Abstract: A spinal support rod kit for the treatment of spinal column shape deformations, comprises a first spinal support rod whose cross-section is non-circular at least at one end thereof and a second spinal support rod whose cross-section is circular along at least part of its length. A socket attached to the second support rod at one end is shaped so that the non-circular end of the first support rod can be received in the socket. The second support rod can include a mechanical locking component which can engage the non-circular end of the first support rod when it is inserted into the socket to prevent it from being withdrawn.

Abstract: An implant kit for supporting a spinal column comprises at least first and second support elements (8, 10, 12) for fixation to vertebrae of a spinal column, extending generally along the spinal column between spaced apart vertebrae. The kit includes a plurality of fixation devices for (i) fixing the support elements to one another in an end-to-end arrangement and (ii) fixing the support elements to the vertebrae. At least the first support element is formed from a material which exhibits shape memory properties.

Abstract: An implant kit for supporting a spinal column comprises at least first and second support elements (8, 10, 12) for fixation to vertebrae of a spinal column, extending generally along the spinal column between spaced apart vertebrae. The kit includes a plurality of fixation devices for (i) fixing the support elements to one another in an end-to-end arrangement and (ii) fixing the support elements to the vertebrae. At least the first support element is formed from a material which exhibits shape memory properties.

Abstract: A spinal support rod kit for the treatment of spinal column shape deformations. The kit comprises a spinal support rod having first and second ends, in which the cross-sectional shape of the rod along at least part of its length, taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, includes a first flat side and a rounded side. The kit further comprises an attachment assembly for securing the support rod to the spinal column at least two points along its length. The attachment assembly comprises retaining portions each of which defines a channel for receiving the rod and anchor portions for attachment to a patient's vertebrae. The cross-sectional shape of the channel when viewed from one side includes a first flat side for flush contact with the first flat side of the support rod and a rounded side for tightly engaging the rounded side of the rod so as to restrict movement of the rod through the channel in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the rod.

Abstract: A surgical fastening (160), kit of parts including the fastening and method for stabilising a vertebra using the fastening are described. The fastening is used to attach a rod (166) to a spinal body part. The fastening comprises a split ring (160) of a material which defines a channel for receiving the rod. A formation can receive a fixing (168) to secure the fastening to the spinal body part. A closure mechanism is operable to close the ring. The material is sufficiently flexible to allow the fastening to be closed about the rod at least once, without weakening.

Abstract: A device and method of correcting a spinal defect in a patient employs the use of shape memory material in a spinal correction device. The shape memory material may be transitioned between a flexible martensitic state to allow shaping of the spinal correction device and a rigid austenitic state to apply corrective forces to the spine. The shape memory material may be transitioned to the flexible martensitic by applying a coolant, such as cold gas, directly or indirectly to the shape memory material to transfer heat away from the material. The cooling device and method may allow for in-vivo shaping of the spinal correction device while inserted in the body and attached to bone anchors by cooling the spinal correction device after insertion.

Abstract: A spinal support rod kit for the treatment of spinal column shape deformations, comprises a first spinal support rod whose cross-section is non-circular at least at one end thereof and a second spinal support rod whose cross-section is circular along at least part of its length. A socket attached to the second support rod at one end is shaped so that the non-circular end of the first support rod can be received in the socket. The second support rod can include a mechanical locking component which can engage the non-circular end of the first support rod when it is inserted into the socket to prevent it from being withdrawn.

Abstract: A spinal correction element in a device and method of correcting spondylolistheses in a patient transitions between a first shape and a second shape while having a first portion fixed to a forwardly displaced vertebra and a second portion fixed to an undeformed portion of the spinal column to apply a corrective force bringing a displaced vertebra into alignment with the rest of the spinal column. A shape memory material in the spinal correction element transitions from a flexible martensitic state, in which the spinal correction element matches the shape of the deformity caused by the spondylolistheses, to a rigid austenitic state, in which the spinal correction element has the shape of an expected corrected spine, to apply a corrective force to the vertebral bodies fixed to the spinal correction element, thereby correcting the deformity caused by spondylolistheses.