SPRING JUNCTION AND ASSEMBLY METHODS FOR SPINAL DEVICE

摘要

Spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided. Included is a spring junction wherein a structural member may mount to a spine attachment fastener and a resilient element may be affixed to the structural member at an attachment region of said element. The attachment region of said resilient element may include a weld region wherein a heat-affected zone adjacent to the weld region is separated from the active region the element. The resilient element may be a spring including bends configured to facilitate positioning prior to welding. A weld cap may be configured and dimensioned to interact with the resilient element and said structural member so as to securely position the spring relative to the member. Said weld cap functioning to minimize undesirable annealing due to the welding process. Alignment grooves or channels may be provided to orient the spring.