Patent ID: 8142480

Claim:
A spine implantation system comprising: a first anchor system adapted to engage a first vertebra, the first anchor system including, a first anchor having a first anchor head, and a second anchor having a second anchor head; a first horizontal rod mounted at a first end to the first anchor head and at a second end to the second anchor head; a first deflection rod having a fixed end that is mounted on the first horizontal rod and a free end deflectable in response to an applied load; a second anchor system adapted to engage a second vertebra, the second anchor system including, a third anchor having a third anchor head, and a fourth anchor having a fourth anchor head; a second horizontal rod mounted at a third end to the third anchor head and at a fourth end to the fourth anchor head; a vertical rod; a first connector that connects the vertical rod to the free end of the first deflection rod, the first connector including a pivotable joint that allows the vertical rod to pivot relative to the first deflection rod; and a second connector that connects the vertical rod to the second horizontal rod; and horizontal rod; whereby, when implanted, the vertical rod transfers a load from the second horizontal rod mounted to the second vertebra to the free end of the deflection rod causing deflection of the deflection rod and transfer of said load via the fixed end of the deflection rod to the first horizontal rod mounted to the first vertebra.