A system for spinal fixation with a non-rigid portion at least one of the caudal or cephalad terminus. Various devices and techniques are described for transition from a rigid fixation construct to a less rigid support structure applied to a “soft zone” that helps share the stress created on the spinal levels caused by the fixed levels below. In some embodiments, the soft zone is provided by terminating the construct with one of a flexible tether or a dampening rod.

Tensioner instruments, systems, and methods of tensioning flexible bands in-situ. The tensioner instrument may include first and second pivoting arms with a base for pinching and pulling the flexible band to provide tension. The tensioner instrument system may include a clip inserter and a ratcheting tensioner for tensioning the band through an implant. The instruments may be configured to apply and maintain tension to the flexible band, thereby providing the desired correction to the spine.

Systems, methods, and devices for securing a sublaminar band are provided. A sublaminar band clamp system may include a first locking mechanism, a second locking mechanism, and a body. The body may include a first portion comprising a first passage, wherein the first locking mechanism is disposed within the first passage. The body may further include a second portion comprising a second passage, wherein the second locking mechanism is disposed within the second passage. A third passage may extend across the body and may be in fluid communication with the second passage. An opening may be positioned between the first and second portions, and the opening may be in fluid communication with the first passage.

A tether tensioner includes a handle assembly, an elongate member extending distally from the handle assembly, and an engaging portion. The handle assembly includes a stationary member, a trigger pivotably coupled to the stationary member, and a spool rotatably supported on the stationary member. The spool is configured to wrap a tether thereabout. The spool is operatively coupled with the trigger such that pivoting of the trigger relative to the stationary member causes rotation of the spool. The elongate member includes a channel configured to slidably receive a tether therethrough. The engaging portion is configured to receive a head portion of a bone screw such that a tether extends from the head portion disposed in the engaging portion to the spool through the channel of the elongate member.

The disclosure relates to an iliac crest displacement device comprising: an engagement member for engaging an iliac crest of a subject; and a pulley assembly for causing the engagement member to move the iliac crest inferiorly, thereby displacing the iliac crest relative to a rib cage of the subject.

Implants, systems, and methods for securing multiple cords to bone. The fixation system may be used for correcting scoliosis with a fusionless double corded device. The system may include first and second cords, a single bone fastener, one or more tulip structures configured for receiving one or both of the first and second cords, and one or more locking caps adapted to lock one or both of the first and second cords.

Implants, systems, and methods for securing multiple cords to bone. The fixation system may be used for correcting scoliosis with a fusionless double corded device. The system may include first and second cords, a single bone fastener, one or more tulip structures configured for receiving one or both of the first and second cords, and one or more locking caps adapted to lock one or both of the first and second cords.

An insert for convertibly anchoring an artificial ligament tether in a tulip of a spinal fixation construct. A prior art tulip has a socket with opposite end openings and configured in size and shape to receive a spinal longitudinal support rod. A tulip also has a clamping screw threadedly engaged to the tulip to clamp a support rod in the socket. The invention is an insert body having an exterior configured to conformingly seat against a surface of the tulip socket and also having a passageway extending entirely through the insert body in a direction to extend between the end openings of the tulip. A surgeon inserts a tether through the passageway and rotates the clamping screw to translate the clamping screw against the insert body. Rotation of the clamping screw clamps the tether to the insert body and clamps the insert body to the tulip.

A method for surgically preparing a spinal fixation construct that includes a first support rod and a tulip with a socket shaped to receive a second support rod. A tether anchor is installed in the tulip socket and a tether is fixed to the tether anchor and to a vertebra. In a subsequent revision surgery, the tether and the tether anchor are removed. Then a second support rod is installed in the socket of the tulip. Preferably, before installing the tether anchor, a first end of a rod-to-rod connector is connected to the first support rod. The second, opposite end of the rod-to-rod connector has the tulip socket formed on it to which the tether anchor is initially installed. In the subsequent revision surgery, after removal of the tether anchor, the second support rod is installed in the socket of the tulip on the rod-to-rod connector.

Spinal curvature modulation systems, methods and related devices and instrumentation are disclosed, which include a flexible tether, a tether tensioning unit and bone anchors for the flexible tether that allow the tether to be secured across multiple vertebrae in a region of treatment. When the flexible tether is attached to multiple vertebrae, it can be used to correct spinal deformities. Tension in the flexible tether is adjustable transcutaneously without invasive surgical procedures by use of remotely driven actuators, such as a magnet-driven motor, or by a small tool insertable through a small incision. Disclosed systems and methods thus allow for multiple adjustments of tether tension, and spinal curvature, over time without repeated, highly invasive, spinal surgeries.