Patent ID: 7896905

Claim:
A method for connecting a connection assembly for a spinal implant, comprising the steps of: (a) providing first and second connectors, each connector having a longitudinal center line; (b) providing a connection assembly, the connection assembly comprising a body, the body including a body opening for receiving at least a portion of a first connector; a swivel having first and second ends and being operatively connected to the body, the first end including a swivel opening for receiving at least a portion of a second connector; a locking plate having an arm at least partially extending into the body opening; a locking unit operatively connected to the body and contacting the second end of the swivel; and whereby activation of the locking unit causes the arm to engage the first connector and swivel opening to lock the second connector thereby preventing relative rotation between the first and second connectors; (c) positioning the body opening over a desired portion of the first connector; (d) positioning the swivel opening over a desired portion of the second connector, wherein the longitudinal centerline of the first connector is in a skewed position relative to the longitudinal centerline of the second connector; and (e) activating the locking unit.