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US 6,989,011 B2Granted
Spine stabilization system
AssigneeGlobus Medical, Inc.
InventorsDavid C. Paul, Andrew Lee
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention generally concerns a spine stabilization system having one or more flexible elements having an opening or slit. The flexible element may be integrally formed in a rod having ends capable of receiving fasteners. The flexible element may limit rotation, flexion-extension, or lateral bending of the spine. The slit or opening may form helical pattern on the rod, and more than one slit or opening may be provided. The flexible element may be conformable to the natural spinal movement.
Claims39
A flexible spine stabilization system comprising:
- a first rod having a first end portion and a second end portion;
- a first flexible element having at least a first slit formed therein, wherein said first flexible element is disposed between the first and second end portions, wherein the first flexible element is integrally formed between said first and second rod portions, and wherein the first flexible element permits motion of the first end portion relative to the second end portion;
- a first fastener connected with the first end portion;
- and
- a second fastener connected with the second end portion;
- wherein the first and second fasteners secure the first rod at least partially between the exterior of a first vertebra and a second vertebra such that the spine stabilization system permits movement of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.