Spinal rod

摘要

A spine or spinal rod has a cross-section defining angled sides that cooperate with a spinal rod opening of a spinal rod holder. In one form, the spine rod has an essentially pentagonal cross-section that thus essentially defines angled sides or side surfaces that interact with the spinal rod holder opening to positively seat the spine rod into the spinal rod holder and prevent spine rod from rotation. In the pentagonal cross-section form, the spine rod has a top or posterior side/side surface, a bottom or anterior side/side surface, a first lateral side/side surface, a second lateral side/side surface, a first angled sub-lateral side/side surface and a second angled sub-lateral side/side surface. The first and second angled sub-lateral sides/side surfaces provide contact with angled sides of the spine rod holder opening. In another form, the spine rod has an essentially V-shaped cross-section that defines sides/side surfaces that interact with the spinal rod holder opening. Preferably, but not necessarily, the spine rod is formed of PEEK. Other bio-compatible materials, however, may be used.

主权项

1. A spinal rod comprising:
an elongated body having a given length and a curvature along the given length such that the elongated body curves in a superior-inferior manner when implanted along a spine, the elongated body being formed of a biocompatible material; the elongated body having a solid cross-section defined by a plurality of sidewalls, the plurality of sidewalls defining an outer periphery of the spinal rod and configured to engage a corresponding slot in a spinal rod holder, the plurality of sidewalls comprising:
a posterior sidewall;a pair of lateral sidewalls extending from opposite ends of the posterior sidewall at substantially right angles and parallel to one another; anda pair of planar sub-lateral sidewalls, each planar sub-lateral sidewall extending relative to one of the lateral sidewalls at an obtuse angle and relative to the other planar sub-lateral sidewall at an acute angle and toward a junction;wherein the junction defines an anterior rounded intersection of the pair of planar sub-lateral sidewalls.