Systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities

Abstract

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.

1 . A system for correcting a spinal deformity, comprising:
 a plurality of transverse rods, each including a first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a second end;   a longitudinal rod extending transverse to the transverse rods; and   at least one node that receives the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a receiving portion, wherein an adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising another node that receives the second ends of third and fourth transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within another receiving portion, wherein another adjustment member selectively secures the second ends. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each second end includes a rounded portion that pivots within a receiving portion of the node that includes one or more rounded recesses configured to receive the rounded portion. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment member provides clamping force on an upper portion and a lower portion of the receiving portion to secure the transverse rods. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each first end includes a linking member that couples with the extension member. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the linking member includes a first aperture that receives the first end and a second aperture that couples with the extension member. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an alignment clip having a pair of arms that extend around a first extension member of a first vertebral level and a second extension member of a second vertebral level to enable simultaneous movement of the first and second vertebral levels. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the alignment clip includes an aperture for receiving one of the first extension member and the second extension member. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the alignment clip includes a pin at a first end and a locking mechanism at a second end that selectively locks the pair of arms together. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising an inter-level connector including a first coupling mechanism that attaches to the pair of arms and a second coupling mechanism for attachment to each first end of the transverse rods. 
     
     
         11 . A system for correcting a spinal deformity, comprising:
 a plurality of transverse links, each transverse link having an adjustable length, a plurality of attachment points along the adjustable length, and first and second apertures for receiving first and second extension members of a spinal fixation system; and   a plurality of linking arms, each linking arm having a first mating feature that attaches to a first attachment point of a first transverse link and a second mating feature that attaches to a second attachment point of a second transverse link   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein each transverse link includes a first plate that slidably receives a second plate. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 !, wherein each linking arm attaches to adjacent first and second transverse links. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein each of the first and second apertures includes a rounded inner surface configured to receive a sleeve having a mating rounded outer surface. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the attachment points and mating features include at least one of a peg, a pin, a slot, and an aperture. 
     
     
         16 . A method of correcting a spinal deformity, comprising:
 coupling a first end of a first transverse rod with a first extension member of a first vertebral level of a spinal fixation system;   coupling a first node with a second end of the first transverse rod;   coupling a first end of a second transverse rod with a second extension member of the first vertebral level of the spinal fixation system; and   coupling the first node with a second end of the second transverse rod.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 coupling a first end of a third transverse rod with a first extension member of a second vertebral level of the spinal fixation system;   coupling a second node with a second end of the third transverse rod;   coupling a first end of a fourth transverse rod with a second extension member of the second vertebral level of the spinal fixation system; and   coupling the second node with a second end of the fourth transverse rod.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising inserting a longitudinal rod extending transversely to the transverse rods through the first node and the second node. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising rotating at least one of the second ends of the first, second, third, and fourth transverse rods within recesses formed in at least one of an upper portion and a lower portion of at least one of the first and second nodes. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising adjusting a clamping force on the upper portion and the lower portion of at least one of the first and second nodes to secure the second ends therebetween.