COUPLING ASSEMBLIES FOR SPINAL IMPLANTS

摘要

The forces exerted on a spinal implant (60) by one or more coupling assemblies (10, 110) are controlled to facilitate the use of the implant in spinal stabilization and other procedures. The coupling assemblies are structured to distribute the forces exerted on the implant while engaging the implant to the coupling assembly and providing at least one of a rigid, semi-rigid or variable engagement of the coupling assembly with one or more anatomical structures of the spinal column. The coupling assembly comprises an anchor member (12, 112) , a receiver member (20) receiving the implant, a seat member (30, 130) positioned between the implant and the anchor member and having an implant support surface (34) , and a securing member (40) with an implant engaging surface (54). The implant engaging surface is maintained in aligned relationship with the implant support surface.