(12) United States Patent
`Butler et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,080,037 B2
`Dec. 20, 2011
`
`USO08080037B2
`
`(54) SPINAL CROSS-CONNECTOR WITH SPINAL
`EXTENSORMUSCLE CURVATURE
`
`(75) Inventors: Michael S. Butler, St. Charles, IL (US);
`Brian D. Hartsell, Aurora, IL (US)
`(73) Assignee: Life Spine, Inc., Hoffman Estates, IL
`(US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 444 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/348,279
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jan. 3, 2009
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2009/O177234 A1
`Jul. 9, 2009
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/010.008, filed on Jan.
`4, 2008.
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`A6B 7/70
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........ 606,250. 606251: 606,252. 606,253.
`606/278
`58) Field of Classification S
`h
`606/246
`(58) Field of Classi cate67f2 53.260.277 278. 27 9
`S
`lication file f
`l
`s
`h hi s
`s
`ee application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`9, 1997 Levin
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`8/2000 Thomas, Jr.
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`2/2003 Lombardo et al.
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`9/2003 Walulik et al.
`6,736,775 B2
`5/2004 Phillips
`7,314,331 B1
`1/2008 Koros et al.
`7,553,279 B1
`6/2009 Phillips et al.
`7,666,210 B2
`2/2010 Franck et al.
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`E:
`22:
`2003.0114853 A1
`2005.0113831 A1
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
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`.
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`.
`
`.
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`. 606/250
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`.
`.
`$33.9 VR et al. .
`6/2003 Burgess et al.
`5.2005 Franck et al.
`Continued
`(
`)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Written Opinion of the International Search Authority for PCT Appli
`cation No. PCT/US2008/069899, mailing date Sep. 8, 2008, 4 pages.
`Primary Examiner — Eduardo C Robert
`Assistant Examiner — Christina Negrelli
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Foley & Lardner LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A spinal cross connector is configured for connection
`between spinal rods and provides allowance or space for
`inal ext
`1
`the spinal
`has b
`Spinal extensor muscles once the spinal process as been
`removed. The cross connector has curved first and second
`connection members that are adjustable in length and rotation
`relative to one another. A first clamping member is provided
`on the first connection member and defines first and second
`arcuate jaws that are adapted to clamp onto a first spinal rod.
`A second clamping member is provided on the second con
`nection member and defines first and second arcuate jaws that
`are adapted to clamp onto a second spinal rod. Both the first
`and second clamping members are rotatable and thus provide
`the rotational adjustment. The cross-connector also provides
`easy in situ sizing and adjustability.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`24 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`Globus Medical, Inc. Exhibit 2010, Page 1 of 10
`Life Spine, Inc. v. Globus Medical, Inc.
`IPR2022-01602
`
`

`

`US 8,080,037 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2005/0228377 A1* 10, 2005 Chao et al. ...................... 606/61
`2006/0064.093 A1
`3f2006 Thramann et al.
`2006/0206114 A1
`9/2006 Ensign et al.
`2006/0271045 A1 11, 2006 Hubbard et al.
`
`3/2007 Richelsophet al.
`2007/0049932 A1
`3.99.
`A 1938, Nissal
`2009/022804.6 A1* 9/2009 Garamszegi .................. 606,278
`* cited by examiner
`
`Globus Medical, Inc. Exhibit 2010, Page 2 of 10
`Life Spine, Inc. v. Globus Medical, Inc.
`IPR2022-01602
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 20, 2011
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 8,080,037 B2
`
`
`
`Globus Medical, Inc. Exhibit 2010, Page 3 of 10
`Life Spine, Inc. v. Globus Medical, Inc.
`IPR2022-01602
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 20, 2011
`
`Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 8,080,037 B2
`
`89
`
`/ @ © ff |
`
`07
`
`
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`Globus Medical, Inc. Exhibit 2010, Page 4 of 10
`Life Spine, Inc. v. Globus Medical, Inc.
`IPR2022-01602
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 20, 2011
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 8,080,037 B2
`
`
`
`CY
`
`O
`
`b)
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`Globus Medical, Inc. Exhibit 2010, Page 5 of 10
`Life Spine, Inc. v. Globus Medical, Inc.
