Longitudinal member for use in spinal or trauma surgery and stabilization device with such a longitudinal member
A longitudinal member for use in spinal or trauma surgery is provided which is sized to span a distance between at least two vertebrae or two bone parts, wherein the longitudinal member is made at least partially of a polymer material, such as an elastomer, which is extruded. The polymer chains of the longitudinal member are substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the member. The longitudinal member is included in a dynamic stabilization device having at least two bone anchoring elements and such a longitudinal member connecting the bone anchoring elements.
1. A stabilization device for stabilizing vertebrae or bone parts, comprising:
a longitudinal member for use in spinal or trauma surgery which is sized to span a distance in a longitudinal direction between at least two vertebrae or two bone parts, the entire longitudinal member having bending and axial elasticity, wherein the entire longitudinal member is a solid rod having a uniform cross-section and made of an elastomer material having fibers generally oriented in the longitudinal direction, wherein polymer chains of the elastomer material are substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal member; and
at least two bone anchoring elements, each anchoring element having a shaft for anchoring to the bone and a receiving part for connection with the longitudinal member.
2. The longitudinal member of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal member is manufactured by extrusion.
3. The longitudinal member of claim 1 , wherein said elastomer material comprises a polymer on the basis of any one of polyurethane, polycarbonate-urethane and silicone.
4. The longitudinal member of claim 1 , wherein the cross-section is substantially circular.
5. The stabilization device of claim 1 , wherein the receiving part comprises a U-shaped recess for receiving the longitudinal member, a cross-section of a bottom part of the recess receiving the longitudinal member being different from a cross section of the longitudinal member.