Patent ID: 8123783

Claim:
A pedicle screw-based dynamic posterior stabilization system that is used to stabilize the segments of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine as an adjunct to, or in place of, conventional spinal fusion using bone grafts, the system comprising: a plurality of pedicle screws, each of the plurality of pedicle screws comprising a head portion, and the head portion of each of the plurality of pedicle screws forming a first portion of a joint, the first portion having a convex surface and a concave surface; a substantially rigid stabilization body coupled to the plurality of pedicle screws, the stabilization body comprising a plurality of terminating end portions, each terminating end portion forming a second portion of a joint, wherein the second portion of a given joint is configured to pivot about a corresponding first portion on a first axis and on a second axis, the second portion having a convex surface and a concave surface, wherein the convex surface of the first portion mates with the concave surface of the second portion and the convex surface of the second portion mates with the concave surface of the first portion to form a double-hinged joint; and at least one of a substantially flexible or a substantially semi-rigid band spanning each joint and holding together the first portion and the second portion, wherein the band is disposed partially within the substantially rigid stabilization body, passes through at least one port manufactured into the substantially rigid stabilization body, and is disposed partially outside of the substantially rigid stabilization body where it is secured to the substantially rigid stabilization body.