Abstract: A flexible stabilization device for dynamic stabilization of bones or vertebrae is provided comprising a rod construct including a rod made of an elastomeric material the rod having a first connection section, a second connection section and a third section therebetween, the first and second connection sections being connectable with a bone anchoring device, respectively, and a sleeve provided on at least a portion of the third section of the rod such that at least the first and second connection sections are exposed.

Abstract: A connecting element for a spinal column stabilization system includes a first attachment section for fixing to a first bone attachment device, a second attachment section for fixing to a second bone attachment device and an at least partially flexible intermediate section. The intermediate section is arranged between the first and the second attachment section and is in the form of a strip-like, winding leaf spring element having at least one recess. A desired spring stiffness is maintained as precisely as possible, especially in the intermediate section independently of possible manufacturing tolerances arising from the manufacturing process. At least one of the two leaf spring element surfaces of the leaf spring element includes at least one stiffness-modifying element. The connecting element may be part of an improved spinal column fixation system and made by an improved method of manufacturing a connecting element.

Abstract: An intervertebral stabilization device and method is disclosed. The device preferably includes a planar spring enclosed within a housing. The housing is joined to an articulation component at either end, and the articulation components have couplings connectable to anchoring components which are securable to adjacent vertebrae. The planar spring can flex and retract providing relative motion between the adjacent vertebrae. The articulation components are ball and socket joints which allow the entire assembly to flexibly follow the curvature of the spine. A fusion rod with articulation components and couplings at either end may be substituted for the spring device. The couplings enable interchangeability between a fusion rod assembly and spring assembly, so that dynamic stabilization can occur at one vertebral level and fusion at the adjacent vertebral level. An overhung spring assembly with a sideways displaced housing which allows for a shorter pedicle to pedicle displacement is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral stabilization device and method is disclosed. The device preferably includes a planar spring enclosed within a housing. The housing is joined to an articulation component at either end, and the articulation components have couplings connectable to anchoring components which are securable to adjacent vertebrae. The planar spring can flex and retract providing relative motion between the adjacent vertebrae. The articulation components are ball and socket joints which allow the entire assembly to flexibly follow the curvature of the spine. A fusion rod with articulation components and couplings at either end may be substituted for the spring device. The couplings enable interchangeability between a fusion rod assembly and spring assembly, so that dynamic stabilization can occur at one vertebral level and fusion at the adjacent vertebral level. An overhung spring assembly with a sideways displaced housing which allows for a shorter pedicle to pedicle displacement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization assembly includes at least one mounting collar with a bore therethrough along a longitudinal axis, and a spinal rod slidably extending through the bore. The bore includes a medially disposed first section of reduced size that tapers both inwardly and outwardly relative to the axis, and respective end sections of relatively larger size. The bore may be defined by an interior wall that convexly curves toward the axis in the first section, advantageously with a constant non-zero radius of curvature. The bore profile helps minimize potential binding that may occur between the collar and the rod. The rod is coupled to bone anchoring elements, with at least one such connection being via the collar.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization device is disclosed. The device includes a dual spring member comprising an outer spring and an inner spring that have approximately equal working lengths. The dynamic stabilization device is also configured so that the dual spring member does not undergo stresses greater than an effective fatigue limit that is related to a fatigue limit of the spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flexible members for stabilizing a spinal column and methods for making the flexible members. In one embodiment, a flexible member comprises an inner elastomeric member and an outer fabric layer situated securely around the inner elastomeric member. The inner elastomeric member has a first elasticity to provide the flexible member with a desired flexibility. In another embodiment, the flexible member includes an outer covering that defines an outer elastomeric member. The outer elastomeric member may be situated securely around the outer fabric layer with the inner elastomeric member, the outer fabric layer, and the outer elastomeric member having the common lengthwise axis and defining the body including the opposing first and second ends. The outer elastomeric member may have a second elasticity that is less than the first elasticity.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a spinal stabilization system has a first and a second vertebral anchor each adapted to be coupled to one of a first and a second vertebrae. The system also includes a flexible connecting element coupled to each of the first and second vertebral anchors and extending between the vertebral anchors. The connecting element has a central member and a brace positioned about the central member and the central member is stiffer than the brace to provide the needed combination of support and stiffness to the construct while offering flexibility. These and other various embodiments of this invention offer an improvement over known systems by providing stabilization of the vertebral column while allowing for flexibility and axial dampening.

