Patent ID: 8221470

Claim:
A fastener assembly for a spinal fixation system, the spinal fixation system including a longitudinal member that is positionable along a spinal column, the fastener assembly comprising: a fastener including a central axis, a proximal end, a distal end, a lower portion configured to contact a bone, and an upper portion having first and second upper legs, first and second lower legs, a first channel defined by the first upper leg and the first lower leg, and a second channel defined by the second upper leg and the second lower leg, the first and second channels being disposed on opposite sides of the central axis, wherein the first and second lower legs extend further radially outward with respect to the central axis than the first and second upper legs such that the first and second lower legs define first and second seats respectively; and an attachment member positionable on the fastener such that the attachment member at least partially covers the first channel, the attachment member including a slot and a protrusion on an opposite side of the central axis from the slot, wherein the first channel and the slot are each configured to retain a portion of the longitudinal member when the attachment member is positioned on the fastener, and the protrusion is configured to engage the second seat when the attachment member is positioned on the fastener.