SACRAL TETHER ANCHOR AND METHODS OF USE
A system for restricting flexion of a spinal segment in a patient comprises a constraint device having a tether structure and a compliance member coupled with the tether structure. The tether structure is adapted to be coupled with a superior spinous process and a sacrum. The system also includes an anchor member that is anchored to the sacrum. The anchor member has an attachment feature that is adapted to couple with the constraint device.
1 . A method for restricting flexion of a spinal segment of a patient, said method comprising:
providing a constraint device having a tether structure, the tether structure comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the tether structure configured to restrict flexion of the spinal segment;
coupling the upper portion of the tether structure to a spinous process of a superior vertebra in the spinal segment;
anchoring an anchor element to a sacrum of the patient inferior to the superior vertebra, wherein the anchor element comprises a plate having a plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions configured to penetrate the sacrum; and
coupling the lower portion of the tether structure to an attachment feature on the anchor element.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein anchoring the anchor comprises nailing the plurality of protrusions into the sacrum.