Importance

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Abstract

One embodiment of a spinal fixation system including a pair of longitudinal members 11, 12 positionable adjacent the spine, means for engaging longitudinal members to the spine 13, 14, a pair of wedge members 241 each having a bearing surface 242 configured to bear on a longitudinal member 11, 12, and a connector 200 configured to span a distance between the longitudinal members 11, 12. The connector 200 includes a pair of engaging members 205, 212 each having a fixation portion 207, 214 and a connecting portion 209, 216, and a bridge members 202 attachable to the connecting portions 209, 216. The engaging members 205, 212 each define a thru-hole 225 for receiving one of the wedge members 241. The thru-holes 225 are aligned so that when one of the wedge members 241 is advanced through the thru-hole 225, the bearing surface 242 will bear on a corresponding longitudinal member 11, 12 to force the longitudinal member 11, 12 into contact with the fixation surface 220, 221 and engage the longitudinal member 11, 12 to the connector 200. In a specific embodiment, the bridge member 200 defines a slot 203 and a fastener bore 227 having an axis D' intersecting the slot 203. In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 216 is insertable into the slot 203 to intersect the axis D' of the bone 227, whereby a fastener 230 received in the bore 227 will clamp the second connecting portion 216 to the bridge member 202.

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First Claim