Percutaneous spinal cross link system

摘要

A percutaneous spinal cross link system for interconnecting a spinal fusion construct on one side of the longitudinal axis of the spine with a spinal fusion construct on the other side of the longitudinal axis may include a cross bar (50) connected at each end by a respective connector (48) to a respective spinal fusion rod (44) of each of the spinal fusion constructs. The connector may include a rod receiving portion (108) adapted to receive one of the spinal fusion rods and a cross bar receiving portion (110) adapted receive the cross bar in an orientation generally perpendicular to the spinal fusion rod. A cannula defined by two spaced apart blades (94) may be connected to the connector for defining a minimally invasive pathway through body tissue for introduction of the cross bar to the connector. Other tools for use with the system are also disclosed.