×

Anterior cervical plate and fixation system

DC
  • US 6,626,907 B2
  • Filed: 03/09/2001
  • Issued: 09/30/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/19/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An apparatus for fixing a body insertable member to bony material, including:

  • a biocompatible structural member having an exterior surface that includes a first surface region adapted for surface engagement with a bony material when the structural member is secured to the bony material, and a second surface region opposite the first surface region;

    a fastener comprising an elongate shank extending in a longitudinal direction and having a transverse shank diameter, and further including a head having a head dimension larger than the shank diameter;

    the structural member further having an interior wall extending between the first and second surface regions and defining an aperture through the structural member, including a constriction proximate the first surface region selectively sized with respect to the fastener to allow passage of the shank through the aperture and constriction while preventing such passage of the head to position the head within the aperture, said constriction further being of sufficient size to allow pivoting of the fastener with respect to the structural member about at least one transverse axis, thereby to allow the selection of a penetration angle at which the shank is inserted into the bony material to secure the structural member; and

    a head retaining feature disposed near aperture and proximate the second surface region and adapted to cooperate with the constriction to maintain the head within the aperture said head retaining feature and structural member being of a single piece construction.

View all claims
  • 9 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×