US Patent 7104993 Cross link system

A cross link system provides stability to spinal rods by maintaining a set distance between the rods. The cross link has a bar with connectors on each end formed with grooves that engage each of the spinal rods. Each of the connectors has a cam that can be manipulated to obstruct the groove and provide a friction fit between the spinal rod and the cross link. The cams have locking nuts that prevent disengagement of the cam and rod. The bar has two shafts interconnected by a bifurcated pin with upstanding ends, a piston is located between the upstanding ends and diverts shear forces along the longitudinal axis of the bar.