LOCKING POLYAXIAL BALL AND SOCKET FASTENER

摘要

A polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end and a spherical connector on the other end. A substantially U shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle that operates as a socket for housing an upper retainer ring and a lower split retaining ring. The socket is receptive to the spherical connector which is inserted through the lower split retainer ring causing a momentary displacement thereof which allows for the positioning of the spherical connector between the upper and lower retainer rings. A resilient component positioned between the upper retainer ring and the connecting assembly permits relative predetermined placement and retention of the spherical connector relative to the connector assembly due to the force generated by the resilient component and frictional engagement between the surfaces of spherical connector, the upper and lower retainer rings and the connector assembly.