Patent ID: 8777996

Claim:
A method for stabilizing the spine, comprising: creating an access path to the posterior portion of the spine; positioning a first and second elongate rod longitudinally on opposing portions of the spine; positioning a cross connector system comprising: a third elongate rod, connecting the first and second elongated rods; a one-piece connecting body comprising a first elongated portion having first and second ends, a second elongated portion having first and second ends, the second end of the first elongated portion and the first end of the second elongated portion are integrally formed with each other to form an L-shaped body, wherein the first end of the first portion comprises a receptacle facing outwards towards the first rod and away from the second rod and the second end of the second elongated portion comprises a clamp, the clamp comprises an upper clamp portion and a lower clamp portion and an opening therebetween; a first set screw selectively positioned to securely hold the connecting body to the first rod; a second set screw selectively positioned to securely hold the connecting body to the third rod, wherein the second set screw is located at the second end of the second elongated portion and the first set screw is located at the first end of the first elongated portion such that from a top view of the cross connector system, the second set screw is offset both vertically and horizontally from the first set screw, and wherein the connecting body is disposed substantially between the first and second elongate rods; wherein the clamp allows the connecting body to slidingly engage with the third rod; wherein a fastener causes the clamp to be clamped around the third rod, thereby locking the third rod relative to the connecting body, wherein the third rod is configured and designed with frusto-conical tips, puncturing an interspinous ligament with the frusto-conical tips of the third rod, wherein the interspinous ligament is punctured in a direction that is transverse to the first and second elongate rods; positioning the third rod within the connecting body of the cross connector system; and securing the first, second and third rods stabilizing the spine.