Tethers with strength limits for treating vertebral members
The present application is directed to tethers and methods of use for reducing and/or eliminating spinal deformities. Tethers may be attached with anchors to extend between two or more vertebral members. The tethers may apply a force to the vertebral members to treat the spinal deformity. The tethers may include a strength limit to prevent an excessive amount of force from being applied that could damage the vertebral members. In one embodiment, the tether may release such as by breaking, expanding, or separating from the anchors if the force exceeds a strength limit.
1. A method of treating a spinal deformity comprising:
attaching a first anchor to a first vertebral member;
attaching a second anchor to a second vertebral member;
connecting a tether to the first and second anchors;
the tether being configured to apply a corrective force to the vertebral members to treat the spinal deformity; and
the tether being configured to detach from the first anchor upon reaching a tensile load limit to avoid damage to the first and second vertebral members.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the tether being configured to increase the corrective force applied to the first and second vertebral members during growth of the first and second vertebral members.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising positioning the tether on a convex side of the vertebral members.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising releasing an overlapping section of the tether.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising breaking the tether.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the tether being configured to stretch.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising attaching a second tether to the first and second vertebral members, the second tether configured to apply a second corrective force to the vertebral members to treat the spinal deformity and configured to release upon reaching a second tensile load limit to avoid damage to the first and second vertebral members.
8. A method of treating a spinal deformity comprising:
attaching first and second anchors to a convex side of vertebral members;
connecting a tether to the first and second anchors;
the tether being configured to apply a corrective force to the convex side of the vertebral members that increases as the vertebral members grow; and
the tether being configured to detach from the first anchor and remain attached to the second anchor upon reaching a strength limit of the tether and prior to the vertebral members being damaged.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising attaching a second tether to the vertebral members, the second tether configured to apply a second corrective force to the vertebral members after the tether releases.
10. A method of treating a spinal deformity comprising:
connecting a tether to a convex side of vertebral members;
the tether being configured to apply a force to the convex side of the vertebral members that increases as the vertebral members grow; and
the tether being configured to detach from at least one of the vertebral members to prevent the force from increasing above a predetermined amount.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the tether is configured to release upon reaching a strength limit of the tether.