Rod coupling systems and devices and methods of making and using the same
Provided are rod coupler devices, systems, kits and methods, which include at least one saddle having a concave configuration that either abuts a bone fastener and/or a locking cap and is shaped so as to contact the rod in two or more lines of contact, which reduces pressure on the rod, and therefore permits use of a rod having various materials, such as PEEK, without significant deformation of the rod. Also provided is the saddle itself and integrated locking caps that include a saddle, the locking cap and a set screw. Also provided are elongate rods having advantageous shapes, configurations, and/or compositions for rod coupler devices, systems and methods. Further provided are screw and cap devices and systems that themselves include a concave configuration so as to contact a rod in two or more lines of contact, which reduces pressure on the rod.
1. An integrated locking cap comprising:
a saddle having a first side configured to abut an elongate rod and a second side opposite the first side;
a locking cap contacting the second side of the saddle, wherein when the saddle is turned 90 degrees relative to the locking cap, the saddle is attached to the locking cap; and
a set screw disposed through the locking cap.
2. The integrated locking cap of claim 1 , wherein the saddle is attached to the locking cap by a ledge on a top portion of the saddle that fits within a groove of the locking cap.
3. The integrated locking cap of claim 1 , wherein the locking cap includes two opposed wings configured to engage a coupling body.
4. The integrated locking cap of claim 1 , wherein the first side of the saddle has a concave portion.
5. The integrated locking cap of claim 1 , wherein the first side of the saddle has at least two lines of contact between the saddle and the elongate rod.
6. An integrated locking cap comprising:
a saddle having a first side configured to abut an elongate rod and a second side opposite the first side;
a locking cap contacting the second side of the saddle, wherein in a first assembled position, the saddle is attached to the locking cap, and in a second assembled position, the saddle is not attached to the locking cap; and
a set screw disposed through the cap.
7. The integrated locking cap of claim 6 , wherein the saddle is attached to the locking cap by a ledge on a top portion of the saddle that fits within in a groove of the locking cap.
8. The integrated locking cap of claim 6 , wherein the locking cap includes two opposed wings configured to engage a coupling body.
9. The integrated locking cap of claim 6 , wherein the first side of the saddle has a concave portion.
10. The integrated locking cap of claim 6 , wherein the first side of the saddle has at least two lines of contact between the saddle and the elongate rod.
11. A rod coupler system comprising:
a coupling body;
an elongate rod configured to be received in the coupling body;
an integrated locking cap configured to be received in the coupling body and secure the elongate rod therein, the integrated locking cap comprises:
a saddle having a first side configured to abut the elongate rod and a second side opposite the first side;
a cap contacting the second side of the saddle, wherein when the saddle is turned 90 degrees relative to the cap, the saddle is attached to the cap; and
a set screw disposed through the cap.
12. The rod coupler system of claim 11 , wherein the set screw applies a downward pressure on the elongate rod to lock the elongate rod in position.
13. The rod coupler system of claim 11 , wherein the locking cap includes a threaded opening and the set screw is threadedly received in the threaded opening.
14. The rod coupler system of claim 11 , wherein the coupling body has a bone fastener disposed therethrough.
15. The rod coupler system of claim 14 , wherein the bone fastener comprises a pedicle screw.
16. The rod coupler system of claim 11 , wherein the elongate rod is formed of PEEK.
17. The rod coupler system of claim 11 , wherein the saddle is attached to the locking cap by a ledge on a top portion of the saddle that fits within in a groove of the locking cap.
18. The rod coupler system of claim 11 , wherein the locking cap includes two opposed wings configured to engage a coupling body.
19. The rod coupler system of claim 11 , wherein the first side of the saddle has a concave portion.
20. The rod coupler system of claim 11 , wherein the first side of the saddle has at least two lines of contact between the saddle and the elongate rod.