`IPR2022-01602
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 20, 2011
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`
`
`Globus Medical, Inc. Exhibit 2010, Page 6 of 10
`Life Spine, Inc. v. Globus Medical, Inc.
`IPR2022-01602
`
`

`

`US 8,080,037 B2
`
`1.
`SPINAL CROSS-CONNECTOR WITH SPINAL
`EXTENSORMUSCLE CURVATURE
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This patent application claims the benefit of and/or priority
`to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/010.008
`filed Jan. 4, 2008, entitled “Spinal Cross-Connector With
`Spinal Extensor Muscle Curvature” the entire contents of
`which is specifically incorporated herein by this reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`15
`
`2
`The present cross-connector has first and second connec
`tion members or arms that are adjustably fixable in length
`relative to one another and in angularity relative to one
`another. The first connection member has a first spinal rod
`clamping member, clamp or clamshell rod attachment
`mechanism that is adapted to be connected, attached or
`affixed to one spinal rod while the second connection mem
`ber, clamp or clamshell rod attachment has a second spinal
`rod clamping member that is adapted to be connected,
`attached or affixed to the other, adjacent spinal rod. The first
`and second connection members are curved relative to the
`respective first and second spinal rod clamping members, and
`thus the spinal rods, to where the connection members meet at
`a pivot, junction or juncture thereof. Rather than lying in the
`plane of the two spinal rods as do other spinal rod cross
`connectors, the curvature of the two connection members of
`the present spinal rod cross connector lies above (in a poste
`rior direction) of the plane of the two spinal rods to provide
`clearance of the spinal extensor muscles.
`Each spinal rod clamping member is rotatable relative to
`the respective connection member and thus the respective
`spinal rod. This allows the cross connector to be situated
`askew on the spinal rods thereby providing angling of the
`connection members. In addition to being length adjustable
`and in angle (as between the two spinal rods) the connection
`members may also rotate relative to the respective rod clamp
`ing member, once fixed on the spinal rod member, in order to
`provide angulation in two different directions about the rod
`clamping member.
`Length adjustment is achieved through medial adjustment
`of the first and second connection members relative to each
`other by the first and second connection members having
`channels therein that receive a connection and fixation mem
`ber. The connection and fixation member also provides a
`pivot for rotational adjustment of the first and second connec
`tion members relative to one another.
`The cross-connector provides easily adjustable sizing
`(length and rotation) between adjacent spinal rods while
`maintaining spinal extensor muscle clearance or allowance.
`The cross-connector also provides easy in situ sizing and
`adjustability.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The above mentioned and other features, advantages and
`objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them,
`will become apparent and the invention itself will be better
`understood by reference to the following description of an
`embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the
`accompanying drawings, wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary spinal rod
`cross connector fashioned in accordance with the present
`principles;
`FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the spinal rod cross connector
`of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a side view of the spinal rod cross connector of
`FIG. 1; and
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a human spine
`having undergone a spinal stabilization procedure involving
`removal of several spinous processes and the installation of
`spinal rod assemblies with a cross-connector of the present
`invention connected between the spinal rod assemblies.
`Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts
`throughout the several figures.
`A detailed description of the features, functions and/or
`configuration of the components depicted in the various fig
`ures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to spinal fixation devices and,
`in particular, to cross-connectors for connecting spinal fixa
`tion devices, such as spinal rods that are attached onto a
`patient’s spine.
`2. Background Information
`There are many medical situations, because of disease,
`injury or deformity, where it is necessary to align and/or fix a
`desired relationship between adjacent vertebral bodies. In
`order to accomplish this goal, orthopedic spinal Surgeons
`utilize spinal fixation devices to provide the desired relation
`ship between adjacent vertebral bodies. Such spinal fixation
`devices typically include a spinal fixation element. Such as a
`relatively rigid fixation rod, that is connected to adjacent
`vertebrae by attaching the rod to anchor devices implanted
`into the vertebrae.
`Often, the spinal fixation rods are placed on opposite sides
`of the spinous process in a substantially parallel relationship.
