APPARAT ZUR STABILISIERUNG DER WIRBELSÄULE

摘要

The invention relates to implantable spinal stabilization systems for surgical treatment of spinal disorders. More specifically the invention concerns an apparatus for connecting cylindrical spinal rods of a spinal stabilization system to one another across the spinous process. The apparatus comprises a first body member having first and second end portions. The first end portion defines a rod clamp for engaging a first spinal rod. The second end portion defines an axial bore, said bore having a radially compressible opening. The apparatus further comprises a second body member having first and second end portions. The first end portion defines a rod clamp for engaging a second spinal rod, the second end portion defines an axial shaft dimensioned and configured for reception within the axial bore of the first body member. Further, an annular locking collet is operatively associated with the second end portion of the first body member. The collet is mounted for movement between a first position wherein the annular collar is spaced from the radially compressible opening of the bore and a second position wherein the annular collar surrounds and compresses the radially compressible opening of the bore. The compression of the opening of the bore secures the position of the axial shaft of the second body member within the axial bore of the first body member. An adjustable low-profile rigid linkage is achieved between the spinal rods.