Patent Publication Number: US-2012029567-A1

Title: Anchoring mechanism

Description:
The present disclosure is related to commonly owned and co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (having Attorney Docket No. P37336.00), which has a filing date that is the same as the present disclosure, and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to systems or mechanisms for affixing material to bone. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to mechanisms for affixing material to bone, and more particularly, systems for affixing at least a portion of material to a vertebral body. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A system for anchoring at least a portion of material to a vertebral body is disclosed. The anchoring system comprises a base configured to affix to the vertebral body and configured to receive the at least a portion of material, a fastener configured to affix the base to the vertebral body, and an anchoring mechanism configured to engage with the base and configured to anchor the at least a portion of material, wherein the anchoring mechanism comprises at least one elastic element configured to engage with the fastener and configured to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material so as to anchor the at least a portion of material to the base. 
     Another system for anchoring at least a portion of material to a vertebral body is disclosed. The anchoring system comprises a base configured to affix to the vertebral body, configured to receive the at least a portion of material, and configured to receive a fastener so as to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material so as to anchor the at least a portion of material to the base. 
     Another system for anchoring at least a portion of material to a vertebral body is disclosed. The anchoring comprises a base configured to affix to the vertebral body and configured to receive the at least a portion of material, a fastener comprising a screw and a nut—the fastener configured to affix the base to the vertebral body, and an anchoring mechanism configured to engage with the base and configured to anchor the at least a portion of material, wherein the anchoring mechanism comprises at least one elastic element configured to engage with the nut and configured to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material so as to anchor the at least a portion of material to the base. 
     Additional aspects and features of the present disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description and claims as set forth below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic, cross-sectional view of two adjacent vertebral bodies; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic, side view of the vertebral bodies of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an anchoring system; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a base and an anchoring mechanism of the anchoring system of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of an anchoring mechanism of the anchoring system of  FIG. 3  in cooperation with a fastener; 
         FIG. 6  is another isometric view of an anchoring mechanism of the anchoring system of  FIG. 3  in cooperation with a fastener; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of another anchoring system; 
         FIG. 8  is a top isometric view of a base of the anchoring system of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom isometric view of a base of the anchoring system of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a base of the anchoring system of  FIG. 7  in cooperation with at least a portion of material; 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a base and a fastener of the anchoring system of  FIG. 7  in cooperation with at least a portion of material; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic, side view of vertebral bodies with another anchoring system; 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of another anchoring system; 
         FIG. 14  is a top isometric view of a base of the anchoring system of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an isometric view of a base of the anchoring system of  FIG. 13  in cooperation with at least a portion of material; 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view of another anchoring system; 
         FIG. 17  is a top isometric view of a base of an anchoring system of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom isometric view of a base of the anchoring system of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric view of a fastener and locking element of the anchoring system of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 20  is an isometric view of another anchoring system; 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric view of a fastener of the anchoring system of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a top isometric view of a base  420  of the anchoring system of  FIG. 20  in cooperation with a fastener; 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom isometric view of a base and a fastener of the anchoring system of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 24  is an isometric view of a fastener and locking element  460  of the anchoring system of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 25  is an isometric view of another anchoring system  600 ; 
         FIG. 26  is an isometric view of a fastener of the anchoring system of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 27  is an isometric view of a base and a fastener of the anchoring system of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 28  is an isometric view of a base and a anchoring mechanism of the anchoring system of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 29  is an isometric view of a base and an anchoring mechanism of the anchoring system of  FIG. 25  in cooperation with a fastener and at least a portion of material; 
         FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view of a base and an anchoring mechanism of the anchoring system of  FIG. 25  in cooperation with a fastener, at least a portion of material and a locking component; 
         FIG. 31  is an isometric view of an anchoring mechanism of the anchoring system of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a top view of the anchoring mechanism of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is an isometric view of another anchoring system; and 
