Patent ID: 8876867

Claim:
A vertebral column correction system comprising: a first vertebral anchor configured to be secured to a first vertebra, the first vertebral anchor having a head portion; a second vertebral anchor configured to be secured to a second vertebra, the second vertebral anchor having a head portion; one or more intermediate vertebral anchors, each configured to be secured to an intermediate vertebra located between the first vertebra and the second vertebra, the one or more intermediate vertebral anchors each including a head portion; a connection member configured to extend through the head portion of the first vertebral anchor, through the head portion of each of the one or more intermediate vertebral anchors, yet not fixedly secured to the head portion of each of the one or more intermediate vertebral anchors, and through the head portion of the second vertebral anchor, wherein at least a portion of the connection member is a flexible member configured for tensioning between at least two vertebral anchors; and a tensioning member for coupling to a first end of the connection member, the tensioning member positionable adjacent a side of the head portion of the first vertebral anchor away from the one or more intermediate vertebral anchors and extending away from the first vertebral anchor in a direction away from the one or more intermediate vertebral anchors; wherein the connection member is sized for location within the head portion of each of the one or more intermediate vertebral anchors and is sized to be longitudinally displaceable through the head portion of the one or more intermediate vertebral anchors; wherein the tensioning member is configured to maintain the connection member in tension between the first vertebral anchor and the second vertebral anchor; and wherein the system is free of structure that constrains the displacement of the head portion of the first vertebral anchor toward the head portion of each of the one or more intermediate vertebral anchors.