Patent attributes
A bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with an anchoring bone screw. The system allows attachment of a connector assembly to the anchoring bone screw having a spherical ball connector using a blocker ring preloaded with a split ring. Upon installation, the blocker ring and split ring are expanded into an expansion slot, causing relocation of said split ring into a lower groove, permanently attaching said connector assembly to said anchoring bone screw. The blocker ring having a counter-bored inner surface allowing said split ring to be preloaded to facilitate manufacturing. Dislodgement of the split ring from the blocker ring produces an audible and tactile indication that the sufficient force has been applied to lock the connector assembly to the bone screw.