`These spinal fixation rods may have pre-determined contours
`according to properties of the target implantation site. Once
`installed, the spinal fixation rods hold the vertebrae in a
`desired spatial relationship.
`It may also be necessary in some circumstances to provide
`a spinal cross-connector at one or more points between the
`two spinal fixation rods in order to provide additional stability
`to the structure. Particularly, adjacent spinal fixation rod
`assemblies can be made more robust by using a cross-con
`nector to bridge the pair of spinal rods.
`While current spinal cross-connectors are effective, prob
`lems exist Such as in mounting and maintaining the cross
`connectors in a desired position and orientation with respect
`to the spinal rods. Other problems also exist with current
`cross-connectors such as sizing and locking issues. More
`over, current spinal cross-connectors do not allow room for
`extensor muscles of the spine. Particularly, the current spinal
`cross-connectors tend to constrict the spinal extensor
`muscles.
`Accordingly, there presently exists a need for a spinal
`cross-connector that, when installed, provides allowance for
`spinal extensor muscles.
`Moreover, there presently exists a need for a spinal cross
`connector that, when installed, does not constrict spinal
`extensor muscles and/or allow the intrusion of the extensor
`muscles into the spinal cord space.
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention is a spinal cross-connector for con
`nection between adjacent spinal rods that is configured to
`provide allowance for spinal extensor muscles. The present
`spinal cross-connector is curved relative to first and second
`spinal rod clamping members such that the curvature pro
`vides posterior clearance of the spinal extensor muscles.
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Globus Medical, Inc. Exhibit 2010, Page 7 of 10
`Life Spine, Inc. v. Globus Medical, Inc.
`IPR2022-01602
`
`

`

`US 8,080,037 B2
`
`3
`all of the features of the components of the figures are neces
`sarily described. Some of these non discussed features as well
`as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non
`discussed features may be inherent in component geometry
`and/or configuration.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN
`EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
`
`4
`An upper portion of the first and second jaws 52, 54 extend
`through a generally annular collar 44 of the second connec
`tion member 14 and terminate in a threaded shaft 58. The jaws
`52 and 54 are rotatable about the collar 44. This allows the
`clamping member 42 to swivel about the spinal rod. The
`threaded shaft 56 of the clamping member 42 extends through
`the collar 44 and has a threaded nut 58 thereon for fixing the
`rotational alignment of the first and second jaws 52,54. As the
`nut 58 is threadedly received and tightened onto the threaded
`shaft 56, the rotational orientation of the jaws 52, 54 is fixed
`relative to the collar 44. The nut 58 also fixates the clamping
`member 42 onto the rod. Prior to tightening of the nut 58, the
`clamping member 42 can be easily placed onto or removed
`from the rod and/or re-positioned along the axis of the rod.
`Each spinal rod clamping member 20, 42 is rotatable rela
`tive to the respective connection member 18, 40 and thus the
`respective spinal rod. This allows the cross connector to be
`situated askew on the spinal rods thereby providing angling of
`the connection members. In addition to being length adjust
`able and in angle (as between the two spinal rods) the con
`nection members 18, 40 may also rotate relative to the respec
`tive rod clamping member 20, 42 to provide angulation in two
`different directions about the rod clamping member.
`The arm 18 of the first connection member 12 includes a
`curved portion or section 26 that extends from the collar 22.
`The curved portion 26 defines its curvature posteriorly when
`the spinal cross-connector 10 is installed. The arm 18 also
`includes a connection portion or section 24 that extends from
`the curved portion 26. The connection portion 24 includes the
`longitudinal channel 25.
`The arm 40 of the second connection member 14 includes
`a curved portion or section 48 that extends from the collar 44.
`The curved portion 48 defines its curvature posteriorly when
`the spinal cross-connector 10 is installed. The arm 40 also
`includes a connection portion or section 46 that extends from
`the curved portion 48. The connection portion 46 includes the
`longitudinal channel 47.
`The curvature of the arms 18 and 40 provide clearance
`relative to the posterior of the spine or vertebra such that the
`spinal extensor muscles of the spine/vertebra are not con
`stricted when the spinal cross-connector 10 is installed.
