Patent ID: 7563283
Filing Date: 2009-07-21
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A system for stabilizing adjacent bone segments, comprising: at least one artificial ligament configured to couple at least two connection members; a first connection member having first and second arms configured to be coupled to a first bone segment and having a first central element extending between the first and second arms with at least one first ligament seating region formed around the first central element for receiving the at least one ligament, the at least one first ligament seating region having at least one ligament contact region with a first surface area; and a second connection member having first and second arms configured to be coupled to a second bone segment and having a second central element positioned in contact with the first central element and extending between the first and second arms with at least one second ligament seating region formed around the second central element, the at least one second ligament seating region having at least two ligament contact regions with a second surface area, wherein the at least one ligament is slidably disposed within the first and second ligament seating regions to contact the ligament contact regions of the first and second connection members such that the artificial ligament exhibits a non-linear force displacement relationship.