| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080221681 | Methods for Improving Fatigue Performance of Implants With Osteointegrating Coatings - A method which may be used for introducing a residual compressive stress into a body portion of an implantable device configured for implantation in a patient. The body portion may include an outer surface. The method also may include texturing the outer surface of the implantable device to increase a roughness of the outer surface. The outer surface may be coated with an osteointegrating material to increase osteointegration. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080221688 | Method of Maintaining Fatigue Performance In A Bone-Engaging Implant - This disclosure is directed to a method capable of maintaining the fatigue performance of a bone-engaging implant after surface texturing through the imparting of a residual compressive stress. A residual compressive stress is imparted via peening or another process. The peened surface is then roughened to improve mechanical adhesion for bone fixation via grit blasting or another process. The depth of penetration of the roughened texture is less than the depth of the residual compressive stress. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080234736 | Vertebral Stabilizer - A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The connector includes an extendable member and an over-extension limiter that limits extension of the extendable member. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080234753 | Spinal Stabilization Systems - A stabilizing system for stabilizing a patient's spinal column comprises a flexible implant configured for attachment to a vertebral member, an anchor plate for attaching the flexible implant to the vertebral member, and at least one fastener to secure the anchor plate to the vertebral member. The anchoring plate has a bottom surface with one or more projections configured to penetrate the top surface of the flexible implant when a clamping force is applied. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080295312 | METAL INJECTION MOLDING OF SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEMS COMPONENTS - A method of making a component of a spinal fixation system. The method may comprise providing a mixture of a powder of at least one metal or metal alloy and a polymeric binder. A metal-injection-molding process may use the mixture to form a component for a spinal fixation system. The components may have varying flexibility across their cross-sections. Also, components are provided that are produced by this process, such as spinal fixation rods and plates. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20090043169 | Childbirth instrument and method - A childbirth instrument and method of use. The instrument may have guide and/or guard portions with concave posterior sides, and may have one or more grips. The guide may have first, second, and third elongated reference slots for performing episiotomy cuts therethrough, with the reference slots locating the angle and position of the episiotomy cuts, and the guard provides protection for the unborn infant. Another embodiment has one or more apertures through which a hypodermic needle may deliver a local anesthetic prior to making episiotomy cuts. The instrument may have one or more grips, which may be removable, and may have a movable stop and/or guide aperture. The angle of the episiotomy cut may be adjusted with one embodiment. The guide and guard portions may separate. Finger-receiving portions may be provided on the guard. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090088803 | FLEXIBLE MEMBERS FOR CORRECTING SPINAL DEFORMITIES - The present application is directed to devices and methods for correcting a spinal deformity. The devices may include a member attached to one or more vertebral members of a deformed spine. The member may be constructed of a flexible material with elastic properties. The member is attached to the vertebral members in a stressed orientation. Due to the elastic properties of the material, the member exerts a corrective force on the vertebral members. In some embodiments, multiple members are attached to the vertebral members to apply the corrective force. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090093820 | ADJUSTABLE SPINAL STABILIZATION SYSTEMS - A spinal stabilization system includes a stabilization member with opposite end portions lying along a longitudinal axis and an adjustment mechanism between the end portions that allows the end portions to be moved toward and away from one another along the longitudinal axis. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090118831 | Coatings for spinal implants - The present application describes a spinal implant device comprising a load-bearing component having at least one soft tissue-facing surface and a coating affixed to the soft tissue-facing surface. The coating is operable to define an interface with the soft tissue that exhibits one or more of the following features: reduced friction, reduced tissue irritation, reduced adhesion, reduced inflammation, reduced incidence of infection and reduced pain, relative to the soft tissue-facing surface in the absence of the coating. Other embodiments include methods of use and manufacture of the apparatus. The application also describes a method involving affixing a load-bearing prosthetic spinal implant device to first and second vertebrae of a motion segment and, after the device is affixed, applying to a soft tissue-facing surface of the device a flowable, curable coating material operable to cure in situ to form a coating. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090143862 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BLOCKING AND/OR RETAINING A PROSTHETIC SPINAL IMPLANT - Devices for anchoring and/or blocking spinal implants in an intervertebral disc space are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention the device includes a rigid blocking member having one end unconnected and free to block a spinal implant, and another end attached to a securing member to secure the blocking member to the spine. Methods for using the inventive anchoring/blocking implants are also provided. