Method and apparatus for improved spinal correction surgery implementing non-fusion anterior scoliosis correction techniques

An apparatus for performing spinal correction surgery, comprising:

• a plurality of anchor screws, each of said anchor screws comprising a head region and channel through the head region directed transversely to the axis of the screw and suitable for accepting a tensioning cord;
• a flexible tensioning cord suitable for disposing within the channels of the anchor screws;
• fasteners forming part of or associated with at least two of the anchor screws for securing the tensioning cord within the anchor screws while under tension;
• a stationary tower;
• a de-rotation tower;
• and
• instructions for performing spinal correction surgery on a patient in which a plurality of vertebrae are adjusted with respect to each other using a de-rotation procedure, by:
• creating a vertical mini-opening between approximately four and six inches in length in the side of the patient to enable a surgeon to access directly the plurality of the vertebrae without use of a portal;
• inserting an anchor screw into each of the plurality of vertebrae being operated on;
• disposing the tensioning cord within the channels of the anchor screws to enable a de-rotation procedure on the plurality of vertebrae in which:
• the stationary tower is located on a first anchor screw of a first vertebra;
• the de-rotation tower is located on a second anchor screw of a second vertebra;
• the apparatus further comprising
• a staple/washer and hemostat, wherein the instructions include insertion under a segmental vessel adjacent a vertebra prior to inserting an anchor screw into the vertebrae and retracting the segmental vessel away from the vertebra so as to allow inserting the staple/washer and corresponding anchor screw into the vertebrae without damaging the segmental vessel;
• the de-rotation maneuver is performed by applying a downwards translational force vector to the de-rotation tower, applying a lateral force vector to the de-rotation tower, and simultaneously applying a lateral counterforce vector to the stationary tower in opposition to the lateral force vector being applied to the de-rotation tower;
• tensioning the tensioning cord in the channel of the second anchor screw;
• and
• securing the tensioning cord in the channel of the second anchor screw in order to maintain the de-rotation of the vertebrae.