Importance

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Abstract

A method and an assembly for reducing a displaced vertebra and connecting the displaced vertebra to a spinal implant rod. The assembly has a reduction bolt with machine threads on one end and coarse threads on the other. A connection unit attaches the spinal rod to the reduction bolt, and until it is tightened, the connection unit allows the reduction bolt to slide within the connection unit. The connection unit includes a washer that rides against the side of the reduction bolt, and a nut is threaded onto the machine threads of the reduction bolt over a collar. The collar open is open at both ends and is of a size to readily slide over the reduction bolt. The posterior face of the collar has a notch to accept that portion of the lateral side of the washer as it presses against the reduction bolt. The notch is part of the open end of the collar into which is slide over the reduction bolt and down onto the connection unit. Arranged in this fashion, the nut can be tightened against the collar to move the displaced vertebra toward the longitudinal member. The third clamp can be tightened to secure the reduction bolt to the longitudinal member, and then the nut and the collar can be removed from the patient without the vertebra moving away from the longitudinal member.

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First Claim