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090148503 | Topical devices and methods for assisting performance of surgical incision - A flexible topical device for assisting performance of surgical incision comprises a tear-resistant support layer and an adhesive layer disposed thereon. The device can further comprises a tear-resistant reinforcement layer disposed adjacent to the support layer. The device is adhesively attached to a surface of the tissue in which an incision is to be made, adjacent to the incision. The device prevents or limits an initiation or propagation of a tear in the tissue resulting from the stresses or strains imposed on the incision. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090182429 | Total joint Replacement - An artificial vertebral joint for interposition between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra comprises a pair of bilateral joint subcomponents. Each joint subcomponent includes a superior component including a superior vertebra engaging surface and an inferior component including an inferior vertebra engaging surface. Each joint subcomponent further includes a spacer extending between the superior component and the inferior component. The spacer includes a first modulus of elasticity and a second modulus of elasticity. The first modulus transitions to the second modulus with a gradient change. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090204220 | Intervertebral Disc Nucleus Implants and Methods - Nucleus pulposus implants that are resistant to migration in and/or expulsion from an intervertebral disc space are provided. In one form of the invention, an implant includes a load bearing elastic body surrounded in the disc space by an anchoring, preferably resorbable, outer shell. In certain forms of the invention, the elastic body is surrounded by a supporting member, such as a band or jacket, and the supporting member is surrounded by the outer shell. Kits for forming such implants are also provided. In another form of the invention, an implant is provided that has locking features and optional shape memory characteristics. In yet another aspect of the invention, nucleus pulposus implants are provided that have shape memory characteristics and are configured to allow short-term manual, or other deformation without permanent deformation, cracks, tears, breakage or other damage. Methods of forming and implanting the implants are also described, as are delivery devices and components thereof for delivering the implants. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090222096 | MULTI-COMPARTMENT EXPANDABLE DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC EXPANSION AND AUGMENTATION - A method of augmenting the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprises forming a passage through an annulus fibrosus surrounding the nucleus pulposus and inserting a space creating device comprising a plurality of chambers. Without removing a portion of the nucleus pulposus, plurality of chambers are filled to expand the space creating device to create a space within the nucleus pulposus. The method further comprises injecting at least one biocompatible material into the space within the nucleus pulposus. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090222098 | Spinal nucleus replacement with varying modulus - An intervertebral disc augmentation implant comprises an implant body adapted for implantation within an annulus fibrosis the intervertebral disc, adjacent to an at least partially intact nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc, and comprising a core area, a peripheral wall area, a top face area, and a bottom face area. The implant body is formed from at least one material and the implant body has a modulus of elasticity gradient that gradually changes from the core area of the implant body to the peripheral wall area of the implant body. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090222099 | Self Centering Nucleus Implant - An intervertebral disc augmentation implant for implantation between a pair of vertebral bodies comprises an elastically deformable outer casing having at least one thickness dimension and a core member having isotropic material properties. The core member is entirely encased within the outer casing and has a height dimension along an axis defined by the pair of vertebral bodies. The modulus of elasticity of the core member is greater than a modulus of elasticity of the outer casing, and the height dimension of the core member is greater than the at least one thickness dimension of the outer casing. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090275913 | DEVICES, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR BILATERAL APPROACH TO DISC AUGMENTATION - A method of augmenting a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprises forming a first opening in an annulus of the intervertebral disc and forming a second opening in the annulus of the intervertebral disc. The method further comprises providing a space creation instrument including an expandable spacing device and introducing the spacing device through the first opening and into the nucleus pulposus. The method further comprises introducing a material delivery instrument through the second opening and into the nucleus pulposus and expanding the spacing device to create a space within the nucleus pulposus. The method also comprises injecting a biocompatible material from the material delivery instrument and into the space within the nucleus pulposus. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090292315 | Interspinous Spacer - An interspinous spacer implant includes first, second, third, and fourth arms that are divided into pairs that are relatively rotatable. In an insertion configuration, the first and third arms are disposed close together, and the second and fourth arms are disposed close together. Relatively rotating the arm pairs results in a deployed configuration where the first and fourth arms are disposed close together and the second and third arms are disposed close together, with each set of arms forming a respective saddle for receiving a corresponding spinous process. Related methods are also described. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20100042157 | VERTEBRAL ROD SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - 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. