| abstract |
A device for fixing at least a part of the human cervical and/or thoracic vertebral column comprises at least one assembly of a plurality of fixation elements (1, 1a and 1b, 1c, respectively) arranged above each other and at least one rod or wire (2, 2a) interconnecting these fixation elements. Each fixation element comprises a substantially block-shaped body (4) and a hook projecting from the lower edge area (5) of the block-shaped body (4). A first articular process contact surface (7) is constituted by an upright side of the block-shaped body (4) that faces the hook. A second articular process contact surface (8) is constituted by the substantially upwardly directed surface of the hook (6). The first (7) and the second articular process contact surfaces (8) include an acute angle (α) and a securing means (9), in a securing position, extends into the space included by the first (7) and the second (8) vertebra contact surfaces. |