         FIG. 34  is an isometric view of the anchoring system of  FIG. 33  without a base. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments, or examples, illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of two adjacent vertebral bodies V 1  and V 2  with an intervertebral disc  50  situated in its natural location between the two vertebral bodies V 1  and V 2 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , vertebral body V 1  represents a superior vertebral body and V 2  represents an inferior vertebral body. Reference marker A represents an anterior side of the vertebral bodies V 1  and V 2 , whereas reference marker P represents a posterior side of the vertebral bodies V 1  and V 2 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , superior vertebral body V 1  has a lateral surface  12  and inferior vertebral body V 2  has a lateral surface  14 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a schematic, side view of the vertebral bodies V 1  and V 2  of  FIG. 1  with an anchoring system  100 . The anchoring system  100  is used to anchor at least a portion of material  80  to a vertebral body V 1  or V 2 . As show in  FIG. 2 , there is an anchoring system  100  affixed to the anterior lateral side of vertebral body V 1  and an anchoring system  100 A affixed to the anterior lateral side of vertebral body V 2 . The anchoring system  100  and/or  100 A may be affixed to another location on the vertebral bodies V 1  and V 2 , for example, they may be affixed to the pedicles (not shown) on the posterior section of the vertebral bodies V 1  and V 2 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an isometric view of an anchoring system  100 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the anchoring system  100  comprises a base  20 , a fastener  40  and an anchoring mechanism  30 . The base  20  is configured to affix to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2 , configured to receive the fastener  40  and configured to receive the at least a portion of material  80 . The anchoring mechanism  30  is configured to engage with the fastener  40 , configured to engage with the base  20  and configured to anchor the at least a portion of material  80  to the base  20 , wherein the mechanism  30  comprises at least one elastic element  30  configured to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material  80  so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  80  to the base  20 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the underside of the base  20  may have structures  19  such as anchors, keels, spikes, pegs, prongs, or similar structures to help affix base  20  to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2  and/or help maintain its proper placement on the vertebral body V 1  or V 2  and/or absorb some of the load on the base  20 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an isometric view of the base  20  and the anchoring mechanism  30  of the anchoring system  100  of  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the base  20  comprises at least one hole  22  for receiving the fastener  40 , which is configured for affixing the base  20  to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2 . The base  20  further comprise slots  28  for accommodating at least a portion of the at least a portion of material  80 . Also, slots  28  may accommodate a portion of the anchoring mechanism  30 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , anchoring mechanism  30  has been placed within base  20  and positioned so as to allow for placement of the at least a portion of material  80 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an isometric view of the anchoring mechanism  30  of the anchoring system  100  of  FIG. 3  in cooperation with a fastener  40 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the fastener  40  has a fastener head  42  and a fastener shank  48 . Fastener shank  48  is configured for affixing to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2  and the fastener  40  is manipulated by using the fastener head  42 .  FIG. 6  shows another isometric view of the anchoring mechanism  30  of the anchoring system  100  of  FIG. 3  in cooperation with a fastener  40 . In particular,  FIG. 6  shows fastener  40  in its fully-inserted position. In its fully-inserted position, fastener head  42  abuts anchoring mechanism  30 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . In this way, fastener  40  may impart a force against the anchoring mechanism  30  so that the anchoring mechanism  30  applies pressure to the at least a portion of material  80  so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  80  to the base  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , the anchoring mechanism  30  comprises an elastic element  30  that has elasticity derived from the physical characteristics of its material. Note, however, that the elastic element  30  may be, for example, a coil spring. As shown, such elastic element  30  may include but not be limited to, any one or any combination of a polymer or other biocompatible material. Further, while the elastic components are elastic, they may be non-rigid. For example, suitable materials for the elastic element  30  may, for example, include but not be limited to, latex, rubber, silicone, polyurethane, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, and/or polyolefin rubbers. 
     In operation of the anchoring system depicted in  FIGS. 3-6 , the anchoring mechanism  30  is placed within base  20  and positioned so as to allow for placement of the at least a portion of material  80 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The at least a portion of material  80  is then placed within the base  20 . The aforementioned steps may occur before or after the base  20  is placed on a vertebral body, for example, V 1  or V 2 , whereby structures  19  may help maintain proper placement of the base  20  on the vertebral body and/or absorb some of the load on the base  20 . Thereafter, the fastener  40  is placed within hole  22 , entering the hole  22  by way of surface  24 , and used to affix the base  20  in the desired location on the vertebral body. 
