Patent ID: 8157844

Claim:
A dampener system for stabilizing a portion of a human spine, comprising: a first elongated member; a second elongated member coupled to the first elongated member to form a variable length elongated member; a first dampener set positioned on the elongated member, where travel of the first dampener set on the elongated member is limited by a first stop; a second dampener set positioned on the elongated member, where travel of the second dampener set on the elongated member is limited by a second stop; and a first washer and a second washer positioned between the first dampener set and the second dampener set, wherein the first washer and the second washer are configured to couple to a first bone fastener; wherein the first elongated member comprises a first shoulder and a second shoulder, wherein the first washer and a third washer are positioned on the elongated member between the first shoulder and the second shoulder such that movement of the first washer and the third washer beyond the first shoulder and the second shoulder is inhibited, and wherein the first dampener set is positioned between the first washer and the third washer.