Abstract: A means for the interconnection of two spaced elongated rods of a human spine implant, comprising a hook having a mouth and being adapted to partially grip around a first elongated rod, a transverse bar connected to the hook and gripping means adapted to be connected to the second elongated rod and to be attached to the transverse bar, whereby transverse bar and hook arm interconnected through a joint, the joint having joint portions which are adapted to be pivoted between a release position and a locking position, in that further locking means are provided which inhibit a pivoting of the joint portions of the hook to the release position and in that the joint portion connected to the transverse bar is structured such that in the release position the hook with its mouth can be freely placed onto the elongated rod while in the locking position the rod is locked within the mouth.

Abstract: A ring blade and drive system, and method of using same, for harvesting bone-tendon-bone ligament grafts having substantially cylindrical bone plugs. The ring blade disclosed is a circular ring having a predetermined arcuate gap formed in its periphery. The drive system includes a blade holder to peripherally hold the ring blade and a fixed-center oscillating mechanism to oscillate the ring blade about its axis within a predetermined arcuate range of motion. The ring blade structure enables the production of a substantially cylindrical bone plug of unlimited length. Harvesting of a bone-tendon-bone ligament graft is facilitated with the ring blade and method disclosed which enables the ring blade to be placed partially around a tendon segment to create bone plugs aligned with the tendon fibers included in the defined tendon segment. The cuts into the bone may be initiated into the bone at either end of the tendon segment from the tendon side through to the exterior of the bone to which the tendon is attached.