US Patent 7575587 Top-tightening side-locking spinal connector assembly

Connector assemblies are provided to couple an elongate member extending along the spinal column to a bone engaging implant engaged to the spinal column. The connector assembly includes a coupler and a clamping member in the coupler that is movable to secure the implant between the clamping member and the coupler when the elongate member is secured in the coupler with an engaging member engaged to the coupler.