초록 ▼

A lateral connector assembly for connecting a bone engaging fastener to an elongated member, such as a spinal rod includes a lateral connector having an elongated opening for receiving a portion of the bone engaging fastener therethrough. The lateral connector includes a plate portion and an integra

A lateral connector assembly for connecting a bone engaging fastener to an elongated member, such as a spinal rod includes a lateral connector having an elongated opening for receiving a portion of the bone engaging fastener therethrough. The lateral connector includes a plate portion and an integral yoke portion, which yoke portion is attached to the elongated member by way of a clamp. The lateral connector assembly can include variable angle means between the clamp and the yoke portion of the lateral connector that permits rotation of the lateral connector about an axis projecting outward from the spinal rod. The plate portion and the yoke portion of the lateral connector are oriented at non-perpendicular angles, preferably an angle greater than 100 degrees. In a further embodiment the plate portion of the lateral connector is curved so that as the bone engaging fastener slides along the elongated opening, it assumes variable angular orientations relative to the lateral connector assembly and the elongated rod.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A lateral connector assembly for connecting a bone engaging fastener to an elongated member comprising:a lateral connector having a plate portion and an integral yoke portion, said plate portion defining an elongated opening having a longitudinal axis, said opening configure

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A lateral connector assembly for connecting a bone engaging fastener to an elongated member comprising:a lateral connector having a plate portion and an integral yoke portion, said plate portion defining an elongated opening having a longitudinal axis, said opening configured to receive the bone engaging fastener therethrough at variable positions along said longitudinal axis;a clamp having means for clamping to the elongated member; andmeans between said yoke portion of said lateral connector and said clamp for engaging said lateral connector to said clamp at variable angular orientations therebetween, wherein said clamp includes a body defining a channel therethrough sized to receive the elongated member therein and a hub projecting from said body and terminating in an enlarged portion, and said yoke portion defines a hub opening sized to receive said hub therethrough and having a width dimension less than a dimension of said enlarged portion of said hub.