Patent ID: 7195632

Claim:
A connecting element for connecting two rod-shaped elements capable of use for bone or vertebra stabilization, the connecting element comprising: a first part connectable to a first rod-shaped element; a second part connectable to a second rod-shaped element; and a connecting part comprising: a connecting axis, a first section, a second section, and a securing device that prevents relative twisting between the first section and the second section; the first section being displaceable relative to the second section, the first section and the second section being connected in such a way that the length of the connecting part is adjustable in a direction of the connecting axis, wherein the first section comprises a substantially pin-shaped first shank part, the second section comprises a cylindrical shank part having an open end, an axial bore hole for receiving the first shank part, and longitudinal slots extending inward from the open end forming tongues, and the connecting element further comprises a tensioning nut for fixing the first section relative to the second section; wherein the tongues clamp the first shank part by the action of the tensioning nut, and wherein the first shank part has a bore perpendicular to the connecting axis and the securing comprises a securing pin which extends through at least one of the longitudinal slots and through the bore in the first shank part.