Dynamic spinal stabilization assembly with elastic bumpers and locking limited travel closure mechanisms

Abstract

A dynamic stabilization assembly includes a core, typically in the form of a tensioned cord, at least one pair of bone anchors, a spacer surrounding the core located between the bone anchors, at least one elastic bumper and at least one fixing or blocking member. The core is slidable with respect to at least one of the bone anchors, the spacer and the bumper. The bumper is compressed. Bone screws of the assembly include closure structures that lock against the bone screw independent of any fixing or sliding of the core with respect to the bone screw.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 210,058 filed Mar. 13, 2009 and incorporated by reference herein. This application is also a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 584,980 filed Sep. 15, 2009 that claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 192,312 filed Sep. 17, 2008, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. This application is also a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 148,465 filed Apr. 18, 2008 that claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 927,111 filed May 1, 2007, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. This application is also a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 229,207 filed Aug. 20, 2008 that claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 994,083 filed Sep. 17, 2007 and that is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Objects and advantages of the invention include providing lightweight, reduced volume, low profile stabilization assemblies, including at least two bone anchors and a longitudinal connecting member therebetween that comprises a core and spacer and an end bumper-blocker combination. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide apparatus and methods that are easy to use and especially adapted for the intended use thereof and wherein the apparatus are comparatively inexpensive to make and suitable for use.

[0008]Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.

[0009]The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

Problems solved by technology

Although easily bendable, the cords or strands utilized in such systems do not allow for elastic distraction of the system once implanted because the cord or strand must be stretched or pulled to maximum tension in order to provide a stable, supportive system.

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