Adjustable rod and connector device

Abstract

A low-profile surgical rod implant device is provided that allows the length of a rod spanning two bone screws to be adjusted at the time of implantation. In a separate aspect of the invention, the rod implant device can be secured by tightening and securing an end of the rod implant device at one of the bone screws. Embodiments are provided for use with polyaxial pedicle screws and substantially straight shank pedicle screws in spinal applications. In a separate aspect of the invention, a bone screw connector having an interference type fit is also provided. A method for implanting the device is also provided.

1 .- 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . In subcombination, a rod member for use with a bone stabilizing rod, the rod member comprising:
 a. an upper arm;   b. a lower arm interconnected to said upper arm, wherein at least a portion of said lower arm is separated from said upper arm by a slot and a hollow chamber, said hollow chamber sized to receive at least a portion of the bone stabilizing rod;   wherein said upper arm is moveable to compress and secure the portion of the bone stabilizing rod between an interior surface of said upper arm and an interior surface of said lower arm.   
     
     
         21 . The subcombination of  claim 20 , wherein the rod member further comprises a distal opening for receiving at least a portion of the bone stabilizing rod, wherein said distal opening is formed within a hoop structure connected to the upper arm and separated from said lower arm by a notch. 
     
     
         22 . The subcombination of  claim 21 , wherein said lower arm further comprises an end connector adapted for interconnection to a bone screw. 
     
     
         23 . In subcombination, a deformable connector for use with a stabilizing rod clamp, the deformable connector securing a portion of a substantially cylindrical member within a cavity in the stabilizing rod clamp, the deformable connector comprising:
 a. a disc having a passageway adapted to receive the substantially cylindrical member;   b. a groove along an exterior surface of said disc and extending to said passageway;   
       wherein said disc is compressible to secure the substantially cylindrical member within said passageway upon application of a compressing force to said disc. 
     
     
         24 . The subcombination of  claim 23 , wherein at least a portion of said disc comprises a skeletonized structure. 
     
     
         25 . The subcombination of  claim 23 , wherein at least a portion of said disc has a truncated exterior surface. 
     
     
         26 . The subcombination of  claim 23 , wherein said disc comprises an indentation along a portion of said exterior surface. 
     
     
         27 . A connector device for a bone screw, comprising:
 a clamp including an upper section and a lower section separated by a slot, said upper section including a first aperture and said lower section including a second aperture substantially aligned with said first aperture, said first and second apertures sized to accommodate a shank of the bone screw; and   a tightening member operatively connected to said upper section and said lower section, wherein upon advancing said tightening member, said tightening member reduces the size of said slot between said upper section and said lower section, thereby securing the shank of the bone screw within the connector device.   
     
     
         28 . The connector device as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein said tightening member is a screw or a bolt. 
     
     
         29 . The connector device as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein said clamp is substantially C-shaped. 
     
     
         30 . The connector device as claimed in  claim 27 , further comprising a beam interconnected to said clamp.