Screw and rod fixation assembly and device

• US 6,740,086 B2
• Filed: 04/18/2002
• Issued: 05/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Aesculap Incorporated (Sartorius AG)
• Original Assignee: Spinal Innovations, LLC
• Inventors: Richelsoph, Marc
• Primary Examiner(s): Shaver, Kevin
• Assistant Examiner(s): STOKES, CANDICE CAPRI
• Application Number:
  US10/124,945
• Publication Number:
  US 20030199873A1
• Time in Patent Office: 768 Days
• Field of Search: 606/61, 606/73, 606/53, 606/60, 606/65, 606/66, 606/67, 606/72, 606/86, 606/87, 606/103
• US Class Current: 606/60
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7032 Screws or hooks with U-shaped head or back through which longitudinal rods pass
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7037 wherein pivoting is blocked when the rod is clamped

Abstract

The present invention provides for a screw and rod fixation assembly for fixing a screw and, optionally, a rod. The screw and rod fixation assembly includes a screw, fixing mechanism, a substantially annular ring, rod seating mechanism, and locking mechanism. The present invention also provides for a fixing mechanism for fixing a screw, wherein the fixing mechanism further includes an inner surface wall having a gripping portion and a non-gripping portion. Further, the present invention provides for a substantially annular ring for guiding and providing mechanical and frictional force to a screw head. Additionally, the present invention provides for a rod seating mechanism operatively engaged to the screw head and including at least one flexible portion capable of being compressed against a portion of a rod therein. Finally, the present invention provides for a locking mechanism for engaging the rod and the rod seating mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a deflecting mechanism for deflecting the at least one flexible portion of the rod seating mechanism against and around the rod as the locking mechanism further engages the at least one flexible portion of the rod seating mechanism.

Claims

1. A rod receiving device comprising rod seating means for seating a rod therein including at least one flexible portion capable of being compressed against a rod seated within said rod seating means, wherein said flexible portion has a tapered outer surface end and said tapered outer surface end has at least one tab extension radially extending from said tapered surface for engaging and locking into at least one aperture situated on a substantially tubular body.

2. A screw and rod fixation assembly comprising:

fixing means for fixing a screw, said fixing means including an inner surface wall having a gripping portion and a non-gripping portion, and at least one aperture extending through said inner surface wall; and

rod seating means operatively engaged to said fixing means for seating a rod therein including at least one flexible portion capable of being compressed against a rod seated within said rod seating means, wherein said flexible portion has a tapered outer surface and at least one tab means radially extending from said tapered outer surface for operatively engaging and inserting into said at least one aperture of said inner surface wall.

3. A screw fixation assembly for fixing a screw and a rod comprising:

fixing means for fixing a screw, said fixing means including an inner surface wall having a gripping portion and a non-gripping portion and at least one indentation thereon; and

plug securing means engaged on a portion of a rod for securing the rod within said fixing means, said plug means including extension tabs means for engaging said at least one indentation of said inner surface wall.