Rod connector for attaching a bone anchor to a support rod and implantation instrument therefor

摘要

A rod connector (1) is provided for use in attaching a bone anchor (5) to a support rod (3). The connector (1) comprises a first portion (2) defining a clamping means (6) with an aperture (7) in which the support rod (3) can be located, and a second portion (4) defining a first bore (9) in which a stem of the anchor (5) can be inserted. The connector (1) also comprises a means (12) defining a pivot axis (14) enabling it to be connected to an implantation instrument (11) and orientated in a first position wherein the clamping means (6) can be located around a support rod (3) and then rotated around the rod (3) into a second position relative thereto wherein said bone anchor (5) can be inserted into the bore (9) and then secured to an adjacent bone. In addition, the connector defines first and second retaining means (15, 16) enabling it to be retained by the instrument (11) respectively in said first position and in its second position.