10
Universal Clamp—Surgical Technique Guide
After Universal Clamp bands have been attached
to the vertebral anatomy, the clamp can be attached
to a rod that has been contoured based on the
surgeon's preference.
CONNECTION TO THE ROD
STEP 4A
Assemble Universal Clamp Implant to Rod
•
Each preassembled Universal Clamp implant
is pushed onto the rod by hand or using the
implant positioner
, which holds the deep
side of the clamp and maintains it on the rod.
•
The upper jaw with the arrow etching is closed over
the rod with the arrow pointing toward the midline.
Note:
Verify that the rod diameter and rod material
match those of the Universal Clamp implant, and that the
arrow etched on the Universal Clamp implant is visible
and pointing toward the mid-line of the spinal column.
STEP 4B
Lock Universal Clamp Implant
•
Ensure the jaw with the directional arrow is loaded in
the “up” or dorsal orientation. Assemble the clamp
to the rod by introducing a locking screw (Ti: blue;
stainless steel: shiny metallic gray) with the
tapered
screw starter
. Initiate the locking screw a few turns
for implant stabilization.
Note:
Do not tighten the locking screw at
this time, as this may prevent reduction or
distraction/compression capability.
Warning:
Do not tighten the locking screw with
the tapered screw starter, as its tapered tip may
cause the internal hex of the screw to strip. Only
use the
3.5mm final screwdriver
for final
tightening, as this driver is not tapered at the tip.
•
Adequate rod length beyond the terminal
Universal Clamp implant is 5mm.