`The longitudinal channel 25 of the arm 18 of the first
`connection member 12 aligns with the longitudinal channel
`47 of the arm 40 of the second connection member 14. The
`pivot/retention assembly 16 is disposed in the longitudinal
`channels 25, 47 to provide the longitudinal or length adjust
`ment as well as the rotational adjustment of the first and
`second connection members 12.14 and of the present cross
`connector 10. The pivot/retention assembly 16 includes a
`hex-head threaded screw 60 that receives a nut 62. The hex
`head threaded screw 60 extends through the channels 25 and
`47 to hold the arms 18 and 40 together when the nut 62 is
`tightened thereon. Particularly, the hex-head threaded screw
`fixes the position of the first and second connection members
`12, 14 relative to one another.
`The present spinal cross-connector 10thus provides simple
`length adjustment and easy rotational clamping to adjacent
`spinal rods. This allows the present spinal cross-connector 10
`to adjust to variations in spacing and skewness of adjacent
`spinal rods.
`FIG. 4 shows/depicts a posterior perspective view of a
`portion of a human spine 70 that has undergone a spinal
`stabilization procedure involving removal of several spinous
`processes (SP of vertebrae V) and the installation of two
`spinal rod assemblies thereon. The two spinal rod assemblies
`are positioned along the pedicles of the desired vertebrae, but
`may be mounted elsewhere. The spinal rod assemblies are
`
`10
`
`Referring to FIGS. 1-3 there is depicted an exemplary
`embodiment of a spinal cross-connector generally designated
`10 fashioned in accordance with the principles of the present
`invention. The spinal cross-connector 10 is made from a
`biocompatible material Such as titanium, stainless steel or
`15
`PEEK. However, other biocompatible materials or com
`pounds may be used such as a polymer, plastic, metal alloy,
`composite or the like. The spinal cross-connector 10 is con
`figured to provide allowance for and/or not constrict spinal
`extensor muscles when installed.
`The spinal cross-connector 10 has a first connection mem
`ber 12 and a second connection member 14 that are each
`adapted, configured and/or operable to connect to or clamp
`onto to respective spinal rods (not shown) and adjustably to
`each other as shown. The spinal cross-connector 10 is longi
`tudinally adjustable as represented by the horizontal, double
`headed arrow such that the span between the spinal rods is
`adjustable. The connection members 12 and 14 are also rotat
`ably adjustable with respect to one another about a pivot/
`connection point defined by a pivot/retention/connection
`assembly 16 that is received in the channels 25 and 47 of the
`respective connection members 12, 14 and represented by the
`two, arced, double-headed arrows. The connection members
`12, 14 are thus adjustably fixable in length relative to one
`another and in angularity relative to one another.
`The first connection member 12 has an arm 18 with a
`clamping member 20 on one end thereof. The clamping mem
`ber 20 has first and secondarced jaws or members 30 and 32.
`The first jaw 30 includes teeth 31 on its inner arced surface.
`The second jaw 32 also includes teeth 33 on its inner arced
`surface. The first and second jaws 30, 32 are thus adapted,
`configured and/or operable to extend about a spinal rod with
`the teeth 31, 33 of the respective jaws 30, 32 holding onto the
`spinal rod.
`An upper portion of the first and second jaws 30, 32 extend
`through a generally annular collar 22 of the first connection
`member 12 and terminate in a threaded shaft 36. The jaws 30
`and 32 are rotatable about the collar 22. This allows the
`clamping member 20 to swivel about the spinal rod. The
`threaded shaft 36 of the clamping member 20 extends through
`the collar 22 and has a threaded nut 36 thereon for fixing the
`rotational alignment of the first and second jaws 30,32. As the
`nut 36 is threadedly received and tightened onto the threaded
`shaft 36, the rotational orientation of the jaws 30, 32 is fixed
`relative to the collar 22. The nut 36 also fixates the clamping
`member 20 onto the rod. Prior to tightening of the nut 36, the
`clamping member 20 can be easily placed onto or removed
`from the rod and/or re-positioned along the axis of the rod.
`The second connection member 14 has an arm 40 with a
`clamping member 42 on one end thereof. The clamping mem
`60
`ber 42 has first and secondarced jaws or members 52 and 54.
