Patent ID: 7160301

Claim:
A variable transverse connector system for rigidly joining together first and second spinal rods at a desired spatial orientation comprising: first and second elongated members with each member defining a longitudinal axis, a proximal and distal end, the distal end of the first member having a locking screw receiving threaded bore extending there through; means for securing the proximal ends of the first and second elongated members to a respective spinal rod, a coupler adapted to be mounted on the distal end of the first member for limited pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first member, the coupler having an upper section arranged to fit over the distal end of the first member with a cylindrical opening aligned with the threaded bore in the distal end of the first member, and a lower section defining an internal curved surface for receiving the distal end of the second member to accommodate movement of the second member along and rotation about its longitudinal axis relative to the first member; and a locking screw adapted to be inserted into the locking screw receiving bore for engagement with the distal end of the second member to lock the first and second members together whereby the spinal rods are joined together at the desired spatial orientation.