Patent ID: 7717938

Claim:
An implantable spinal cross connector, comprising: an elongate body having a central portion and opposed first and second ends; first and second rod-receiving recesses formed adjacent to the first and second opposed ends of the elongate body; first and second separate rod-engaging members independently linearly slidably disposed within the elongate body; and a locking mechanism adapted to be received within the central portion of the elongate body and effective to apply a force to the first and second rod-engaging members to cause the first and second rod-engaging members to slide linearly to lock a spinal fixation rod within each rod-receiving recess; wherein the central portion includes a central bore formed therein and adapted to receive the locking mechanism; wherein the locking mechanism includes a proximal portion that is adapted to engage a proximal portion of the central bore in the elongate body, and a distal shaft extending distally from the proximal portion and adapted to apply a force to the at least one rod-engaging member; wherein the central bore includes threads formed therein for mating with corresponding threads formed on the proximal portion of the locking mechanism; wherein threads formed in the central bore and threads formed on the proximal portion of the locking mechanism are sized to allow minor motion of the locking mechanism within the central bore.