       FIG. 7  shows an isometric view of an anchoring system  200 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the anchoring system  200  comprises a base  120  and a fastener  140 . The base  120  is configured to affix to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2 , configured to receive the fastener  140  and configured to receive the at least a portion of material  180  so as to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material  180  so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  180  to the base  120 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the underside of the base  120  may have structures  119  such as anchors, keels, spikes, pegs, prongs, or similar structures to help affix the base  120  to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2  and/or help maintain its proper placement on the vertebral body V 1  or V 2  and/or absorb some of the load on the base  120 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a top isometric view of the base  120  of the anchoring system  100  of  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the base  120  comprises at least one hole  122  for receiving a fastener  140 , which is configured for affixing the base  120  to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2 . The base  120  further comprise slots  128  for accommodating at least a portion of the at least a portion of material  180 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the base  120  has a top surface  124  and a bottom surface  126 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , between the top surface  124  and the bottom surface  126 , the base  120  comprises a surface  125  configured to engage a first surface  184  of the at least a portion of material  180 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the shape of surface  125  is frustoconical. The fastener  140  is configured to engage a second surface  182  of the at least a portion of material  180 , wherein the first surface  184  and second surface  182  of the at least a portion of material  180  face substantially opposite directions. The top surface  124  is an outer surface that receives the fastener  140  and the bottom surface  126  is an inner surface that engages the vertebral body V 1  or V 2 . Note that while, as shown, surface  124  receives the fastener  140 , surface  125  contacts the fastener  140 , but surface  124  does not contact the fastener. As shown, the structures  119  are attached to the bottom surface  126 . 
     The terms “generally” (or “general”) or “substantially” (or “substantial”) as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation which could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. For example, while the first surface  184  and second surface  182  of the at least a portion of material  180  face substantially opposite directions, the surfaces need only face directions that allow the base  120  and the fastener  140  to compress the at least a portion of material  180  so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  180  to the base  120 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a bottom isometric view of the base  120  of the anchoring system  200  of  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the bottom surface  126  of the base  120  has two structures  119 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the hole  122  for receiving fastener  140  has a larger opening  122 A at the top surface  124  than its opening  122 B at the bottom surface  126  of the base  120 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , as surface  125  extends between the openings  122 A and  122 B, the surface  125  is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the fastener  140 . 
       FIG. 10  shows an isometric view of the base  120  of the anchoring system  200  of  FIG. 7  in cooperation with the at least a portion of material  180 .  FIG. 10  shows that surface  125  extends between the top  124  and bottom  126  surfaces of the hole  122  and that the surface  125  is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the fastener  140 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , surface  125  is configured to engage the first surface  184  of the at least a portion of material  180  and the fastener  140  is configured to engage a second surface  182  of the at least a portion of material  180 , wherein the first surface  184  and second surface  182  of the at least a portion of material  180  face substantially opposite directions. 
       FIG. 11  shows an isometric view of the base  120  and fastener  140  of the anchoring system  200  of  FIG. 7  in cooperation with the at least a portion of material  180 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the fastener  140  has a fastener head  142  and a fastener shank  148 . Fastener shank  148  is configured for penetration and affixation to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2  and the fastener  140  is manipulated by using the fastener head  142 . Further, as shown, the fastener head  142  has a surface  142 X that is angled to cooperate with the at least a portion of material  180  and surface  125  of the base  120 . 
     In operation of the anchoring system depicted in  FIGS. 7-11 , the at least a portion of material  180  is placed within base  120 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . This step may occur before or after the base  120  is placed on a vertebral body, for example, V 1  or V 2 , whereby structures  119  may maintain proper placement of the base  120  on the vertebral body and/or absorb some of the load on the base  120 . Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the fastener  140  is placed within hole  122 , entering the hole  122  by way of surface  124 , and used to affix the base  120  in the desired location on the vertebral body, thereby anchoring the at least a portion of material  180  to the base  120 . 
       FIG. 12  shows a schematic, side view of the vertebral bodies V 1  and V 2 A with an anchoring system  300  associated with vertebral body V 2 A. The anchoring system  300  is used to anchor at least a portion of material  280  to vertebral body V 2 A. As shown, there is an anchoring system  100  or  200  affixed to the anterior lateral side of vertebral body V 1  and an anchoring system  300  affixed to the anterior lateral side of vertebral body V 2 A. The anchoring system  100 ,  200  or  300  may be affixed to another location of the vertebral bodies V 1  and V 2 A, for example, they may be affixed to the pedicles (not shown) on the posterior section of the vertebral bodies V 1  and V 2 A. As shown, the at least a portion of material  280  terminates at anchoring system  300  on vertebral body V 2 A. 
