Embodiments herein are generally directed to extendable rods for use in orthopedic assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants may be used in conjunction with procedures to treat spinal deformities, including, but not limited to, early onset scoliosis.

A dynamic spinal stabilization apparatus may be implanted and secured to at least two vertebrae. The spinal stabilization apparatus may promote and enforce a relatively natural motion of spine flexion of one or more regions of the spine. In one embodiment, the spinal stabilization apparatus may be secured to a plurality of vertebrae and biasing the entire spine to a fully normal curvature. The spinal stabilization apparatus may dynamically stabilize the spine while preserving spinal motion. In other embodiments, the spinal stabilization apparatus may be utilized for spine fusion treatments and may provide load sharing either as an enhancement to a fusion device or as a motion-preserving non-fusion apparatus.

A spinal distraction system including a bearing connector fastened to a fixated rod and a sliding rod, wherein the sliding rod includes a spring and a stop ring is disclosed. A method of distracting vertebrae is also disclosed.

A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment of the facet joint by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion.

A bone fastener comprises a first member defining an implant cavity and a plurality of adjacent grooves. A first band is configured for disposal within the grooves. A second band is configured for disposal within the grooves. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and includes a head engageable with the first band to provisionally connect the members. The second band is movable for disposal adjacent the first band to fix connection of the members. Implants, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.

This disclosure discloses a line coupled to a spine of a user at two points such that the line can be movable relative to those two points. The line can be encased by a protective member between those two points. The line can be covered by a compound between those two points. The line can be guided between those two points.

A method for securing a longitudinal connection member assembly into multiple bone anchors by inserting the assembly into the bone anchors before or after the assembly is tensioned. The assembly includes a tensionable cord, an outer end blocker, and a set screw. The cord has a first end portion fixedly connected to a first structure, extends through a through-bore of a second structure, and has a second end portion that extends through a blocker through-bore of the outer end blocker. The outer end blocker has oppositely spaced lateral external planar surfaces and a threaded closed bore. The set screw is releasably engageable to the outer end blocker via the threaded closed bore. The method further includes tensioning the cord from the second end portion, holding the planar surfaces during tensioning of the cord within the blocker, and securing the tensioned cord to the outer end blocker by the set screw.

A medical implant assembly includes a polyaxial bone anchor having a shank, a receiver, a lower compression insert with planar surfaces for closely receiving an elongate connecting member with planar surfaces and a one-piece closure structure. The connecting member is made from a polymer. The closure structure engages both the connecting member and the insert with the engagement between the closure structure and the insert securely locking the polyaxial mechanism even if the connecting member exhibits creep.

A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having at least one transition portion and cooperating outer sleeve, both the transition portion and sleeve being disposed between the two bone anchors. In a first embodiment, the transition portion includes a rigid length or rod having apertures therein for tying or otherwise attaching the rigid length to a second rigid length or to a flexible cord. Slender ties or cords extend through a plurality of apertures in the rigid lengths or are threaded, tied or plaited to the larger flexible cord or cable. In a second embodiment, a transition portion includes slender ties of a cord that are imbedded in a molded plastic of a more rigid member. The outer sleeve may include compression grooves. The sleeve surrounds the transition portion and extends between the pair of bone anchors, the sleeve being compressible in a longitudinal direction between the bone anchors.

A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The system is designed such that the second resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and the first resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions extend away from each other.