Adjustable-angle spinal fixation element

摘要

A spinal fixation device is provided having first and second elongate members that are angularly adjustable relative to one another. Each elongate member can include a connecting feature formed on a terminal end thereof, and each connecting feature can be coupled to one another to allow angular movement of the first and second elongate members. The device can also include a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the connecting feature on each of the first and second elongate members to lock the elongate members in a fixed position relative to one another.

主权项

1. A spinal fixation method, comprising:
coupling a first anchor to a first bone; coupling a second anchor to a second bone; coupling a first elongate member to the first anchor, the first elongate member having a female connecting feature that is coupled to a male connecting feature of a second elongate member such that the second elongate member is movably coupled to the first elongate member, the female connecting feature having opposed arms between which the male connecting feature is received; adjusting an angular position of the second elongate member relative to the first elongate member by pivoting at least one of the first and second elongate members about a pin extending through the male and female connecting features; coupling the second elongate member to the second anchor; and engaging a threaded locking screw with the male connecting feature to lock the first and second elongate members in a fixed position relative to one another; wherein one of the first bone and the second bone is an occipital bone and the other of the first bone and the second bone is a vertebra.