US Patent 7018379 Flexible spinal stabilization system and method

Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Devices include anchors and coupling members for engaging an elongate member. Systems include an elongate member sized to span a distance between at least two vertebral bodies and being at least partially formed of a flexible material. A number of anchors and coupling members are used to secure the elongate member to each of the vertebral bodies. The anchors can be compressed towards one another and the elongate member secured thereto and/or the elongate member can be tensioned to provide corrective forces to the spine.