METHOD AND ASSOCIATED INSTRUMENTATION FOR INSTALLATION OF SPINAL DYNAMIC STABILIZATION SYSTEM

摘要

In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus (10) includes a vertebral anchor (12) having a head portion (24) and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion (24) of the vertebral anchor (12) and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot (34) in the head portion (24) of the anchor (12). An elongate cord (22) maybe received within the channel (28) to facilitate inserting and securing a spacer (20) between pairs of anchors (12) installed into adjacent vertebrae (14, 16) of a person's spine.