Patent ID: 8182514

Claim:
A dampener system for stabilizing a portion of a human spine, comprising: an adjustable length elongate member, comprising: a first elongate member, comprising: a first end portion configured to couple to a collar of a first bone fastener; and second end portion comprising a first flange; a second elongate member, comprising: a first end portion configured to adjustably couple to a collar of a second bone fastener such that a distance between the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener is adjustable; and a second end portion comprising: a slot extending longitudinally into the second end portion; and a second flange; and a first damper set, wherein the second end portion of the first elongate member is configured to be disposed within the slot of the second elongate member during use, and wherein the first damper set is configured to be disposed between the first and second flanges during use, wherein the first dampener set is configured to be disposed between the first and second bone fasteners during use, wherein the first end portion of the second elongate member extends past the collar of the second bone fastener during use, and wherein a second dampener set is disposed between the second bone fastener and the first end portion of the second elongate member.