Patent ID: 8430912
Filing Date: 2013-04-30
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A spinal stabilization implant that cooperates with pedicle screws to provide dynamic stabilization between upper and lower vertebrae in a spinal column, comprising: a first rod portion extending along a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a first cross-sectional area, the first rod portion further including an inner surface defining a first bore, the first rod portion being formed of a first material; a second rod portion extending along the longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end comprising an opening, the second rod portion extending from the distal end of the first rod portion, the second rod portion having a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area and being formed of the first material such that the second rod portion has the same resistance to shear as the first rod portion, the second rod portion including an inner surface defining a second bore in communication with the first bore and the opening; a core having a proximal end positioned in the first bore and a distal end extending through the opening in the second rod portion, the core being formed of a second material that is more resistant in shear than the first material to control the stiffness of the second rod portion; a slider portion engageable with the second rod portion, the slider portion being disposed about and movable relative to the second rod portion, the slider portion being sized and configured to attach to a pedicle screw; a first damper disposed about the second rod portion; and a second damper disposed about the second rod portion, the second damper being separate from and disposed in non-engagement with the first damper.