AN APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING A LONGITUDINAL MEMBER TO A BONE PORTION

摘要

An apparatus (10) includes a fastener (16) engageable with a bone portion to connect a longitudinal member (12) to the bone portion. A housing (40) has a first passage (42) configured to receive the longitudinal member and a second passage (44) extending transverse to the first passage. The fastener extends through an opening (50) in the housing into the second passage. A longitudinal axis (18) of the fastener is positionable in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to a longitudinal axis (46) of the second passage. A spacer (60) received in the second passage of the housing is engageable with the fastener and the longitudinal member. A positioning member (70) applies a force to prevent relative movement between the fastener and the housing and permit manual movement of the fastener relative to the housing against the force when the longitudinal member is disengaged from the spacer. A clamping mechanism (90) clamps the longitudinal member, the spacer, and the housing to the fastener to prevent movement of the fastener relative to the housing.