Patent ID: 7682375

Claim:
An implantable dynamic fixation device for flexibly linking a first vertebra to a second vertebra of a spine, comprising: first and second rod members; first and second pedicle screws, the first rod member being interconnectable to the first vertebra by the first pedicle screw and the second rod member being interconnectable to the second vertebra by the second pedicle screw; at least one link adapted for having a substantially anterior-posterior alignment relative to the spine when implanted, with a first end pivotally interconnected to said first rod member and a second end pivotally interconnected to said second rod member, wherein said first end of said at least one link is located anterior to the second end of the at least one link when implanted; a second link pivotally interconnecting said first rod member to said second rod member, wherein said second link is spaced apart from said at least one link along a length of at least one of said first rod member and said second rod member; wherein said first rod member can be rotated relative to said second rod member upon flexion of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra when implanted; wherein at least one of: (a) one of said first and second rod members; and (b) said link; comprises plastic.