Inventors:
Emmanuel Zylber - Marseille, FR
Thomas Egli - Volketswil, CH
Rosemary Thompson - Seen, CH
Markus Froehlich - Baltersil, CH
Giuseppe Cicerchia - Winterthur, CH
Jack A. Dant - St. Paul MN, US
Thomas O. Viker - Arden Hills MN, US
Kevin R. Ley - Elk River MN, US
Assignee:
Zimmer Spine, Inc. - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:
A61B 17/70
US Classification:
606254, 606257, 606263, 606264
Abstract:
A spinal stabilization system generally comprises first and second anchor members configured to be secured to first and second vertebrae within a patient's body, a flexible element secured to the first anchor member, and a rigid element secured to the second anchor member. An end portion of the rigid element is coupled to an end portion of the flexible so that the system is able to provide both rigid and dynamic stabilization. The coupling is maintained even if the flexible element relaxes after a period of time within the patient's body.