Transconnector for Coupling First and Second Spinal Fixation Elements

Abstract

Transconnector devices and methods of use are provided. A transconnector device has the capability of connecting to elongate spinal fixation elements having various cross-sectional dimensions. The transconnector device is adjustable in three degrees of freedom and is curved to ensure that it maintains a minimum distance posterior of the dura when it is fixed to elongate spinal fixation elements.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A transconnector for coupling first and second elongate spinal fixation elements, said transconnector comprising:
 a first member having a first coupling portion and a first elongate transconnector member extending from said first coupling portion;   a second member having a second coupling portion and an end portion extending from said second coupling portion;   a joint assembly joining said first elongate transconnector member with said end portion, said joint assembly comprising a rotational member configured to be slidably received in said end portion such that a portion of said rotational member extends from a side of said end portion and has an opening configured to receive said first elongate transconnector member;   an actuator configured to mate with said rotational member and actuatable to lock said transconnector in a desired configuration;   a first locking feature configured to prevent said first elongate transconnector member from separating from said opening; and   a second locking feature configured to prevent said actuator from separating from said rotational member.   
     
     
         22 . The transconnector of  claim 21 , wherein in a first configuration, said joint assembly allows translation and axial rotation of said first elongate transconnector member, as well as rotation of said first elongate transconnector member about an axis perpendicular to an axis of rotation about which said axial rotation occurs. 
     
     
         23 . The transconnector of  claim 21 , wherein at least one of said first and second coupling portions is configured to fix an elongate spinal fixation element having a cross-sectional dimension in the range of about 5.5 mm to about 6.1 mm. 
     
     
         24 . The transconnector of  claim 23 , wherein said at least one of said first and second coupling portions is configured to fix an elongate spinal fixation element having a cross-sectional dimension in the range of about 5.5 mm to about 6.0 mm. 
     
     
         25 . The transconnector of  claim 21 , wherein said first elongate transconnector member is curved relative to a longitudinal axis of said first member. 
     
     
         26 . The transconnector of  claim 21 , wherein said second elongate transconnector member is curved relative to a longitudinal axis of said second member. 
     
     
         27 . The transconnector of  claim 25 , wherein said second elongate transconnector member is curved relative to a longitudinal axis of said second member. 
     
     
         28 . The transconnector of  claim 21 , wherein said actuator consists of a single actuator. 
     
     
         29 . The transconnector of  claim 21 , wherein in a second configuration, said joint assembly prevents translation and axial rotation of said first elongate transconnector member, as well as rotation of said first elongate transconnector member about an axis perpendicular to an axis of rotation about which said axial rotation occurs. 
     
     
         30 . The transconnector of  claim 29 , wherein in said second configuration, said joint assembly prevents movement of said second elongate transconnector member relative to said first elongate transconnector member. 
     
     
         31 . The transconnector of  claim 21 , wherein said second locking feature comprises shoulders or ledges protruding in inner walls of said rotational member, 
     
     
         32 . The transconnector of  claim 21 , wherein said actuator rotates, but does not translate relative to said rotational member. 
     
     
         33 . The transconnector of  claim 21 , wherein both of said first and second coupling portions face away from said joint assembly. 
     
     
         34 . The transconnector of  claim 21 , wherein one of said first and second coupling portions faces away from said joint assembly, and the other of said first and second coupling portions faces toward said joint assembly. 
     
     
         35 . A method of operating a transconnector, comprising:
 providing the transconnector comprising a first member having a first coupling portion and a first elongate transconnector member extending from said first coupling portion; a second member having a second coupling portion and an end portion extending from said second coupling portion; a joint assembly joining said first elongate transconnector member with said end portion, said joint assembly comprising a rotational member configured to be slidably received in said end portion such that a portion of said rotational member extends from a side of said end portion and has an opening configured to receive said first elongate transconnector member; and an actuator configured to mate with said rotational member and actuatable to lock said transconnector in a desired configuration;   orienting said first member in a desired orientation relative to said second member by performing a least one of translating, axially rotating and rotating about an axis perpendicular to an axis of said axially rotating said first member relative to said second member; and   actuating said actuator to lock the desired orientation, wherein said actuator rotates, but does not translate relative to said rotational member during said actuating.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein said orienting comprises allowing said transconnector to self-adjust relative to first and second elongate spinal fixation elements. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein said transconnector is fixed to first and second spinal fixation elements. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein one of said first and second spinal fixation elements has a cross-sectional dimension in a location of attachment to said transconnector of about 6 mm and the other of said first and second spinal fixation elements has a cross sectional dimension in a location of attachment to said transconnector of about 5.5 mm.