       FIG. 13  shows an isometric view of an anchoring system  300 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the anchoring system  300  comprises a base  220  and a fastener  240 . The base  220  is configured to affix to the vertebral body V 2 A, configured to receive the fastener  240  and configured to receive the at least a portion of material  280  so as to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material  280  so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  280  to the base  220 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the underside of the base  220  may have structures  219  such as anchors, keels, spikes, pegs, prongs, or similar structures to help affix the base  220  to the vertebral body V 2 A and/or help maintain its proper placement on the vertebral body V 2 A and/or absorb some of the load on the base  220 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a top isometric view of the base  220  of the anchoring system  300  of  FIG. 13 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the base  220  comprises at least one hole  222  for receiving a fastener  240 , which is configured for affixing the base  220  to the vertebral body V 2 A. The base  220  further comprise slots  228  for accommodating at least a portion of the at least a portion of material  280 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the base  220  has a top surface  224  and a bottom surface  226 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , between the top surface  224  and the bottom surface  226 , the base  220  comprises a surface  225  configured to engage a first surface  284  of the at least a portion of material  280 . The fastener  240  is configured to engage a second surface  282  of the at least a portion of material  280 , wherein the first surface  284  and second surface  282  of the at least a portion of material  280  face substantially opposite directions. Specifically, the head  242  of fastener  240  has a surface  242 X that engages the second surface  282  of the at least a portion of material  280 . The top surface  224  of the base  240  is an outer surface that receives the fastener  240  and the bottom surface  226  is an inner surface that engages the vertebral body V 2 A. As shown, the structures  219  are attached to the bottom surface  226 . Further, note that base  240  has four structures  219 . 
       FIG. 15  shows an isometric view of the base  220  of the anchoring system  300  of  FIG. 13  in cooperation with the at least a portion of material  280 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the fastener  240  has not been fully inserted in the base  240 . That is, as shown, surface  242 X of fastener head  242  is not engaged with the second surface  282  of the at least a portion of material  280 , but is in alignment to do so when it is fully inserted in the base  240 . Further, as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , surface  242 X extends between the top of head  242  and the shank  248 , and surface  242 X is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the fastener  240 . As shown, surface  242 X is configured to engage the second surface  282  of the at least a portion of material  280 . 
     In operation of the anchoring system depicted in  FIGS. 13-15 , the at least a portion of material  280  is placed within base  220 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . This step may occur before or after the base  220  is placed on a vertebral body, for example, V 2 , whereby structures  219  may help maintain proper placement of the base  220  on the vertebral body and/or absorb some of the load on the base  220 . Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the fastener  240  is placed within hole  222 , entering the hole  222  by way of surface  224 , and used to affix the base  220  in the desired placement on the vertebral body. 
       FIG. 16  shows an isometric view of an anchoring system  400 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the anchoring system  400  comprises a base  320 , a fastener  340  and a locking component  360 . The base  320  is configured to affix to the vertebral body V 2 A, configured to receive the fastener  340  and the locking component  360 , and configured to receive the at least a portion of material  380  so as to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material  380  so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  380  to the base  320 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the fastener  340  is a screw and the locking component  360  is a nut. Further, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the underside of the base  320  may have structures  319  such as anchors, keels, spikes, pegs, prongs, or similar structures to help affix the base  320  to the vertebral body V 2 A and/or help maintain its proper placement on the vertebral body V 2 A and/or absorb some of the load on the base  320 . 
       FIG. 17  shows a top isometric view of the base  320  of the anchoring system  400  of  FIG. 16 , and  FIG. 18  shows a bottom isometric view of the base  320  of the anchoring system  400  of  FIG. 16 . As shown, the base  320  comprises at least one hole  322  for receiving a fastener  340 , which is configured for affixing the base  320  to the vertebral body V 2 A. The base  320  further comprise slots  328  for accommodating at least a portion of the at least a portion of material  380 . As shown, the base  320  has a top surface  324  and a bottom surface  326 . As shown, between the top surface  324  and the bottom surface  326 , the base  320  comprises a surface  325  configured to engage a first surface  384  of the at least a portion of material  380 . The nut  360  is configured to engage a second surface  382  of the at least a portion of material  380 , wherein the first surface  384  and second surface  382  of the at least a portion of material  380  face substantially opposite directions. Specifically, the surface  362 X of nut  360  engages the second surface  382  of the at least a portion of material  380 . The top surface  324  of the base  340  is an outer surface that receives the fastener  340  and the bottom surface  326  is an inner surface that engages the vertebral body V 2 A. As shown, the structures  319  are attached to the bottom surface  326 . Further, note that base  340  has four structures  319 . 
       FIG. 19  shows an isometric view of the fastener  340  and locking element  360  of the anchoring system  400  of  FIG. 16 . As shown, the fastener  340  is a screw and the locking element  360  is a nut. Further,  FIG. 19  shows the surface  362 X of nut  360 , which engages the second surface  382  of the at least a portion of material  380 . As shown in FIGS.  17 ,  18  and  19 , the head  342  of fastener  340  (or proximal end) has a smaller diameter than the shank  348  of the fastener  340  (or distal end). 
