Spinal cross connectors

摘要

Various methods and devices are provided for connecting spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, implanted in a patient's spinal column. In particular, various spinal cross connectors are provided for connecting to one or more spinal fixation elements implanted in a patient's spine. The cross connectors can have a variety of configurations, including a fixed or adjustable length, as well as various features that allow certain portions of the cross connectors to be angularly oriented.

主权项

1. A spinal cross connector, comprising:
an elongate body having opposed first and second ends and opposed top and bottom surfaces; first and second recesses formed in the bottom surface adjacent to the first and second ends of the elongate body, the first and second recesses being oriented to enable the elongate body to be simultaneously top-loaded onto first and second spinal fixation elements; and first and second bores formed in the top surface of the elongate body and effective to receive first and second locking mechanisms for locking first and second spinal fixation elements within the first and second recesses, the first and second bores having longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to one another and that are substantially parallel to an axis of loading the elongate body onto first and second spinal fixation elements; wherein the first and second recesses comprise substantially concave cavities formed in the bottom surface of the elongate body; and wherein each concave cavity has first and second opposed interior sidewalls that are parallel to one another and parallel to the longitudinal axes of the first and second bores in the elongate member.