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100094344 | Pedicle-Based Posterior Stabilization Members and Methods of Use - The present application is directed to pedicle-based posterior stabilization members and methods of stabilizing vertebral members. The stabilization members generally include a body with first and second connector sections. The first connector section is configured to connect to a pedicle of a first vertebral member. The second connector section is configured to contact an adjacent vertebral member. The second connector section may be positioned at an end of the body, or an intermediate section away from the end. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100111631 | Tool for Finishing the Ends of Surgical Rods and Methods of Use - An apparatus for finishing an end of a rod including a shaping tool comprising a shaping assembly having a shaping housing and a shaping surface within the housing configured to engage an end of a rod and form a shaped rod end. The apparatus further including a finishing tool comprising a finishing assembly having a finishing surface for changing the contour of the shaped rod end to form a finished rod end. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114067 | Multi-Chamber Mixing System - Mixing systems for storing and mixing multiple components of various medical compositions are provided. Generally, the instant mixing systems comprise a barrel, a plunger slidably disposed inside a barrel, and a pushing rod slidably disposed inside the plunger. The instant mixing system may further comprise multiple chambers for storing individual components or mixtures of components, with at least one chamber disposed in the barrel and at least one chamber disposed inside the plunger. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114069 | Methods, Systems, and Devices for Treating Intervertebral Discs Including Intradiscal Fluid Evacuation - Methods, systems, and devices for of treating intervertebral discs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive method of treating an intervertebral disc is provided. A contrast or imaging media is introduced into a nucleus of the intervertebral disc without removing any of the nucleus. The intervertebral disc is imaged with the contrast media within the nucleus. Then the contrast media is evacuated from the nucleus to reduce intradiscal pressure. Finally, a disc augmentation biomaterial is introduced into the nucleus. The disc augmentation biomaterial is introduced in such a manner that the disc augmentation biomaterial is maintained within the nucleus without having to repair an opening in the annulus surrounding the nucleus. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114107 | Intervertebral Disc Nucleus Implants and Methods - Nucleus pulposus implants that are resistant to migration in and/or expulsion from an intervertebral disc space are provided. In one form of the invention, an implant includes a load bearing elastic body surrounded in the disc space by an anchoring, preferably resorbable, outer shell. In certain forms of the invention, the elastic body is surrounded by a supporting member, such as a band or jacket, and the supporting member is surrounded by the outer shell. Kits for forming such implants are also provided. In another form of the invention, an implant is provided that has locking features and optional shape memory characteristics. In yet another aspect of the invention, nucleus pulposus implants are provided that have shape memory characteristics and are configured to allow short-term manual, or other deformation without permanent deformation, cracks, tears, breakage or other damage. Methods of forming and implanting the implants are also described, as are delivery devices and components thereof for delivering the implants. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114320 | SURGICAL SPACER WITH SHAPE CONTROL - A surgical spacer comprising first and second hollow support members, a flexible container, and a compressible material disposed in the container is disclosed. The first and second support members each have an exterior and an interior cavity. The exteriors of the first and second support members are affixed together and the interior cavities of the first and second support members are connected via a connecting opening. The container is disposed in the interior cavities and extends through the connecting opening. In addition, the container is substantially impermeable to the compressible material. The first and second support members are more rigid than the flexible container. A combination of the first and second support members controls the shape of the flexible container, with the compressible material disposed therein, in response to a compressive load applied to an exterior of the spacer. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100121380 | Expandable Spinal Rods and Methods of Use - 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. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100191295 | ANNULUS REPAIR SYSTEM - An annulus repair system is provided. This repair system may cover a hole or opening in the annulus or repair a defect or damage to the annulus. In one embodiment, the annulus repair system comprises a blocking component that covers a hole in the annulus, a stabilizing component that helps stabilize the blocking component and a suturing material that connects the two components together. In certain embodiments, the annulus repair system may further comprise a cannula for guiding the blocking component, the stabilizing component and at least a portion of the suturing material through body tissue and into the disc space. Methods for utilizing the annulus repair system of the present invention also are provided. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100198261 | ADJUSTABLE SPINAL STABILIZATION SYSTEMS - A spinal stabilization system includes a stabilization member with opposite end portions lying along a longitudinal axis and an adjustment mechanism between the end portions that allows the end portions to be moved toward and away from one another along the longitudinal axis. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100222818 | VERTEBRAL ROD AND RELATED METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A vertebral rod includes a first elongated section, a second elongated section and an intermediate section disposed between the first section and the second section. The intermediate section has an inner surface and opposing end portions that define an open portion. A removable element extends from one of the first, second or intermediate sections and is disposable adjacent the opposing end portions. The element is configured to prevent engagement of the opposing end portions. A resistance member is configured for disposal with the intermediate section and engaging at least a portion of the inner surface. A method of manufacture is also disclosed. