Abstract: The present application discloses methods for treating a multi-level spinal deformity. The methods may include inserting a tether in a minimally-invasive manner through an entrance incision. The tether is moved along the spine and positioned to reduce and/or eliminate the deformity. Once the tether is positioned along the spine, the tether may be secured to the vertebral members. In one embodiment, the tether includes a rigid section and a flexible section. The tether may be positioned within the spine with the rigid section extending along a first length of the spine and the flexible section extending along a second length of the spine. The different sections provide different corrective forces to the spine to reduce and/or eliminate the spinal deformity. In one embodiment, the rigid section extends along an apex of the spinal deformity.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods of treating a spinal deformity. The methods may begin by initially testing the spinal deformity. An implant may be chosen to treat the deformity based on the results of the testing. The implant may then be attached to vertebral members to begin treating the deformity. The implant and vertebral members may be monitored afterwards to determine whether the deformity is being corrected, and that the vertebral members remain healthy. If the monitoring warrants, the implant may be adjusted to better correct the deformity and/or prevent damage to the vertebral members.

Abstract: The present application is directed to tethers and methods of use. The tether is attached with anchors to bony members within the patient. The tether applies a tensile force to the bony members to reduce and/or eliminate the abnormality of the bony members. The tether includes a release mechanism with a resorbable material that initially maintains the tether in a shortened orientation. The release mechanism is eventually releases the tether to a lengthened orientation. The release mechanism may prevent the need for a subsequent surgery to release tension from the tether as the patient grows.

Abstract: The present application is directed to vertebral rods constructed for vertebral movement in first and second planes, and to prevent or inhibit vertebral movement in a third plane. The vertebral rod may include one or more notches. The notches change the cross section shape of the rod and thus the structural characteristics. The notches may be shaped, sized, and positioned to facilitate vertebral movement in the first and second planes, and prevent or inhibit movement in the third plane. A fill material may be positioned within the notches to strengthen the rod and/or provide durability.

Abstract: An implant for insertion between vertebral bodies in a patient includes a flexible tether that is coupled between fasteners attached to the vertebral bodies. An energy storing device may be coupled to the tether to convert extension forces between the vertebral bodies into potential energy. The energy storing device may reduce defects at the interface between the fasteners and the vertebral bodies. Various embodiments are provided, including energy storing devices implemented as springs, leaf springs, coiled wire, and corrugated shapes. The energy storing device may be preloaded between the vertebral bodies to further reduce shock from sudden extensions. The energy storing device may be secured to the tether before or after the tether is secured to the fasteners. Further, the energy storing device may be sized to allow the tether and energy storing device to pass laterally through a fastener opening.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods for treating a multi-level spinal deformity. The methods may include inserting a tether in a minimally-invasive manner through an entrance incision. The tether is moved along the spine and positioned to reduce and/or eliminate the deformity. Once the tether is positioned along the spine, the tether may be secured to the vertebral members. In one embodiment, the tether includes a rigid section and a flexible section. The tether may be positioned within the spine with the rigid section extending along a first length of the spine and the flexible section extending along a second length of the spine. The different sections provide different corrective forces to the spine to reduce and/or eliminate the spinal deformity. In one embodiment, the rigid section extends along an apex of the spinal deformity.