US 12,251,133 B2
Variable-dimension fixation rod and implantable stabilization system including a variable-dimension fixation rod
Bernard M. Bedor, Fort Lauderdale, FL (US)
Assigned to SPINAL RESOURCES, INC., Fort Lauderdale, FL (US)
Filed by SPINAL RESOURCES, INC., Fort Lauderdale, FL (US)
Filed on Jul. 11, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/861,311.
Application 17/861,311 is a continuation of application No. 16/437,436, filed on Jun. 11, 2019, granted, now 11,382,665.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/683,262, filed on Jun. 11, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2022/0338904 A1, Oct. 27, 2022
Int. Cl. A61B 17/70 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/7005 (2013.01) [A61B 17/7032 (2013.01)] 33 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system comprising an implantable elongated fixation rod and a pedicle assembly, the system comprising:
first and second rod regions that are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the elongated fixation rod, the first and second rod regions each comprising different continuous cross-sectional dimensions configured to provide the first and second rod regions with different rigidities to provide structural support to specific regions of a spinal column where the elongated fixation rod is to be installed,
at least one smooth and gradual transition region along the longitudinal axis integrally formed as part of a common monolithic structure with the first and second rod regions, wherein the transition region is tapered gradually between the different continuous cross-sectional dimensions of the first and second rod regions around an entirety of a perimeter of elongated fixation rod and separates the first and second rod regions along the longitudinal axis of the elongated fixation rod, wherein the at least one smooth and gradual transition region provides the elongated fixation rod with continually variable stiffness along the longitudinal axis of the elongated fixation rod;
a first pedicle screw and retaining cap fixed to the first rod region; and
a second pedicle screw and retaining cap fixed to the transition region.