Patent ID: 7879074

Claim:
A spinal stabilization device, comprising: a first cross-connector rod having a length that is configured to allow first and second opposed terminal ends to mate to opposed lateral sides of a first vertebra; a second cross-connector rod having a length that is configured to allow first and second opposed terminal ends to mate to opposed lateral sides of a second vertebra; a flexible member having a substantially circular body with a central opening formed therein, the body having a first lobe formed on an outer surface thereof and extending in superior direction, and a second lobe formed on an outer surface thereof and extending in an inferior direction, the first and second lobes being coupled to first and second clamp members having an opening therethrough for slidably receiving the first and second cross-connector rods such that the flexible member is at a fixed position on each of the first and second cross-connector rods, wherein the first and second lobes are configured move relative to one another to allow movement between first and second adjacent vertebrae coupled to the first and second cross-connector rods; and first and second bone screws coupled to the first and second opposed terminal ends of the first cross-connector rod, and third and fourth bone screws coupled to the first and second opposed terminal ends of the second cross-connector rod.