Patent ID: 8231657
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: A61B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A spinal stabilization system, comprising: first and second anchor assemblies engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebral bodies; and an elongated connecting element including opposite first and second end members and a length along a longitudinal axis between said first and second end members sized for positioning between and engaging each of said first and second anchor assemblies when said first and second anchor assemblies are engaged to the respective vertebral bodies, wherein each of said first and second end members includes an end wall and an axially extending rod portion extending from said respective end wall to an outer end opposite said end wall, said connecting element further including a bumper assembly with a flexible bumper portion between said end members and a flexible linking element extending through an axial bore of each of said rod portions of said first and second end members, said linking element being engaged to said outer ends of each of said rod portions of said first and second end members, said bumper portion including a side face extending between opposite end faces, said end walls engaging said end faces and overlapping at least a portion of said side face.