Patent ID: 8382803

Claim:
A vertebral stabilization system comprising: a flexible member having an end portion and a reduced diameter portion extending from the end portion; a transition connector having a first end and a second end and defining a lumen extending from the first end to the second end, the lumen configured to receive the end portion of the flexible member with the reduced diameter portion extending from the first end of the transition connector; a rigid rod extending within the lumen at the second end of the transition connector; and a first vertebral anchor including a head portion and a shank extending from the head portion, the head portion of the first vertebral anchor including a channel extending from a first side surface of the head portion to a second side surface of the head portion; wherein the transition connector is positionable in the channel of the head portion of the first vertebral anchor; wherein when the end portion of the flexible member is disposed in the lumen, the reduced diameter portion of the flexible member extends from the first end of the transition connector; and wherein the lumen transitions from a first diameter at the first end to a second diameter at the second end, the first diameter being smaller from the second diameter.