Importance

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Abstract

A spinal stabilization rod fastener is comprised of a U-shaped bracket with a slot for receiving a spinal stabilization rod. A cavity is arranged on an interior of each arm. Inverted trapezoidal shaped lips are respectively attached to outer edges of the cavities adjacent an outer end of the slot, and directed towards an inner end of the slot. An oval bridge is arranged to be connected across the arms inside the cavities. Arcuate rims are provided on an upper surface of the bridge at the longitudinal ends. The bridge is installed by aligning it longitudinally with the slot, positioning it between the cavities, and rotating it to position its longitudinal ends in the cavities and its rims behind the lips. Rectangular slots on opposite sides of the circumference of the screw hole of the bridge allows use a flat screw driver or a suitably shaped driving tool for rotational insertion of the bridge. Modifications such as elevated portions of the arcuate rims with edges, lock against corresponding edges on the upper lips of the cavities, may allow controlled rotation of the bridge to only 90 degrees. The thickness of the bridge can be further reduced by removing a thickness equivalent to the whole thickness of the unthreaded portion of the receiving or set screw hole.

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First Claim