Spine stabilization system
AssigneeGlobus Medical, Inc.
InventorsDavid C. Paul, Andrew Lee
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A spine stabilization system having one or more flexible elements with tubular structures with openings or slits. The flexible elements may limit rotation, flexion-extension, or lateral bending of the spine. The system also may have a locking mechanism that secures one or more flexible elements in a rigid configuration. A flexible element may be disposed within another flexible element, and the slits may form helical patterns on the tubular structures. The flexible element may be conformable to the natural spinal movement.
Claims59
A flexible spine stabilization system comprising:
- a first flexible element having a first and second end, wherein at least a portion of the first flexible element comprises a first tubular structure having at least a first slit formed therein;
- a second flexible element disposed within the first flexible element, wherein at least a portion of the second flexible element comprises a second tubular structure having at least a second slit formed therein;
- a first fastener connected to the first end of the first flexible element;
- and
- a second fastener connected to the second end of the first flexible element.
A flexible spine stabilization system consisting essentially of:
- a flexible element having a first and second end, wherein at least a portion of the flexible element comprises a tubular structure having at least a first slit formed therein;
- a first fastener connected near the first end of the flexible element;
- and
- a second fastener connected near the second end of the flexible element;
- wherein the first slit formed in the flexible element permits limited movement of the first end of the element relative to the second end, and wherein the flexible element consists essentially of metal material.
A flexible spine stabilization system comprising:
- a first flexible element having a first and second end, wherein at least a portion of the first flexible element comprises a first tubular structure having at least one slit formed therein, wherein the slit formed in the first tubular structure forms a first helical pattern;
- a second flexible element disposed within the first flexible element, wherein at least a portion of the second flexible element comprises a second tubular structure having a second slit formed therein, wherein the second slit in the second tubular structure forms a second helical pattern.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.