Importance

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Abstract

A polyaxial orthopedic device for use with rod implant apparatus includes a screw having a curvate head and a generally hollow coupling element. The coupling element includes an interior axial passage having an interior surface which is inwardly curvate at the lower portion thereof such that it comprises a socket for polyaxially retaining the curvate head of the screw. The coupling element further includes a pair of vertically oriented opposing channels extending down from the top of the coupling element, which define therebetween a rod receiving locus. The channel further divides the walls of the upper portion into a pair of upwardly extending members, each including an exterior threading disposed on the upper most portion for receiving a locking nut. During implantation of the assembly, the locking nut seats against the top of the rod, which in turn seats on the top of the screw head. Downward translation of the nut causes the rod to be locked between the nut and the screw and the screw to be locked in the socket. A preferred variation of the invention includes tapered upwardly extending members which deflect inward to additionally lock the rod from the sides.

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First Claim