Surgical Technique USS™ Universal Spine System DePuy Synthes 17
Connecting a rod to an implant
with closed rod connectors
Rod connectors can be used to bridge distances
between rod and implant. When using rod connectors,
frontal opening hooks must be used or the pedicle screw
turned by 90°. Rod connector bars are introduced into
the implant at a right angle to the rod.
Closed rod connectors can be used at either end of the
USS construct. They can be added at the end of a
procedure.
1. Select closed rod connector
Select the appropriate length of the closed rod connec-
tor bar. Introduce the small Hexagonal Screwdriver
(314.070) and the USS Holding Sleeve (388.360) into
the set screw of the rod connector clamp.
2. Place rod connector onto rod and
into implant
Slide the closed rod connector onto the rod and intro-
duce the rod connector bar into the front-opening hook
or screw. If necessary, use the Rod Crimping Pliers
(388.490) or the persuader (Rod Introduction Pliers,
388.500) as described on pages 12–14.
3. Secure rod connector
Tighten the set screw of the rod connector clamp. Place
the sleeve and nut onto the side-opening implant and
tighten it using the Socket Wrench 11.0 mm with
L-Handle (388.130) and the Socket Wrench 6.0 mm
(388.140) mounted on the stick to counteract torque.
