Method and apparatus for inhibiting proximal junctional failure

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed for inhibiting proximal junctional failure in a patient having posterior spinal instrumentation. One or more tension bands can be threaded through transverse bores in a spinous process of a vertebral body of a spine, superior and adjacent an uppermost instrumented vertebral body. Tension is applied to bias the spinous processes together and also in an inferior direction. The tension band is locked with respect to the spine, to maintain tension.

1 .- 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A system of inhibiting proximal junctional failure in a patient having posterior spinal instrumentation, the system comprising:
 at least one tension band having a first end and a second end;   at least one connector configured to be attached to the patient's spine or the posterior spinal instrumentation; and   wherein the at least one tension band is configured to pass through a plurality of transverse bores in at least two vertebrae of the patient's spine;   wherein the first end of the at least one tension band and the second end of the at least one tension band are locked under tension in the at least one connector.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the system further comprises a bone punch configured to create the plurality of transverse bores. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the system comprises a plurality of connectors and wherein the first end of the at least one tension band is locked under tension in a first of the plurality of connectors and the second end of the at least one tension band is locked under tension in a second of the plurality of connectors. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the first of the plurality of connectors and the second of the plurality of connectors are configured to be located on opposite transverse sides of the patient's spine. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one tension band comprises a first tension band and a second tension band each having a first end and a second end, and wherein the at least one connector comprises a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first end and the second end of the first tension band are locked under tension in the first connector, and wherein the first end and the second end of the second tension band are locked under tension in the second connector. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to be located on opposite transverse sides of the patient's spine. 
     
     
         20 . A kit containing the system of  claim 15 .