Dynamic constructs for spinal stabilization

Abstract

Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchors engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connector assembly engageable with the anchors to provide a desired stabilization effect. The connector assembly can include a connecting element and a bumper element engageable to the first and second anchors.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A spinal stabilization construct, comprising:
 first and second anchors, said first and second anchors each including a proximal head and a distal portion engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebral bodies;   a connector assembly extending along a longitudinal axis between said proximal heads of said first and second anchors, said connector assembly including:
 a bumper element extending along the longitudinal axis and positioned between said proximal heads in abutting engagement with said proximal heads to resist movement of said heads toward one another; and 
 an elongated connecting element including a band-shaped body extending along the longitudinal axis and around said proximal heads of said first and second anchors. 
   
     
     
         16 . The construct of  claim 15 , wherein said proximal heads include inner surfaces facing one another and outer surfaces facing away from one another, said bumper element being positioned in abutting engagement with said inner surfaces and said band-shaped body extending around said outer surfaces. 
     
     
         17 . The construct of  claim 16 , wherein said outer surfaces each include a groove extending therearound along the longitudinal axis and said connecting element is positioned in said grooves. 
     
     
         18 . The construct of  claim 17 , wherein said inner surfaces are flat and orthogonally oriented to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         19 . The construct of  claim 18 , wherein each of said proximal heads includes a projection extending from said inner surface thereof along said longitudinal axis, said bumper element including opposite ends and a recess in each of said ends, said projections being received in respective ones of said recesses. 
     
     
         20 . The construct of  claim 15 , wherein each of said proximal heads includes a projection extending therefrom along said longitudinal axis, said bumper element including opposite ends and a recess in each of said ends, said projections being received in respective ones of said recesses. 
     
     
         21 . The construct of  claim 15 , wherein said bumper element is structured to prevent movement of said proximal heads toward one another and said connecting element is structured to prevent movement of said proximal heads away from one another. 
     
     
         22 . The construct of  claim 15 , wherein said bumper element is compressible to permit movement of said proximal heads toward one another and said connecting element is elastic to permit movement of said proximal heads away from one another. 
     
     
         23 . The construct of  claim 15 , wherein said distal portion of said first and second anchors includes a threaded shaft. 
     
     
         24 . A method for assembling a spinal stabilization construct, comprising:
 engaging a first anchor to a first vertebra;   engaging a second anchor to a second vertebra;   measuring a distance between adjacent inner surfaces of proximal heads of the first and second anchors;   selecting a bumper element having a length between opposite ends thereof greater than the distance measured;   distracting the first and second anchors to separate the proximal heads;   positioning the bumper element between the inner surfaces of the proximal heads;   compressing the proximal heads to secure the bumper element between the inner surfaces; and   positioning a connecting element around the proximal heads with the connecting element extending axially along opposite sides of the bumper element.   
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein positioning the connecting element include positioning the connecting element in grooves formed about the proximal heads. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein positioning the bumper element includes positioning projections extending from the proximal heads into recesses formed in opposite ends of the bumper element. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the inner surfaces of the proximal heads are flat. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein positioning the bumper element includes positioning projections extending from the inner surfaces of the proximal heads into recesses formed in opposite ends of the bumper element. 
     
     
         30 - 41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . A spinal stabilization construct, comprising:
 first and second bone anchors and an elongated bumper element positioned between and abuttingly engaging said first and second bone anchors, and further comprising an elongated connecting element forming a hand extending around said first and second anchors and along opposite sides of said bumper element.   
     
     
         43 . The construct of  claim 42 , wherein said first and second bone anchors each include a flat inner surface abuttingly engaging said bumper element and a projection extending from said inner surface into a recess in said bumper element. 
     
     
         44 . The construct of  claim 42 , wherein said bumper element is compressible and said connecting element is elastic. 
     
     
         45 . The construct of  claim 42 , wherein said bumper element is structured to prevent movement of said first and second anchors toward one another and said connecting element is structured to prevent movement of said first and second anchors away from one another. 
     
     
         46 . The construct of  claim 42 , wherein said bumper element is compressible to permit movement of said first and second anchors toward one another and said connecting element is elastic to permit movement of said first and second anchors away from one another. 
     
     
         47 . The construct of  claim 42 , wherein:
 said first and second bone anchors each include a proximal head, said proximal heads including inner surfaces facing one another and outer surfaces facing away from one another;   said bumper element is positioned in abutting engagement with said inner surfaces and said band of said connecting element extends around said outer surfaces; and   said outer surfaces each include a groove extending therearound and said band of said connecting element is positioned in said grooves.