ORTHOPEDIC STIFFENING DEVICE

摘要

A stiffening device useful for orthopedic stabilization assemblies. The present disclosure provides an apparatus and methods for stiffening the rods and screws typically used for correction of orthopedic defects, such as curvature of the spine. An out-of-plane stiffener is attached to the rods and screws in a plurality of locations, thus reducing the tendency of the rods to move. A stiffener is located in a plane posterior to the rods and screws. The stiffener connects to the rods with adjustable but rigid connections and prevents the rods from bending in the sagittal and coronal planes. This prevents rotation and twisting of the rods and thus the vertebrae into which they are implanted. The stiffeners of the present disclosure may also be attached to pedicle screws only. This helps to correct lordosis and kyphosis bending, as well as scoliosis-type bending. The stiffeners may also be used for cranial and facial applications.