Patent ID: 9220538
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A flexible connection system for connecting a first vertebra with respect to a second vertebra, comprising: an elongate body extending from a first end portion to a second end portion along a longitudinal axis, the first and second end portions interconnected by and rigidly fixed to a flexible cord coupling member, the elongate body comprising first and second attachment portions configured and dimensioned to attach to bone fasteners to connect the elongate body between first and second vertebrae, the elongate body further comprising first and second resilient members coaxial with the flexible cord coupling member, the first resilient member positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and the second resilient member positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion, and a set screw received through at least one bone fastener, wherein the set screw is positioned downwardly into contact with an upper surface of at least one of the first and second attachment portions, wherein, when the first and second attachment portions are attached to the bone fasteners, the first attachment portion is movable along the flexible cord coupling member and along the longitudinal axis relative to the second attachment portion, wherein the first and second attachment portions compress the second resilient member therebetween when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and wherein the first end and first attachment portion compress the first resilient member therebetween when the first and second attachment portions move away from each other; and wherein the first attachment portion has a first end section that covers in a longitudinal direction at least a portion of the second resilient member to inhibit relative motion between the first attachment portion and the second resilient member in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the flexible cord coupling member extends through an opening in the first end portion, the first end portion spaced apart from a bone fastening member and the first end portion comprising a flange and a shoulder portion extending from the flange along a longitudinal axis of the first end portion, the flange having a greater outer diameter than the shoulder portion, and the shoulder portion is receivable within the first resilient member.