Abstract: A device for elastically stabilizing vertebral bodies includes at least two bone anchoring means, each having a central axis and a head segment. The device also includes elastic means that can be joined to the head segments of two adjacent bone anchoring means in such a manner that the longitudinal axis of the elastic means extends transversely to the central axes of the bone anchoring means. Under compressive loads, the elastic means has a progressive spring characteristic. The elastic means is manufactured from a metallic material and has a plurality of spring coils, of which at least two spring coils have a geometric dimension which is different from the other spring coils.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a pair of vertebral anchors and a flexible construct extending between the anchors to provide dynamic stabilization of the spine. The flexible construct includes first and second spring arms coupled to the anchors at first ends thereof and second ends coupled at a joint. The spring arms are capable of flexing toward and away from each other during movement of the spine. The system may include a biasing member for biasing movement of the spring arms toward and/or away from each other. The system may further include an adjustment feature that allows the distraction to be adjusted in situ. The stiffness characteristic of each of the spring arms may be selectively adjusted to meet the specific application. A method of stabilizing a spine includes securing anchors to selected vertebrae and coupling the flexible construct to the anchors through a top loading procedure.

Abstract: Spinal stabilizing elements and spinal stabilization systems composed of spinal stabilizing elements in combination with disc prostheses or disc nucleus replacements are provided. The stabilizing elements and stabilization systems are designed to preserve the natural mobility of vertebral discs and facet joints in patients with facet joint disease or patients who has undergone a prior destabilizing procedure, such as a facetectomy. The stabilizing elements may be pivoting elements or dynamic elements.

Abstract: Spine stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided in which a single resilient member or spring is disposed on an elongate element that spans two attachment members attached to different spinal vertebrae. The elongate element passes through at least one of the two attachment members, permitting relative motion therebetween, and terminates in a stop or abutment. A second resilient member is disposed on the elongate element on an opposite side of the sliding attachment member, e.g., in an overhanging orientation. The two resilient members are capable of applying mutually opposing urging forces, and a compressive preload can be applied to one or both of the resilient members.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae in a patient's spinal column. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal stabilization device is provided having a first cross-connector that is adapted to mate to opposed lateral sides of a first vertebra, a second cross-connector that is adapted to mate to opposed lateral sides of a second vertebra, and a flexible member that is coupled to the first and second cross-connectors and that is adapted to allow movement between first and second adjacent vertebrae coupled to the first and second cross-connectors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a spinal construct for stabilizing a segment of a spinal column with a flexible spinal rod having one or more flexible components that articulate longitudinally and change curvature along at least a portion of their length in response to normal physiological loads.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization system for use with a spinal motion segment includes a first bone anchor assembly, a second bone anchor assembly, a resilient element, and a sheath. The resilient element includes an end portion engageable with the first bone anchor assembly and a resilient portion engageable with the second bone anchor assembly. The resilient element provides resilient resistance when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved toward one another and provides no resistance and is separable from the second bone anchor assembly when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved away from one another. The sheath surrounds the resilient portion and articulation surface of the second bone anchor assembly.

Abstract: Spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided that include a stabilization member including a first structural member that mounts to a pedicle screw, a second structural member adjacent the first structural member and that can move away therefrom, a resilient element mounted between the structural members and that elongates to accommodate relative movement therebetween, and a travel-limiting structure mounted between the structural members and that defines and imposes upon the stabilization member a maximum distance by which the first and second structural members may be separated. The travel-limiting structure can include an axially inextensible, laterally flexible elongate element, e.g., wire-rope cable, disposed between the structural members.