     In operation of the anchoring system depicted in  FIGS. 16-19 , the fastener  340  is placed into the vertebral body, for example, V 2 A. If the fastener  340  is a screw, for example, then the screw  340  is screwed into the vertebral body such that the shank  348  engages the vertebral body. Then, the at least a portion of material  380  is placed within base  320 . This step may occur before or after the base  320  is placed on the vertebral body, whereby structures  319  may help maintain proper placement of the base  320  on the vertebral body and/or absorb some of the load on the base  320 . Thereafter, and after the base  320  is placed on the vertebral body over the head  342 , the locking element  360  or nut is placed on the head  342  so as to secure the fastener  340  to the base  320  and so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  380  to the base  320 . 
       FIG. 20  shows an isometric view of an anchoring system  500 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , the anchoring system  500  comprises a base  420 , a fastener  440  and a locking component  460 . The base  420  is configured to affix to the vertebral body V 2 A, configured to receive the fastener  440  and the locking component  460 , and configured to receive the at least a portion of material  480  so as to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material  480  so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  480  to the base  420 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , the fastener  440  is a screw and the locking component  460  is a nut. Further, as shown in  FIG. 20 , the underside of the base  420  may have structures  419  such as anchors, keels, spikes, pegs, prongs, or similar structures to help affix the base  420  to the vertebral body V 2 A and/or help maintain its proper placement on the vertebral body V 2 A and/or absorb some of the load on the base  420 . 
       FIG. 21  shows an isometric view of the fastener  440  of the anchoring system  500  of  FIG. 20 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , the head  442  of fastener  440  (or proximal end) has a larger diameter than the shank  448  of the fastener  440  (or distal end). 
       FIG. 22  shows a top isometric view of the base  420  of the anchoring system  500  of  FIG. 20  in cooperation with the fastener  440 . As shown, the base  420  comprises at least one hole  422  for receiving a fastener  440 , which is configured for affixing the base  420  to the vertebral body V 2 A. The base  420  further comprise slots  428  for accommodating at least a portion of the at least a portion of material  480 . As shown, the base  420  has a top surface  424  and a bottom surface  426 . As shown, between the top surface  424  and the bottom surface  426 , the base  420  comprises a surface  425  configured to engage a first surface  484  of the at least a portion of material  480 . The nut  460  is configured to engage a second surface  482  of the at least a portion of material  480 , wherein the first surface  484  and second surface  482  of the at least a portion of material  480  face substantially opposite directions. Specifically, the surface  462 X of nut  460  engages the second surface  482  of the at least a portion of material  480 . The top surface  424  of the base  440  is an outer surface that receives the fastener  440  and the bottom surface  426  is an inner surface that engages the vertebral body V 2 A. As shown, the structures  419  are attached to the bottom surface  426 . Further, note that base  440  has four structures  419 . 
       FIG. 23  shows a bottom isometric view of the base  420  and fastener  440  of the anchoring system  500  of  FIG. 20 . As shown, the fastener  440  is a screw in which the head  442  of fastener  440  (or proximal end) has a larger diameter than the shank  448  of the fastener  440  (or distal end). Further, as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , hole  422 B on the bottom surface  426  of the base  420  is smaller than hole  422 A on the top surface  424  of the base  420 . Consequently, the head  442  of fastener  440  may be placed through the hole  422 A on the top surface  424  of the base  420 , but not through the bottom surface  426  of the base  420 . 
       FIG. 24  shows an isometric view of the fastener  440  and locking element  460  of the anchoring system  500  of  FIG. 20 . As shown, the fastener  440  is a screw and the locking element  460  is a nut. Further,  FIG. 24  shows the surface  462 X of nut  460 . Surface  462 X engages the second surface  482  of the at least a portion of material  480 . 
     In operation of the anchoring system depicted in  FIGS. 20-24 , the base  420  is placed on the vertebral body, for example, V 2 A, whereby structures  419  may help maintain proper placement of the base  420  on the vertebral body and/or absorb some of the load on the base  420 . This step may occur before or after the at least a portion of material  480  is placed within base  420 . Thereafter, the fastener  440  is placed through the base  420  and into the vertebral body. If the fastener  440  is a screw, then the screw  440  is screwed into the vertebral body such that the shank  448  engages the vertebral body. Thereafter, the locking element  460  or nut is placed on the head  442  so as to secure the fastener  440  to the base  420  and so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  480  to the base  420 . 
