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 locking ring positioned in a locking ring slot. Upon installation, the locking ring is moved to a ring containment slot to expand a retainer ring, allowing passage of a bone screw spherical ball, the retainer ring forcing the locking ring back to the locking ring slot, thereby permanently attaching the connector assembly to the anchoring bone screw. Movement of the locking ring from the ring containment slot provides an audible sound and tactile indication that the locking ring has secured the connector assembly to the bone screw.
