| 主权项 |
1. A surgical method comprising:
delivering a spinal stabilization system into a patient comprising:
a fastener member including a head and a shaft, wherein the shaft extends along a longitudinal axis from the head, wherein at least a portion of the shaft is tapered, wherein at least a portion of the head comprises a rounded surface and a recess formed through a top of the head;a coupling element for receiving the fastener member such that the fastener member is capable of polyaxial movement relative to the coupling element, the coupling element comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion including a clamp element having an upper clamp portion and a lower clamp portion, wherein the lower clamp portion has an inner surface that clamps around an outer surface of the head portion, wherein the lower clamp portion comprises a plurality of slots, wherein the upper portion includes a first arm and a second arm opposing the first arm, wherein a first channel is formed between the first and second arms for passing a rod member therethrough, wherein the first arm includes a first exterior sidewall and the second arm includes a second exterior sidewall, wherein each of the first and second exterior sidewalls includes a first axis that extends substantially in a direction from a top of the coupling element to a bottom of the coupling element, wherein an engagement channel is formed along a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis in each of the first and second exterior sidewalls, wherein the engagement channel comprises a recessed channel having an upper boundary and a lower boundary, wherein the upper boundary of the engagement channel comprises a first planar portion, a second planar portion and a curved portion located between the first and second planar portions, the planar portions and the curved portion define a portion of the recessed channel within each of the first and second exterior sidewalls;a rod member received in the second channel between the first and second arms, wherein the rod member is capable of being seated in the first channel, wherein the rod member includes a first end and a second end and a generally cylindrical body between the first end and the second end that is received in the first channel; anda locking cap attachable to the coupling element, wherein the locking cap is rotatable relative to the coupling element, the locking cap comprising an upper surface and a lower surface that faces the rod member, wherein rotation of the locking cap relative to the coupling element moves the locking cap from a first position to a second position; and engaging the coupling element of the spinal stabilization system with a reduction tool. |
