Transverse connector for spinal fixation systems

摘要

A transverse connector is provided that is useful for adding rigidity to a spinal fixation system employing a pair of generally parallel spine rods. The transverse connector includes a body portion with a longitudinal aperture for receiving a shaft of an adjusting arm such that the adjusting arm can slide into and out of the longitudinal aperture. The body and adjusting arm, while being in sliding engagement for adjustment of the length of the transverse connector, are secured to one another by a set screw threaded into a threaded aperture provided on the body portion. The threaded aperture is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal aperture so that the tip of the set screw will form an interference fit against the shaft of the adjusting arm. Each of the body and adjusting arm includes a clamping assembly consisting of a pair of clamp halves which cooperate to grip one of the spine rods. Each pair of clamp halves fastens to a different one of the spine rods. The clamp halves are pressed together to grip the spine rods using a pair of nuts.