Device and method for correcting a spinal deformity

Abstract

A method for correcting a spinal deformity is provided. A spinal implant for correcting a spinal deformity includes a multipoint connector that connects to at least one vertebra of a spine at a plurality of locations and a force directing device that applies a force to the vertebra through the multipoint connector. The force directing device may include a rod which extends generally along an axis of the spine and a force directing member which is adjustably coupled to both the rod and the multipoint connector and which applies a corrective force to the at least one vertebra.

1 . A method for implanting a spine device so as to stabilize vertebrae of a spine, the method comprising:
 fixing a pedicle attachment device to a pedicle of a first vertebra;   providing an elongate member comprising a first portion and a second portion;   coupling the first portion of the elongate member to the pedicle attachment device; and   coupling the second portion of the elongate member to a location on a spinous process of a second vertebra,   wherein the elongate member extends at an oblique angle with respect to a median plane of the spine.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first vertebra is immediately adjacent to the second vertebra. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein coupling the second portion of the elongate member to a location on a spinous process of a second vertebra comprises fixing the second portion to the location on the spinous process. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein coupling the second portion of the elongate member to a location on a spinous process of a second vertebra comprises attaching the second portion of the elongate member to the base of the spinous process. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein coupling the second portion of the elongate member to a location on a spinous process of a second vertebra comprises positioning the second portion of the elongate member through the spinous process. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising forming an aperture in the spinous process. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising reinforcing the spinous process. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate member comprises a rod with an adjustable length. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate member comprises a stabilizer with limited motion. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate member comprises a stabilizer with shock absorbing properties. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising minimally invasively accessing the spinous process and minimally invasively inserting the elongate member. 
     
     
         12 . A spinal implant system comprising:
 a pedicle attachment device configured to be attached to a pedicle of a first vertebra, the pedicle attachment device comprising a connector portion;   an elongate member having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being adapted to couple to the connector portion of the pedicle attachment device, the second portion being adapted to extend at an oblique angle with respect to a median plane of the spine and to couple to a location on a spinous process of a second vertebra.   
     
     
         13 . The spinal implant system of  claim 12 , wherein the elongate member has an adjustable length. 
     
     
         14 . The spine implant system of  claim 12 , wherein the elongate member comprises a dynamic element configured to permit limited movement between the first vertebra and the second vertebra. 
     
     
         15 . The spinal implant system of  12 , wherein the elongate member includes a shock absorber. 
     
     
         16 . The spinal implant system of  12 , wherein the elongate member comprises a force exertion device configured to exert a force between the pedicle of the first vertebra and the spinous process of the second vertebra. 
     
     
         17 . The spine implant system of  claim 16 , wherein the force exertion device is configured to exert at least one of a distracting force, a compressive force, and a derotating force between the first vertebra and the second vertebra. 
     
     
         18 . The spinal implant system of  12 , further comprising a spinous process reinforcement member configured to provide structural reinforcement to the spinous process of the second vertebra. 
     
     
         19 . The spinal implant system of  18 , wherein the spinous process reinforcement member is configured to distribute a force applied by the elongate member onto the spinous process of the second vertebra. 
     
     
         20 . The spinal implant system of  claim 12 , wherein the connector portion includes an aperture adapted to receive the first portion of the elongate member. 
     
     
         21 . The spinal implant system of  claim 12 , wherein the connector portion of the pedicle attachment device is an articulating connector. 
     
     
         22 . The spinal implant system of  claim 12 , wherein the pedicle attachment device has an adjustable length. 
     
     
         23 . The spinal implant system of  claim 12 , wherein the pedicle attachment device comprises a first articulating portion and wherein the first portion of the elongate member comprises a second articulating portion, wherein the first articulating portion articulates with respect to the second articulating portion. 
     
     
         24 . The spinal implant system of  claim 23 , wherein the first and second articulating portions comprise a ball and socket. 
     
     
         25 . The spinal implant system of  claim 23 , wherein at least one of the first articulating portion and second articulating portion is configured to slide with respect to the other of the first articulating portion and second articulating portion.