Inventors:
Shawn Moore - Topeka KS, US
Stephen M. Pope - Lenexa KS, US
Cory Buckingham - Littleton CO, US
Nick Tobaben - Topeka KS, US
Sally Mayer - Lawrence KS, US
Diana Marcolino Underwood - Lawrence KS, US
International Classification:
A61B 17/86
A61B 17/56
Abstract:
Spinal surgery systems are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes threaded caps and screw assemblies. Each assembly includes a cannulated and threaded screw having upper and lower ends, a polyaxial head permanently fixed to the screw upper end in a ball-and-socket engagement, and an extension portion fixed to the head wherein extension portion movement causes the head to move in concert. Each head has a receiving area for engaging a rod and a threaded area for receiving one of the caps after the rod is engaged in the receiving area. Each extension portion has: (a) two arms spaced apart such that the arms are on opposite sides of the polyaxial head receiving area; and (b) at least one point of weakness such that forcing the arms away from one another causes the extension portion to divide at the point of weakness and separate the extension portion from the head.
