Patent ID: 8317841
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A vertebral stabilization plate assembly that facilitates vertebral anterior columnar stabilization of a vertebral column, the plate assembly comprising: a flexible core located in a mid-portion section of the plate assembly, the flexible core extending in a first direction which is along an elongation direction of the vertebral column and extending in a second direction, transverse to the first direction and along a lateral direction with respect to the vertebral column; a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion positioned above and below the flexible core, respectively, wherein the first attachment portion includes a plurality of laterally-spaced fastener holes through which a plurality of fasteners are inserted to attach the first attachment portion to a first bone structure of the vertebral column and the second attachment portion includes a plurality of laterally-spaced fastener holes through which a plurality of fasteners are inserted to attach the second attachment portion to a second bone structure of the vertebral column; and a plurality of laterally-spaced flexible cables that extend from the first attachment portion to the second attachment portion within at least a first portion of the flexible core to maintain a position of the flexible core within the plate assembly, wherein the plate assembly is weight-bearing and when attached to the first and second vertebral bone structures, the plate assembly extends across a disc space located between the at least two vertebral bone structures.