Method and apparatus for securing vertebrae

摘要

A method of fixing vertebrae of a patient together at a surgical site includes the following steps: inserting a first cannula ( 10 ) into the body ( 130 ) of the patient; moving a first fastener ( 624 ) through the cannula ( 10 ) and securing the first fastener ( 624 ) through the cannula ( 10 ) and securing the first fastener ( 624 ) to a first vertebrae ( 601 or 1601 ); moving a second fastener ( 624 ) through the cannula ( 10 ) and securing the second fastener ( 624 ) to a second vertebrae ( 602 or 1602 ); moving a first fixation element ( 650 ) through the cannula ( 10 ); and fixing the first fixation element ( 650 ) to the first and second fasteners ( 624 ).