Alignment system with longitudinal support features

1. A system for correcting a spinal deformity of a spinal column, the system comprising:

a rod configured to extend along a spine of a patient;

a first rod anchor configured to be fixed to a first vertebra of the spine, the first rod anchor being configured to receive the rod such that the rod is able to slide axially through the first rod anchor and is secured against substantial lateral translation relative to the first rod anchor and the rod is able to change at least two of pitch, yaw, and roll at the first rod anchor;

a second rod anchor configured to be fixed to a second vertebra, the second rod anchor being configured to receive the rod such that the rod is able to slide axially through the second rod anchor and is secured against substantial lateral translation relative to the second rod anchor and the rod is able to change in at least pitch and yaw at the second rod anchor;

a first stop feature configured to limit axial sliding of the rod by abutting the first rod anchor, the first stop feature located adjacent the first rod anchor at a first fixed position along the rod;

a second stop feature configured to limit axial sliding of the rod by abutting the second rod anchor, the second stop feature located adjacent the second rod anchor at a second fixed position along the rod such that when the first and second rod anchors abut the first and second stop features the rod resists compressive load; and

a third stop feature configured to limit axial sliding of the rod by abutting the second rod anchor, the third stop feature located adjacent the second rod anchor at a third fixed position along the rod, such that the second and third stop features are positioned opposite each other relative to the second rod anchor and the second rod anchor is able to slide axially on the rod between the second and third stop features.

2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:

a vertebral anchor configured to be secured to a second side of the spine opposite a first side of the spine and at a position between the first and second rod anchors such that the vertebral anchor extends across the spine to a terminal end positioned on the first side of the spine; and

a connector configured to be secured to the terminal end of the vertebral anchor and to be coupled to the rod such that the connector exerts a corrective force on the spine that is directed toward the rod.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein when the rod is adjustable to increase in effective length to place the rod under the compressive load.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first rod anchor is configured such that when the rod is placed under the compressive load the rod is free to slide axially in a first direction relative to the first rod anchor and is substantially prevented from sliding axially in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein when the first rod anchor is configured such that when the rod is placed under the compressive load the rod is substantially prevented from sliding axially relative to the first anchor.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first, second, and third stop features are collars configured to be secured to the rod.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first stop feature is a widened portion of the rod.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the rod is configured to define a central portion extending between the first and second rod anchors and further wherein the central portion is substantially straight.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the rod is configured to define a central portion extending between the first and second rod anchors and further wherein the central portion is substantially non-linear.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the rod is substantially rigid.

11. An implant for correcting a spinal deformity, the implant comprising:

a rod configured to extend along a first side of a spine of a patient;

a vertebral anchor configured to be secured to a second side of the spine of the patient;

a force directing member configured to extend between the vertebral anchor and the rod and defining an effective length between the vertebral anchor and the rod;

means for modifying the effective length of the force directing member;

means for anchoring a first portion of a rod on a first side of a spine to a first vertebra such that the first portion of the rod is substantially constrained against lateral translation;

means for anchoring a second portion of the rod on the first side of the spine to a second vertebra such that the second portion of the rod is substantially constrained against lateral translation; and

means for imposing a distraction force on the first side of the spine with rod.

12. The implant of claim 11 , wherein the means for imposing a distraction force on the first side of the spine with the rod includes means for increasing an effective length of the rod.

13. The implant of claim 11 , further comprising a third stop feature configured to be positioned along the second portion of the rod.

14. The implant of claim 11 , wherein the means for anchoring a first portion of the rod includes means for allowing the first portion of the rod to change in pitch and yaw.

15. An implant for correcting a spinal deformity, the implant comprising:

means for anchoring to a second side of the spine;

means for coupling the means for anchoring to a second side of the spine to a rod, the means for coupling defining an effective length;

means for shortening the effective length;

means for anchoring a first portion of a rod on a first side of a spine to a first vertebra such that the first portion of the rod is substantially constrained against lateral translation;

means for anchoring a second portion of the rod on the first side of the spine to a second vertebra such that the second portion of the rod is substantially constrained against lateral translation; and

means for imposing a compressive force on the first side of the spine with rod.

16. The implant of claim 15 , wherein the means for imposing a compressive force on the first side of the spine with the rod includes means for decreasing an effective length of the rod.

17. The implant of claim 15 , wherein the means for imposing a compressive force on the first side of the spine with the rod includes a first stop feature positioned along the first portion of the rod and a second stop feature positioned along the second portion of the rod.

18. The implant of claim 15 , wherein the means for anchoring a first portion of the rod includes means for allowing the first portion of the rod to change in pitch and yaw.

19. A system for correcting a spinal deformity of a spinal column, the system comprising:

a rod configured to extend along a spine of a patient;

a first rod anchor configured to be fixed to a first vertebra of the spine, the first rod anchor being configured to receive the rod such that the rod extends through the first rod anchor and is secured against substantial lateral translation relative to the first rod anchor and the rod is able to change at least two of pitch, yaw, and roll at the first rod anchor;

a second rod anchor configured to be fixed to a second vertebra, the second rod anchor being configured to receive the rod such that the rod extends through the second rod anchor and is secured against substantial lateral translation relative to the second rod anchor and the rod is able to change in at least pitch and yaw at the second rod anchor;

a first stop feature configured to limit axial sliding of the rod and to be located adjacent the first rod anchor; and

a second stop feature configured to limit axial sliding of the rod and to be located adjacent the second rod anchor such that when the first and second rod anchors abut the first and second stop features the rod resists compressive load;

wherein the rod is configured to define a central portion extending between the first and second rod anchors and further wherein the central portion is substantially non-linear.