Importance

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Abstract

A lamina hook is provided having a rod receiving body portion of variable length. Selected embodiments include a polyaxial coupling element for angulating the body portion. In each embodiment, the blade portion has a cylindrical recess and the body includes a shaft portion which is slideably mounted therein. The top of the cylindrical recess is slotted, threaded and tapered for receiving thereon a tightening nut; the tightening thereof being used to crush lock the shaft in the recess. In a first embodiment, the upper portion of the body includes a side loading rod receiving channel. The rod is locked within the channel by means of a sleeve and top locking nut. In a second embodiment, the shaft has a semi-spherical head on which a separate coupling element, having a lower, an intermediate, and an upper portion, is mounted. The lower portion has a slotted exterior taper and a semi-spherical interior chamber in which the head is initially polyaxially disposed. The intermediate portion has the side rod receiving channel. The top portion has a threading for receiving a top locking nut. A locking ring is disposed about the coupling element, at the top thereof, being initially positioned above the lower ledge of the recess such that the rod seats against it. As in the first embodiment, a sleeve and locking nut lock the rod in the recess; the process of doing which causes the locking ring to descend, crush locking the head in the interior chamber.

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First Claim