`The first jaw 50 includes teeth 51 on its inner arced surface.
`The second jaw 54 also includes teeth 55 on its inner arced
`surface. The first and second jaws 52, 54 are thus adapted,
`configured and/or operable to extend about a spinal rod with
`the teeth 53, 55 of the respective jaws 52,54 holding onto the
`spinal rod.
`
`45
`
`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`50
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`55
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`65
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`Globus Medical, Inc. Exhibit 2010, Page 8 of 10
`Life Spine, Inc. v. Globus Medical, Inc.
`IPR2022-01602
`
`

`

`US 8,080,037 B2
`
`5
`provided for stabilization and spacing of the vertebrae V. Each
`spinal rod assembly consists of several screw constructs 80
`and a spinal rod95. The screw constructs 80 are affixed to the
`vertebra V, while the spinal rods 95 are oriented generally
`along the longitudinal axis of the spine. The present cross
`connector 10 is connected between the two spinal rod assem
`blies and, particularly to the spinal rods 95 thereof.
`It can be seen that the connection members (arms) 12, 14 of
`the cross connector 10, rather than being straight, curve out in
`the posterior direction when attached to the spine rods 95.
`This curvature provides or allows space for the extensor
`muscle of the spine and, in some respects, mimics the spinous
`process that was removed. The angle, bend or curvature (i.e.
`26 of 18, and 48 of 40) may be varied as desired to provide an
`overall arch or curvature. The coupling manner between the
`arms 12, 14 provide for variable angles therebetween. Addi
`tionally, it should be noted that while the connection assem
`bly 16 is shown disposed at ends of the arms 12, 14, it can be
`positioned otherwise. Likewise, the particular retention
`member, the dimension(s) of the adjustment portion of the
`arm(s) and other features may be varied as desired. It should
`also be noted that more than one cross connector 10 may be
`used if desired.
`While the invention has been illustrated and described in
`detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is
`to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character,
`it being understood that only a preferred embodiment has
`been shown and described and that all changes and modifi
`cations that come within the spirit of the invention are desired
`to be protected.
`
`10
`
`15
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`25
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`30
`
`6
`5. The spinal cross connector of claim 4, wherein the con
`nector pivotally couples the first and second arms to one
`another.
`6. The spinal cross connector of claim 5, wherein the con
`nector fixes a pivot angle between the first and second arms.
`7. The spinal cross connector of claim 2, wherein the first
`clamp is rotatable relative to the first arm and the second
`clamp is rotatable relative to the second arm.
`8. The spinal cross connector of claim 7, wherein the first
`arm is rotatable relative to the first clamp when the first clamp
`is fixed to the first spinal rod and the second arm is rotatable
`relative to the second clamp when the second clamp is fixed to
`the second spinal rod.
`9. The spinal cross connector of claim 1, wherein the first
`and second arms are formed of PEEK.
`10. A spinal cross connector for connection between adja
`cent first and second spinal rods of a spinal rod assembly, the
`spinal cross connector comprising:
`a first arm;
`a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm at a pivot
`interface defined by interfacing surfaces of the first and
`second arms;
`a first clamp disposed on an end of the first arm and adapted
`to affix to the first spinal rod;
`a second clamp disposed on an end of the second arm and
`adapted to affix to the second spinal rod;
`the first and second clamps disposed in a first plane adja
`cent the first and second spinal rods, and the interfacing
`Surfaces of the pivot interface defining a second plane
`offset in a posterior direction from the first plane to
`provide for posterior clearance of spinal extensor
`muscles when installed on a spine.
`11. The spinal cross connector of claim 10, wherein the first
`and second arms are also length adjustable relative to one
`another.
`12. The spinal cross connector of claim 11, wherein the first
`arm has a first longitudinal channel extending therethrough,
`the second arm has a second longitudinal channel extending
`therethrough, and further comprising a connector received in
`the first and second longitudinal channels.
`13. The spinal cross connector of claim 12, wherein the
`connector is adapted to fix the length of the first and second
`arms relative to one another.
`14. The spinal cross connector of claim 13, wherein the
`connector pivotally couples the first and second arms to one
`another.
