Patent ID: 7988710

Claim:
A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device, comprising: a first end portion and a second end portion spaced along a longitudinal axis, at least one of the first end and second end portions configured to be engagable by a section of a first bone securing member; a flexible member located along the longitudinal axis between the first and second end portions, the flexible member permitting motion of the first end portion relative to the second end portions; and a transition area located along the longitudinal axis between the first end portion and the flexible member, the transition area having a first zone abutting the first end portion having a first length along the longitudinal axis and a first diameter, a second zone abutting the flexible member having a second length along the longitudinal axis and having a second diameter, and a third zone located along the longitudinal axis longitudinally between and abutting the first and second zones having a third length along the longitudinal axis and having a third diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than the third diameter and the third diameter is greater than the second diameter and the first length is greater than the third length and the third length is greater than the second length.