A spinal construct is provided including a first fastener, a second fastener and a connector. Each fastener includes a first end and a second end configured for penetrating tissue. The connector has two ends. Each end of the connector includes an expandable member. The first end of each fastener is engageable to an expandable member of the connector to fix the fastener to the connector. The first and second ends of the connector are connected by a bridge. The spinal construct also includes securing members for attaching the connector to the fasteners. A method for treating a spinal disorder with the spinal construct is also provided.

An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at least one node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends transverse to the transverse rods. The at least one node receives the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a receiving portion and an adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.

A dynamic spine stabilizer moves under the control of spinal motion providing increased mechanical support within a central zone corresponding substantially to the neutral zone of the injured spine. The dynamic spine stabilizer includes a support assembly and a resistance assembly associated with the support assembly. The resistance assembly generates greater increase in mechanical force during movement within the central zone and lesser increase in mechanical force during movement beyond the central zone. A method for using the stabilizer is also disclosed.

An extender system is configured to couple a vertebral bone anchor that has been previously implanted in a vertebra, or is newly implantable in a vertebra, to an adjacent bone, which can be an additional spinal level or an occiput, for example. The extender system includes an extension member having a body and an engagement member coupled to the body. The extension member defines an aperture extending through the engagement member. A screw is configured to attach the extension member to the vertebral bone anchor. The extension member can be fastened to the adjacent bone.

A growing spinal rod system is configured to grow in response to the growth of a patient. The growing spinal rod system includes a housing, a spacer, and a sliding spinal rod. The housing includes a stepped passage therethrough. The spacer is disposed within the stepped passage and defines a through hole. The spacer includes a plurality of ribs biased inwards and into the through hole. The sliding spinal rod is slidably inserted through the through hole of the spacer. The sliding spinal rod moves the plurality of ribs outwards. The plurality of ribs permits the sliding spinal rod to extend from the housing and inhibit the sliding spinal rod from retracting into the housing.

A functionally dynamic stabilization unit and system for treatment of spinal instability are provided. Each unit, and collectively, the system, is configured to control flexion, extension and translation of the affected unstable vertebral area, thereby stabilizing the vertebral segments by restoring normal function. This is achieved by providing a unit and system that allow for lateral bending, axial compression, rotation, anterior segmental height adjustment, and posterior segmental height adjustment. The unit and system provide sufficient segmental stiffness, while also limiting, or controlling, the range of motion (i.e., sufficient stiffness in the neutral or active zone, while limiting or preventing motion outside of the active zone) to stabilize the vertebral segments. In use, the system mimics the natural movement of the normal spine. Furthermore, the system includes a rigid, fusion-promoting coupler configured for use in an adjacent level, or as a substitute for the functionally dynamic unit. The modularity of the system allows adjustment over time and easier revision surgery, and is configured for minimally-invasive, delivery or implantation.

A spinal construct is provided including a first fastener, a second fastener and a connector. Each fastener includes a first end and a second end configured for penetrating tissue. The connector has two ends. Each end of the connector includes an expandable member. The first end of each fastener is engageable to an expandable member of the connector to fix the fastener to the connector. The first and second ends of the connector are connected by a bridge. The spinal construct also includes securing members for attaching the connector to the fasteners. A method for treating a spinal disorder with the spinal construct is also provided.

Spinal fixation systems including a member, a first attachment portion, a second attachment portion, and an intermediate portion. The first attachment portion is attached at a superior end of the member and includes a first opening. The second attachment portion is attached at an inferior end of the member and includes a second opening. The intermediate portion connects the first and second attachment portions. The spinal fixation systems may also include a relief in at least one of the first opening and the second opening. The systems may also include a third attachment portion with a third opening and an intermediate portion with a first and a second elastic mechanism. The first elastic mechanism connects the first and third attachment portions and the second elastic mechanism connects the third and second attachment portions. Surgical methods for inserting the spinal fixation systems in a patient are also disclosed.

A posterior vertebral stabilizer has a resilient member such as a linear spring, which operates in tension and compression. The resilient member may be kept straight by a stabilization rod extending through the spring, or by a telescoping assembly that encases the resilient member. The ends of the stabilizer are attachable to pedicles of adjacent vertebrae so that the stabilizer adds stiffness to control flexion and extension of the vertebrae. Two such stabilizers may be used, and may be connected together by a crosslink designed to limit relative rotation of the stabilizers. Thus, the stabilizers may restrict axial rotation and lateral bending between the vertebrae, while permitting stiffened flexion and extension. Such stabilizers help provide the stiffness of a healthy intervertebral disc. In the event that fusion of the joint becomes necessary, a set screw or other component may be used to further restrict flexion and extension.

An expandable rod system includes a first rod portion having an internal cavity, a second rod portion sealingly positioned within the internal cavity of the first rod portion and moveable in a first axial direction relative to the first rod portion, and an osmotic chamber for receiving an osmotic agent to facilitate movement of the second rod portion to expand the rod system. The rod system includes a lock assembly engageable with the second rod portion to prevent the second rod portion from moving in a second axial direction. The lock assembly includes a tapered ramped portion and a bearing member that is moveable within the tapered ramped portion such that when compression forces are imparted on the second rod portion, the bearing member becomes wedged in the tapered ramped portion.