Abstract: A vertebral rod includes a first elongated section defining a first thickness. A second elongated section defines a second thickness. An intermediate section is disposed between the first section and the second section and defines a third thickness. The third thickness has a dimension being less than a dimension of at least one of the first thickness and the second thickness. The intermediate section has an inner surface that defines an open end. A resistance member has an exterior surface configured for engaging at least a portion of the inner surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a percutaneous vertebral stabilization system. A first anchor is positionable within a body of a patient through a first percutaneous opening and a second anchor is positionable within a body of a patient through a second percutaneous opening. A stabilization member is positionable within the body of a patient through the first percutaneous opening to engage and connect the first and second anchors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spinal fixation apparatus having a segment flexible rod for connecting pedicle screws and a transverse link for spacing out the rods, which are made from a shape memory alloy, thereby easily and simply connecting the rods and the pedicle screws. According to the present invention, it can easily and simply fit the rods to the misaligned pedicle screw, even if it may be a failure of alignment of the pedicle screws in surgery. Also, it can easily set up the transverse link on a pair of the longitudinal rods, even if the longitudinal rods are declined or are not in parallel.

Abstract: Provided is a spinal fixation system that includes a pedicle screw having a bone engagement thread at a first end of the pedicle screw and an intermediate shaft portion located between the bone engagement thread and a second end of the pedicle screw and having a substantially conical shaped flange. The system also includes a clamp that fits over the second end of the pedicle screw, a fixation rod that can be secured between the clamp and an external side of the pedicle screw, and a fastener that can be coupled to the second end of the pedicle screw. Coupling of the fastener to the second end of the pedicle screw provides a clamping force that presses the fixation rod against the intermediate shaft portion of the pedicle screw.

Abstract: A vertebral rod is provided having a first elongated section and a second elongated section. An intermediate section is disposed between the first section and the second section. The intermediate section has an inner surface that defines a first locking part. A resistance member has an exterior surface that defines a second locking part configured for engagement with the first locking part such that the resistance member is fixed with and engaging at least a portion of the inner surface.

Abstract: Derotation instrument assemblies and systems are provided to facilitate positioning one or more vertebrae of a spinal column into a desired alignment. The instrument assemblies and systems include implant holders engageable to respective implants engaged to vertebrae of the spinal column, transverse bridges to connect implant holders associated with a particular vertebra, and inter-level linking assemblies to connect instrument assemblies associated with different vertebrae. Derotation handles can be provided on the implant holders to facilitate application of the alignment forces, while the assemblies distribute the corrective forces to the connected implants and vertebrae.

Abstract: A spinal rod includes an elongated tubular member that is inflatable from a first insertion profile to a second enlarged profile. An expandable tubular reinforcement sleeve is concentrically positioned adjacent to the balloon. The balloon may be bonded to the sleeve. The spinal rod may also have longitudinal reinforcement members. A joining member may join two or more of the longitudinal reinforcing members at a discrete point along each. The spinal rod may further include end portions on either side of an inflatable portion.

Abstract: A spinal implant system for stabilization of the spine is disclosed comprising a pair of bone anchors, an elongate stabilization device received in the bone anchors, the stabilization device having an elongate inner stabilizing member and an outer stabilizing member disposed about the inner member and wherein said anchors are configured to inhibit translation of the outer member and to permit translation of the inner member.

