Patent ID: 8460342

Claim:
A spinal cross-connector for connection between adjacent first and second rods, the spinal cross-connector comprising: a first coupling member including a bar extending from a first body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a first c-shaped arm; a bearing surface extending the length of the bar from a location proximate to the aperture to an end thereof; a second coupling member including a rack extending from a second body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a second c-shaped arm; the rack being superposed in a selectively adjustable overlapping mechanical engagement with the bearing surface; the first c-shaped arm including an arcuate extension extending substantially parallel to the bar to define a gripping pocket; and a set screw selectively advanceable through the first body portion, the set screw including a conical profile extending substantially perpendicular to the arcuate extension, the advance of the set screw operable to urge the first rod into pressing contact with the gripping pocket to secure the rod therein.