Multi-axis receiver with tether

Abstract

Various multi-axis receivers for receiving at least one rope are disclosed. The multi-axis receiver may include a body having a U-shaped cavity configured to receive a longitudinal rod therein, and a lower cavity configured to be coupled to a pedicle screw. The body may include a first aperture extending through a side surface of the body and defining a first channel configured to permit a tether to pass therethrough in a horizontal direction. In some embodiments, the body may include a second aperture extending through the side surface of the body and defining a second channel configured to permit the tether to pass therethrough in the horizontal direction. The set screw may be configured to rotate from an open position, in which the tether is permitted to pass through the first channel and optionally through the second channel, to a closed position, in which the tether is secured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology generally relates to implants that can be used in spinal fixation surgery. More specifically, the disclosure herein may relate to implants and implant systems having holes for passing tethers, ligatures, and / or artificial ligament strips therethrough to further stabilize and support the implant and the patient's anatomy. The disclosed implant may be a multi-axis receiver that can be popped onto a bone screw or pedicle screw. Additionally, various implants may have at least one hole for passing a tether therethrough and a fixing device for fixing the tether to the implant. Background Art

[0002] There are various structures and methods for treating one or more degenerated, deformed, or damaged vertebral segments of a patient's spine by means of internal spinal fixation. Generally, this involves the attachment of a spinal implant system to provide a construct attached to two or more adjacent vertebrae to support and stabilize the vertebrae, thereby allowing them to fuse together in a fixed relationship relative to each other. Spinal fusion constructs typically include pedicle screws and longitudinal support members or rods attached to the pedicle screws, and together they can fix the positions of the adjacent vertebrae to which they are attached.

[0003] The related art teaches various anchoring devices that are attached to the construct and allow a surgeon to fasten tethers and / or ligament strips to the construct. However, these dedicated anchoring devices result in a construct that adds them as one or more additional devices that must be included in the construct. The additional devices increase the space occupied by the construct and require additional manipulation by the surgeon. Additionally, these constructs are typically uniaxial and have a relatively high height, and thus do not provide the surgeon with sufficient adjustability.

[0004] The term "tether" is generally used to refer to a type of fibrous cord that a surgeon can use to perform various procedures in conjunction with the disclosed implant embodiments. The related art may refer to equivalent structures, such as strips, cables, ropes, ligatures, threads, braids, bands, or strands. Generally, these structures can be flexible and elongated such that they can be easily bent (by applying a relatively small force), but also have strong resistance to longitudinal stretching by a considerable tensile force. For example, these structures have a relatively high tensile strength and a relatively low compressive strength. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to multi-axis receivers for performing surgery on a patient's spine. Various multi-axis receivers may have at least one hole for receiving a tether therein, and the tether can be wrapped around various parts of a vertebra (pedicle, lamina, spinous process, etc.) to further stabilize the patient's spine.

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a multi-axis receiver that includes a body having a U-shaped cavity and a lower cavity. The U-shaped cavity is configured to receive a longitudinal rod therein, and the lower cavity is configured to be coupled to a pedicle screw. In various embodiments, the body may extend in a vertical direction along a longitudinal axis and in a horizontal direction along a transverse axis. In various embodiments, the body may include a side portion having a first hole that extends through a side surface of the side portion and defines a first passageway. The first passageway is configured to permit a tether to pass therethrough in the horizontal direction. In various embodiments, the body may include a threaded hole that extends through the upper surface and into the first passageway, and a fixing screw may be disposed in the threaded hole. In various embodiments, the fixing screw is configured to rotate from an open position, in which the tether is permitted to pass through the first passageway, to a closed position, in which the tether is secured within the first passageway.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a multi-axis receiver that includes a body having a U-shaped cavity and a lower cavity. The U-shaped cavity is configured to receive a longitudinal rod therein, and the lower cavity is configured to be coupled to a pedicle screw. In various embodiments, the body may extend in a vertical direction along a longitudinal axis and in a horizontal direction along a transverse axis. The body may include a side portion having a first hole that extends through a side surface of the side portion and defines a first passageway. The first passageway is configured to permit a tether to pass therethrough in the horizontal direction, and at least one ferrule may be disposed in the first passageway. In various embodiments, the first ferrule is configured to be pressed from an open position, in which the tether is permitted to pass through the first passageway, to a closed position, in which the ferrule collapses and the tether is secured within the first passageway.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a multi-axis receiver that includes a body having a U-shaped cavity and a lower cavity. The U-shaped cavity is configured to receive a longitudinal rod therein, and the lower cavity is configured to be coupled to a pedicle screw. In various embodiments, the body may extend in a vertical direction along a longitudinal axis and in a horizontal direction along a transverse axis. The body may include: a first hole that extends through a side surface of the body and defines a first channel configured to permit a tether to pass therethrough in the horizontal direction; and a second hole that extends through the side surface of the body and defines a second channel configured to permit the tether to pass therethrough in the horizontal direction. The body may include a threaded hole that extends through an upper surface of the body and into the first channel and the second channel, and a fixing screw may be disposed in the threaded hole. In various embodiments, the fixing screw may be configured to rotate from an open position, in which the tether is permitted to pass through the first channel and optionally through the second channel, to a closed position, in which the tether is fixed within the first channel and / or the second channel.

