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: An implantable, temporospatially dynamic, rachiorthotic orthopaedics device comprising: a unidirectional force generating means for generating a unidirectional force which acts over a range of deflection of said unidirectional force generating means; a first attachment means for attaching said unidirectional force generating means to a first vertebra; and a second attachment means for attaching said unidirectional force generating means to a second vertebra; wherein said unidirectional force is applied by said unidirectional force generating means via said first and second attachment means to said first and second vertebrae such that said first vertebra and said second vertebra are urged, over a period of time (which period of time extends beyond the end of a medical procedure to implant said orthopaedics device) and over a range of rotational, axial and/or flexional/extensional motion, towards a predetermined desired spatial relationship with respect to one another, whereby, over said period of time, said un