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Tether Implant Corporation

James O Sanders

Albert E Sanders

Robert B More

Brian Snyder

Ronald G Blackman

Grant D Hogue

Ira Zaltz

Embodiments disclosed herein include systems for the treatment of spinal deformity in children by harnessing growth modulation without requiring vertebral fusion. In some embodiments, the system uses flexible or moveable elements to selectively apply and tune forces and moments to the spine instead of rigid fixation and vertebral segment fusion.

Systems for treatment of spinal deformities

A clamp for securing a rod adjacent to a bone includes a rod holder constructed from shape memory material. A bone hook also constructed from shape memory material connects to the rod holder to affix the rod holder adjacent to the bone. The bone hook consists of a pincer that encircles the bone or, alternatively, two separate members coupled together during surgery to encircle the bone. A blocker constructed from shape memory material fits within the rod holder to secure the rod within the rod holder. The blocker permits slidable motion of the rod within the rod holder or, alternatively, rigidly secures the rod within the rod holder.

Bone clamp of shape memory material

A method and implant for the surgical treatment of scoliosis is disclosed. The method involves the segmental fixation of a rigid rod or rods to the abnormally curved portion of the spine. The rod is constructed of a shape-memory alloy such as nitinol. Prior to implementation, the rod is annealed and contoured into an ideal shape for a given patient. At the time of surgery, the rod is deformed to accommodate the existing curvature of the patient's spine and segmentally fixed thereto using novel bone clamps. The rod is then inductively heated to the transition temperature post-operatively to effect shape recovery and thereby apply corrective forces to the spine.

Apparatus for securing a rod adjacent to a bone

A method and implant for the surgical treatment of scoliosis is disclosed. The method involves the segmental fixation of a rigid rod or rods to the abnormally curved portion of the spine. The rod is constructed of a shape-memory alloy such as nitinol. Prior to implementation, the rod is annealed and contoured into an ideal shape for a given patient. At the time of surgery, the rod is deformed to accommodate the existing curvature of the patient's spine and segmentally fixed thereto. The rod is then inductively heated to the transition temperature post-operatively to effect shape recovery and thereby apply corrective forces to the spine.

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Terrell Hills, TX, United States of America

James O Sanders