Patent ID: 8623057
Filing Date: 2014-01-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A flexible, elongated connection unit for stabilizing a human spine where the flexible connection unit is configured to be surgically implanted into the human body adjacent the spine and held in place by at least a first and a second pedicle screw assembly that are configured to be anchored into a first and second, adjacent vertebra, respectively, the flexible, elongated connection unit comprising: (a) a first, metallic rigid portion having an outer surface configured to be secured within the first pedicle screw assembly, the outer surface of the first rigid portion having a dimension; (b) a second, metallic rigid portion; (c) a cylindrical flexible member directly secured to the first rigid portion and to the second rigid portion, the flexible member having an outer surface having a diameter less than the dimension of the outer surface of the first rigid portion at a position between the first and second rigid portions; (d) a longitudinally compressible spacer comprising: whereby the first and second elastomeric spacer portions limit the sliding of the spacer metallic portion along the flexible member.