Surgical instrument and method

Abstract

A surgical instrument comprises a first member including a lateral projection having a locking surface that defines an elongated cavity. The locking surface is engageable with a longitudinal member to fix the longitudinal member with the first member. A second member includes at least one mating element being engageable with a spinal construct. The first member is axially translatable relative to the second member in a first direction to tension the longitudinal member and in a second direction to release tension from the longitudinal member. Systems and methods are disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A surgical instrument comprising:
 a first member including a lateral projection having a locking surface that defines an elongated cavity, the locking surface being engageable with a longitudinal member to fix the longitudinal member with the first member; and   a second member including at least one mating element being engageable with a spinal construct,   wherein the first member is axially translatable relative to the second member in a first direction to tension the longitudinal member and in a second direction to release tension from the longitudinal member.   
     
     
         2 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first member includes an actuator configured to cause axial translation of the first member relative to the second member. 
     
     
         3 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first member includes a rotatable actuator that axially translates the first member relative to the second member. 
     
     
         4 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first member is threaded with the second member. 
     
     
         5 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the second member includes a threaded shaft configured for engagement with the first member to facilitate axial translation. 
     
     
         6 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the lateral projection includes a flat profile. 
     
     
         7 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the lateral projection includes a slot with a tapered portion configured to receive the longitudinal member. 
     
     
         8 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the lateral projection includes a flange. 
     
     
         9 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the second member includes at least one arm having at least one mating element configured to engage the spinal construct. 
     
     
         10 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the second member includes a first arm and a second arm, the arms each including a mating element configured to engage the spinal construct. 
     
     
         11 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the first arm is connected with the second arm via a pivot to facilitate relative rotation of the arms. 
     
     
         12 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the second member includes a first arm, a second arm and a lock to fix the first arm relative to the second arm. 
     
     
         13 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the second arm includes a notch configured to engage the lock. 
     
     
         14 . A surgical instrument as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the second arm includes a barb configured to limit movement of the lock. 
     
     
         15 . A method for treating a spine, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a connector configured for disposal of a spinal rod;   providing a surgical instrument being engageable with the connector and including a projection having a locking surface;   disposing a tether with the connector;   folding the tether about the projection;   engaging a portion of the tether with the locking surface to fix the tether with the surgical instrument; and   selectively translating the projection to tension the tether.   
     
     
         16 . A method for treating a spine as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the projection extends laterally from the surgical instrument and the step of folding includes wrapping the tether around the projection. 
     
     
         17 . A method for treating a spine as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the locking surface defines an elongated cavity configured for disposal of the portion. 
     
     
         18 . A method for treating a spine as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the step of selectively translating includes axially translating the projection in a first direction to tension the tether and in a second direction to release tension from the tether. 
     
     
         19 . A method for treating a spine as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the surgical instrument includes arms that are relatively movable for engaging the connector between an open orientation and a closed orientation for capturing the connector. 
     
     
         20 . A surgical system comprising:
 a first member including a lateral projection having a locking surface that defines an elongated cavity, the locking surface and a second member including at least one mating element being engageable with a spinal construct;   a flexible tether extending between a first end and a second end configured for engagement with the lateral projection;   a connector configured for engagement with the first end of the tether the at least one mating element; and   a spinal rod configured for disposal with the connector,   wherein the first member is axially translatable relative to the second member in a first direction to tension the tether and in a second direction to release tension from the tether.