Patent attributes
A multi-link bone fixation assembly and method having interconnected longitudinal linking members, end caps and locknuts, and possibly transverse linking members, all disposed on implanted bone fasteners, the assembly providing a rigid, fixed ladder or frame to preclude relative movement between vertebrae or bone. At least two of the end caps and both ends of at least one of the transverse linking members are slotted such that, in the event a previously implanted assembly needs to be lengthened, additional bone fasteners are implanted, and the end caps and/or transverse linking members are removed from the assembly in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the bone fastener by loosening rather than removing the locknuts from the bone fasteners. The new longitudinal linking members are then inserted onto the bone fasteners in a direction perpendicular to the axis and the locknuts are tightened to secure the now-extended assembly.
