Patent ID: 8535351

Claim:
A dynamic spinal stabilization system, comprising: a metal support rod; a dumbbell shaped elastomeric member having a through bore configured to receive the support rod and including a central portion of reduced outer dimension, and a pair of opposite end portions having enlarged outer dimensions; a metal pedicle screw having a polyaxial head; a set screw threadably received by the polyaxial head; first and second rigid members securable to the rod; and a bottom partial sleeve positionable within a lower portion of the polyaxial head and a top partial sleeve positionable within an upper portion of the polyaxial head of the screw so as to mate with the bottom partial sleeve for receiving the central portion of the dumbbell shaped elastomeric member, wherein when the sleeves are installed within the polyaxial head the sleeves capture the central portion of the dumbbell with the opposite end portions of the elastomeric member extending outwardly from opposite sides of the polyaxial head, wherein the dumbbell shaped elastomeric member deforms to enable movement of the rod relative to the pedicle screw so as to permit spinal movements throughout a range of motions from a neutral condition of the spine, to a flexion condition, and an extension condition; and wherein the dumbbell shaped elastomeric member is operative to substantially eliminate contact between the metal rod and the metal pedicle screw so as to substantially eliminate metal-to-metal contact of the metal rod and the metal pedicle screw.