Spinal Correction Method Using Shape Memory Spinal Rod

Abstract

Various methods and devices related to correcting a spinal deformity are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method is provided and can include attaching to at least a portion of a patient's spine a spinal correction template having a first configuration, which substantially corresponds to an uncorrected shape of a spine. The spinal correction template can be activated such that the template achieves a second configuration to cause the spine to assume an orientation substantially corresponding to the second configuration of the spinal correction template. The method can further include attaching a primary spinal rod to at least a portion of a spine after the spine achieves a corrected orientation, and removing the spinal correction template. In some embodiments, the method can include inserting a secondary spinal rod in place of the spinal correction template. In one embodiment, the spinal correction template can be formed of a shape-memory alloy such as nitinol.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.