This invention relates to a skeletal support member (1) and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a skeletal support member (1) for use in spinal or intramedullary surgery. In accordance with the invention there is provided a skeletal support member (1) comprising an elongate body with integrally formed inner (2) and outer (3) portions, at least one mechanical attribute of the inner portion (2) differing from a corresponding mechanical attribute of the outer portion (3), and the inner portion (2) being shaped and sized such that a corresponding mechanical attribute of the body varies longitudinally. It is envisaged that the invention will provide a skeletal support member (1) which has varying mechanical properties along the length thereof in at least one direction which may be specifically tailored to allow specific movement and apply corrective forces and moments which are bespoke to a patient.

Systems and methods are provided for treating and/or correcting spinal deformities. An implantable spinal system comprises first and second fasteners, such as bone anchors, and a connector element extendible between the first and second bone anchors. The connector element is configured for distraction between the first and second bone anchors on a concave side of the vertebral column. The connector element provides sufficient force to distract the spine to correct the curved portion of the vertebral column. The implantable spinal system may be particularly useful as a distraction and motion preservation system for treatment of scoliosis in a growing child, adolescent or adult. The system may be configured to at least partially correct the curved portion of a spinal column in at least two different planes, such as the frontal plane and/or the sagittal plane, or to correct a rotation in the transverse plane.

A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a shank having a shank head with a partial spherical shape at a proximal end and an anchor portion opposite the shank head for fixation to the bone of a patient. The assembly also includes a receiver having an upper portion defining a channel for receiving an elongate rod and a base defining a cavity in communication with the channel and with a bottom surface of the receiver through a distal opening. The assembly further includes a retainer positionable into non-rotatable and non-pivotal engagement with an inner surface of the cavity prior to the shank head being received within the cavity, with the retainer having a central opening configured to receive and capture the shank head within the cavity while allowing for pivotal motion between the shank and the receiver in at least one plane, and with a lower portion of the retainer extending below the bottom surface of the receiver.

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.

Devices, systems and methods for use in spinal surgeries. The system may include a fastener system comprising a fastener, a staple, and a locking cap. A cord may extend along the spine and through at least one fastener system. An instrument may be provided for tensioning the cord. The system may, for example, apply fixation on the convexity of the scoliotic vertebrae to limit growth on the convex side and allow unilateral growth on the concave side.

A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a shank with a head, an anchor portion, and a neck extending between the head and the anchor portion, and a receiver with upright arms defining a channel for receiving a rod and a central bore extending downward to a lower portion of the receiver. The assembly also includes a retaining structure rotatably coupled with the receiver with an internal seating structure pivotally supporting the head while providing for independent rotation of the shank prior to locking the assembly with the rod and a closure. The retaining structure includes an external surface and a slot extending between the seating structure and the external surface with a concave cut-out configured to closely receive the neck so as to provide for increased articulation between the shank and the receiver along the slot, and with the shank and the retaining structure being rotatable together around a centerline axis to align the increased articulation in any radial direction around the circumference of the receiver.

A vertebral column correction system for correcting a spinal deformity without fusing the joint segments is disclosed. The vertebral column correction system may have first and second vertebral anchors secured to first and second vertebrae. The vertebral column correction system may further comprise one or more intermediate vertebral anchors secured to vertebrae between the first and second vertebrae. A connection member may be disposed within a head portion of the vertebral anchors. At least a portion of the connection member may be a flexible member, such as a flexible cord, configured for tensioning between at least two vertebral anchors for providing a desired amount of tension to apply a correctional force to the spinal column. A spring member, or other tensioning member, may maintain the tension of the connection member.

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 receiver assembly includes a receiver having a first channel, a through-space with internal recesses beneath a guide and advancement structure, and internal ridges projecting inwardly below the internal recesses. The assembly also includes an insert having a second channel, side structures protruding laterally outward below top surfaces, and opposed lower extensions extending downwardly below the second channel, with the insert being loadable into the through-space with the second channel in non-alignment with the first channel. The insert is the non-threadably rotatable within the through-space to align the second channel with the first channel and to move the side structures into the internal recesses above the internal ridges, with subsequent downward displacement of the insert within the through-space causing the opposed lower extensions to engage the capture head of a bone anchor with a frictional engagement that inhibits the bone anchor from moving upward within the through-space.

A receiver of a bone anchor includes a base and a pair of upright arms extending upward from the base to define an open channel for receiving an elongate rod, with the upright arms having opposed interior surfaces with a discontinuous guide and advancement structure formed therein and side outer faces opposite the opposed interior surfaces extending downward across the base to a bottom of the receiver. A horizontally-elongated upper tool engaging groove is formed into the side outer face of each upright arm that extends to at least a front face or back face of the upright arm and that includes a downwardly-facing upper surface, an upwardly-facing lower surface, and an outwardly-facing inner surface. A vertical tool-engaging groove is also formed into the side outer face of each upright arm that extends downward from a top surface of the upright arm through to a level below the lower surface of the upper tool engaging groove.