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100222820 | VERTEBRAL ROD SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - 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. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100234954 | SPINAL IMPLANT AND METHODS OF IMPLANTATION AND TREATMENT - A spinal implant is provided that includes a first component for engaging a first vertebra, a second component for engaging a second vertebrae, and a damping member is positioned therebetween. The damping member has at least two chambers connected by an opening. A fluid is disposed within the chambers such that compression of the first and second components towards one another causes the fluid to be displaced from one of the chambers to another chamber through an opening. The opening has a reduced size relative to the chambers to restrict the flow of the fluid between the chambers and provide a dampening effect. In some instances, the rheologic properties of the fluid positioned within the chambers are dependent upon the strength a magnetic field passing through the fluid. In other aspects of the present disclosure, prosthetic devices, intervertebral implants, spinal systems, implantation methods, and treatment methods are provided. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100247600 | THERAPEUTIC DRUG ELUTING IMPLANT COVER AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A drug-eluting implant cover fabricated from a drug-eluting biocompatible matrix containing at least one elutable drug, a drug-eluting implant cover kit containing at least one drug-eluting implant cover, and a method of manufacturing the same. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100249783 | DRUG-ELUTING IMPLANT COVER - A pre-configured implant cover fabricated from a drug-eluting biocompatible matrix containing at least one elutable drug, a kit containing at least one elutable drug implant cover, and a method of using the same. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100249841 | MULTI-CHAMBER EXPANDABLE INTERSPINOUS PROCESS SPACER - An expandable interspinous process spacer is disclosed that includes at least two chambers, one disposed within the other. Each of the at least two chambers can receive an injectable biocompatible material, which advantageously may have different material properties such as hardness. Further, the expandable interspinous process spacer can be changed from a deflated configuration to an inflated configuration. In the inflated configuration, the expandable interspinous process spacer can engage and support a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100249932 | Materials, Devices and Methods for Intervertebral Stabilization Via Use of In Situ Shape Recovery - A deformable implant and a method for expanding an intervertebral disc space are provided. The method may include selecting a deformable implant with a predetermined physical configuration and deforming aspects, including temperature. The deformable implant of some embodiments is heated above the transition temperature or deforming temperature, collapsed to a collapsed configuration and cooled below the transition temperature. The collapsed implant may be inserted into the disc space without distracting adjacent vertebrae. The inserted implant absorbs ambient body heat and expands in place to a final shape thereby distracting adjacent vertebrae to expand the disc space. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100249933 | SYSTEMS AND TECHNIQUES FOR INTRAVERTEBRAL SPINAL STABILIZATION WITH EXPANDABLE DEVICES - Expandable devices include a body defining a hollow interior for receiving distal portion of a delivery instrument. The expandable devices are collapsed on the distal portion of the delivery instrument for delivery to the operative site within a vertebral body. Upon delivery of the collapsed expandable devices to the operative site, the distal portion of the delivery instrument is enlargeable to expand the expandable device in situ for implantation at the operative site. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100266657 | PREFORMED DRUG-ELUTING DEVICE TO BE AFFIXED TO AN ANTERIOR SPINAL PLATE - A drug-eluting device comprising a drug-eluting matrix containing at least one elutable drug, a method of manufacturing a preformed drug-eluting device, and an implant kit comprising the same. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100268278 | TENSION BAND - Various embodiments of a vertebral tension band assembly and associated connection structure are provided. The tension band assemblies may be attached to vertebral bodies to, for example, connect one vertebrae to another, retain the band in approximately a preferred position by application of tension to the band during insertion and/or limit, impede, inhibit, reduce or interfere with the separation from one vertebra to another and may further block, impede, interfere with, inhibit, reduce or present an obstacle to dislodgement of a spinal implant from between the vertebrae to which it is attached. Flexible band portions of the assemblies may be treated and/or configured to promote bony integration between the band and the associated vertebrae, limit tissue adhesion to the band, and/or to elute a therapeutic substance from the installed band to the surgical site. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100268282 | ANTERIOR SPINAL PLATE WITH PREFORMED DRUG-ELUTING DEVICE AFFIXED THERETO - An anterior spinal plate has affixed to at least a portion of a surface thereof at least one preformed drug-eluting device fabricated from a drug-eluting matrix containing at least one elutable drug. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100298883 | Load Bearing Flexible Spinal Connecting Element - Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchor assemblies engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connecting element engageable to the first and second anchor assemblies. The connecting element includes opposite first and second end members and a bumper assembly between the end members that flexibly connects the end members so the connecting element can provide dynamic stabilization of the spinal column when engaged to the anchor assemblies. