Patent ID: 8932334
Filing Date: 2015-01-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. In subcombination, an intervertebral bridge linkage device for flexibly fixating a first vertebra of a patient's spine to a second vertebra of the patient's spine, the linkage configured for posterior implantation and used in combination with a first connector mechanism and a first pedicle screw for interconnecting the linkage to the first vertebra, and a second connector mechanism and a second pedicle screw for interconnecting the linkage to the second vertebra, the linkage device comprising: a rod portion configured for posterior interconnection to the patient's spine when implanted, the rod portion including a first end having a first transversely-oriented cross-sectional area and having a substantially circular cross-sectional area shape, a second end having a second transversely-oriented cross-section area, and a single section disposed between said first end and said second end, said single section having a smaller transversely-oriented cross-sectional area than either said first transversely-oriented cross-sectional area or said second transversely-oriented cross-sectional area; wherein said single section expands and rotates forward up to 10 degrees when the patient bends their spine in flexion, and wherein the smaller transversely-oriented cross-sectional area of said single section has a crescent cross-sectional area shape.