Patent ID: 7951173

Claim:
A pedicle screw comprising: an anchoring member having a threaded shank and a spherical connector; a connecting assembly defined by a lower connector member secured to an upper connector member, said lower connector member including a spherical seat surface formed therein, said spherical seat surface having a generally circular aperture sized to allow only said threaded shank of said anchoring member to pass through, said aperture having at least one groove formed on said spherical seat surface sized and configured to grip and lock said spherical connector; a retainer ring disposed between said lower connector member and said upper connector member, said retainer ring having a lower spherical surface positionable along an upper surface of said spherical connector, said retainer ring constructed and arranged to limit placement of said anchoring member; and a fastener element securable to said upper connector member for engaging of a connection rod member placed within said upper connector member; wherein when said connecting rod member is placed in said upper connector and said fastener element is secured thereto, the connecting rod member engages said retainer ring and said retainer ring locks said connecting assembly in a fixed position in relation to said anchoring member.