Connection System Between a Spinal Rod and a Transverse Bar

Abstract

A system for connecting a spinal osteosynthesis rod and a crossbar include a passage for receiving the crossbar and hinge mounted jaws for clamping the rod. A locking device biases the crossbar against the jaws. A return spring pulls the jaws relatively close to one another independently of the crossbar such that the jaws may clamp the osteosynthesis rod to ensure a stable mounting of the connection system to the osteosynthesis rod.

1 .- 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . An intervertebral connection system for use in conjunction with first and second osteosynthesis rods extending on either side of the vertebrae for stabilizing the spine of a patient, comprising:
 a) a crossbar;   b) a first connecting device comprising
 a support having a first channel in which the crossbar is received; 
 opposing jaws hingedly mounted to the support for receiving the first osteosynthesis rod therebetween, each jaw including a clamping surface constructed and arranged for clamping the first osteosynthesis rod, and a supporting surface arranged for supporting the crossbar within the first channel in a direction transverse to the first osteosynthesis rod, and 
 a locking device operable with the support for biasing the crossbar against the supporting surface of the jaws for clamping the first osteosynthesis rod therewith; and 
   c) a second connecting device comprising
 a support having a second channel in which the crossbar is received; 
 opposing jaws hingedly mounted to the support for receiving the second osteosynthesis rod therebetween, each jaw including a clamping surface constructed and arranged for clamping the second osteosynthesis rod, and a supporting surface arranged for supporting the crossbar within the channel in a direction transverse to the second osteosynthesis rod, and 
 a locking device operable with the support for biasing the crossbar against the supporting surface of the jaws for clamping the second osteosynthesis rod. 
   
     
     
         11 . A system according to  claim 10 , wherein:
 said first connecting device includes a return spring mounted so as to bias the jaws closer to one another independently of the crossbar such that the jaws of the first connecting device clamp the first osteosynthesis rod for ensuring a stable mounting of the connection system onto the first osteosynthesis rod, and   said second connecting device includes a return spring mounted so as to bias the jaws closer to one another independently of the crossbar, wherein the jaws of the second connecting device clamp the second osteosynthesis rod for ensuring a stable mounting of the connection system onto the osteosynthesis rod.   
     
     
         12 . A system according to  claim 10 , wherein:
 said opposing jaws of said first connecting device are hingedly mounted to the support at a common hinge pin.   
     
     
         13 . A system according to  claim 12 , wherein:
 a return spring for the jaws is engaged onto the hinge pin while lodged in a notch formed in the jaws.   
     
     
         14 . A system according to  claim 10 , wherein:
 the jaws are symmetrical, each one presenting a tightening surface with an opposing action on the osteosynthesis rod and enabling the jaws to be mounted on a plurality of osteosynthesis rods of different diameters.   
     
     
         15 . A system according to  claim 10 , wherein:
 the clamping surface of the jaws each having a bearing surface with differing cross-sections.   
     
     
         16 . A system according to  claim 12 , wherein:
 the hinge pin is carried by the support such that the channel forms a passage therethrough for the crossbar, the support being equipped with the locking device that extends in to the passage.   
     
     
         17 . A system according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 the passage extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the hinge pin, and has a widthwise dimension greater than a widthwise dimension of the crossbar thereby permitting angular clearance for the crossbar.   
     
     
         18 . A system according to  claim 10 , further comprising:
 stops operable with the jaws for limiting a space therebetween.   
     
     
         19 . A system according to  claim 10 , wherein:
 the first and second channel each having a rectangular cross-section taken in direction extending transverse to a longitudinal axis of the crossbar.   
     
     
         20 . A system according to  claim 10 , wherein:
 said crossbar has a substantially rectangular cross-section taken in direction extending transverse to a longitudinal axis of the crossbar.