Abstract: Non-surgical treatments for idiopathic scoliosis include muscle stimulation therapy, chiropractic care, and the application of a variety of braces (orthotics). Surgical intervention frequently employs rigid metallic braces that prevent further flexing of the spine where applied. This invention allows flexing of the spine with long term correction of the scoliosis by application of small variable forces to supplant and counter the unbalance of the pertinent muscles. This invention may be applied to other spine problems in addition to idiopathic scoliosis as this invention permits and accommodates flexing of the spine and simultaneously supplies correcting and straightening forces.

Abstract: These spinal column prostheses/orthoses are for the correction of problems involving scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal instability from a variety of causes, rotational and other mal-alignments by compression and/or distraction (tension) or a combination of these forces which are exerted at the inter spaces between two adjacent vertebrae. The force carried by each segment of these multi-segmented spinal column prostheses/orthoses may be adjusted at the time of insertion and re-adjusted at appropriate intervals as required. This implanted hardware may be used for children and/or adults, it will be constructed from the acceptable and medically approved implantable high quality metals, and may be left in place permanently or temporarily as may be required. Once the spinal correction has been made, the inserted hardware or a portion of it may be removed.