Patent ID: 8728125

Claim:
A spinal rod system comprising: first and second anchors having a transverse member for receiving a first end member and a second end member, the first end member having an axial end portion seated into the first anchor such that the first end member is prevented from moving beyond the first anchor, the first end member having a perforated protrusion extending inward; the second end member having an axial end portion seated into the second anchor such that the second end member is prevented from moving beyond the second anchor, the second end member having a perforated protrusion extending inward; and an intermediate section connected to the first and second end members; and a port operatively connected to the intermediate section; the intermediate section being axially expandable upon the introduction of a substance into the port, the intermediate section being expandable between a first size to space the first and second end members a first distance apart and a second enlarged size to space the first and second end members a second greater distance apart, wherein the intermediate section is configured to apply a distraction force to vertebral members after the axial end portion of the first end member is fixed into the first anchor and the axial end portion of the second end member is fixed into the second anchor upon introduction of the substance into the port, wherein the first end member engages the first anchor and the second end member engages the second anchor such that the first and second anchors are disposed to penetrate bone in a transverse orientation in relation to the first and second end members.