Patent ID: 8303631
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A spinal stabilization implant for attachment to a portion of a spine, the implant comprising: a first bridge element comprising a first bridge end having a first anchoring feature, a second bridge end having a second anchoring feature, and a first bridge body extending between the first and second bridge ends, the first bridge element sized and shaped for securing to a vertebra in a medial-lateral orientation; a second bridge element comprising a third bridge end having a third anchoring feature, a fourth bridge end having a fourth anchoring feature, and a second bridge body extending between the third and fourth bridge ends, the second bridge element sized and shaped for securing to a vertebra in a medial-lateral orientation; a plurality of anchoring members, wherein a first anchoring member interfaces with the first anchoring feature for securing the first bridge end to a first vertebra, a second anchoring member interfaces with the second anchoring feature for securing the second bridge end to the first vertebra, a third anchoring member interfaces with the third anchoring feature for securing the third bridge end to a second vertebra, and a fourth anchoring member interfaces with the fourth anchoring feature for securing the fourth bridge end to the second vertebra; a first bias element that attaches to the first bridge element and the second bridge element to provide a stabilizing force between the bridge elements when the bridge elements are properly secured to two respective vertebrae, wherein the first bias element comprises a cephalad fixation portion removably attachable to the first bridge element, a caudal fixation portion removably attachable to the second bridge element, and a bias body extending between the cephalad and caudal fixation portions, wherein the cephalad and caudal fixation portions attach to the corresponding bridge element at any one of a plurality of discrete attachment locations; and a plurality of attachment mechanisms, wherein each attachment mechanism comprises a attachment portion for interfacing with a bias element to attach the bias element to one of the bridge elements, wherein the cephalad and caudal fixation portions each attach at any one of the plurality of discrete attachment locations with one of the attachment mechanisms, wherein the attachment mechanism further comprises a clamp and a screw, the attachment mechanism positionable such that the clamp at least partially surrounds one of the bridge elements, wherein tightening the screw secures the first bias element to the attachment mechanism and locks the position of the attachment mechanism relative to the bridge element.