       FIG. 25  shows an isometric view of an anchoring system  600 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , the anchoring system  600  comprises a base  520 , a fastener  540 , a locking component  560  and an anchoring mechanism  530 . The base  520  is configured to affix to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2 , configured to receive the fastener  540 , configured to receive the locking component  560  and configured to receive the at least a portion of material  580 . The anchoring mechanism  530  is configured to engage with the locking component  560 , configured to engage with the base  520  and configured to anchor the at least a portion of material  580 , wherein the mechanism  530  comprises at least one elastic element  530  configured to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material  580  so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  580  to the base  520 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 25 , the underside of the base  520  may have structures  519  such as anchors, keels, spikes, pegs, prongs, or similar structures to help affix the base  520  to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2  and/or help maintain its proper placement on the vertebral body V 1  or V 2  and/or absorb some of the load on the base  520 . 
       FIG. 26  shows an isometric view of the fastener  540  of the anchoring system  600  of  FIG. 24 . As shown in  FIG. 26 , the fastener is a screw and the fastener  540  has a head  542 , a proximal shank  544 , a shoulder  546 , and a distal shank  548 . A user manipulates the screw  540  by manipulating the head  542 . The locking component  560  engages the proximal shank  544 , the distal shank engages the vertebral body V 1  or V 2  and the shoulder  546  is situated between the proximal shank  544  and the distal shank  548 , is configured to engage the base  520  and is configured to limit penetration of the screw  540  into the vertebral body and/or to help alleviate the axial forces that may be distributed to the fastener/bone interface when the fastener  540  is tightened. 
       FIG. 27  shows an isometric view of the base  520  and the fastener  540  of the anchoring system  600  of  FIG. 25 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , the base  520  comprises at least one hole  522  for receiving the fastener  540 , which is configured for affixing the base  520  to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2 . The base  520  further comprise slots  528  for accommodating at least a portion of the at least a portion of material  580 . Also, slots  528  may accommodate a portion of the anchoring mechanism  530 . 
       FIG. 28  shows an isometric view of the base  520  and the anchoring mechanism  530  of the anchoring system  600  of  FIG. 25  in cooperation with the fastener  540 . As shown in  FIG. 28 , the anchoring mechanism  530  has been placed within base  520  and positioned so as to allow for placement of the at least a portion of material  580 . 
       FIG. 29  shows an isometric view of the base  520  and the anchoring mechanism  530  of the anchoring system  600  of  FIG. 25  in cooperation with the fastener  540  and the at least a portion of material  580 . As shown in  FIG. 29 , the anchoring mechanism  530  has been placed within base  520  and positioned so as to allow for placement of the locking component  560 . 
       FIG. 30  shows a cross-sectional view of the base  520  and the anchoring mechanism  530  of the anchoring system  600  of  FIG. 25  in cooperation with the fastener  540 , the at least a portion of material  580  and the locking component  560 . As shown in  FIG. 30 , a user may manipulate the screw  540  by manipulating the head  542 . Also, note that head  542  may be a break-off head, i.e., a head that once used for manipulating can be broken off so as to remove the head or portion thereof that has served its purpose. For example, the head  542  may break off at or near neck  543  of screw  540 . The locking component  560  engages the proximal shank  544 , the distal shank engages the vertebral body V 1  or V 2  and the shoulder  546  is configured to limit penetration of the screw  540  into the vertebral body and is configured to engage the base  520  and/or to help alleviate the axial forces that may be distributed to the fastener/bone interface when the fastener  540  is tightened. Also, once the locking component  560  is in its fully-inserted position as shown in  FIG. 30 , the locking component  560  imparts a force radially-outward and upon the anchoring mechanism  530  so as to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material  580  so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  580  to the base  520 . 
     The elastic element  530  may include but not be limited to, any one or any combination of a polymer or other biocompatible material. Further, while the elastic components are elastic, they may be non-rigid. For example, suitable materials for the elastic element  530  may, for example, include but not be limited to, latex, rubber, silicone, polyurethane, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, and/or polyolefin rubbers. 
     In operation of the anchoring system  600  depicted in  FIGS. 25-30 , the anchoring mechanism  530  is placed within base  20  and positioned so as to allow for placement of the at least a portion of material  580 , as shown in  FIG. 28 . The at least a portion of material  580  is then placed within the base  520 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . As shown, the base  520  should be placed over the fastener  540 , and the fastener should be inserted into the vertebral body before or after placement of the base  520  over the fastener  540 . Once the base is affixed to the vertebral body, for example, V 1  or V 2 , structures  519  may help maintain proper placement of the base  520  on the vertebral body and/or absorb some of the load on the base  520 . Thereafter, the locking component  560  is placed in position so as to engage the proximal shank  544  of the fastener  540  so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  580  to the base  520 . 
