Apparatus and system for vertebrae stabilization and curvature correction, and methods of making and using same

A system, comprising, in combination:

• a first apparatus having:
• a first main central member having rounded edges;
• a first generally C-shaped lock nut member having rounded edges, a partially cylindrical knurled outer surface, and an internally axial bore portion;
• the first generally C-shaped lock nut member being connected to a first end of the first main central member;
• first connection means for axially connecting the first generally C-shaped lock nut member and the first main central member to permit free relative rotation and limited axial displacement therebetween while preventing total separation thereof;
• a second generally C-shaped lock nut member having rounded edges, a partially cylindrical knurled outer surface, and an internally axial bore portion;
• the second generally C-shaped lock nut member being connected to a second end of the first main central member;
• second connection means for axially connecting the second lock nut member and the first main central member to permit free relative rotation and limited axial displacement therebetween while preventing total separation thereof;
• a first anchoring device extending from the first main central member;
• and
• the first anchoring device permitting anchoring the first apparatus to a first external member;
• a second apparatus having:
• a second main central member having rounded edges;
• a third generally C-shaped lock nut member having rounded edges, a partially cylindrical knurled outer surface, and an internally axial bore portion;
• the third generally C-shaped lock nut member being connected to a first end of the second main central member;
• third connection means for axially connecting the third lock nut member and the second main central member to permit free relative rotation and limited axial displacement therebetween while preventing total separation thereof;
• a fourth generally C-shaped lock nut member having rounded edges, a partially cylindrical knurled outer surface, and an internally axial bore portion;
• the fourth generally C-shaped lock nut member being connected to a second end of the second main central member;
• fourth connection means for axially connecting the third generally C-shaped lock nut member and the second main central member to permit free relative rotation and limited axial displacement therebetween while preventing total separation thereof;
• a second anchoring device extending from the second main central member;
• and
• the second anchoring device permitting anchoring the second apparatus to a second external member;
• whereby the first and second external members are constrained in a predetermined position and orientation relative to one another.