Patent ID: 8864799

Claim:
A rod connector for a transverse connection of two vertebral column rods, the rod connector comprising: first and second clamps each for partially enclosing and securing a respective vertebral column rod in an assembly state thereof, each said clamp including a main support with a stationary clamping jaw and a spring jaw mounted resiliently on said main support; a transverse bridge for fixing said clamps relative to each other, said transverse bridge including a first branch mounted on said first clamp, a second branch mounted on said second clamp, and a connection part connecting said first and second branches; a spring mechanism for each said clamp, said spring mechanism having a spring force with a value that is low enough to enable said clamp to be snapped manually onto the vertebral column rod, to be displaced thereon in the assembly state, and to be released therefrom; and a fixing mechanism for each said clamp, said fixing mechanism being capable of actuation independently of said spring mechanism and having a holding force high enough to solidly fix said clamp on the vertebral column rod in the assembly state, said fixing mechanism having a fixing element preventing a pivot-opening of said clamp, said fixing element being a threaded pin screwed into said clamp for pressing on a side of said spring jaw facing away from said stationary clamp jaw and pressing said vertebral column rod against said stationary jaw for finally fixing said vertebral column rod.