A spinal correction system for the correction or arrest of scoliosis or spinal deformity in immature spines includes a bridge member, a pair of spaced apart barbed legs extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, and a fastener retaining portion extending substantially longitudinally from each end of the, bridge member. The fastener retaining portions are adapted to lie in adjoining relationship when two or more spinal correction systems are arranged in end-to-end abutting relationship. The spinal correction system is intended to correct or arrest scoliosis in a growing spine by spanning the endplate growth centers of adjacent vertebrae on the convex side of the malformed spine, to retard growth of that side of the spine while permitting unrestrained growth of the concave side of the spine.
