Patent ID: 8562651

Claim:
A terminal anchor apparatus for stabilizing a spinal system, the apparatus comprising: an anchor element adapted to be inserted into a bone structure, the anchor element having a distal end and a proximal end, the anchor element defining a reservoir adapted to contain a bone-growth promoting material, the anchor element defining at least one aperture therein such that the reservoir is in fluid communication with the bone structure via the at least one aperture, the anchor element having a longitudinal axis and a first outer diameter extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis; a post element extending from the proximal end of the anchor element, the post element including a ball at a proximal end thereof, wherein the post element is tiltable relative to the longitudinal axis of the anchor element; and a rod-connecting element operably engaged with the post element and having an inner surface defining a cavity configured for movable disposal of the ball such that the rod-connecting element is rotatable and tiltable about the ball, the rod-connecting element comprising a rod receiver positioned proximal of a proximal face of the anchor element, the rod-connecting element being adapted to extend outward from the bone structure, the rod-connecting element having a second outer diameter, the rod-connecting element configured for operably engaging at least a portion of a rod when the rod extends within a vicinity of the spinal system and the bone structure; wherein the first outer diameter of the anchor element is larger than the second outer diameter of the rod-connecting element.