Importance

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Abstract

A bone fixation device, e.g., a pedicle screw or hook, having a threaded head is secured to a rod by a coupler comprising a pair of elements, one having a bifurcated body with rod receiving bores and a flange with a bore for receiving the threaded head. A second element has a body between the bifurcated body portions hinged to the other element by a pivot pin. A flange with a head receiving bore extends from the second element body juxtaposed and aligned with the other element flange bore. The second element body has a rod receiving bore offset relative to the rod receiving bores of the body portions. A nut screwed to the head clamps the overlying pivoting flanges together clamping the pivoting offset rod bores to the received rod. In a second embodiment, the second element body is a hook. The hook and body portions form offset rod receiving openings pivoting about the received rod and which clamp the rod when the flanges are clamped together via the nut and head. A guide rod screwed to an internal bore of the head of a fixation device secured to a bone to be corrected guides a nut and wrench for attachment of the nut to the head, displacing the bone toward the rod fixed position during tightening.

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First Claim