| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090259257 | Pedicule-Based Motion- Preserving Device - 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. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090275986 | FLEXIBLE SPINAL STABILIZATION ELEMENT AND SYSTEM - Systems and devices for providing dynamic stabilization of one or more spinal motion segments are provided. The systems include a connecting element between two or more bone anchor assemblies that can be attached to two or more vertebral bodies of at least one spinal motion segment. The connecting element includes a first end, a second end, an intermediate resilient element and a sheathed tether extending from the first end to the second end and through the resilient intermediate element. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20100262187 | SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR DYNAMIC STABILIZATION OF THE SPINE - A dynamic stabilization device, system, and method for use with a spinal motion segment includes a first bone anchor assembly, a second bone anchor assembly, a first articulation element and a second articulation element. The first articulation element includes an end portion engageable with the first bone anchor assembly, a first articulation surface, and a resilient element therebetween. The first articulation surface is separably engageable with a second articulation surface associated with the second articulation element. 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. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100262191 | SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR DYNAMIC STABILIZATION OF THE SPINE - 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. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20110106162 | Composite Connecting Elements for Spinal Stabilization Systems - Elongated connecting elements include bodies having composite cross-sections defined by a center core that is surrounded by an outer portion. The center core includes a first material and the outer portion includes a second material that is distinct from the first material. In one particular form, a connecting element includes a maximum dimension across an outer cross-sectional shape of the outer portion that is less than a minimum dimension across an oblong or round outer cross-sectional shape of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) connecting element, and the connecting element exhibits mechanical properties that are at least equivalent to the mechanical properties of the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) connecting element. In another form, the center core has a non-circular cross-sectional shape and the first material is defined by a reinforcing material randomly dispersed throughout a polymer, and the outer portion includes a circular, outer cross-sectional shape. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110106179 | Set Screw Having Variable Pitch Thread for Use With Spinal Implant Systems - An improved set screw for use with spinal implants to attach an elongated member to a bone. The set screw has a body with a lower portion. An external thread is on the lower portion wherein at least a portion of the external thread has a variable pitch. The set screw will engage a receiver member by a predetermined longitudinal distance before encountering the variable pitch of the external thread on the set screw. A preselected torque value for seating the set screw is achieved at this predetermined longitudinal distance of thread engagement by the set screw into the receiver member. The variable pitch provides consistent clamping force even when excessive torque is applied to the set screw. An upper portion can be connected to the lower portion of the set screw through a frangible portion. The preselected torque value for seating the set screw is selected at a value less than the break-off or separation torque required to cause the frangible portion to separate the upper portion from the lower portion of the set screw. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110270321 | Engaging Member With a Cavity-Base for Engaging a Connecting Element to a Bone Anchor - Devices and methods include an anchor assembly engageable to a vertebra and a connecting element positionable through a receiver of the anchor assembly. The assembly includes an engaging member for engaging the connecting element in the receiver. The engaging member includes a base with a cavity that receives a deformed portion the connecting element when the engaging member is securely engaged to the connecting element. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110313461 | FLEXIBLE SPINAL STABILIZATION ELEMENT AND SYSTEM - Systems and devices for providing dynamic stabilization of one or more spinal motion segments are provided. The systems include a connecting element between two or more bone anchor assemblies that can be attached to two or more vertebral bodies of at least one spinal motion segment. The connecting element includes a first end, a second end, an intermediate resilient element and a sheathed tether extending from the first end to the second end and through the resilient intermediate element. | 12-22-2011 |