Transverse connector

Abstract

A transverse connector for coupling between first and second vertebral anchors of a spinal stabilization system. The transverse connector includes a first coupling assembly proximate a first end, a second coupling assembly proximate a second end, a first fastener having external threading configured to threadably engage an internal threaded portion of a housing of the first vertebral anchor, and a second fastener having external threading configured to threadably engage an internal threaded portion of a housing of the second vertebral anchor. Each of the first and second fasteners includes a spherical upper surface, such as a spherically concave upper surface. A spherical surface of each of the first and second coupling assemblies mates with the spherical upper surface of the respective fastener to provide multi-axial rotation of the transverse connector relative to the housings to permit a desired orientation of the transverse connector.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A transverse connector for coupling between first and second vertebral anchors of a spinal stabilization system, the transverse connector comprising:
 a first coupling assembly proximate a first end of the transverse connector, the first coupling assembly including:
 a first coupling housing having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an elongated opening extending from the upper surface to the lower surface of the first coupling housing; 
 a first fastener positionable through the elongated opening of the first coupling housing, the first fastener including a first threaded portion configured to threadably engage an internal threaded portion of a housing of the first vertebral anchor; and 
 a third fastener including a threaded portion configured to threadably engage a second threaded portion of the first fastener; 
   a second coupling assembly proximate a second end of the transverse connector, the second coupling assembly including:
 a second coupling housing having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an elongated opening extending from the upper surface to the lower surface of the second coupling housing; 
 a second fastener positionable through the elongated opening of the second coupling housing, the second fastener including a first threaded portion configured to threadably engage an internal threaded portion of a housing of the second vertebral anchor; and 
 a fourth fastener including a threaded portion configured to threadably engage a second threaded portion of the second fastener; 
   wherein the first coupling housing of the transverse connector is positionable at a plurality of angular positions relative to a longitudinal axis of the housing of the first vertebral anchor; and   wherein the second coupling housing of the transverse connector is positionable at a plurality of angular positions relative to a longitudinal axis of the housing of the second vertebral anchor.