Patent ID: 7828830

Claim:
A dynamic spinal stabilization device, comprising: a plurality of pedicle screw anchors to substantially align with a corresponding plurality of vertebral bodies; a plurality of pedicle screws corresponding to the plurality of pedicle screw anchors threadable into the plurality of vertebral bodies to connect the plurality of pedicle screw anchors to the plurality of vertebral bodies; at least one rod coupled to and extending between the plurality of pedicle screw anchors; an elastic material forming a resilient connection between at least one pedicle screw of the plurality of pedicle screws and the at least one rod to provide resilient movement of the at least one pedicle screw and the at least one rod with respect to one another; at least one pedicle screw anchor of the plurality of pedicle screw anchors being elongated providing a space for the associated at least one pedicle screw of the plurality of pedicle screws to move, and the space being packed with the elastic material in contact and surrounding the associated at least one pedicle screw to provide resistance to movement of the at least one pedicle screw; and a degradable material packed into the space, and in contact and surrounding the associated at least one pedicle screw, to prevent movement for an initial period until the at least one pedicle screw fuses to at least one pedicle; wherein a combination of the elastic material and the degradable material provide a shock absorbing effect after the initial period, during degradation of the degradable material.