Spinal distraction system

Abstract

A spinal distraction system including a bearing connector fastened to a fixated rod and a sliding rod, wherein the sliding rod includes a spring and a stop ring is disclosed. A method of distracting vertebrae is also disclosed.

1 . A spinal distraction system comprising:
 a bearing connector fastened to a fixated rod and a sliding rod, wherein the sliding rod includes a spring and a stop ring.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the bearing connector includes a set screw, a bearing and a housing, wherein the housing has a top surface and a bottom surface that define a hollow. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the hollow is configured and dimensioned to receive the fixated rod. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the bearing connector includes a first bore that extends from a first beveled side surface to a second beveled side surface. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first bore is configured and dimensioned to receive a bearing. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first bore includes a concave inner surface. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the bearing includes a second bore configured and dimensioned to receive the sliding rod. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the spring abuts a beveled side surface of the bearing connector. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a sleeve that extends over at least a portion of a length of the spring. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a stop ring. 
     
     
         11 - 20 . (canceled)