MINIMALLY INVASIVE PEDICLE SCREW ACCESS SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

摘要

A spinal fixation access system includes a pedicle screw (22) with extended tabs (40) that form a single solid pedicle screw assembly (12). The surgical procedure associated with this invention involves making small, discrete incisions for the placement of select pedicle screws (22). The extended tabs (40) of the pedicle screws (22) retract soft tissue, muscle and the like to thereby provide visibility and access to the head (32) of the pedicle screw (22). Through the extended tabs (40), instrumentation such as a spine rod (16), set screw (38) and other required hardware may be delivered to the pedicle screws (22). A collar (46) may be coupled around the extended tabs (40) to provide stability to the construct and a platform for additional components of this invention. Once a spine rod (16) is secured to the pedicle screws (22), a frangible joint (42) joining the tabs (40) to the pedicle screw assembly (12) is broken off using appropriate instrumentation and the extended tabs (40) may be removed.