Importance

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Abstract

A polyaxial colletted locking mechanism for use with orthopedic apparatus includes a screw, hook, or other orthopaedic implant element having a curvate head and a coupling element. The coupling element has a tapered and colletted portion having an interior chamber in which the curvate head is initially polyaxially disposed. A locking collar is disposed around the tapered and colletted portion such that translation thereof in the direction of the expanding taper causes the interior volume to contract onto the curvate head and lock it therein. The coupling element generally also includes a rod receiving recess in either the side or top thereof for for receiving a rod of the total implant apparatus. The locking collar may be caused to translate into its locking position by a mutual threading on the tapered portion and the collar, or by pressure applied to it by a separate element which locks the rod in the channel.

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First Claim