Methods for stabilizing bone using spinal fixation devices

1. A method of stabilizing a spine comprising:

providing a coupling element having an uppermost end defining a first plane and having rod receiving openings for securing an orthopedic rod, a lowermost end defining a second plane, a first bore extending from said uppermost end toward said lowermost end, and a second bore extending from said lowermost end toward said uppermost end, the first and second bores are within a monolithic inner surface of said coupling element, wherein said first and second planes intersect one another and wherein said first bore is at an angle transverse to said second bore;

assembling said coupling element with an anchoring element;

after the assembling step, securing said anchoring element in bone;

moving said coupling element relative to said anchoring element to align said rod receiving openings with said orthopedic rod;

securing said orthopedic rod in said rod receiving openings; and

after the securing step, locking said coupling element from further movement relative to said anchoring element.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first bore is adapted for receiving said anchoring element.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said anchoring element has a head with a substantially spherical shape and said coupling element has a conical-shaped seat adjacent said lowermost end thereof, and wherein said spherical head is adapted to engage said conical seat.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said rod receiving openings are defined by substantially U-shaped opening surfaces.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said angle is between approximately 20 degrees and 30 degrees.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said second bore is adapted for receiving said anchoring element such that a substantially spherical head of said anchoring element engages a conical-shaped seat adjacent said lowermost end.

7. A pedicle fixation assembly, comprising:

a coupling element having an uppermost end defining a first plane, a lowermost end defining a second plane, a first bore extending from said uppermost end toward said lowermost end, and a second bore extending from said lowermost end toward said uppermost end, the first and second bores are within a monolithic inner surface of said coupling element, wherein said first and second planes intersect one another and wherein said first bore is at an angle transverse to said second bore; and

an anchoring element,

wherein said second bore is adapted for receiving said anchoring element such that a substantially spherical head of said anchoring element engages a conical-shaped seat adjacent said lowermost end.

8. The assembly of claim 7 , wherein said coupling element includes rod receiving openings for securing an orthopedic rod adjacent the uppermost end, the assembly further comprising an orthopedic rod.

9. The assembly of claim 8 , further comprising a locking element adapted to locking said coupling element relative to said anchoring element and orthopedic rod.

10. The assembly of claim 9 , wherein said rod receiving openings are defined by substantially U-shaped opening surfaces.

11. The assembly of claim 7 , wherein said first bore is at an angle transverse to said second bore.

12. The assembly of claim 11 , wherein said angle is between approximately 20 degrees and 30 degrees.

13. The assembly of claim 11 , wherein said first and second bores are adapted for receiving said anchoring element.

14. The assembly of claim 7 , wherein said coupling element includes an outer surface extending from said uppermost to said lowermost surfaces, said outer surface having a cylindrical shape.

15. A method of stabilizing a spine comprising:

providing a coupling element having an uppermost end defining a first plane, a lowermost end defining a second plane, a first bore extending from said uppermost end toward said lowermost end, and a second bore extending from said lowermost end toward said uppermost end, the first and second bores are within a monolithic inner surface of said coupling element wherein said first and second planes intersect one another and wherein said first bore is at an angle transverse to said second bore;

assembling said coupling element, having a conical-shaped seat adjacent said lowermost end thereof, with an anchoring element having a head with a substantially spherical shape, wherein said spherical head is adapted to engage said conical seat; and

after the assembling step, securing said anchoring element in bone.

16. A method of stabilizing a spine comprising:

providing a coupling element having an uppermost end defining a first plane, a lowermost end defining a second plane, a first bore extending from said uppermost end toward said lowermost end, and a second bore extending from said lowermost end toward said uppermost end, the first and second bores are within a monolithic inner surface of said coupling element wherein said first and second planes intersect one another and wherein said first bore is at an angle transverse to said second bore;

assembling said coupling element with an anchoring element such that a conical-shaped seat adjacent said lowermost end and within said second bore engages a substantially spherical head of said anchoring element; and

after the assembling step, securing said anchoring element in bone.