Patent ID: 8337526
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A flexible member for use in stabilizing a spine comprising: a polymeric body including a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end, the polymeric body having a longitudinal axis extending through the polymeric body from the first end to the second end; the polymeric body including a first portion including a first polymeric material having a first elasticity and a second portion including a second polymeric material having a second elasticity, the first elasticity being different than the second elasticity; wherein there is a first quantity of the first polymeric material and a first quantity of the second polymeric material at a first cross-section taken transverse to the longitudinal axis, and wherein there is a second quantity of the first polymeric material and a second quantity of the second polymeric material at a second cross-section taken transverse to the longitudinal axis; wherein the first quantity of the first polymeric material is greater than the second quantity of the first polymeric material and the second quantity of the second polymeric material is greater than the first quantity of the second polymeric material; wherein the first portion including the first polymeric material extends helically around the longitudinal axis of the polymeric body; and wherein spacing between adjacent turns of the helical first portion is greater proximate the first end of the polymeric body than proximate the second end of the polymeric body to provide the flexible member with a cross-sectional and lengthwise flexibility gradient.