Patent ID: 8784453
Filing Date: 2014-07-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A dynamic spinal stabilization system, comprising: a first metal pedicle screw and a second metal pedicle screw each installable in a vertebrae; a metal support rod; a first metal connector mountable to the first pedicle screw and fixedly disposed on the rod; a second metal connector mountable to the second pedicle screw and slidingly disposed on the rod at a location spaced apart from the first connector; a rigid metal member fixed to the rod and spaced apart from a side of the second connector opposite the first connector; a first elastomeric sleeve positioned on the rod and located between the first and second connectors, the first elastomeric sleeve having a stepped configuration and including a first section and a second section having a smaller exterior dimension than the corresponding dimension of the first section and sized to fit within a portion of the second connector so as to be situated between the second metal connector and the rod to substantially eliminate metal-to-metal contact between the second metal connector and the rod; a second elastomeric sleeve located between the second connector and the rigid member; wherein the sleeves are operative to substantially eliminate contact between the metal rod and the first and second metal connectors so as to substantially eliminate metal-to-metal contact of metal components of the system that are movable relative to one another, and wherein the sleeves deform to enable spinal movements throughout a range of motions from a neutral condition of the spine, to a flexion condition, and an extension condition.