A rod for interconnecting at least two pedicle screws implanted in adjacent vertebrae of a spine and/or the rod itself includes a metal or metal alloy of substantial nickel content; and an outer layer of ceramic coating the metal such that exposure of the nickel to a patient is inhibited. ...http://www.google.de/patents/US20060276787?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20060276787 - Pedicle screw, cervical screw and rod