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20110022092 | VERTEBRAL RODS AND METHODS OF USE - The present application is directed to vertebral rods and methods of use. In one embodiment, the rod includes upper and lower sections that are separated by an intermediate section. The intermediate section may include one or more members, and may have a variety of configurations. An elastic member may be positioned within the intermediate section. The intermediate section and the elastic member may provide for variable resistance during movement of the upper and lower sections. In one embodiment, the resistance increases the further away the upper and lower sections move from a first orientation. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110029001 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANNULUS TREATMENT - A system for treating an intervertebral disc includes a plurality of self-closing clips including a first clip and a second clip being deployable adjacent to an opening of the intervertebral disc. The first clip and the second clip are fixed with tissue about the opening and configured to prevent undesired cutting or tearing of the tissue. The clips are disposed in a configuration to facilitate closure of the opening. A suture member is connected to the first clip and the second clip in a configuration such that the suture member is manipulable to draw the opening to a closed position. A locking part is connected to the suture member and is configured to maintain the opening in the closed position. Methods of use are also disclosed. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110040342 | Method and apparatus for delivering an intervertebral disc implant - A method for implanting a prosthetic spinal disc nucleus in an intervertebral disc nucleus space includes providing a disc nucleus implant instrument having a passageway for passing a prosthetic disc nucleus and a dilator for dilating an opening in a disc annulus. The prosthetic disc nucleus has a first configuration and a second configuration, and is positioned in its second configuration in the passageway of the disc nucleus implant instrument and passed through the dilator and into the disc nucleus space while in its second configuration. The disc nucleus implant is caused or allowed to assume its first configuration when implanted. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110071570 | COMPOSITE VERTEBRAL ROD SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - A vertebral rod includes a first elongated section including a first material having a first modulus of elasticity and a second elongated section including a second material having a second modulus of elasticity. A first intermediate section is disposed between the first section and the second section, and includes a third material having a third modulus of elasticity. The intermediate section has an arcuate inner surface that defines a cavity and an open end. The first modulus and the second modulus are each greater than the third modulus such that the first and second sections provide a reinforced configuration of the vertebral rod and the intermediate section has a relatively flexible configuration. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110087291 | FUSION IMPLANTS AND SYSTEMS FOR POSTERIOR LATERAL PROCEDURES - Apparatus and methods include implants insertable into the body of a patient for posterior lateral fusion of one or more vertebral levels. The implant can be osteoinductive and/or osteoconductive to facilitate or initiate the fusion between two or more bony portions of the spinal column. The fusion implant can be used in isolation or in conjunction with a posterior stabilization construct. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110098537 | TISSUE MASSAGE RETRACTOR - A retractor system for percutaneous surgery in a patient includes first and second retractor portions positionable opposite one another in an incision of the patient. The system also includes at least one actuating member operable to provide an oscillating motion to at least one of the first and second retractor portions. The actuating member is in communication with a controller and is responsive to the controller to oscillate at least one of the first and second retractor portions between a first position and a second position. In another form, a method is directed to retracting tissue for percutaneous access to a surgical site in a patient. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110098759 | EXPANDABLE DEVICE FOR BONE MANIPULATION - An expandable bone tamp for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a coil connected between an inner shaft and an outer shaft. Rotating the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft can then cause the coil to expand or collapse around the inner shaft. The coil allows large expansion forces to be generated by a structure Thant can pass through a small cannula. The rotation of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft can be performed manually (e.g., via a crank handle) for good tactile control, or can be performed using a motor or other assist mechanism to increase the expansion force output. The coil can either be withdrawn after use, or can be left in the patient to provide additional post-procedure support. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110152937 | Surgical Implants for Selectively Controlling Spinal Motion Segments - Elongated connecting elements include bodies having composite cross-sections defining a first resistance to bending about a first bending axis and a second resistance to bending about a second bending axis that is transverse to the first bending axis. The cross-section also includes intermediate bending axes between the first and second bending axes that provide resistance to bending that is less than that provided about the first bending axis and greater than that provided about the second bending axis. The connecting elements are positioned along one or more spinal motion segments and engaged to vertebrae with anchors with one of the first, second, and intermediate bending axes in the desired orientation relative to the spinal motion segment to provide the desired stiffness and resistance to bending. | 06-23-2011 |
