Patent ID: 7276069

Claim:
A connecting element for connecting two rod-like elements capable of use for bone or vertebra stabilization, the connecting element comprising: a rod-shaped connecting portion having a first end and an opposing second end, each of the first and second ends having an end piece attached thereto for engaging one of the two rod-like elements, at least a first end piece being structured and arranged to allow polyaxial orientation between a rod-like element engaged thereby and the connecting portion, wherein each piece has two arms that are threaded, the two arms having free ends and defining a U-shaped channel to receive a rod-like element, and a nut or screw interacting with the threaded arms for fixing the rod-like element in the channel; wherein the first end and the second end of the rod-shaped connecting portion extend from the end pieces, respectively, at an end opposite to the free ends of the arms.