# US 9,872,709 B2 · Spinal correction construct and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,872,709 B2 - Document ID: US9872709B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/285,974 - Filed: 2014-05-23 - Published: 2015-11-26 - Granted: 2018-01-23 - Earliest claimed: 2014-05-23 - Assignees: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Applicants: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Inventors: Scott J. Luhmann - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9872709B2 ## CPC - A61B 17/7014: {with means for adjusting the distance between two screws or hooks} - A61B 17/7004: {with a cross-section which varies along its length (A61B17/7019 takes precedence)} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract A spinal construct comprises a connector defining a longitudinal axis and extending between a first end and a second end. The connector defines a cavity and includes a member that is selectively disposable in the cavity at one of a plurality of positions between the ends. A first longitudinal element is dynamically movable within the cavity and engageable with the member to limit movement in a first axial direction. The first longitudinal element is connectable with vertebral tissue. A second longitudinal element is disposable within the cavity and connectable with vertebral tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A spinal construct comprising: a connector defining a longitudinal axis and extending between a first end and a second end, the connector comprising an opening extending through opposite uppermost and bottommost surfaces of the connector, the connector defining a cavity and including a member being selectively disposable in the opening such that a distal end of the member is positioned in the cavity; a first longitudinal element being dynamically movable within the cavity and engageable with the member to limit movement in a first axial direction, the first longitudinal element being connectable with vertebral tissue; and a second longitudinal element disposable within the cavity and connectable with vertebral tissue, the second longitudinal element being spaced apart from the first longitudinal element along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal element includes a first end fixed with at least one vertebra and a second end dynamically movable within the cavity. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A spinal construct as recited in claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal element includes a range of dynamic movement within the cavity in a second axial direction. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A spinal construct as recited in claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal element is dynamically rotatable within the cavity. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A spinal construct as recited in claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal element includes a range of dynamic movement in a second axial direction and dynamic rotation within the cavity. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A spinal construct as recited in claim 1, wherein the cavity comprises a longitudinal passageway. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A spinal construct as recited in claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal element includes a first end fixed with at least one vertebra and a second end dynamically movable within the cavity. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) A spinal construct as recited in claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal element includes a first end fixed with at least one vertebra and a second end fixed with the connector. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A spinal construct as recited in claim 1, wherein the member includes a screw. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) A spinal construct as recited in claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal element is fixed with the connector, the first longitudinal element being dynamically movable within the cavity and engageable with an end of the second longitudinal element to limit movement in the first axial direction. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A spinal construct as recited in claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal element is fixed with the connector, the first longitudinal element being dynamically movable within the cavity and engageable with the member to limit movement in the first axial direction. ### Claim 11 A spinal construct comprising: a connector defining a longitudinal axis and an axial passageway, the connector further defining at least five spaced apart threaded transverse openings that are each in communication with the passageway; a member selectively disposable within one of the openings and in alignment with the cavity; a first rod fixed with the connector and connectable with at least one vertebra; and a second rod being dynamically movable within the cavity and engageable with an end of the first rod or the member to limit movement in a first axial direction, the second rod being connectable with at least one vertebra. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) A method for treating a spine, the method comprising steps of: providing the spinal construct recited in claim 1: attaching the first longitudinal element with at least one vertebra; connecting the first longitudinal element with the connector; connecting the second longitudinal element with the connector and attaching the second longitudinal element with at least one vertebra; and selectively disposing the member through the opening such that a distal end of the member is positioned in the cavity and that the second longitudinal element is dynamically movable within the cavity and engageable with the member to limit movement in a first axial direction. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) A method for treating a spine as recited in claim 12, wherein the second longitudinal element has a range of dynamic movement within the cavity in a second axial direction. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) A method for treating a spine as recited in claim 12, wherein the first longitudinal element is dynamically rotatable within the cavity. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) A method for treating a spine as recited in claim 12, wherein the first longitudinal element includes a first end fixed with at least one vertebra and a second end dynamically movable within the cavity. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) A method for treating a spine as recited in claim 12, wherein the first longitudinal element includes a first end fixed with at least one vertebra and a second end fixed with the connector. ### Claim 17 A spinal construct comprising: a connector defining a longitudinal axis and extending between a first end comprising a first threaded opening and a second end comprising a second threaded opening, the connector comprising a third threaded opening between the first and second openings, the connector defining a cavity and including a member being selectively disposable in one of the openings such that a distal end of the member is positioned in the cavity; a first longitudinal element being dynamically movable within the cavity and engageable with the member to limit movement in a first axial direction, the first longitudinal element being connectable with vertebral tissue; a second longitudinal element disposable within the cavity and connectable with vertebral tissue; and a second member disposable in another one of the openings such that a distal end of the second member is positioned in the cavity and engages the second longitudinal element such that the second longitudinal element is movable in the first axial direction and is prevented from moving in an opposite second axial direction, wherein the member has a maximum length that is less than that of the second member. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) A spinal construct as recited in claim 17, wherein the member is engageable with the first longitudinal element to limit movement in an opposite second axial direction. ### Claim 19 (depends on 17) A spinal construct as recited in claim 17, wherein the openings each extend through opposite top and bottom surfaces of the connector.