Expandable spinal rods and methods of use

A spinal rod system comprising:

• first and second anchors having a transverse member for receiving a first end member and a second end member, the first end member having an axial end portion seated into the first anchor such that the first end member is prevented from moving beyond the first anchor;
• the second end member having an axial end portion seated into the second anchor such that the second end member is prevented from moving beyond the second anchor;
• and
• an intermediate section connected to the first and second end members;
• and
• a port operatively connected to the intermediate section;
• the intermediate section being axially expandable upon the introduction of a substance into the port, the intermediate section being rigid before the introduction of the substance into the port, the intermediate section being expandable between a first size to space the first and second end members a first distance apart and a second enlarged size to space the first and second end members a second greater distance apart.

A spinal rod system comprising:

• first and second anchors having a transverse member for receiving a first end member and a second end member, the first end member having an axial end portion seated into the first anchor such that the first end member is prevented from moving beyond the first anchor, the first end member having a perforated protrusion extending inward;
• the second end member having an axial end portion seated into the second anchor such that the second end member is prevented from moving beyond the second anchor, the second end member having a perforated protrusion extending inward;
• and
• an intermediate section connected to the first and second end members;
• and a port operatively connected to the intermediate section;
• the intermediate section being axially expandable upon the introduction of a substance into the port, the intermediate section being rigid before the introduction of the substance into the port, the intermediate section being expandable between a first size to space the first and second end members a first distance apart and a second enlarged size to space the first and second end members a second greater distance apart,
• wherein the intermediate section is configured to apply a distraction force to vertebral members after the axial end portion of the first end member is fixed into the first anchor and the axial end portion of the second end member is fixed into the second anchor upon introduction of the substance into the port,
• wherein the first end member engages the first anchor and the second end member engages the second anchor such that the first and second anchors are disposed to penetrate bone in a transverse orientation in relation to the first and second end members.

A spinal rod system comprising:

• first and second anchors having transverse members for receiving a first coupling member and a second coupling member, the first coupling member having an axial end portion seated into the first anchor such that the first coupling member is prevented from moving beyond the first anchor;
• the second coupling member having an axial end portion seated into the second anchor such that the second coupling member is prevented from moving beyond the second anchor;
• an axial member operatively connected to and extending between the first and second coupling members;
• an interior section formed by the axial member, the interior section being constructed to contain a substance introduced into the interior section, the axial member constructed to become elongated upon introduction of the substance into the interior section;
• and
• a port operatively connected with the interior section for introducing the substance, the port being disposed in the axial member,
• wherein the axial member is configured to apply a distraction force to vertebral members after the axial end portion of the first coupling member is fixed into the first anchor and the axial end portion of the second coupling member is fixed into the second anchor,
• wherein the first coupling member engages the first anchor and the second coupling member engages the second anchor such that the first and second anchors are disposed to penetrate bone in a transverse orientation in relation to the first and second coupling members.