`15. The spinal cross connector of claim 14, wherein the
`connector fixes a pivot angle between the first and second
`aS.
`16. The spinal cross connector of claim 11, wherein the first
`clamp is rotatable relative to the first arm and the second
`clamp is rotatable relative to the second arm.
`17. The spinal cross connector of claim 16, wherein the first
`arm is rotatable relative to the first clamp when the first clamp
`is fixed to the first spinal rod and the second arm is rotatable
`relative to the second clamp when the second clamp is fixed to
`the second spinal rod.
`18. The spinal cross connector of claim 10, wherein the first
`and second arms are formed of PEEK.
`19. A spinal cross connector comprising:
`a first arm having a first length defined by a first clamping
`portion connected to a first connecting portion via a
`curved portion;
`a second arm having a second length defined by a second
`clamping portion connected to a second connecting por
`tion via a second curved portion, the first and second
`arms pivotally connected to one another;
`
`35
`
`40
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A spinal cross connector for connection between adja
`cent first and second spinal rods of a spinal rod assembly, the
`spinal cross connector comprising:
`a first arm comprising a first clamping member portion, a
`first connection portion, and a first curved portion con
`necting the first clamping member portion and the first
`connection portion in an offset manner;
`a second arm comprising a second clamping member por
`tion, a second connection portion, and a second curved
`portion connecting the second clamping member por
`tion and the second connection portion in an offset man
`ner, the first and second arms pivotally coupled to one
`45
`another via the first and second connection portions;
`a first clamp disposed on the first clamping member portion
`of the first arm and adapted to affix to the first spinal rod;
`and
`a second clamp disposed on the second clamping member
`portion of the second arm and adapted to affix to the
`second spinal rod;
`wherein the first and second connection portions are pos
`teriorly offset relative to the first and second clamping
`memberportions to provide posterior clearance of spinal
`extensor muscles when installed on a spine.
`2. The spinal cross connector of claim 1, wherein the first
`and second arms are also length adjustable relative to one
`another.
`3. The spinal cross connector of claim 2, wherein the first
`arm has a first longitudinal channel extending therethrough,
`the second arm has a second longitudinal channel extending
`therethrough, and further comprising a connector received in
`the first and second longitudinal channels.
`4. The spinal cross connector of claim 3, wherein the con
`nector is adapted to fix the length of the first and second arms
`relative to one another.
`
`55
`
`50
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Globus Medical, Inc. Exhibit 2010, Page 9 of 10
`Life Spine, Inc. v. Globus Medical, Inc.
`IPR2022-01602
`
`

`

`US 8,080,037 B2
`
`7
`a first clamp rotatably disposed on an end of the first arm
`and adapted to affix to the first spinal rod;
`a second clamp rotatably disposed on an end of the second
`arm and adapted to affix to the second spinal rod;
`wherein the first and curved portions offset the first and
`second connecting in a posterior direction relative to the
`first and second connecting portions to provide posterior
`clearance of spinal extensor muscles.
`20. The spinal cross connector of claim 19, wherein the first
`and second arms are also length adjustable relative to one
`another.
`21. The spinal cross connector of claim 20, wherein the first
`arm has a first longitudinal channel extending therethrough
`alongaportion of its first lengths. the secondarm has a second
`longitudinal channel extending therethrough along a portion
`
`8
`of its second length, and further comprising a connector
`received in the first and second longitudinal channels.
`22. The spinal cross connector of claim 21, wherein the
`connector is adapted to fix the length and pivot angle of the
`first and second arms relative to one another.
`23. The spinal cross connector of claim 22, wherein the first
`clamp is rotatable relative to the first arm and the second
`clamp is rotatable relative to the second arm.
`24. The spinal cross connector of claim 23, wherein the first
`arm is rotatable relative to the first clamp when the first clamp
`is fixed to the first spinal rod and the second arm is rotatable
`relative to the second clamp when the second clamp is fixed to
`the second spinal rod.
`
`10
`
`Globus Medical, Inc. Exhibit 2010, Page 10 of 10
`Life Spine, Inc. v. Globus Medical, Inc.
`IPR2022-01602
`
`