Patent ID: 7842072

Claim:
An implantable orthopedic system for stabilizing first, second and third vertebrae of a spinal column, the system comprising: a cord; a first bone anchor configured to be secured to the first vertebra, a second bone anchor configured to be secured to the second vertebra, and a third bone anchor configured to be secured to the third vertebra, wherein each bone anchor comprises: a bone attachment portion, and a head portion attached to the bone attachment portion, the head portion including a channel sized to receive the cord therethrough, wherein the channel extends through the head portion from a first end surface to a second end surface opposite the first end surface of the head portion, and a clamping mechanism adapted to secure the cord to the bone anchor; and first and second spacers each having a channel sized to receive the cord therethrough, wherein the channel extends from a first end surface of the spacer to a second end surface of the spacer, wherein the first spacer is positionable between the head portion of the first bone anchor and the head portion of the second bone anchor and to maintain a predetermined spacing between the first bone anchor and the second bone anchor, wherein the second spacer is positionable between the head portion of the second bone anchor and the head portion of the third bone anchor to maintain a predetermined spacing between the second bone anchor and the third bone anchor, wherein a first portion of the cord extending through the channel of the first spacer and secured between the first bone anchor and the second bone anchor is tensioned a first amount while a second portion of the cord extending through the channel of the second spacer and secured between the second bone anchor and the third bone anchor is tensioned a second amount, the second amount of tension being less than the first amount of tension such that fixation between the first and second vertebrae is more rigid than fixation between the second and third vertebrae.