US Patent 8114133 Spinal rod system

A multi-axis spinal fixation device which can use a fixed head spinal or pedicle screw in combination with a multi-axial rod assembly to achieve anatomically correct fixation of vertebrae. The orthopedic fixation can be controlled by a different combination of rod elements to provide a varied range of motion between adjacent vertebrae as well as specific flexibility between the adjacent vertebrae or levels. The surgeon can make intra-operative adjustments from rigid fixation to dynamic stabilization and where desired also provide ‘soft-stabilization’ or ‘micro motion’. The unique combination of elements can provide fixed stabilization for the purpose of fusion or dynamic stabilization without fusion.