[0009] Details of one or more aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a first multi-axis receiver embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a second perspective view of the multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0012] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a third perspective view of the multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0013] Figure 4 is Figure 1 an exploded parts view of the multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0014] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a top view of the multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0015] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a front view of the multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0016] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second multi-axis receiver embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 is Figure 7 a side view of a multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0018] Figure 9 is Figure 7 an exploded parts view of a multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0019] Figure 10 is Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of a multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0020] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a third multi-axis receiver embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 is Figure 11 an exploded parts view of a multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0022] Figure 13 is Figure 11 a side view of a multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0023] Figure 14 is Figure 11 a cross-sectional view of a multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0024] Figure 15 is a first perspective view of a fourth multi-axis receiver embodiment.

[0025] Figure 16 is Figure 15 a second perspective view of a multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0026] Figure 17 is Figure 15 an exploded parts view of a multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0027] Figure 18 is Figure 15 a side view of a multi-axis receiver embodiment of

[0028] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a fifth multi-axis receiver embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to, for example, spinal stabilization systems and, more particularly, to surgical instruments for use with spinal stabilization systems. Embodiments of the devices and methods are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0030] The following discussion omits or only briefly describes certain components, features, and functions related to medical implants, installation tools, and related surgical techniques that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. It should be noted that the various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which, where possible, like reference numerals represent like parts and components in several views. Reference to the various embodiments does not limit the scope of the appended claims, as these embodiments are examples of the inventive concepts described herein. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are intended to be non-limiting and only illustrate some of the many possible embodiments applicable to the appended claims. Moreover, unless the context or other statements clearly indicate otherwise, the specific features described herein may be used in combination with other described features in each and every possible combination and permutation.

[0031] As used herein, terms such as "identical," "equal," "flat," "coplanar," "parallel," "perpendicular," etc. are intended to encompass exactly the same meaning, while also including variations that may occur, e.g., due to manufacturing processes or assembly or installation methods. The term "substantially" may be used herein to emphasize such meaning, particularly when the described embodiments have the same or nearly the same function or characteristics, except when the context or other statements clearly indicate otherwise.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 19 , various multi-axis receivers 100, 101, 102, 103, and 104 for use with a tether are disclosed. The components may be made of biocompatible materials suitable for medical applications, including metals, synthetic polymers, ceramics, and bone materials and / or composites thereof. For example, the components may be made, individually or jointly, of materials such as stainless steel alloys, commercially pure titanium, titanium alloys, grade 5 titanium, superelastic titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, superelastic metal alloys (e.g., Nitinol), superelastic-plastic metals such as ), ceramics, and composites thereof, such as calcium phosphate (e.g., SKELITE TM) Thermoplastic plastics such as polyaryletherketone (PAEK) (including polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), and polyetherketone (PEK)), carbon-PEEK composites, PEEK-BaSO4 polymeric rubber, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), fabrics, silicones, polyurethanes, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, polymeric rubbers, polyolefin rubbers, hydrogels, semi-rigid and rigid materials, elastomers, rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, thermosetting elastomers, elastomer composites, rigid polymers (including polyphenylene, polyamides, polyimides, polyetherimides, polyethylene, epoxy resins), bone materials (including autografts, allografts, xenografts, or transgenic cortical bone and / or cortical and cancellous bone), and tissue growth or differentiation factors, partially resorbable materials (such as, for example, composites of metals and calcium-based ceramics, composites of PEEK and calcium-based ceramics, composites of PEEK and resorbable polymers), fully resorbable materials (such as, for example, calcium-based ceramics such as calcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate (TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA)-TCP, calcium sulfate), or other resorbable polymers such as polyglycolide, polyglycolic acid, polytyrosine carbonate, polycaprolactone, polylactic acid or polylactide, and combinations thereof.

