Patent ID: 8652175

Claim:
A surgical implant, comprising: (a) first and second abutment members defining first and second abutment surfaces in spaced linear orientation; (b) a force imparting mechanism positioned between and mounted with respect to said first and second abutment surfaces of said first and second abutment members; (c) a sheath member mounted with respect to said first and second abutment surfaces, said sheath member: (i) extending from said first abutment surface to said second abutment surface, and (ii) surrounding said force imparting mechanism; (d) a spring cap rod extending from said first abutment surface, said spring cap rod mounted with respect to a first pedicle screw; and (e) a first attachment member secured with respect to said second abutment surface; said first attachment member mounted with respect to a second pedicle screw; wherein said sheath member is fabricated from a material that is substantially inert with respect to anatomical structures; and wherein said sheath member provides sufficient elasticity to accommodate linear elongation and contraction of said spaced linear orientation while said sheath member: (i) extends from said first abutment surface to said second abutment surface, and (ii) surrounds said force imparting mechanism.