Method and apparatus for flexible fixation of a spine

Abstract

A flexible spinal fixation device having a flexible connection unit for non-rigid stabilization of the spinal column. In one embodiment, the fixation device includes at least two securing members configured to be inserted into respective adjacent spinal pedicles, each securing member each including a coupling assembly. The fixation device further includes a flexible connection unit configured to be received and secured within the coupling assemblies of each securing member so as to flexibly stabilize the affected area of the spine.

1 . A flexible spine stabilization system comprising: a first rod having a first end portion and a second end portion; a first flexible element having at least a first slit formed therein, wherein said first flexible element is disposed between the first and second end portions, wherein a first flexible element is integrally formed between said first and second rod portions, and wherein the first flexible element permits motion of the first end portion relative to the second end portion; a first fastener capable of connecting with the first end portion; and a second fastener capable of connecting with the second end portion.  
     
     
         2 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 1 , wherein the first end portion and the second end portions of the first rod comprise a tubular structure.  
     
     
         3 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 1 , wherein the first end portion and the second end portions of the first rod are substantially solid.  
     
     
         4 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 1 , wherein the slit in the first flexible element forms a helical pattern around a portion of the first rod.  
     
     
         5 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 3 , wherein the first flexible element is curved in the neutral position to accommodate the lordosis in the spine.  
     
     
         6 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 1 , wherein the first flexible element further comprises a second slit formed therein.  
     
     
         7 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 6 , wherein the first slit and the second slit in the first flexible element form helical patterns around a portion of the first rod.  
     
     
         8 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 7 , wherein at least a portion of the first slit and the second slit are disposed in the same location on the first rod.  
     
     
         9 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 7 , wherein the direction of the helical pattern of the first slit is the same as the direction of the helical pattern of the second slit.  
     
     
         10 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 7 , wherein the direction of the helical pattern of the first slit is opposite from the direction of the helical pattern of the second slit.  
     
     
         11 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second fasteners are bone fasteners.  
     
     
         12 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 1 , wherein the first slit formed in the first flexible element extends completely through the rod.  
     
     
         13 . A flexible spine stabilization system comprising: a first flexible element having a first and second end, wherein at least a portion of the first flexible element comprises a first tubular structure having at least a first slit formed therein; a second flexible element disposed within the first flexible element, wherein at least a portion of the second flexible element comprises a second tubular structure having at least a second slit formed therein; a first fastener connected to the first end of the first flexible element; and a second fastener connected to the second end of the first flexible element.  
     
     
         14 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 13 , wherein the slit in the first tubular structure forms a helical pattern around a longitudinal axis of the first tubular structure.  
     
     
         15 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 13 , wherein the first flexible element is curved in the neutral position to accommodate the lordosis in the spine.  
     
     
         16 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 13 , further comprising a solid rod disposed within the first tubular structure to increase the stiffness of the flexible element.  
     
     
         17 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 13 , wherein the first slit forms a first helical pattern on the first tubular structure and the second slit forms a second helical pattern on the second tubular structure, and wherein the direction of the first helical pattern is opposite of the direction of the second helical pattern.  
     
     
         18 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 13 , wherein the first flexible element forms at least a portion of a transconnector.  
     
     
         19 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 13 , wherein the first and second fasteners are bone fasteners.  
     
     
         20 . A flexible spine stabilization system comprising: a flexible element having a first and second end, wherein at least a portion of the flexible element comprises a tubular structure having at least a first slit formed therein.  
     
     
         21 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 20 , wherein the slit in the first tubular structure forms a helical pattern around a longitudinal axis of the tubular structure.  
     
     
         22 . The flexible spine stabilization system of  claim 20 , further comprising a solid rod disposed within the tubular structure to increase the stiffness of the flexible element.  
     
     
         23 . A flexible spine stabilization system comprising: a first flexible element having a first and second end, wherein at least a portion of the first flexible element comprises a first tubular structure having at least one slit formed therein, wherein the slit formed in the first tubular structure forms a first helical pattern; a second flexible element disposed within the first flexible element, wherein at least a portion of the second flexible element comprises a second tubular structure having a second slit formed therein, wherein the second slit in the second tubular structure forms a second helical pattern.