[0033] Figures 1 to 6 A first multi-axis receiver embodiment 100 is illustrated. Figures 7 to 10 A second multi-axis receiver embodiment 101 is illustrated. Figures 11 to 14 A third multi-axis receiver embodiment 102 is illustrated. Figures 15 to 18 A fourth multi-axis receiver embodiment 103 is illustrated, and Figure 19 A fifth multi-axis receiver embodiment 104 is illustrated.

[0034] Generally referring Figures 1 to 6 , a first multi-axis receiver embodiment 100 is disclosed. Figure 1 is a first perspective view of the multi-axis receiver 100; Figure 2 is a second perspective view; Figure 3 is a third perspective view; Figure 4 is an exploded parts view; Figure 5 is a top view; and Figure 6 is a front view. In various embodiments, the receiver 100 may include a body 1 having a lower cavity 4 for coupling to the head of a pedicle screw (not illustrated) and a U-shaped rod receiving cavity 3 for receiving a longitudinal rod (not illustrated) therein. In various embodiments, the body 1 may extend in a vertical direction along a longitudinal axis and in a horizontal direction along a transverse axis. In various embodiments, the longitudinal rod may be oriented in a horizontal direction along axis A1 (seeFigure 6 )。In various embodiments, the lower cavity 4 may include grooves, slots, and suitable features for receiving various rings, crowns, C-clamps, etc., which allow the receiver 100 to be coupled to the head of the pedicle screw in a plurality of angled orientations, i.e., the receiver 100 can be a multi-axis receiver as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the U-shaped cavity may include a threaded form for mating with a fixation screw that secures the longitudinal rod from above, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In various embodiments, the first step of installation and / or operation may include initially securing the body 1 to the pedicle screw and thereafter securing the longitudinal rod within the U-shaped cavity. Once the body 1 and the longitudinal rod are secured in place, the surgeon may then pass a tether through the holes of the body 1 and tighten the tether, as will be explained in further detail below. Additionally, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the surgeon may pass the tether through the holes of the body 1 before securing the body 1 to the pedicle screw and / or the rod. Generally speaking, embodiments in accordance with the principles herein provide the surgeon with the ability to perform different installation sequences, e.g., the tether may be passed through before, after, or even simultaneously with securing the body 1 to the pedicle screw.

[0035] The body 1 may include enlarged sides 2 having various holes and channels for receiving a tether (not illustrated) and various types of fixation components for securing the tether relative to the receiver 100. In this embodiment, the receiver 100 may include a hole 20 that extends from a first side through part 2 to a second side. In the disclosed embodiment, the hole 20 may flare outwardly and include various wavy profile surfaces that are configured to facilitate the passage of the tether therethrough from various different approach angles while providing a relatively large support surface to support and / or orient the tether. For example, each side of the hole 20 may be at least partially defined by a lower inclined surface 21 and an upper inclined surface 22, each of which is inclined toward a flat support surface (i.e., the bottom surface of a channel 98 such as a notch 23). In this way, each side of the hole 20 may flare outwardly and be defined by the upper inclined surface 22 and the lower inclined surface 21. In other embodiments, these upper and lower surfaces may be conical and / or curved. Refer Figure 3 , at an intermediate position of the channel 98, the body 2 may include a closure surface 24 that partially closes the hole 20 from one of its sides. However, in other embodiments, the closure surface 24 may be omitted, and the hole 20 may include an open slot instead of the closure surface 24.

