MINIMALLY INVASIVE TOOLING FOR DELIVERY OF INTERSPINOUS SPACER

摘要

A plurality of individual tools is provided where each tool is uniquely c onfigured to perform a step or a portion of a step in a novel procedure asso ciated with the implantation of a stabilizing device (e.g., an interspinous spacer) for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment. The tools are us able individually, or more preferably as a tooling system in which the tools are collectively employed to implant an interspinous spacer, generally in a minimally invasive manner. For example, each of the tools is arranged with coordinated markings and/or other features to ensure consistent depths of in sertion, proper orientation of the tools with respect to each other or an an atomical feature of the patient, and precise delivery of the spacer to maint ain safe positioning throughout the implantation procedure.