ALIGNING CROSS-CONNECTOR

Abstract

There is disclosed at least one adjustable cross connector comprising two curved members which couple to each other in a slideable fashion, wherein the free ends are adapted to couple with a rod or another member of a spine stabilization system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Detailed Description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a system incorporating a cross-connector and a pair of dynamic stabilization systems;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of one possible embodiment of a cross-connector which may be used in conjunction with a dynamic stabilization system;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a first elongated member of the cross-connector shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is top view of the cross-connector illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of an alignment device attached to a cross-connector and dynamic stabilization system;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of an adapter which may be used with a cross-connector and an alignment rod;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adapter which may be used with a cross-connector and an alignment rod;

FIG. 5A is a an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a cross-connector;

FIG. 5B is a top view of the cross-connector illustrated in FIG. 5A.

Claims

1. A system for dynamic stabilization of the spine comprising: at least two pairs of opposing bone anchors, each bone anchor comprising a distal vertebral anchoring portion and a proximal cylindrical head having two longitudinal slots together defining two branches, the cylindrical head having an internal screw thread;a first and second opposing dynamic braces, each dynamic brace having a proximal section and a distal static section coupled within the cylindrical head and a dynamic portion positioned between the proximal and the distal static sections;at least one cross connector comprising, a first member having an elongated portion and a distal gripping portion coupled to the first dynamic brace, the elongated portion having a concave top section having a first radius of curvature along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the first member, a convex bottom section having a first radius of curvature along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the first member, an elongated aperture extending into the top section and of the first member,a second member having a distal gripping portion coupled the second dynamic brace and an elongated portion temporarily pivotably and slidingly mated to the elongated portion of the first member, the elongated portion having a concave top section with a first radius of curvature along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the second member, a convex bottom section having a first radius of curvature along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the second member, an elongated recess extending partially through the top section of the second member and an elongated aperture located within the recess that extends through the bottom section of the second member,a locking member positioned within the elongated recess and extending through both the elongated aperture of the first member and the elongated aperture of the second member.