[0036] Refer Figure 4, the receiver 100 may include a threaded hole 5 for supporting a fixing component. In this embodiment, the fixing component may only include a fixing screw 10, which is disposed in the threaded hole 5 such that the fixing screw is rotatable and travels up and down in the vertical direction. For example, as Figure 6 shown, the fixing screw 10 may travel up and down along axis A3. In various embodiments, the fixing screw 10 may include any number or length of threads along its outer surface, and a portion of the outer surface may include a smooth circular surface 12. Additionally, the lowermost surface of the fixing screw 10 may include a smooth, flat, and / or planar surface. In use, the tether may pass through the horizontal tether receiving channel 98, and the fixing screw 10 may be rotated such that it travels downward toward the tether. When the fixing screw 10 advances, it may fix the tether against the lowermost surface of the horizontal channel 98. As Figure 4 best shown in, in this embodiment, the lowermost surface of the horizontal channel 98 includes a flat circular notch 23 (see also Figure 1 ), and the size and shape of the flat circular notch correspond to the size and shape of the bottom of the fixing screw 10. In this way, the fixing screw 10 may fix the tether against the flat circular notch 23. In at least some embodiments, the surfaces 23 and 12 may be high-friction surfaces, which are knurled surfaces, textured surfaces including a plurality of protrusions, and / or surfaces coated with a high-friction coating.

[0037] As Figures 5 to 6 best shown in, the horizontal tether receiving channel 98 may generally define a second axis A2. In this example, the hole 20 may define the horizontal tether receiving channel 98, which extends in a direction substantially parallel to the extension direction of the longitudinal rod placed in the rod receiving cavity 3. For example, as Figures 5 to 6 best shown in, the axes A2 and A1 are substantially parallel to each other. Additionally, the axis A3 is substantially perpendicular to the axis A2 and will intersect with it such that the fixing screw 10 may fix the tether therein.

[0038] Figures 7 to 10 Illustrates the disclosed second multi-axis receiver embodiment 101. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the second multi-axis receiver embodiment 101; Figure 8 is a side view; Figure 9 is an exploded part view; and Figure 10 is Figure 7Cross-sectional view of a multi-axis receiver embodiment. The multi-axis receiver 101 may include components and functions that are the same, similar, and / or substantially the same as those described above with respect to the multi-axis receiver 100. Accordingly, repetitive descriptions will be omitted. In this embodiment, the multi-axis receiver 101 may differ in that it does not include the upper inclined surface 21 and the lower inclined surface 22, but instead utilizes a circular hole 20. Additionally, this embodiment facilitates the explanation of additional components of the receiver 101 that may interact with longitudinal rods and / or pedicle screws. For example, a crown 30 may be located on top of the head portion of a pedicle screw to position and / or support a longitudinal rod at an appropriate height.

[0039] As Figure 8 best shown in, the horizontal tether receiving channel 98 may be a circular hole defining a cylindrical channel 98 that extends from a first end through the side 2 to an opposite second end. In this example, the hole 20 may define the horizontal tether receiving channel 98, which extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the direction of extension of a longitudinal rod placed in the rod receiving cavity 3. For example, as Figure 8 best shown in, the axes A2 and A1 are substantially parallel to each other. Additionally, the axis A3 is substantially perpendicular to and will intersect the axis A2 such that a fixing screw 10 may be fixedly disposed for a tether in the horizontal channel 98. As Figures 9 to 10 best shown in, the fixing screw 10 may include a flat bottom surface 11. However, in other embodiments, the fixing screw 10 may include pits and / or protrusions at its bottom surface that are configured to facilitate the fixing of the tether and / or access to the cross-section of the tether receiving channel 98. For example, the bottom surface of the fixing screw 10 may be dome-shaped to correspond to the substantially circular cross-section of the channel 98. In Figure 10 the cross-sectional view of, a cross-sectional view bisecting the receiver 101 in the horizontal direction is shown. In Figure 10 it is shown that the horizontal tether receiving channel 98 has an internal cavity at its middle position that has a flat bottom surface 25. For example, the tether receiving channel 98 includes an intermediate portion having a flat bottom surface 25 that is surrounded by a first portion having a substantially circular diameter and a second portion having a substantially circular diameter, the second portion being opposite the first portion and on the other side of the flat bottom surface 25. Generally referring to Figures 7 to 10In an embodiment, the tether can (a) pass through the channel 98 once and be tied, secured, or wrapped around the patient's anatomy and / or connected to another implant, or (b) the tether can be sized appropriately in length and thickness such that it can pass through the channel 98 for the first time and be tied, secured, or wrapped around the patient's anatomy and / or connected to another implant, and then return a second time through the channel 98 and be tied, secured, or wrapped around the patient's anatomy and / or connected to another implant. Generally speaking, a relatively short and / or thick tether can pass through the channel 98 only once, and a relatively long and thick tether can pass through the channel 98 twice by folding back on itself. Referring to the next embodiment, as Figures 11 to 14 shown, the two channels 98 and 99 can each independently support a relatively thick tether. In this sense, a first relatively thick and strong tether can pass through channel 98 or 99, and a second relatively thick and strong tether can pass through the other of channels 98, 99. Similarly, a single relatively thick and strong tether can pass through channel 98 or 99 for the first time and then pass through the other of channels 98, 99 a second time.