       FIG. 31  shows an isometric view of an anchoring mechanism  530  of the anchoring system  600  of  FIG. 25 . As shown in  FIG. 31 , the anchoring mechanism  530  is an elastic element  530 . Elastic element  530  has a first surface  530 X that is configured for engaging the locking component  560  and a second surface  532  that is configured for engaging the at least a portion of material  580 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 31 , for example, surfaces  532  and  530 X are rigid and substantially do not deform during use. Elastic element  530  comprises at least one pocket of air  534 . Also, as shown, the elastic element  530  of  FIG. 31  comprises additional areas of air  536  (shown as recesses in  FIG. 31 ). As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 31 , for example, areas  534  and  536  work together to provide movement of surface  532  toward surface  530 X while the elastic element  530  experiences elastic deformation and, in some cases, experiences plastic deformation. When in its fully-inserted position on the base  520 , the areas of air  536  are enclosed and may act in a similar fashion to the pocket of air  534 . Areas of air (or “open” space”) such as areas  534  and  536  help compress the elastic element  530  and apply pressure to the at least a portion of material  580  in a more uniform manner, thereby help maintaining the at least a portion of material  580  affixed to the base  520 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 31 , for example, the areas  534  and  536  may allow for compression of the elastic element  530  and apply pressure to the at least a portion of material  580  even if the elastic element  530  experiences some creep or other deformation and/or if at least a portion of material  580  experiences the same under load and/or after implantation. In addition, the second surface  532  of the elastic element  530  of  FIG. 31  has a plurality of recesses  532 R that help the second surface  532  engage the at least a portion of material  580 . 
       FIG. 32  shows a top view of the anchoring mechanism  530  of  FIG. 31 .  FIG. 32  shows another view of areas  534  and  536  and surfaces  530 X and  532 , and how each is oriented with respect to each other. 
       FIG. 33  shows an isometric view of an anchoring system  700  that may utilize, for example and as shown, anchoring mechanisms  630  and  630 ′ similar to that of  FIGS. 31 and 32 . As shown in  FIG. 33 , the anchoring system  700  comprises a base  620 , a fastener  640  and an anchoring mechanism  630 . The base  620  is configured to affix to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2 , configured to receive the fastener  640  and configured to receive the at least a portion of material  680  and the at least a portion of material  680 ′. The anchoring mechanism  530  is configured to engage with the base  620  and configured to anchor the at least a portion of material  680 , wherein the mechanism  630  comprises at least one elastic element  630  configured to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material  680  so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  680  to the base  620 . The anchoring mechanism  630 ′ is configured to engage with the base  620  and configured to anchor the at least a portion of material  680 ′, wherein the mechanism  630 ′ comprises at least one elastic element  630 ′ configured to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material  680 ′ so as to anchor the at least a portion of material  680 ′ to the base  620 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 33 , the underside of the base  620  may have structures  619  such as anchors, keels, spikes, pegs, prongs, or similar structures to help affix the base  620  to the vertebral body V 1  or V 2  and/or help maintain its proper placement on the vertebral body V 1  or V 2  and/or absorb some of the load on the base  620 . 
       FIG. 34  shows an isometric view of the anchoring system  700  of  FIG. 33  without the base  620 .  FIG. 34  shows another view of anchoring mechanisms  630  and  630 ′ as well as the head  642  of fastener  640 . 
