# US 8,784,453 B1 · Dynamic spinal stabilization system

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- Number: US 8,784,453 B1
- Document ID: US8784453B1
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B1
- Application number: 13/718,225
- Filed: 2012-12-18
- Granted: 2014-07-22
- Earliest claimed: 2008-06-09
- Applicants: Melvin Law
- Inventors: Melvin Law
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8784453B1

## CPC

- A61B 17/7041: {with single longitudinal rod offset laterally from single row of screws or hooks (A61B17/7044 takes precedence)}
- A61B 17/7008: {with parts of, or attached to, the longitudinal elements, bearing against an outside of the screw or hook heads, e.g. nuts on threaded rods (A61B17/7007 takes precedence)}
- A61B 17/702: {having a core or insert, and a sleeve, whereby a screw or hook can move along the core or in the sleeve}
- A61B 17/7025: {with a sliding joint}
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

A dynamic spinal stabilization system that enables spinal movements throughout a range of motions from a neutral condition of the spine, to a flexion condition, and an extension condition. The system includes elastomeric members operatively located to substantially eliminate metal-to-metal contact of metal components of the system that are movable relative to one another, one of the elastomeric members having a stepped configuration.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A dynamic spinal stabilization system, comprising:
a first metal pedicle screw and a second metal pedicle screw each installable in a vertebrae;
a metal support rod;
a first metal connector mountable to the first pedicle screw and fixedly disposed on the rod;
a second metal connector mountable to the second pedicle screw and slidingly disposed on the rod at a location spaced apart from the first connector;
a rigid metal member fixed to the rod and spaced apart from a side of the second connector opposite the first connector;
a first elastomeric sleeve positioned on the rod and located between the first and second connectors, the first elastomeric sleeve having a stepped configuration and including a first section and a second section having a smaller exterior dimension than the corresponding dimension of the first section and sized to fit within a portion of the second connector so as to be situated between the second metal connector and the rod to substantially eliminate metal-to-metal contact between the second metal connector and the rod;
a second elastomeric sleeve located between the second connector and the rigid member;
wherein the sleeves are operative to substantially eliminate contact between the metal rod and the first and second metal connectors so as to substantially eliminate metal-to-metal contact of metal components of the system that are movable relative to one another, and
wherein the sleeves deform to enable spinal movements throughout a range of motions from a neutral condition of the spine, to a flexion condition, and an extension condition.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the rod is offset from the pedicle screws.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second metal connectors are omniaxial connectors.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, further comprising a third pedicle screw and a third metal connector mountable to the third pedicle screw and disposed on the rod.