[0040] Figures 11 to 14 Illustrates a third multi-axis receiver embodiment 102. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the third multi-axis receiver 102; Figure 12 is an exploded parts view; Figure 13 is a side view of the multi-axis receiver; and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-axis receiver 102. The multi-axis receiver 102 can include the same, similar, and / or substantially the same components and functions as described above with respect to the multi-axis receivers 100, 101. Accordingly, the repeated description will be omitted. This embodiment shares many similarities with Figures 7 to 10 the second multi-axis receiver embodiment 101; however, the second hole 29 can define an additional second horizontal tether receiving channel 99.

[0041] Referring to Figures 11 to 12 , it is shown that the receiver 102 can include an enlarged side portion 2 having a first circular hole 20 and a second circular hole 29. In various embodiments, the first hole 20 and the second hole 29 can be disposed directly adjacent to each other and at substantially the same height. However, in other embodiments, the height of the first hole 20 can be different from the height of the second hole 29. In Figure 12 the exploded parts view, it is shown that the receiver 102 (and other receivers disclosed herein) can include a saddle and / or crown 30 for supporting a longitudinal rod and any number of washers 31, annular rings 33, C-rings 32, etc. that assist in connecting the multi-axis receiver 102 to a pedicle screw (not illustrated). For example, as Figure 14As shown in the cross-sectional view, washers 31, annular rings 33, C-rings 32, etc. are disposed in corresponding annular grooves of the lower receiving cavity 4. In this way, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the multi-axis receiver 102 can be simply popped onto the head of the pedicle screw by pressing downward on the receiver 102.

[0042] As Figure 13 shown, the first horizontal tether receiving channel 98 can be a circular hole defining a cylindrical channel 98 that extends along axis A2 from a first end through side 2 to an opposite second end. Similarly, the second horizontal tether receiving channel 99 can be a circular hole defining a cylindrical channel 99 that extends along axis A4 from a first end through side 2 to an opposite second end. In the exemplary embodiment, axis A2 and axis A4 are substantially parallel to each other and are disposed at approximately the same height relative to the bottom surface of the receiver 102. Additionally, axis A3 is substantially perpendicular to axes A2 and A4 and will intersect both of them such that the fixation screw 10 can be fixedly disposed to secure at least one tether in channels 98, 99. In some embodiments, the same tether can perform a first pass through one of the channels 98, 99 and then a second pass through the other of the channels 98, 99. Thereafter, any tether passing through channels 98, 99 can be secured by a single fixation screw 10.

[0043] As Figure 12 and Figure 14 best shown in Figure 14 the cross-sectional view, a cross-sectional view bisecting the receiver 102 in the horizontal direction is shown. In Figure 14In [the figure], it is shown that the first horizontal tether receiving channel 98 and the second horizontal tether receiving channel 99 communicate with each other at an internal cavity having a bottom surface 25. For example, the intermediate positions of the channels 98, 99 may include a cavity or other void space having a common bottom surface 25. Thus, in this example, the relatively large fixing screw 10 can advance downward along the axis A3 such that the bottom surface of the fixing screw 10 can move downward such that it fixes the tether against the common bottom surface 25 in either of the channels 98, 99. For example, the first tether receiving channel 98 may include an intermediate portion having a flat bottom surface 25, which is surrounded by a first section of the channel 98 having a substantially circular diameter and a second section of the channel 98 having a substantially circular diameter opposite the first portion. Similarly, the second tether receiving channel 99 may include an intermediate portion having a flat bottom surface 25, which is surrounded by a first section of the channel 99 having a substantially circular diameter and a second section of the channel 99 having a substantially circular diameter opposite the first portion. In this way, a common cavity having a common bottom surface 25 can communicate with the two channels 98, 99.