     With any of the embodiments described above, the at least a portion of material is non-rigid, and may be flexible. Further, as stated, the at least a portion of material may be a tether or part of a tether that connects an anchoring system  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  and/or  700  to something else, for example, to another anchoring system on an adjacent vertebral body. Examples of such systems are shown in  FIGS. 2 and 12 . The at least a portion of material may be any one or combination of a cloth, metal, solid polymer, fabric, mesh, or other biocompatible material. Some polymer materials may include, but not be limited to, any one or combination of polyethylene, polyester, polyvinyl, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, poly-paraphenylene and terephthalamide. Further, the at least a portion of material  80 ,  180 ,  280 ,  380 ,  480 ,  580 ,  680  and/or  680 ′ may be made of a suture wire of polyetheretherketone (“PEEK”), polyester or polyethylene. In addition, the at least a portion of material  80 ,  180 ,  280 ,  380 ,  480 ,  580 ,  680  and/or  680 ′ may be elastic, woven, knitted, braided or flexible. Some woven, knitted or braided materials may, for example, include nylon, Dacron®, and/or woven fibers or filaments of polyester, polyethelene, polypropylene, PEEK, polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), and/or woven PEEK. Some elastic materials may, for example, include latex, rubber, silicone, polyurethane, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, and/or polyolefin rubbers. Other suitable materials may, for example, include Gore-Tex®, Kevlar®, Spectra, polyether, polycarbonate urethane, shape memory material with pseudo elastic or superelastic characteristics, metals, metal alloys, and polymers, braided polymers, synthetic resorbable materials such as polyactide, polygycolide, polyorthoester, calcium phosphate, and/or glass, nonresorbable polyethylene, cellulose, materials that are potentially absorbable, and/or materials that are used in making artificial ligaments. Further, suitable materials should be non-biodegradable and non-resorbable. In addition to woven, braided, or knitted structures, the at least a portion of material  80 ,  180 ,  280 ,  380 ,  480 ,  580 ,  680  and/or  680 ′ also may be composed of non-woven structures such as non-woven mesh or chained structures. 
     Further, note that the various components of the anchoring systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  and/or  700  may be made of a variety of materials and any combination thereof. Suitable materials for any component other than the at least a portion of material  80 ,  180 ,  280 ,  380 ,  480 ,  580 ,  680  and/or  680 ′ include, but are not limited to, any one or any combination of a metal, metal alloy (for example, Titanium alloys or Nitinol) polymer (for example, strong plastic or polymer material with low creep, such as PEEK), ceramic, or other biocompatible material. 
     Except for the elastic elements  30 ,  530 ,  630  and  630 ′, the components should be rigid. Also, note that, as shown, while elastic elements  30 ,  530 ,  630  and  630 ′ comprise elastic portions, they may comprise portions that are rigid and/or non-elastic. Accordingly, while at least a portion of the elastic elements  30 ,  530 ,  630  and  630 ′ are elastic, they may be non-rigid. Further, suitable materials for at least a portion of the elastic elements  30 ,  530 ,  630  and  630 ′ may, for example, include but not be limited to, latex, rubber, silicone, polyurethane, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, and/or polyolefin rubbers. In addition, the areas  534  and  536  may be filled or partially filled with, for example, a highly elastic material that may be used for adjusting the spring properties of elastic elements  30 ,  530 ,  630  and  630 ′. 
     Further, as an example with respect to the elastic element  530  of  FIG. 31 , after the locking mechanism (for example,  560 ) is fully inserted, total deformation of the elastic element  530  may vary from approximately 0.1 mm. to 0.5 mm. As a result, the elastic element  530  may be designed with up to 0.4 mm of plastic deformation to provide a stable spring load caused by 0.1 mm elastic deformation. Such an embodiment will accommodate an anchoring system where the size of the gap between two holding surfaces, before the at least a portion of material (for example,  580 ) is in place, is approximately 0.1+/−0.1 mm. and the thickness of the at least a portion of material in a fully compressed state is approximately 0.3-0.5 mm. Note that the distances supplied in this paragraph are used solely to help illustrate one example. 
     All adjustments and alternatives described above are intended to be included within the scope of the invention, as defined exclusively in the following claims. Those skilled in the art also should realize that such modifications and equivalent constructions or methods do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, some fasteners disclosed herein may be interchanged with other fasteners. One such example is that fastener  240  may be used to replace fastener  340  and locking component  360  of anchoring system  400  and, similarly, fastener  340  and locking component  360  may be used to replace fastener  240  of anchoring system  300 . In addition, although the anchoring systems above are described as being configured to affix at least a portion of material to a vertebral body, they also may affix at least a portion of material to any bone. Similarly, although the anchoring systems are described as being configured to affix to an anterior and/or anterior lateral surface of a vertebral body, they also may affix to a posterior surface of a vertebral body (such as a pedicle), a lateral surface of a vertebral body or any plurality or combination of such surfaces. Further, although the fasteners of the anchoring systems are shown as screws, the fasteners need not be screws, but other fasteners that accomplish the necessary function of the fasteners. 
     Furthermore, as used herein, the terms components and elements may be interchanged. It is understood that all spatial references, such as “superior,” “inferior,” “anterior,” “posterior,” “above,” “lower,” “outside,” “inside,” “higher,” “lower,” “outer,” “inner,” “extended,” “reduced,” “shorter,” “longer,” and “perimeter” are for illustrative purposes and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure.