Patent ID: 7713288

Claim:
A spinal stabilization element comprising: (a) a spring cap that defines an interior end and an exterior end that is opposite the interior end, the spring cap cooperating with a structural member that is configured and dimensioned to be mounted with respect a spine attachment fastener; and (b) a resilient element defining an active region and an attachment region spaced from said active region, wherein said resilient element is positioned with respect to said spring cap such that (i) said attachment region is welded exclusively to said exterior end of said spring cap; (ii) said active region extends from said interior end of said spring cap and is physically spaced from said attachment region; (iii) said spring cap supports said resilient element and defines a physical separation between said attachment region and said active region; and (iv) said spring cap defines an arcuate groove for directly engaging and supporting said resilient element between said attachment region and said active region, wherein the groove extends for a length on the exterior end, and wherein the depth of the groove varies along the length.