SHAPE-MEMORY COUPLING ESPECIALLY FOR SPINAL FIXATOR

摘要

An advanced coupling device (16) using shape-memory technology. The coupling device (16) includes a coupling element (18) defining a longitudinal passage extending therethrough, the passage bounded by a side wall (42) having a first end (42a) and an opposing second end (42b), the side wall (42) defining a first slot (62a) extending from the first end (42a) toward the second end (42b), and a second slot (62b) extending from the second end (42b) toward the first end (42a), and wherein a portion of the second slot (62b) is positioned proximately adjacent and longitudinally overlapping a portion of the first slot (62a). The device (16) further includes at least one compression element (20) at least partially formed of a shape-memory material and being disposed about at least a portion of the coupling element (18). The compression element (20) has a configuration which contracts about the coupling element (18) and compresses the side wall (42) against a member (12) disposed within the passage to limit movement of the member (12) relative to the coupling element (18).