Patent ID: 7811309
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A stabilization member associated with a Spinal stabilization system, said stabilization member comprising: (a) a first structural member that is configured and dimensioned to be mounted with respect to a pedicle screw, said first structural member including a post that defines (i) an interior pocket, and (ii) an aperture in communication with said interior pocket, said aperture having a reduced inner diameter relative to the inner diameter of the interior pocket; (b) a second structural member in Spaced relation with respect to said first structural member and adapted for relative movement with respect to said first structural member; (c) a resilient element disposed between and mounted with respect to said first and second structural members, said resilient element defining a first length that lengthens in response to relative movement between said first and second structural members, said resilient element defining a region that is positioned around said post of said first structural member such that at least a portion of said lengthening of said resilient element responsive to relative movement between said first and second structural members occurs in the region of said resilient element positioned around said post; and (d) a travel-limiting structure disposed between and mounted with respect to said first and second structural members, said travel-limiting structure being configured and dimensioned to define a maximum distance by which said first and second structural members may be separated and including a termination element that is sized to travel within said interior pocket but so as not to pass through said aperture of said post: wherein said travel-limiting structure is movably mounted with respect to said first structural member and fixedly and non-translatably mounted with respect to said second structural member.