Revision connectors, systems and methods thereof
Inventors
Murray, Patrick • Muzumdar, Aditya • Iott, Andrew
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12478410-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
Connector assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A connector has a first end that clamps to a first rod in an existing construct and a second end, connected to the first end, that clamps to a second rod in a new construct such that the new construct can be extended from the existing construct at an adjacent level as the existing construct.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to revising an existing bone fusion construct by providing a connector having a main body with a first clamping body and a second clamping body laterally offset from the first clamping body. The first clamping body is a top loading clamping body with a top portion having a threaded first through opening defining a vertical axis, and a bottom portion extending downwardly with a first passage in communication with the threaded first through opening. The first passage is sized to receive a first rod of the existing bone fusion construct, and a fastener is configured to threadably engage the threaded first through opening.
The connector also includes a clamp coupled to the fastener, with an opening for receiving the first rod. The second clamping body has a second passage sized to receive a second rod, and the method includes attaching the first clamping body to the first rod and attaching the second clamping body to the second rod. The laterally offset arrangement supports revising the construct with a connector that accommodates additional fixation at an adjacent spinal level without removing original hardware.
The document further describes mechanical locking and positioning features for the clamp and the rod-receiving geometry. The clamp can include an unlocked position configured to receive the first rod and a locked position configured to releasably secure the first rod in the opening, with the clamp positioned higher in the bottom portion in the locked position. Additional embodiments describe the second clamping body with generally open U-shaped openings facing upwardly and laterally open passages configured to receive the second rod in a defined orientation.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent method claims. Each claim is centered on revising an existing bone fusion construct by attaching laterally offset clamping bodies to respective rods, with a first top-loading clamping body actuated by a threaded opening and a clamp secured by a fastener or set screw arrangement.
Laterally offset first and second clamping bodies for revising
Providing a connector including a main body having a first clamping body and a second clamping body laterally offset from the first clamping body, and attaching the first clamping body to the first rod and attaching the second clamping body to the second rod.
Top loading clamping body with threaded through opening and rod-receiving passage
The first clamping body being a top loading clamping body having a top portion with a threaded first through opening defining a vertical axis, a bottom portion extending downwardly with a first passage in communication with the threaded first through opening defining a first longitudinal axis, and the first passage sized to receive a first rod of the existing bone fusion construct.
Fastener threadably engaged to clamp the first rod
A fastener configured to threadably engage the threaded first through opening and a clamp coupled to the fastener, the clamp having an opening for receiving the first rod.
Second passage for receiving second rod
The second clamping body having a second passage sized to receive a second rod.
Unitary body connector with set screw and vertically translating clamp
Providing a connector including a unitary body having a first clamping body and a second clamping body laterally offset from the first clamping body, with the first clamping body including a securing mechanism including a set screw and a clamp, wherein rotation of the set screw slidably and vertically translates the clamp in the bottom portion and the set screw threadably engages the threaded first through opening.
Transverse relationship of first passage axis to vertical axis
The first longitudinal axis being transverse to the vertical axis, the first passage sized and dimensioned to receive a first rod of the existing bone fusion construct.
Across the two independent claims, the core coverage is on a revising method that uses a connector with laterally offset first and second clamping bodies to attach to a first and a second rod, respectively. The first clamping body is top loading with a threaded through opening and a rod-receiving passage, and the rod is secured via a clamp actuated by a fastener or set screw with defined translational behavior.
Stated Advantages
Saves operating time.
Reduces patient disruption.
Improves healing times.
Provides versatility for varying patient anatomy and construct configurations.
Documented Applications
Revision of an existing bone fusion construct by extending fixation to an adjacent spinal level using spinal rod connector systems without removing original hardware.
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