Methods and Devices for Minimally Invasive Spinal Fixation Element Placement

摘要

Minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element into a surgical site in a patient's spinal column are provided. In general, the method involves advancing a spinal fixation element in a first, lengthwise orientation along a pathway extending from a minimally invasive percutaneous incision to a spinal anchor site. As the spinal fixation element approaches the spinal anchor site, the fixation element can be manipulated to extend in a second orientation, which is preferably substantially transverse to the first orientation, to position the fixation element in relation to one or more spinal anchors.

主权项

1. A percutaneous access device for introducing a spinal fixation element into a patient's body, comprising:
an elongate, generally cylindrical tube adapted for percutaneous delivery to mate to a spinal implant and including proximal and distal ends; a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the elongate, generally cylindrical tube, the lumen being adapted to transport a spinal fixation element therethrough in a first orientation that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lumen, and to deliver the spinal fixation element into a spinal anchor site in a second orientation that differs from the first orientation; and at least one sidewall opening extending from the distal end of the elongate, generally cylindrical tube through at least a portion thereof for facilitating transition of a spinal fixation element from the first orientation to the second orientation.