Patent ID: 8317830
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for stabilizing a spinal motion segment, comprising: a rod sized to span a distance between a plurality of vertebrae of the spinal motion segment; and a plurality of attachment mechanisms for securing the rod to the plurality of vertebrae; wherein each of the plurality of attachment mechanisms includes a seat for securing to the rod and a vertebrae engaging member for securing to the vertebrae, the seat of the attachment mechanism comprising a seat passage sized and arranged to receive the rod in a manner that the red extends through the passage; and wherein at least one of the attachment mechanisms includes a first movement mechanism for allowing the rod to move in a linear direction in the seat passage, the first movement mechanism comprising a roller arranged within the seat to form at least a part of the seat passage, the roller having a roller outer surface arranged to contact and roll along the rod as the rod moves in the linear direction in the seat passage, the roller being positioned at a bottom of the seat such that the roller outer surface forms one side of the seat passage and sides of the seat form two opposing surfaces of the seat passage.