Patent ID: 8105360
Filing Date: 2012-01-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An implantable device that allows desirable movement of spinal vertebrae relative to each other and prevents undesirable movement of spinal vertebrae relative to each other, comprising: a sequence of two or more substantially-incompressible segments wherein: this sequence is configured to connect two or more spinal vertebrae, this sequence limits longitudinal compression of spinal vertebrae, and the segments in this sequence have channels in them, wherein these channels extend through both ends of these segments, in which there are longitudinal members that connect the segments and at least one of these channels does not go through some cross-sectional centers of the segments; a plurality of flexible but substantially-inelastic members running through the channels in the incompressible segments, wherein these substantially-inelastic members extend through both ends of these segments, wherein decreases or increases in the slack of one or more of these inelastic members, as the spine moves, allow desirable movement of spinal vertebrae relative to each other and prevent undesirable movement of spinal vertebrae relative to each other; and a plurality of extendable but motion-dampening members running through the channels in the incompressible segments, wherein these motion-dampening members extend through both ends of these segments, wherein changes in the extension of one or more of these motion-dampening members dampen movement of spinal vertebrae relative to each other.