US 12,329,421 B2
Rotating rod connectors for spine stabilization
Bruno Ichelmann, Limoges (FR); David Rigotto, Saint Selve (FR); Nicolas Roche, Saint Medard en Jalles (FR); and Nicolas Bidegaimberry, Gradignan (FR)
Assigned to Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc., Westminster, CO (US)
Filed by ZIMMER BIOMET SPINE, INC., Westminster, CO (US)
Filed on Dec. 29, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/091,217.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/294,745, filed on Dec. 29, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0200860 A1, Jun. 29, 2023
Int. Cl. A61B 17/70 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/7037 (2013.01) 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A pivoting rod connector for spinal stabilization members, the pivoting rod connector comprising:
a first connector block comprising:
a first rod slot for receiving a first stabilization member; and
a first closure bore for receiving a first closure device, wherein engaging the first stabilization member with the first closure device when the first stabilization member is inserted into the first rod slot secures the first stabilization member within the first rod slot;
a second connector block comprising:
a second rod slot for receiving a second stabilization member; and
a second closure bore for receiving a second closure device, wherein the second closure device engages the second stabilization member when the second stabilization member is inserted into the second rod slot and applies a force to the second stabilization member that secures the second stabilization member within the second rod slot; and
a pivot mechanism connecting the first connector block and the second connector block, wherein the pivot mechanism is configured to allow for angulation between the first rod slot and the second rod slot, wherein the pivoting rod connector is lockable to inhibit angulation of the pivot mechanism, and wherein the pivot mechanism comprises:
a pivot pin integrally formed with and extending from a first side surface of the first connector block; and
a pivot socket positioned within a second side surface of the second connector block and configured to exit into the second rod slot,
wherein the pivot socket is shaped to allow the pivot pin of the first connector block to be inserted into or uncoupled from the pivot socket of the second connector block when the pivoting rod connector is in a first orientation about an axis of rotation through the pivot pin,
wherein, when the pivot pin is inserted into the pivot socket, the first connector block interlocks with the second connector block when the pivoting rod connector is in a second, different orientation about the axis of rotation through the pivot pin, and
wherein, when the pivot pin is inserted into the pivot socket, the force applied by the second closure device on the second stabilization member pushes the second stabilization member against the pivot pin such that a surface of the second stabilization member contacts a surface of the pivot pin to inhibit angulation between the first rod slot and the second rod slot.