Methods and apparatuses for stabilizing the spine through an access device
US7658739B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/4405
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for stabilizing vertebrae while permitting a range of motion therebetween may include first and second fasteners for engaging adjacent vertebrae and a motion preserving device that can be coupled to the first and second fasteners. The motion preserving device may include a longitudinal member that includes an array of load-bearing elements. The longitudinal member may be configured to permit the load-bearing elements to move relative to each other and/or relative to other portions of the member. In some embodiments, the longitudinal member is relatively inflexible along a longitudinal axis and relatively flexible in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.