INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING SEPARATION DISTANCE OF VERTEBRAL BODIES WITH A MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINAL STABILIZATION PROCEDURE

摘要

A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies.

主权项

1. A system for adjusting a distance between vertebral bodies of a human spine, comprising:
a first extender coupled to a first bone fastener assembly that is secured to a first vertebral body, wherein a closure member secures an elongated member to the first bone fastener assembly to inhibit movement of the elongated member relative to the first bone fastener assembly; a second extender coupled to a second bone fastener assembly that is secured to a second vertebral body; an adjuster, wherein a portion of the adjuster is configured to couple to the first extender; a driver configured to couple to the adjuster and to the second extender; and wherein the adjuster is configured to allow the driver to move the second extender relative to the elongated member to adjust the separation distance between the first vertebral body and the second vertebral body.