초록 ▼

An apparatus and method is provided to maintain vertebrae in a desired relationship. The apparatus includes a rod, a plurality of clamps, and a plurality of fastener assemblies. The method involves inserting threaded members into openings in a displaced vertebra and at least one vertebra on each sid

An apparatus and method is provided to maintain vertebrae in a desired relationship. The apparatus includes a rod, a plurality of clamps, and a plurality of fastener assemblies. The method involves inserting threaded members into openings in a displaced vertebra and at least one vertebra on each side of the displaced vertebra. A clamp is placed on each fastener. The rod is bent to correspond to a desired spinal curvature and inserted into the clamps. A nut is tightened on each threaded member to hold the clamp to each vertebra and to press the clamp against the rod to hold the rod against axial and rotational movement.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for maintaining vertebrae in a desired relationship, said apparatus comprising: a rod, said rod being deformable to a configuration which is a function of a desired curvature of a spine, said rod having a sufficient length and rigidity to maintain at least three adjacent vertebra in the

An apparatus for maintaining vertebrae in a desired relationship, said apparatus comprising: a rod, said rod being deformable to a configuration which is a function of a desired curvature of a spine, said rod having a sufficient length and rigidity to maintain at least three adjacent vertebra in the desired relationship; clamp means for gripping a portion of said rod, said clamp means having a clamp portion which includes inner surfaces which circumscribe said rod, said clamp means also having a base portion projecting outwardly from one side of said clamp portion, said base portion includes surface means defining an opening which is offset to one side of said rod; and fastener means for securing said clamp means to a vertebra and for pressing said inner surfaces of said clamp means against an outer side surface of said rod to hold said rod against axial and rotational movement relative to said clamp means, said fastener means including an externally threaded member extending through the opening in said base portion and having a central axis extending transversely to a central axis of said rod, said externally threaded member including first thread means for engaging a vertebra disposed on a first side of said clamp means, second thread means extending outwardly of a second side of said clamp means, and internally threaded means for engaging said second thread means and applying force against said clamp means to press said clamp means against the vertebra engaged by said first thread means.