Patent ID: 8414617

Claim:
A cross-connector assembly for interconnecting a pair of orthopedic rods, said assembly comprising: an interconnection element including a first body having a first aperture formed therethrough and a stud extending from said first body in a direction orthogonal to said first aperture; a first rod connector including a first shaft terminating in a first rod engaging portion; a second rod connector including a second shaft terminating in a second rod engaging portion and having a second aperture formed therein with said stud of said interconnection element received within said second aperture; and a fastener configured to engage said stud to secure said first rod connector in position relative to said second rod connector; and wherein said interconnection element includes a pair of external flanges extending outwardly away from said stud, said second body of said second rod connector including a pair of internal flanges extending inwardly into said second aperture, wherein said external flanges of said interconnection element allow said internal flanges of said second body to pass through gaps between said external flanges during assembly, and wherein upon rotation of said second body said external flanges of said interconnection element engage said internal flanges of said second body to retain said second rod connector in engagement with said interconnection element.