Spinal correction system and method

A spinal implant system comprising:

• a connector including an outer surface defining a recess and a first passageway and a second passageway disposed in a transverse orientation relative to the first passageway;
• a tether being disposable in at least the first passageway and extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the tether comprising a plurality of spaced apart lateral openings disposed longitudinally therealong, the distal end of the tether including a loop configured for disposal about vertebrae;
• a spinal rod being disposable in at least the second passageway and extending between a first end and a second end;
• and
• an instrument defining a longitudinal axis and including a body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the body including an outer surface having a concave portion defining an axial channel configured for disposal of the tether, the outer surface of the body defining a lateral opening disposed in communication with the axial channel, the distal end of the body including an angled surface and a reduced diameter portion configured to mate with the recess, the body further including an inner threaded surface that defines a translation cavity,
• the instrument further including a lead screw including a threaded outer surface engageable with the inner threaded surface, and
• the instrument further including a handle fixed with the lead screw via a pinned interface such that the lead screw is relatively rotatable therefrom, the handle including a lateral projection configured for disposal in the lateral openings, the handle defining a lateral opening disposed in communication with the axial channel,
• wherein the lead screw is rotatable in a clockwise direction to cause axial translation of the body relative to the lead screw in a first direction such that the projection tensions the tether and the lead screw is rotatable in a counter clockwise direction to cause axial translation of the body relative to the lead screw in a second direction to release tension from the tether.

A method for treating a spine disorder, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first flexible implant;
• disposing the first flexible implant with a first vertebra;
• providing a first connector including an outer surface defining a recess and an inner surface defining a first passageway and a second passageway;
• disposing the first flexible implant in the first passageway;
• providing a second implant;
• disposing the second implant in the second passageway;
• providing an instrument comprising:
• a first member having a first surface defining a first cavity and a distal end, the first member defining a second cavity,
• a second member configured for movable disposal in the second cavity, and
• a third member connected to the proximal end of the second member;
• disposing the first flexible implant in the first cavity;
• mating the distal end with the recess;
• delivering the connector to adjacent the first vertebra with the instrument;
• connecting the first flexible implant with the third member;
• and
• axially translating the first member relative to the second member in a first direction such that the third member tensions the first flexible implant and in a second direction such that the third member releases tension from the first flexible implant.