FLEXIBLE MEMBER WITH VARIABLE FLEXIBIILITY FOR PROVIDING DYNAMIC STABILITY TO A SPINE

摘要

The present invention relates to spinal support devices and, more specifically, to a flexible member having variable flexibility attributable to a specified configuration for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. The flexible member generally includes a body having a lengthwise axis, an outer surface, and opposing first and second ends with an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The outer surface has one or more grooves providing the flexible member with a variable flexibility. The one or more grooves may be situated generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the body and extending around less than the outer surface of the body, and/or situated generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the body and extending around the outer surface of the body substantially directly in-between the ends.