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Publication Number
US-12446929-B2
Publication Date
2025-10-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
Connector assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A modular connector has a first end that clamps to a first rod in an existing construct and a second end having a modular connection point configured to connect a second rod in a new construct such that the new construct can be extended from the existing construct.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention relates to a modular spinal revision connector system and a top loading revision modular connector kit for coupling a revision rod or second rod to an existing spinal fusion construct without removing original hardware. The system provides revision connector assemblies that include modular connector configurations for receiving a revision rod and an existing rod and for securing the revision construct to spinal hardware associated with an existing construct.
A top loading revision modular connector kit is provided with a body having a clamping portion and a modular post laterally offset from the clamping portion. The clamping portion includes a first passage extending through the body that is sized to allow an existing rod to be inserted in a bottom loading manner, a bottom portion opening in communication with the first passage, and a first securing assembly including a set screw and a clamp with two opposing legs. The clamp is connected to the set screw, the set screw is rotatably connected to the body, and the clamp has a locked and unlocked position, where the clamp moves to the locked position by vertically upward movement of the set screw with respect to the body.
The kit further includes a tulip configured to receive a revision rod and sized to receive the modular post from the bottom, and a headed rod whose head is sized to receive the modular post from the bottom. The modular post is described as having a partially spherical outer surface that fits with the tulip and the headed rod, and the post is configured to receive multiple different modular connectors. Additional embodiments described in the disclosure include articulating open-lateral revision connectors with rotatable clamp portions and cap locking, integrated revision connector bodies using closed/open loop clamp portions around existing hardware, and modular head/link connectors that permit articulation among tulip-style and headed-rod components.
Claims Coverage
The disclosed material includes one independent claim directed to a top loading revision modular connector kit. Main inventive features are extracted for that independent claim; dependent claims further refine mechanical interfaces and optional articulation, motion behavior, geometry, and compatibility among connector components.
Top loading modular connector body with laterally offset modular post
A top loading modular connector including a body having a clamping portion and a modular post laterally offset from the clamping portion.
Bottom loading insertion and passage for existing rod
A clamping portion including a first passage having a first longitudinal axis extending therethrough and being sized to allow an existing rod to be inserted therein in a bottom loading manner, and a bottom portion having an opening in communication with the first passage.
Set screw actuated clamp with locked and unlocked positions
A first securing assembly including a set screw and a clamp having two opposing legs to define an opening therebetween, the clamp being connected to the set screw and the set screw being rotatably connected to the body, wherein the clamp has a locked and unlocked position, wherein the clamp moves from the unlocked position to the locked position by vertically upward movement of the set screw with respect to the body.
Tulip and headed revision rod receive modular post from below
A tulip configured to receive a revision rod and sized to receive the post from the bottom, and a headed rod whose head is sized to receive the post from the bottom.
Overall claim coverage emphasizes a top loading revision modular connector kit with a body supporting bottom-loaded existing-rod capture via a first passage, a set screw and bi-leg clamp providing a defined unlocked-to-locked transition by upward set-screw movement, and a modular post laterally offset from the clamping portion that is received by a tulip and by a headed revision rod from below. Dependent claim refinements further specify set screw and clamp interface geometry, clamp leg motion during locking, passage sidewall geometry, and post, tulip, and headed-rod interface shaping for coupling and compatibility among modular connectors.
Stated Advantages
Reduced operating time and disruption in revision surgery.
Improved patient healing.
Versatility for varying anatomy and construct configurations.
Documented Applications
Use in a minimally invasive surgery revision procedure for spinal revision surgery involving a modular connector system that couples a second rod or new construct to an existing spinal fusion construct.
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