| 20090018557 | Multi-axis connection and methods for internal spinal stabilizers - A multi-axis connection for transferring load from the vertebrae of a patient to a plate extending from one vertebra to another vertebra when the plate is affixed to the respective vertebrae by screwing screws into the bodies of the vertebrae. The screws extend through holes in the plate at the level of the respective vertebrae, each screw being oriented at any one of a plurality of angles relative to the plate so as to effectively transfer load. The threaded shank of each screw is screwed into the vertebral body and the head of each screw is positioned in the central portion of the hole, the hole being defined by an aperture, an opening through which the shank of the screw extends, and the central portion between the aperture and the opening. The diameter of the head of the screw is larger than the diameter of the aperture of the hole in the plate and the head is provided with a screw thread that engages the smaller diameter aperture of the hole to pull the head of the screw into the central portion of the hole when the screw is rotated relative to the plate, the head of the screw being retained within the hole by the smaller diameter aperture and the opening of the hole. | 01-15-2009 |
