Flexible stabilization device for dynamic stabilization of bones or vertebrae

Abstract

A flexible stabilization device for dynamic stabilization of bones or vertebrae is provided comprising a rod construct including a rod made of an elastomeric material the rod having a first connection section, a second connection section and a third section therebetween, the first and second connection sections being connectable with a bone anchoring device, respectively, and a sleeve provided on at least a portion of the third section of the rod such that at least the first and second connection sections are exposed.

1 . A flexible stabilization device for dynamic stabilization of bones or vertebrae comprising:
 a rod assembly including   a rod made of an elastomeric material and structured such that its length is adjustable, the rod configured to transmit compressive forces in the axial direction, the rod having a first connection section, a second connection section and a third section therebetween, the first and second connection sections being connectable with a bone anchoring device, respectively, and
 a sleeve provided on at least a portion of the third section of the rod, the length of the sleeve being smaller than a length of the rod, such that at least the first and second connection sections are exposed. 
   
     
     
         2 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is made of an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         3 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 2 , wherein the elastic properties of the rod and the sleeve are different. 
     
     
         4 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 2 , wherein the elastomeric material of any one of the rod and the sleeve is a biocompatible plastic material such as polyurethane or polysilicone. 
     
     
         5 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner wall of the sleeve is in contact with the surface of the rod. 
     
     
         6 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 5 , wherein the inner wall of the sleeve has a structure which engages with a structure on the surface of the rod. 
     
     
         7 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least a first and a second bone anchoring device connected with the rod assembly. 
     
     
         8 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the bone anchoring devices is constructed so as to allow a polyaxial connection between a shank of the bone anchoring device and the rod. 
     
     
         9 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 1 , wherein the rod comprises a plurality of connection sections and a plurality of sleeves therebetween. 
     
     
         10 . A rod assembly for a flexible stabilization device, the rod assembly comprising:
 a rod made of an elastomeric material, the rod having a first connection section, a second connection section and a third section therebetween; and   a sleeve provided on at least a portion of the third section of the rod such that at least the first and second connection sections are exposed;   wherein an inner wall of the sleeve has a structure which engages with an inner structure on a surface of the rod.   
     
     
         11 . A rod assembly according to  claim 10 , wherein the sleeve is made of an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         12 . A rod assembly according to  claim 11 , wherein the elastic properties of the rod and the sleeve are different. 
     
     
         13 . A rod assembly according to  claim 11 , wherein the elastomeric material of any one of the bar and the sleeve is a biocompatible plastic material such as polyurethane or polysilicone. 
     
     
         14 . A rod assembly according to  claim 10 , wherein the rod comprises a plurality of connection sections and a plurality of sleeves therebetween. 
     
     
         15 . A flexible stabilization device for dynamic stabilization of bones or vertebrae comprising:
 a rod assembly comprising:
 a rod made of an elastomeric material and having a first connection section, a second connection section and a third section therebetween; and 
 a sleeve provided on at least a portion of the third section of the rod, the length of the sleeve being smaller than a length of the rod, such that at least the first and second connection sections are exposed; 
   a bone anchoring device connectable with any one of the first connection section and the second connection section of the rod, the bone anchoring device comprising:
 a shank portion configured to be anchored in a bone or in a vertebra; 
 a head portion having a recess including an opening, the recess configured to receive a portion of any one of the first connection section and the second connection section of the rod; and 
 a securing element configured to secure the portion in the recess by pressure exerted on the portion. 
   
     
     
         16 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 15 , wherein the sleeve is made of an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         17 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 16 , wherein the elastic properties of the rod and the sleeve are different. 
     
     
         18 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 16 , wherein the elastomeric material of any one of the bar and the sleeve is a biocompatible plastic material such as polyurethane or polysilicone. 
     
     
         19 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 15 , wherein the inner wall of the sleeve is in contact with the surface of the rod. 
     
     
         20 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 19 , wherein the inner wall of the sleeve has a structure which engages with a structure on the surface of the rod. 
     
     
         21 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 15 , wherein at least on of the first bone anchoring device and the second bone anchoring device is constructed so as to allow a polyaxial connection between the shank thereof and the rod. 
     
     
         22 . A flexible stabilization device according to  claim 15 , wherein the rod comprises a plurality of connection sections and a plurality of sleeves therebetween.