US Patent 7722645 Pedicle screw spinal fixation device

A spinal fixation device and method including at least one longitudinal rod mounted substantially parallel to the axis of the spine and having a plurality of stem clamps adjustably mounted to the longitudinal rod. Each stem clamp has a stem extending outwardly therefrom with the diameter of the stem being identical to the diameter of the longitudinal rod. A plurality of C-clamps are provided and are mounted to the stems and to the longitudinal rods. Each C-clamp includes a female-tapered through-passage for matingly engaging a male tapered head of a pedicle screw. A plurality of pedicle screws are used to simultaneously anchor the C-clamps to the bone and to the respective stem and longitudinal rod.