver axis; and a securing member engageable to a securing position in said receiver member where said connecting element is secured against said support surface; wherein said proximal saddle portion includes opposite proximally projecting ears and opposite, flat engaging surfaces on an outer surface of said saddle portion extending along said ears, said engaging surfaces contacting an inner surface of said receiver member to restrict said seat member to movement in said plane.