Patent ID: 7998175

Claim:
A system for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment comprising a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra, the system comprising: a superior component configured to couple to the superior vertebra using a first pedicle screw, the superior component comprising a base portion and a strut, the strut having a proximal end coupled to the base portion and a distal end, the distal end having an apposition surface positioned on an exterior surface substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the strut; an inferior component configured to couple to the inferior vertebra using a second pedicle screw, the inferior component comprising a base portion having an apposition surface axially aligned with the inferior component for engaging the apposition surface of the distal end of the strut such that at least the distal end of the strut is offset from the plane substantially bisecting the first and the second pedicle screws, wherein the apposition surface of the base portion is axially aligned with the inferior component such that the apposition surface is substantially offset from a plane substantially bisecting the first and the second pedicle screws, and wherein forward translation of the superior vertebra relative to the inferior vertebra is at least limited; and a spacer positioned between the two apposition surfaces, wherein the spacer allows translational and/or angular displacement between the two apposition surfaces while maintaining constant apposition between the two apposition surfaces, and wherein the spacer is coupled to both apposition surfaces.