Importance

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Abstract

Cross-coupled members are added to vertebral dampening apparatus to help prevent rotational forces on the facet joints, with particular emphasis on the posterior portion of the lumbar spine. Rigid, semi-rigid, or elastic members may be used depending upon the desired degree of resistance. The cross-coupled members may assume different forms, including cables and polymer, fibrous, or elastic bands. For example, vertebral motion may be damped by connecting the screws with elastic bands. Vertebral motion could be further damped by covering the anterior bands with rubber or elastomeric sleeves similar to the sleeves used over the posterior bands of the prior art devices described above. Although the configuration may be used as an adjunct to spinal fusion, it may also be used to dampen motion as an adjunct to vertebral anthroplasty.

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First Claim