A flexible fastening band connector can comprises a recess to receive a distal end portion of a flexible fastening band and lumen to receive the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band. The lumen guides the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band toward a fastening mechanism. The flexible fastening band connector can comprise an opening to receive a spinal rod. In operation, the spinal rod is coupled to additional devices to secure the spinal rod to portions of one or more vertebra. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed connector is provided.

A screw-clamp apparatus is disclosed that includes a first clamp component comprising at least one hook, a second clamp component comprising at least one hook, a bone-screw hole located on the first clamp component, a bone screw configured to be inserted through the bone-screw hole and to be inserted into bone and a spacer-receiver located on the first clamp component. The second clamp component can be pivotably attached relative to the first clamp component. A portion of the bone screw can be configured to engage the second clamp component upon insertion to cause the second clamp component to pivot toward the first clamp component. The spacer-receiver can be configured to secure a spacer.

A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.

A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface and may include a crosslink extending across a vertebral sagittal plane. The inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which may couple the inferior articular surface with a first end of the inferior strut, and couple the inferior articular surface with the crosslink. A second end of the inferior strut may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable, lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The superior implant may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The positions of the inferior articular surface and the first end of the inferior strut are independently translatable along a medial-lateral axis of the vertebra prior to lockout by the lockable mechanism. The crosslink may be placed into the lockable mechanism from a posterior approach.

Certain embodiments are directed to a scoliosis treatment device, an internal elastic brace (IEB) for scoliosis, and methods of using or deploying the same to treat scoliosis. The scoliosis treatment device includes various components that are assembled and deployed to provide a compressive force to the convex side of an abnormally curved spine by tethering the ribs on the convex side of the spinal curvature.

A vertebral fixing system suitable for being mounted on a vertebra of the spine for connecting it to a rod. The system includes: a connecting part suitable for being connected to the rod, a flexible ligature of elongate shape having two free ends suitable for connecting together the connecting part and at least a portion of a vertebra and/or a rib, and an adjustable locking member mounted on the connecting part. The connecting part defines at least one passageway for passing the ligature in such a manner that two distinct strands of the ligature can be engaged in the passageway so that the two strands of the ligature define a first ligature portion forming a loop extending from one side of the connecting part, and second and third ligature portions extending from the other side of the connecting part.

A system for correcting a spinal deformity includes an implant fixed to one side of a vertebra and a rod extending along an axis of the spine on a second side of the vertebra. An adjustment member, which may include a reel, is coupled to the rod. A force directing member, such as a cable, extends between the rod and the adjustment member. The force directing member is retractable toward and extendible from the adjustment member. A method of correcting spinal deformity includes providing an implant, a rod, an adjustment member coupled to the rod, and a force directing member extending between the rod and the adjustment member. The adjustment member can be retractable toward and extendible from the adjustment member.

A device and method for use which stabilizes a target motion segment of the spine without the use of screws or any form of hardware implanted into the vertebrae. By being comprised of modular segments and assembled onto the target motion segment at the time of implantation, it can be provided in kit form designed for each patient. The stabilization apparatus general comprises elements; one is adjustably secured to the posterolateral aspect of the caudal vertebra of the target motion segment, with another element being secured to the base of the spinous process of the cranial vertebra of the target motion segment. These two elements are then coupled to each other by either an elongated rod-like connecting element, or extensions from the two anchoring elements which then couple.

A distraction system includes a distraction rod having one end configured for affixation to at a first location on patient. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for placement in the patient at a second location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly comprising a magnet, the magnetic assembly secured to a threaded element that interfaces with an opposing end of the distraction rod. The system includes a magnetically permeable member in proximity to the magnetic assembly and covering an arc of less that 360° of the adjustable portion.

Methods of correcting a spinal deformity, including securing a first rod on a first side of a spine, securing an anchor on a second side of a spine, securing a lateral coupling between the rod and the anchor, translating and/or derotating the spine and securing a second rod on a second side of the spine to provide secondary stabilization to the spine.