Importance

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Abstract

The coupler of this invention includes a two-piece coupler for a spinal rod including a yoke and a coupler body which may be positioned to clamp onto the spinal rod at an angle other than perpendicular relative to the rod. The yoke and body permit the spinal rod to be positioned plus or minus 15 degrees out of true perpendicular relative to the rod without sacrificing clamping strength. This advantage is particularly useful when the couplers are connected to a rod-to-rod interconnecting device to permit the rods to be less than parallel relative to one another. The accommodation of less than parallel rods or the non-perpendicular connection of device to the spinal rods reduces the non-functional exact positioning of the spinal rods during surgery as is required by current couplers. Further, the coupler can be placed from a superior position requiring minimal space without the need for screws to provide fixation to the rod.

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First Claim