US Patent 8454662 Tethers with strength limits for treating vertebral members

The present application is directed to tethers and methods of use for reducing and/or eliminating spinal deformities. Tethers may be attached with anchors to extend between two or more vertebral members. The tethers may apply a force to the vertebral members to treat the spinal deformity. The tethers may include a strength limit to prevent an excessive amount of force from being applied that could damage the vertebral members. In one embodiment, the tether may release such as by breaking, expanding, or separating from the anchors if the force exceeds a strength limit.