Abstract: A device for straightening a spinal column having a succession of vertebrae extending along a nonstraight line lying generally in a plane has an elongated bar lying generally in the plane of the line and having a pair of relatively longitudinally displaceable bar parts in turn having respective bar ends. A pair of connectors of the bar ends are secured to respective vertebrae of the succession. Respective pivots between the connectors and the respective ends define therebetween respective generally parallel axes transverse to the plane. A main abutment movable along and flexible on one of the parts and longitudinally engageable with the other of the parts serves for limiting relative longitudinal displacement of the parts toward each other. Thus the main abutment can be moved along the one part to increase the spacing between the ends and thereby can straighten the succession of vertebrae between the connectors.

Abstract: A spinal distraction splint has two like anchor screws extending along respective longitudinal screw axes and adapted to be anchored in the pelvis with the axes crossing. Each of the screws has a head formed with a transversely open recess centered on a respective transverse axis and with an annular array of teeth centered on and angularly equispaced about the respective transverse axis. A bolt extends through one of the recesses and is threaded in the other recess. Thus the bolt secures the heads together with the transverse axes coaxial and the teeth interengaged. Respective distraction rods each have one end braced on the respective screw and another end braced oppositely against a vertebra. Once the two anchor screws are properly inserted and then their heads are locked together the interfitting teeth on the heads absolutely locks them against angular rotation relative to each other about the axis of the fastener bolt and all other relative motion is eliminated by the clamping action of this bolt.