US Patent 7976567 Orthopedic revision connector

A connector apparatus for use in orthopedic procedures includes a base portion and an extending leg portion that forms a channel. Part of the base portion can be placed atop or adjacent implanted fixation members (e.g. bone screws), and a locking member can be inserted through the base and into the fixation member to anchor the connector to the fixation member. A rod can be inserted into the channel and fixed to the connector by a set screw. The apparatus is useful in connecting a rod to a fixation member, particularly in situations in which a rod is already connected to the fixation member, as by a previous implantation procedure, for example.