[0044] Figures 15 to 18 Illustrates a fourth multi-axis receiver embodiment 103. Figure 15 is a first perspective view; Figure 16 is a second perspective view; Figure 17 is an exploded parts view; and Figure 18 is a side view of the multi-axis receiver embodiment 103. The multi-axis receiver 103 may include the same, similar, and / or substantially the same components and functions as explained above with respect to the multi-axis receivers 100, 101, and 102. Therefore, the repeated description will be omitted. In this embodiment, the multi-axis receiver 103 includes an oval hole 20 defining a horizontal tether receiving channel 98. As Figures 16 to 17 best shown in [the figure], the horizontal receiving channel 98 may include a relatively large and open cavity 40 in an intermediate region, the size of which is designed such that the first ferrule 41 and the second ferrule 42 can be disposed therein and enter from the open cavity 40. In other embodiments, the number of ferrules may be different, such as a single ferrule, three ferrules, four ferrules, etc.

[0045] As Figure 18 shown, the horizontal tether receiving channel 98 can be used to thread a tether therethrough in a first horizontal direction corresponding to the direction Z of the 3D coordinate legend along the axis A2. Once the tether is positioned in the channel 98, a crimping tool can apply pressure to the ferrules 41, 42 along the axis A3. For example, a crimping tool (not illustrated) can be used to apply pressure in a horizontal direction towards the U-shaped rod receiving cavity 3 from the open cavity 40 (see Figure 17)Apply pressure to the ferrules 41, 42. In this way, the ferrules 41, 42 can be deformed and / or collapsed against the tether due to being squeezed in the second horizontal direction corresponding to the direction Y of the 3D coordinate legend.

[0046] Figure 19 Illustrates a fifth multi-axis receiver embodiment 104. The multi-axis receiver 104 may include components and functions that are the same, similar, and / or substantially the same as those explained above with respect to the multi-axis receivers 100, 101, 102, and 103. Therefore, the repeated description will be omitted. In this embodiment, a single extended ferrule 50 may have a substantially circular cross-section and extend through the hole 53. Additionally, the extended ferrule 50 may be hollow and define a horizontal tether receiving channel 98. In use, the tether may pass through the interior of the extended ferrule 50, through one side and out the other side. Thereafter, a crimping tool may clamp the extended ferrule at a first crimping position 51 and then at a second crimping position 52. The crimping action may deform the extended ferrule 50 by collapsing and / or flattening it. When doing so, the tether may become immobilized within the interior of the extended ferrule 50. Additionally, due to the crimping action, the width of the extended ferrule 50 may become greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the hole 53. Therefore, the passage of the extended ferrule 50 through the hole 53 may be restricted.

[0047] It should be understood that the various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in combinations different from those specifically presented in the specification and the drawings. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, features, functions, and components from one embodiment may be combined with those of another embodiment, and vice versa. Similarly, features, functions, and components may be omitted unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that depending on the example, certain actions or events in any of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in a different order, may be completely added, combined, or omitted (e.g., not all of the described actions or events may be required to perform these techniques).

[0048] Unless specifically defined otherwise herein, all terms should be given the broadest possible interpretation, including the meanings implied from the specification and understood by those skilled in the art and / or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. It must also be noted that unless otherwise specified, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" used in the specification and the appended claims include plural referents, and the term "comprising" when used in this specification denotes the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A multi-axis receiver, the multi-axis receiver comprising: A body having a U-shaped cavity and a lower cavity, the U-shaped cavity being configured to receive a longitudinal rod therein, the lower cavity being configured to be coupled to a pedicle screw, the body extending in a vertical direction along a longitudinal axis and in a horizontal direction along a transverse axis; A side portion including a first hole that extends through a side surface of the side portion and defines a first passageway, the first passageway being configured to permit a tether to pass therethrough in the horizontal direction; And A threaded hole that extends through an upper surface of the side portion and into the first passageway; A fixing screw disposed in the threaded hole, Wherein the fixing screw is configured to rotate from an open position to a closed position, in the open position, the tether is permitted to pass through the first passageway, and in the closed position, the tether is fixed within the first passageway.

2. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 1, wherein the lower cavity is configured to mate with a head of the pedicle screw, the head permitting the multi-axis receiver to be angled relative to an extension direction of the pedicle screw.

3. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 1, wherein the fixing screw includes a flat bottom surface.

4. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 3, wherein the flat bottom surface is a high-friction surface.

5. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 3, wherein an intermediate portion of the first passageway includes a flat support surface.

6. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 3, wherein an intermediate portion of the first passageway includes a circular notch, the size and shape of the circular notch corresponding to the size and shape of the flat bottom surface of the fixing screw.

7. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 1, wherein the first hole includes a flared portion configured to facilitate passage of the tether through the flared portion.

8. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 7, wherein: An intermediate portion of the first passageway includes a flat support surface; and The flared portion includes at least one inclined surface that is inclined toward the flat support surface.

9. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 1, wherein: An intermediate portion of the first passageway includes a flat support surface; A first side of the first hole includes a first flared portion configured to facilitate passage of the tether therethrough, and a second side of the first hole includes a second flared portion configured to facilitate passage of the tether therethrough; The first flared portion includes at least one first inclined surface that is inclined toward the flat support surface; And The second flared portion includes at least one second inclined surface that is inclined toward the flat support surface.

10. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 1, wherein the side portion further includes a second hole that extends through the side surface of the side portion and defines a second passageway, the second passageway being configured to permit a tether to pass therethrough in the horizontal direction.

11. A multi-axis receiver, the multi-axis receiver comprising: a body having a U-shaped cavity and a lower cavity, the U-shaped cavity being configured to receive a longitudinal rod therein, the lower cavity being configured to be coupled to a pedicle screw, the body extending in a vertical direction along a longitudinal axis and in a horizontal direction along a transverse axis; a side portion including a first hole extending through a side surface of the side portion and defining a first passageway, the first passageway being configured to permit a tether to pass therethrough in the horizontal direction; and at least one ferrule disposed in the first passageway, wherein the at least one ferrule is configured to be pressed from an open position to a closed position, in the open position, the tether is permitted to pass through the first passageway, and in the closed position, the at least one ferrule collapses and the tether is fixed within the first passageway.

12. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 11, wherein the at least one ferrule includes a first ferrule and a second ferrule disposed inside the first passageway.

13. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 12, the multi-axis receiver further comprising an open cavity exposing the first ferrule and the second ferrule.

14. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 13, wherein the first ferrule and the second ferrule are configured to be pressed via the open cavity.

15. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 11, wherein the at least one ferrule extends through the first passageway and is configured to be pressed against a first end outside the first passageway and a second end outside the first passageway.

16. A multi-axis receiver, the multi-axis receiver comprising: a body having a U-shaped cavity and a lower cavity, the U-shaped cavity being configured to receive a longitudinal rod therein, the lower cavity being configured to be coupled to a pedicle screw, the body extending in a vertical direction along a longitudinal axis and in a horizontal direction along a transverse axis; a first hole extending through a side surface of the body and defining a first passageway, the first passageway being configured to permit a tether to pass therethrough in the horizontal direction; a second hole extending through the side surface of the body and defining a second passageway, the second passageway being configured to permit the tether to pass therethrough in the horizontal direction; a threaded hole extending through an upper surface of the body and into the first passageway and the second passageway; and a fixing screw disposed in the threaded hole, wherein the fixing screw is configured to be rotated from an open position to a closed position, in the open position, the tether is permitted to pass through the first passageway and optionally through the second passageway, and in the closed position, the tether is fixed within the first passageway and / or the second passageway.

17. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 16, wherein the lower cavity is configured to mate with the head of the pedicle screw, and the head permits the multi-axis receiver to be angled relative to the extension direction of the pedicle screw.

18. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 16, wherein the fixing screw includes a flat bottom surface.

19. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 18, wherein: an intermediate portion of the first channel and an intermediate portion of the second channel share a common cavity having a flat support surface, and the flat support surface includes a circular notch, the size and shape of the circular notch corresponding to the size and shape of the flat bottom surface of the fixing screw.

20. The multi-axis receiver according to claim 19, the multi-axis receiver further comprising: at least one tether; the pedicle screw; and the longitudinal rod, wherein the pedicle screw, the body, and the longitudinal rod are configured to be tightened before the fixing screw is configured to be rotated to the closed position, in which the tether is secured within the first channel and / or the second channel.

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