Inventors:
Jared Walkenhorst - Fairfield CT, US
Michael Landry - Austin TX, US
Thomas Wilson - Guilford CT, US
John Pafford - Eads TN, US
Scott Kitchel - Eugene OR, US
Andrew Carter - Trumbull CT, US
Christopher Comey - Longmeadow MA, US
Assignee:
Spine Wave, Inc. - Shelton CT
International Classification:
A61F 2/30
Abstract:
A system for dynamic stabilization of the spine includes a bone engaging fastener configured to be anchored in a vertebra and a deflectable element mounted on the fastener. The deflectable element or bumper is configured and arranged to contact a portion of an adjacent vertebra, such as the facet, during extension of the spine, while offering no resistance during flexion. In certain embodiments, a cable may be fastened to the bone engaging fastener and arranged to contact a portion of the adjacent vertebra, such as the spinous process, during flexion of the spine. In one surgical technique of the invention, a contralateral approach is used to introduce the bone engaging fastener through the deflectable element and into the vertebra.