Single level fusion systems and methods of assembly and use

Abstract

The present invention discloses single level fusion systems and methods of use. The single level fusion systems include a first fastener, a second fastener, and a connector to secure the first fastener to the second fastener. The method of assembling a single level fusion system including obtaining a first fastener, a second fastener, and a connector, securing the first fastener to the connector, and securing the second fastener to the connector. Methods of using the single level fusion systems are also disclosed.

Having thus described the preferred embodiments, the invention is now claimed to be: 
     
         1 . A spinal fusion system, comprising:
 a first fastener with a head portion; and   a second fastener with a protrusion for engaging the head portion.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first fastener further comprises:
 a shaft coupled to the head portion.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first fastener further comprises:
 a neck extending away from the head portion and coupled to the shaft.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the shaft comprises:
 an attachment portion positioned at a first end of the shaft; and   a threaded portion, wherein the threaded portion extends between a second end of the shaft and the attachment portion.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the neck receives the attachment portion of the shaft to couple the head portion to the shaft. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the neck further comprises:
 two arms positioned parallel to each other to form a channel to receive the attachment portion;   a hinge member; and   an opening in at least one arm to receive the hinge member, wherein the hinge member passes through the attachment portion.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the neck is coupled to the head portion on a first end and the shaft on a second end, and wherein the head portion is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the neck is tapered from the head portion to the shaft. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the head portion comprises:
 a first opening extending through the head portion.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the first opening is threaded, and wherein the head portion further comprises:
 a second opening for receiving a portion of the second fastener; and wherein the first opening intersects the second opening.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the system further comprises:
 a set screw received within the first opening for engaging a portion of the second fastener.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the second fastener comprises:
 a shaft and the shaft comprises:
 an attachment portion; and 
 a threaded portion, wherein the threaded portion extends between a second end of the shaft and the attachment portion. 
   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the attachment portion comprises:
 a protrusion extending away from a portion of the attachment portion.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the protrusion has at least one of a spherical shape and a cylindrical shape. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the protrusion is received within the second opening of the first fastener. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein a set screw is inserted and pressingly engages the protrusion of the second fastener. 
     
     
         17 . A method of assembling a single level fusion system, comprising:
 obtaining a first fastener and a second fastener;   inserting a portion of the second fastener into the first fastener; and   inserting a set screw to secure the first fastener to the second fastener.   
     
     
         18 . A surgical method for inserting a spinal fusion system, comprising:
 exposing the patient's vertebrae;   obtaining the spinal fusion system;   inserting a first fastener into a first vertebra;   inserting a second fastener into a second vertebra to the first vertebra; and   coupling the first fastener and second fastener.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the spinal fusion system comprises:
 a first fastener with a head portion; and   a second fastener with a protrusion for engaging the head portion.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are inserted to allow for divergence in at least one of one dimension and multiple directions.