Spinal column retainer

Details Spinal column retainer Spinal column retainer

1999-08-16

2001-05-15

Hirsch, Paul J. (Department: 3732)

Surgery

Instruments

Orthopedic instrumentation

Reexamination Certificate

active

06231575

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for retaining portions of a spinal column, such as vertebrae, in a desired spatial relationship. Specifically, the present invention relates to retainers of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,255, issued Apr. 21, 1998, and in the prior art references cited therein, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus for retaining portions of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship. The apparatus generally includes a threaded fastener which engages a portion of the spinal column and a longitudinal member or rod which is positioned along the spinal column at a location offset from the fastener. An angular member is connected between the fastener and the rod and extends for a first distance in a direction away from the rod and for a second distance in a direction at an angle relative to the first direction.
A retainer assembly is connected to the rod and the angular member and retains the rod and angular member against movement relative to the retainer assembly. The retainer assembly includes a retainer block into which the rod and the angular member extend. The retainer assembly is effective to hold the rod and the angular member against movement relative to the block due to force transmitted between the rod and the angular member. In one embodiment of the invention, the above-described force is transmitted between the rod and the angular member by pressing them against one another using an engagement member which, in one embodiment is a set screw.
The angular member may be provided with retaining surfaces which are engaged by mating surfaces on the block. The retaining surfaces and the mating surfaces cooperate to prevent rotational movement of the angular member about a central axis extending through the end portion of the angular member held by the block. The angular member may be formed to bend at a right angle between the block and the fastener. In one embodiment of the invention, a section of the angular member extends in a first direction parallel to the rod when the retaining surfaces and mating surfaces are engaged. In an alternate embodiment, a section of the angular member extends in a direction opposite the first direction when the retaining surfaces and mating surfaces are engaged.


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