Patent ID: 7722650

Claim:
A variable angle connector for connecting a fastener, having a head and a bone engagement portion, to a spinal rod at variable angular orientations, comprising: a body defining a channel for receiving the spinal rod therein and a threaded bore intersecting the channel; a set screw threadedly engagable within said threaded bore and configured to contact the spinal rod therein to clamp the rod within said channel; a surface of said body defining an engagement face having a post projecting therefrom, the post configured to be engaged by the head of the fastener; means for engaging the head of the fastener to said engagement face; and a bendable portion in said body, said bendable portion carrying a portion of said engagement face, wherein said bendable portion is configured to bend when said set screw clamps the rod within said channel so that said portion of said engagement face is brought into engagement with the head of the fastener.