| abstract |
A transverse link member (210, 310) is used to connect two substantially parallel spinal implant rods (213, 258). In one embodiment (Figures 21-24), the transverse link member has a first clamping member (211) and a second clamping member (252). The clamping members (211, 252) are two separate components which provide for an adjustable distance between the clamping members. Each clamping member (211, 252) comprises a rod-receiving recess (212, 260) and a beveled set screw (215, 216) which cause both a vertical and a horizontal loading of the rod (213, 258) in order to bias the rod (213, 258) into contact with the recess (212, 260). In another embodiment (Figures 25 and 26), the transverse link member (310) is a single unit having a fixed length in which the clamping members (308, 309) have openings (312, 313) in the same direction to facilitate loading the transverse link member (310) onto the rods. The set screws (319, 318) bias the respective rods into contact with the rod-receiving recess (312, 313). |