Patent ID: 7011659

Claim:
A spinal alignment system including: a connector adapted to engage a vertebra of a human spinal column, the connector comprising: a base having a channel; a hook extending from the base; a guide aperture extending through one of the base member and the hook member; and a locking portion being located in another one of the base member and the hook member, the locking portion being coaxial with the guide aperture; a bone fastener including a head and a shaft extending from the head, the guide aperture cooperating with the shaft to guide the bone fastener through the vertebra in alignment with the locking portion when the bone fastener is inserted into the guide aperture, and the locking portion engaging the shaft when the bone fastener is inserted into the vertebra; a fixation rod; and a rod locking fastener cooperating with the channel to secure the fixation rod to the connector when the fixation rod is received in the channel and the rod locking fastener is engaged with the channel.