Polyaxial cross connector

Abstract

A device and method for coupling first and second elongate spinal fixation elements. The device includes first and second connector members, for receiving first and second elongate spinal fixation elements respectively. One or both connector members may include an engagement portion configured and dimensioned to provisionally receive an elongate fixation element with an interference fit. First and second connector members are coupled to a translation member, the translation member operatively associated with at least one connector member to provide for polyaxial movement. At least one locking member is provided to secure a received elongate spinal fixation element in the engagement portion and lock polyaxial movement of the at least one connector member. The translation member may have first and second portions which move relative to each other with translation movement, and a third locking member to lock the translation movement.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An implant comprising:
 a plate body having an upper surface and a lower surface;   a first aperture extending through the plate body from the upper surface to the lower surface;   a second aperture extending through the plate body from the upper surface to the lower surface;   a protruding element extending from the upper surface of the plate body, the protruding element positioned between the first and second apertures; and   a pointed element extending from the lower surface of the plate body, the pointed element positioned between the first and second apertures.   
     
     
         2 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the protruding element is a knob having a threaded exterior surface. 
     
     
         3 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the pointed element is positioned opposite to the protruding element. 
     
     
         4 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the pointed element is a spike. 
     
     
         5 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second apertures are configured to receive first and second fixation elements, respectively. 
     
     
         6 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the plate body extends from a first end to a second end, and the first aperture is positioned proximate to the first end and the second aperture is positioned proximate to the second end. 
     
     
         7 . The implant of  claim 6 , wherein the plate body has a central portion positioned between the first end and the second end, the central portion have a width narrower than the first and second ends. 
     
     
         8 . The implant of  claim 7 , wherein the central portion has a thickness narrower than the first and second ends. 
     
     
         9 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the implant has a one-piece integral design. 
     
     
         10 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the implant is a sacral fixation plate configured for sacral fixation. 
     
     
         11 . A fixation plate comprising:
 a plate body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, a second end, and a central portion positioned between the first and second ends;   a first aperture configured to receive a first fixation element, the first aperture extending through the plate body from the upper surface to the lower surface proximate the first end;   a second aperture configured to receive a second fixation element, the second aperture extending through the plate body from the upper surface to the lower surface proximate the second end;   a protruding element extending from the upper surface of the plate body, the protruding element positioned at the central portion of the plate body; and   a pointed element extending from the lower surface of the plate body, the pointed element positioned at the central portion of the plate body.   
     
     
         12 . The fixation plate of  claim 11 , wherein the protruding element is a knob having a threaded exterior surface. 
     
     
         13 . The fixation plate of  claim 11 , wherein the protruding element is positioned between the first and second apertures. 
     
     
         14 . The fixation plate of  claim 11 , wherein the pointed element is positioned between the first and second apertures. 
     
     
         15 . The fixation plate of  claim 11 , wherein the pointed element is positioned opposite to the protruding element. 
     
     
         16 . The fixation plate of  claim 11 , wherein the pointed element is a spike. 
     
     
         17 . The fixation plate of  claim 11 , wherein the central portion has a width narrower than the first and second ends. 
     
     
         18 . The fixation plate of  claim 11 , wherein the central portion has a thickness narrower than the first and second ends. 
     
     
         19 . The fixation plate of  claim 11 , wherein the fixation plate has a one-piece integral design. 
     
     
         20 . The fixation plate of  claim 11 , wherein the fixation plate is a sacral fixation plate configured for sacral fixation.