Abstract: A damping element for the dynamic stabilization of two bones, particularly of two adjacent bodies of the vertebra, includes a flexible spring element having a hollow space. The hollow space is open on a first end and closed on a second end by a wall extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the damping element. A clamping sleeve is inserted at least partially into the hollow space. The sleeve has a front end directed towards the wall of the flexible spring element. The distance between the front end and the wall affects the damping characteristics of the damping element. A coaxial connecting element is attached to each end of the flexible spring element. Each connecting element is configured to be connected within an osteosynthetic stabilizing device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for a motion-preserving spinal rod are disclosed including an elongate first rod portion extending generally along a first curved path wherein at least a portion of the first curved path substantially approximates a kinematic curve defined by flexion and extension of a superior vertebra relative to an inferior vertebra. An elongate second rod portion is coupled to the first rod portion. It extends along a second curved path wherein at least a portion of the second curved path substantially approximates a posterior lordotic curve, and wherein the first curved path is oriented relative to the second curved path to substantially form an S-shaped curve. A core extends between the first rod portion and the second rod portion and a resilient damper is disposed about the core.

Abstract: A stabilization device includes a first bone anchoring element, a second bone anchoring element, and a rod shaped element for connecting the first and the second bone anchoring elements. The rod-shaped element includes a curved section, that undergoes an elastic deformation under the action of a force acting on the rod-shaped element via an anchoring element. The rod-shaped element and the anchoring elements are arranged so that deformation occurs when a force acts in a main direction of motion of bone parts or vertebra relative to each other, whereas a deformation is suppressed when a force acts in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the main direction of motion.

Abstract: A pedicle screw with a closure device including a seat element and a closure cap for quick closure of the seat element of the pedicle screw. An elastic rod element inserted therein in the seat recess, which element serves to stabilize a vertebral column, is held in a form-locking way. The closure cap of the closure device has the function of a cross-brace, and can transfer the forces absorbed by it from the rod element to the pedicle screw. Disposed on the closure cap with a holding recess are engagement elements which, during insertion of the closure cap, automatically lock in place in a stable position in the seat element provided with a U-shaped seat recess. The seat recess and the holding recess preferably have a ridged or grooved structure corresponding to the rod element used.

Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The system is designed such that the second resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and the first resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions extend away from each other.

Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The system is designed such that the second resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and the first resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions extend away from each other.

Abstract: A pre-curved flexible member is provided for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. In one embodiment, the pre-curved flexible member includes a pre-curved body having an outer surface and opposing ends with a curved intermediate portion extending therebetween. Each of the opposing ends includes retention features, for example notches and/or protrusions, for cooperation with retention features on a corresponding anchor member to securely retain the pre-curved flexible member therebetween.

Abstract: A spinal rod/rod system for spinal stabilization is controllably bendable or flexible along its longitudinal axis to achieve a particular radius of curvature, flex, arch or angle of the spinal rod and preserve the achieved angle through a locking mechanism. The spinal rod is controllably bendable through application of a controlled axial force. Such controllable curvature allows for limited movement of the vertebrae connected by the present resilient spinal rod system. The present spinal rod is defined by a multi-component system which includes an inner spring rod and an outer rod tube. An angulation ring is threadedly attached to an end of the spring rod and provides controlled adjustment of the angle or curvature of the spinal rod through axial compression of the spring rod relative to the outer tube. Locking prevents the increase and/or decrease of angulation of the spinal rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spinal support devices and, more specifically, to a flexible member having variable flexibility for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. The flexible member generally includes a first material having a first portion including a first material having a first elasticity and a second portion including a second material having a second elasticity greater than the first to provide the flexible member with a variable flexibility.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a pair of vertebral anchors and a flexible construct extending between the anchors to provide dynamic stabilization of the spine. The flexible construct includes first and second spring arms coupled to the anchors at first ends thereof and second ends coupled at a joint. The spring arms are capable of flexing toward and away from each other during movement of the spine. The system may include a biasing member for biasing movement of the spring arms toward and/or away from each other. The system may further include an adjustment feature that allows the distraction to be adjusted in situ. The stiffness characteristic of each of the spring arms may be selectively adjusted to meet the specific application. A method of stabilizing a spine includes securing anchors to selected vertebrae and coupling the flexible construct to the anchors through a top loading procedure.

Abstract: An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a solid, suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component may be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the component is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art. When used as a vertebral replacement device, attached to the component's opposite ends are members for attachment to the adjacent vertebra that allow for height and angular adjustment.